NHL Teams Whose Records Don't Reflect How Good They Are

Diehard NHL fans can often determine who the "good" and "bad" teams are, but casual onlookers often use the standings and point totals to make snap judgements about teams, and some teams are a lot better than their records indicate.

It is easy to use the top eight in each respective conference, but there are instances where teams outside of the top eight are better than they appear. 

Here is an example of six teams that are a lot better than their records indicate. 

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets are 13-13-6 on the year, and they have 32 points.

It is usually easy to count out the Blue Jackets because they are a team that has struggled over the past few years, but they have been playing exceptional hockey lately. 

Their record is 7-1-2 over their last 10, and they are certainly a better team than their record indicates.

Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars earned their 15th victory Saturday, and their record improved to 15-13-3 with a total of 33 points. 

This record may look average, but the Stars have played some solid hockey. They have overcome injuries to players like Kari Lehtonen and Ray Whitney, they spent some time without star Jamie Benn and they have been starting to find their way as a team.

The Stars are a team that should contend for the final playoff spot, and they should not be written off because of their seemingly average record.

New York Rangers

The New York Rangers have talent and skill, but lack of execution has led to their downfalls so far this season.

The Blueshirts have a record of 15-13-2 with a total of 32 points thus far, placing them ninth in the Eastern Conference.

It is fair to say the Rangers have underachieved this year and that they haven't lived up to the hype, but the Rangers are a much better team than their paltry record indicates.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes have a current record of 15-13-2 through the first half of the season, and it is an impressive feat for a team that has battled extra adversity during the truncated season.

If losing starting goaltender Cam Ward wasn't enough, matters have only gotten worse as of late with the loss of backup Dan Ellis and defender Justin Faulk.

The Hurricanes are currently weathering a storm, no pun intended, and they should be commended for their play to date.

Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres have gone through a lot of changes this year, and they have adjusted well considering the turmoil they have gone through. Their record of 13-15-4 is not the greatest reflection of how the team has played in 2013.

The Sabres fired their coach Lindy Ruff, put Ron Rolston behind the bench and the team has responded pretty well. The team is currently on a three-game winning streak, and things are looking up for Buffalo.

Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators are currently on the outside looking in, but they are a team that is certainly better than their 13-13-6 record indicates.

The Preds have won two in a row, are 4-5-1 in their last 10 and have one of the league's top netminders in Pekka Rinne and an elite blueliner in Shea Weber.

If the team adds some scoring at the deadline, there is no reason why it can't make a run to improve in the standings because it is a very underrated team.