The 10 NHL Teams Most Likely to Decline in the 2014-15 NHL Season

Several NHL clubs currently perched among the playoff contenders could decline over the course of this season. For many on this list, their strengths have compensated for glaring weaknesses elsewhere in their lineup.

Left unaddressed, their roster flaws could send them on the list tumbling in the standings. Some risk falling out of playoff contention.

The following slideshow will examine the 10 NHL teams most likely to decline over the course of this season and provide analysis into the contributing factors for their potential downfall. 

10. New York Rangers

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The defending Eastern Conference champions are off to a shaky start. As of Nov. 22 they sat 12th in the East with 20 points in 19 games, yet remain within striking distance of a playoff berth. 

Starting goalie Henrik Lundqvist is struggling. Derek Stepan, Dan Boyle and Ryan McDonagh were sidelined for lengthy periods. Injuries to their blue line hurt their defensive numbers. Their power play ranks in the bottom third, and they're not getting much offense from Mats Zuccarello and Chris Kreider. Losing several key players to free agency last summer has also taken a toll.

The Rangers have the depth in experienced talent to overcome their current difficulties. Getting back some of their injured players will help. However, it remains to be seen if they can sufficiently compensate for their offseason losses.

9. Florida Panthers

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The Florida Panthers are so far surprisingly more competitive than expected. As of Nov. 22 they sat 11th in the Eastern Conference with 20 points in 18 games. The Panthers are only a handful of points out of playoff contention.

Strong goaltending and a solid defensive game has contributed to the Panthers' improved performance. Unfortunately, they're among the worst offensive clubs in the league, sitting 28th overall in goals per game. The Panthers' power play and puck-possession numbers rank among the bottom third.

Only three Panthers have 10 or more points, and none of them has reached the 10-goal mark. Unless their offensive production significantly improves, the Panthers will slide out of the playoff chase.

8. Winnipeg Jets

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The Winnipeg Jets have recovered from a poor start and find themselves jockeying for a playoff spot. As of Nov. 22 they sat ninth in the Western Conference. Credit a combination of solid goaltending and a strong defensive game for their turnaround.

Their offense, however, is a significant weakness. The Jets are the second-lowest scoring team in the league and possess the second-worst power play. After 21 games only three players had double digits in points, and none of them had reached the 10-goal mark.

It's not as though the Jets lack scoring punch. Evander Kane, Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd and Blake Wheeler usually lead their attack. The Jets need more from them as this season progresses or risk once again falling out of playoff contention.

7. Ottawa Senators

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As of Nov. 22 the Senators sat eighth in the Eastern Conference. They're off to a better start to this season compared to 2013-14, when they were 10-12-4 by the end of November. 

Like last season, the Senators rank among the worst teams in shots against per game. The difference, however, is their goaltending is much improved. Thanks to Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner, the Senators are 13th overall in goals against per game this season, compared to 27th overall in 2013-14.

As long as the goaltending remains strong, it can compensate for the Senators allowing so many shots. Still, those shots allowed and poor puck-possession stats could prove costly if left unaddressed over the course of the season.

6. Toronto Maple Leafs

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As of Nov. 22 the Toronto Maple Leafs were seventh in the Eastern Conference with 24 points. So far the Leafs are notable for their inconsistency, highlighted by recent convincing victories over Tampa Bay and Detroit and crushing defeats against Buffalo and Nashville.

While the Leafs are among the NHL's top-scoring teams, their lousy defense and middling puck-possession numbers are killing them. Factor in struggling goaltending and it's no wonder they're so inconsistent this season.

Until the Leafs significantly improve defensively, they're on the brink of once against falling out of playoff contention.

5. San Jose Sharks

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Long among the NHL's dominant teams, the San Jose Sharks are struggling this season. As of Nov. 22 they were eighth in the Western Conference with 24 points. They have only four victories this month.

Despite ranking among the league leaders in shots per game and carrying offensive stars like Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Logan Couture, the Sharks are 18th overall in scoring. They're also struggling defensively, ranking among the league's worst in shots against.

In the recent past the Sharks always overcame difficult stretches during a season. While they still have the depth in talent to regain their footing, this season's struggles suggest a once-powerful team in decline.

4. Boston Bruins

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As of Nov. 22 the Boston Bruins were fifth in the Eastern Conference with 26 points in 22 games. While they have rallied back from slow starts in the recent past, there are some troubling signs this season's version could be poised to decline. 

The Bruins failed to adequately address the departures of right wing Jarome Iginla and defenseman Johnny Boychuk. Injuries to key players like Zdeno Chara and David Krejci have also been a factor. Their offensive production is down significantly compared to last season. The Bruins are 19th on the penalty kill and in shots on goal.

The return of their injured stars should provide some improvement. However, unless management can find suitable replacements for Iginla and Boychuk, the Bruins could end up in the unfamiliar position of battling for a playoff berth.

3. Vancouver Canucks

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The Canucks have rebounded well from last season's disappointing performance. As of Nov. 22, they were fifth overall in the Western Conference. Their offensive production ranks among the top-10 teams, while Ryan Miller is among the goaltending leaders in wins.

Their scoring depth and goaltending, however, remain areas of concern. Once again their offensive production is carried largely by the Sedin twins. They've essentially got two-thirds of a second line with Nick Bonino and Chris Higgins. Miller's goals-against average is a lofty 2.74, and his save percentage is a pedestrian .900.

If the Canucks are to remain among the West's best teams, they need more offensive depth to take some of the burden off the Sedins. They also require more consistency from Miller over the course of the season.

2. Calgary Flames

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The rebuilding Calgary Flames are the biggest early surprise of this season. As of Nov. 22 they were third in the Western Conference, one point behind the conference-leading Anaheim Ducks.

However, there's some troubling issues that could hurt the Flames over the course of this season. The Globe and Mail's James Mirtle believes their strong offensive numbers are unsustainable. Their puck-possession numbers are among the league's worst, as is their penalty killing.

The Flames' difficulty in controlling the play is their weakness. While they've made considerable improvement and have a bright future, it appears only a matter of time until they suffer a decline this season.

1. Montreal Canadiens

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It's been a heady start to this season for the Montreal Canadiens. As of Nov. 22 they led the league in points with 33. That hot start, however, won't last long.

Statistically the Canadiens aren't as dominant as their record suggests. They're 19th overall in goals per game and shots against per game. The Habs are also 26th on the power play and 27th in shots per game, while their puck-possession numbers are near the bottom third.

Credit the clutch goaltending by Carey Price and timely offense throughout their lineup for the Canadiens' strong start. However unless there's significant improvement in their aforementioned stats, they won't remain atop the standings for long.

Puck-possession links via Hockey-Reference.com. All other stats via NHL.com.