NHL

The 10 Biggest Surprises of the 2014-15 NHL Season So Far

The 10 Biggest Surprises of the 2014-15 NHL Season So Far

Actress Nancy Grahn
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Every season has its surprises, whether they are pleasant or shocking. This year, the NHL has no shortage of unexpected developments. There have been the unpredictable, the somewhat foreseen and those that are just a matter of time. Here are 10 of the biggest surprises 2014-15 has had to offer at the midpoint of the NHL season.

10. Philadelphia Flyers Are Not Performing

Craig Berube, Philadelphia Flyers
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

10. Philadelphia Flyers Are Not Performing

Craig Berube, Philadelphia Flyers
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

With just 37 points in 40 games, the Flyers are not living up to their previous records of strength, skill and success. Despite powerful forwards like Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek, 44 and 48 points respectively, the Flyers are struggling to score, experiencing puck-clearing trouble and are not living up to the caliber of their talent. Their reputation is falling fast, from the formerly formidable Flyers to a very beatable team.

9. Alexander Semin Struggling

Alexander Semin, Carolina Hurricanes
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9. Alexander Semin Struggling

Alexander Semin, Carolina Hurricanes
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When he was acquired from the Washington Capitals, Alexander Semin was a top goal-scorer and had points in the double digits. His first year with Carolina was stellar; he had a point per game in the truncated season post-lockout, with 31 of the 44 points as assists. He had 22 goals last season, but this year he has only gotten one goal and five assists. His troubles, compounded by his team's last-place standing in the East, were unforeseen.

8. Calgary Flames Are On Fire

Calgary Flames
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8. Calgary Flames Are On Fire

Calgary Flames
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While they are sitting just one spot out of playoff position, the Flames have come back from a terrible 2013-14 season that saw them finish just one step above last-place Edmonton. This season, the Flames have come back with a strong showing. On paper, they did not stand out as a team one the rise, but they have surpassed expectation to show that teamwork really does pay off.

7. Winnipeg Jets Looking Strong

Winnipeg Jets
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7. Winnipeg Jets Looking Strong

Winnipeg Jets
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Another team with a dismal 11th-place finish in the West last season, the Jets are roaring back to form. Ondrej Pavelec is having one of his best seasons, and the Jets are enjoying eighth place in the West at this midpoint in the season. An injured Evander Kane is beginning to practice again, and this underdog team could finish higher than expected at this pace.

6. Habs Enjoying Success Despite Shot Differential

Montreal Canadiens
Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

6. Habs Enjoying Success Despite Shot Differential

Montreal Canadiens
Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

The Montreal Canadiens have enjoyed a top spot in the East, in the Atlantic division and even the entire league this season. This is despite a negative shot differential for the season so far. Having an elite goalie in Carey Price, the Habs were expected to succeed. However, the constant showing at the top while being 23rd in the league for shot differential is a paradox.

5. Nashville Predators On Top

Nashville Predators
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5. Nashville Predators On Top

Nashville Predators
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Second-to-last in their division last season, Nashville is enjoying a resurgence with the star performance of Filip Forsberg (averaging a point a game), new acquisitions James Neal and Mike Ribeiro and under the coaching hand of Peter Laviolette. Nashville wasn't expected to be atop their division, but they are also enjoying a surprising second place in the conference.

4. New York Islanders Rejuvenated

New York Islanders
Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

4. New York Islanders Rejuvenated

New York Islanders
Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

While John Tavares has always been a star player, this season he is enjoying the success of his team as his teammates step up and carry the Islanders to second place in the Metropolitan division. With the help of Kyle Okposo and rookie Brock Nelson (who has posted 28 points in his first 40 games with the Isles), the team is soaring in standings, a big change from dead last in 2013-14.

3. Tampa Bay Is In Montreal's Heads

Tampa Bay vs Montreal Canadiens
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3. Tampa Bay Is In Montreal's Heads

Tampa Bay vs Montreal Canadiens
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After sweeping the Tampa Bay Lightning in Round 1 of playoffs last season, the Montreal Canadiens returned to the ice picking up where they left off in postseason. Tampa Bay has also resumed their steady climb to the top, and the two teams have jockeyed for top spot in the division all season. But thus far, the Habs have been unable to figure out the Bolts. Has Tampa gotten to the Montreal players at last?

2. Randy Carlyle Lasted To Midseason

Randy Carlyle, Toronto Maple Leafs former coach
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2. Randy Carlyle Lasted To Midseason

Randy Carlyle, Toronto Maple Leafs former coach
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It was no surprise that the Toronto Maple Leafs fired Randy Carlyle from the head coaching job; it was just a surprise that he lasted until the midpoint of the season. Toronto started slowly, surged, ebbed and the pattern repeated. Never consistent, the team fights a perpetual uphill battle to the top, never quite making it. Carlyle's number was up, but no one expected him to last this long.

1. Boston Bruins Faltering

Claude Julien, head coach Boston Bruins
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

1. Boston Bruins Faltering

Claude Julien, head coach Boston Bruins
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Charlie Jacobs, new CEO of the Bruins organization, has put the team on notice: Everything is being evaluated. Former Cup champions and a formidable opponent to any team, the Bruins are stumbling and it's being noted throughout the NHL. Injuries plagued the team early on, but they have not adjusted well. It isn't unusual to hear the Bruins spoken of as "not the same team." Not a sure playoff contender anymore, this is the biggest surprise of all.

Lissa Albert is a Montreal Canadiens writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @LissaRantSports. “Like” her on Facebook and/or add her to your network on Google

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