The DFO Rundown Ep. 323 – Atlantic Division Preview
The DFO Rundown division previews continued to roll on and today, the guys zeroed in on the Atlantic Division. For the last few seasons, the division has been relatively top-heavy with a handful of legit Stanley Cup contenders and the rest of the division trying to step out of rebuilds. Will the 2024-25 season feature more of the same? Or can one of the bottom four teams finally take a big step forward?
They kicked things off with the Montreal Canadiens, who didn’t have a crazy summer by any means but their roster does look pretty different. On top of acquiring Patrik Laine from the Blue Jackets, they’ll be welcoming back Kirby Dach, who missed most of last season with an injury and they could have Lane Hutson in the lineup. Frank thinks the Habs could really surprise people.
The Ottawa Senators are certainly facing more pressure to get back into the playoffs. Frank has previously been a big believer in the Sens but is starting to get skeptical that this core can get the job done. One reason to believe: Linus Ullmark. The Senators should finally be getting good goaltending.
The Sabres and Red Wings have both been trying to get out of their rebuilding phase for a few seasons now and if it doesn’t work this season, you have to wonder if major changes will be coming. Can either break through? The guys gave their takes.
Tyler popped in for a new edition of Buy or Sell where he asked about Auston Matthew’s goal totals and just how deep this division is.
After that, they started talking about the playoff teams from last year.
All four of the Bruins, Lightning, Maple Leafs, and Panthers went through some pretty big changes over the summer. Will any on the big guns fall out of the mix this season?
Frank and Jason gave their thoughts on that along with an update on the Jeremy Swayman contract negotiations.
They wrapped up the show by giving their official Atlantic Division playoff predictions.
4:10 – Montreal Canadiens
14:20 – Ottawa Senators
25:10 – Buffalo Sabres
32:25 – Detroit Red Wings
46:10 – Tampa Bay Lightning
51:20 – Toronto Maple Leafs
55:15 – Boston Bruins
59:15 – Florida Panthers
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