Last season, four of the five Atlantic Division teams made the playoffs, the most from any division throughout the league, and this season looks to be no different.  We all know the moves that each team made in the off season.  What we did not know was the amount of impact they would have on the teams and ultimately the division. 

Teams like the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers were expected to do well this season and so far they are doing a pretty decent job of that, holding first and second place in the division.

The Penguins were a question mark in my mind; they have more than enough young talent and now with added veterans they could be unstoppable.  Once this team hits stride, they will be a force in the division.  You simply can't keep Sidney Crosby quiet.

The New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders lost more than they gained in my opinion but both have played, at times, like they can compete with anyone in the league.

As it is always said in hockey, the points in October are just as important as the points in March.  Right now, coming into the night there are only seven points between first place in the division and last place in the division, the least amount of separation in any division.  Whoever wins this division this season, it will be a hard earned accomplishment, as each game regular season game has playoff implications and atmosphere.

So to answer my original question, Yes I feel the Atlantic is the toughest division in the NHL.

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