NHL Teams Most Likely to Improve in 2016

January 2016 finds several NHL teams seeking improvement over their recent performances. Some, such as the Anaheim Ducks (pictured above), are projected Stanley Cup contenders struggling to reach a playoff berth. Others, like the Montreal Canadiens, are trying to shake off a midseason slump that's sent them tumbling in the standings.

These teams face several factors they must overcome. A lack of scoring depth, subpar production from their best players and injuries are among the issues that have hampered their play. However, there are indications these teams can overcome their respective obstacles.

Here's a look at the NHL teams most likely to improve in 2016. You can add your opinion in the comments section below. 

Calgary Flames

Derek Leung/Getty Images

After surprising the hockey world in 2014-15 by reaching the playoffs, the rebuilding Calgary Flames hoped to build upon that success this season. However, a combination of poor goaltending, shaky defense and lack of secondary scoring threatened to scuttle their postseason dreams in 2016. 

In December, however, the Flames got hot, winning seven straight games and nine of 13 throughout that month. Goaltender Karri Ramo's performance significantly improved. The return from injury of T.J. Brodie buttressed their defense. Led by budding superstar Johnny Gaudreau, their offensive production is also picking up. 

Playing in a weak Pacific Division, the Flames have clawed their way back into playoff contention. With Ramo and the defense improving, and with more consistency from their offense, the Flames should be a better club in the second half. 

Detroit Red Wings

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

In the first half of this season under new head coach Jeff Blashill, the Detroit Red Wings went through several difficult stretches in their schedule. They're currently among the league's leaders for most shots against and among the lowest-scoring clubs. Former starting goalie Jimmy Howard has struggled in recent games. Several key players, Pavel Datsyuk and Brad Richards, were sidelined.  

Despite their recent woes, however, the Red Wings appear poised for a stronger second half. Rookie center Dylan Larkin looks increasingly like a future franchise player. Datsyuk and Richards recently returned from injuries. Promising winger Teemu Pulkkinen should soon rejoin them. As a starting goalie, Petr Mrazek looks like the real deal. 

As the Wings continue to adjust to Blashill's coaching, they should continue to improve. They're still holding a playoff berth in the Atlantic Division. With a healthier lineup in the second half, the Wings should be challenging for the top spot in the division. 

Nashville Predators

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

After a strong start to this season, the Nashville Predators struggled through December with only six wins in 15 games. A decline in production among their scoring forwards is the chief culprit. Two defensemen, Roman Josi and Shea Weber, are their leading scorers. The production of Filip Forsberg, Mike Ribeiro, James Neal, Craig Smith and Colin Wilson isdown compared to last season. 

Still, there is reason to believe the Predators offense could improve over the second half. Neal and Ribeiro are experienced forwards, while Forsberg has yet to reach his full potential. The recent return of center Mike Fisher, who missed most of December with a lower-body injury, should also help. They possess considerable depth on defense to use as trade bait if necessary to add a scoring forward.

The Predators currently hold a wild-card playoff spot in the Western Conference. With a very deep blue-line corps and a strong starting goalie in Pekka Rinne, they remain in good position to move up in the standings. With improved offensive production, it's a certainty. Management could make a deal before the Feb. 29 trade deadline to bolster their scoring punch. 

San Jose Sharks

Ben Margot/Associated Press

After missing the playoffs last season, the San Jose Sharks shook up their roster and their coaching staff. Consistency, however, remains an issue this season. A solid performance in November was sandwiched between erratic efforts in October and December.

Still, the Sharks aren't in bad shape entering the new year. They're among the league's top teams on the power play and fewest shots against, plus they're among the top 15 in goals and penalty-killing. Playing in the weak Pacific Division, they're still very much in playoff contention. Their roster will be strengthened by the recent return of center Logan Couture, who's missed most of this season to injury.

The Sharks could use more checking-line depth and an experienced backup goaltender for starter Martin Jones. Given their offensive depth, improved defensive play and the return of Couture, they're not to be taken for granted in the Pacific Division. 

Montreal Canadiens

Michael Dwyer/Associated Press

After dominating the NHL in the opening two months of this season, the Montreal Canadiens stumbled through December. With starting goalie Carey Price and agitating scoring winger Brendan Gallagher (pictured above) sidelined, the Canadiens dropped 11 of 14 games. Lack of scoring was the primary culprit, as they netted three or more goals only twice in December. 

In recent games, however, the Canadiens offense is showing signs of improvement. They tallied 10 goals in three games between Dec. 28 and Jan. 1, including a 5-1 thumping of the Boston Bruins at the 2016 Winter Classic. Struggling scorers Tomas Plekanec, Max Pacioretty and Alex Galchenyuk are improving. Gallagher notched two points in his return during the Winter Classic. 

Gallagher's gritty style is a key component to the Habs offense. They'll also get a big boost when Price returns to action later in January. Should the Canadiens' best players remain healthy over the remainder of this season, they should regain some of the ground they lost in the standings in December. 

Pittsburgh Penguins

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Penguins are usually among the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Throughout the opening months of this season, however, they found themselves in danger of sliding completely out of the playoff picture. Their woes can be traced to a combination of an average defense corps and an uncharacteristically anemic offense. 

Following a coaching change in December, the Penguins are improving. Between Dec. 21 and Jan. 2, they won four of six games. They're getting more production from their top forwards, especially team captain Sidney Crosby. In seven games between Dec. 18 and Jan. 2, Crosby collected 10 points. Meanwhile, starting goalie Marc-Andre Fleury returned to action after missing eight games due to a concussion. 

As a result, the Penguins played themselves back into postseason contention. While concerns remain over their blue-line depth, Fleury's return and Crosby rediscovering his scoring touch could offset that issue. The Pens are no longer Stanley Cup contenders, but they cannot be written off yet as a playoff club. 

Anaheim Ducks

Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

When this season began, some pundits projected the Anaheim Ducks as the favorite to win the 2016 Stanley Cup. Through most of the first half of this season, however, they floundered near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Led by struggling superstars Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf (pictured above), the Ducks are the league's lowest-scoring team.   

Since mid-December, however, the Ducks have picked up their play. Sportnet's Damien Cox credits their stifling defensive play, pointing out they gave up only six goals in six games following a 5-2 loss on Dec. 21 to the New York Islanders. Solid goaltending from John Gibson is another factor. As of Jan. 5, he had a league-best 1.63 goals-against average, a .932 save percentage and four shutouts. 

Playing in the weak Pacific Division, the Ducks have climbed back into playoff contention. The combination of Gibson's goaltending and their solid defensive play is giving them a fighting chance. If Getzlaf and Perry regain their offensive magic, the Ducks could fly higher in the conference standings.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Mike Carlson/Associated Press

After marching to the 2015 Stanley Cup Final, the Tampa Bay Lightning struggled through the first half of this season. Entering January, they found themselves sitting just outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The Lightning also had several key players sidelined by injury. 

Those players, however, are returning to action. The notables include center Tyler Johnson and left winger Ondrej Palat, who make up two-thirds of their top scoring line. Their absence was keenly felt. Last season, the Bolts were the NHL's highest-scoring team. This season, they've slid to 21st.

With a healthier roster, the Lightning should begin moving up in the Eastern Conference standings. It could also take some of the scoring burden off struggling captain Steven Stamkos, opening up more time and space for him to operate.