REPORT CARDS - THE EAST

Adamo Rimoli

On the last day of school, students would spend it playing games, saying their goodbyes, waiting for that final bell to signify the beginning of summer break, but most importantly, waiting to open that sealed envelope with their report card in it.

That being said, the last day of school in the NHL has finally passed as the Colorado Avalanche raised the (dented) Stanley Cup, meaning it is report card season! Keeping in mind, these grades will be based on a scale relative to their expectations.

Boston Bruins: C-

The Bruins were mediocre this season to their standards. 107 points is nothing to scoff at but the first round exit followed by a slew of shenanigans afterwards really brings down this grade.

Buffalo Sabres: B+

Although the Sabres sucked, at least they weren’t as embarrassing as previous years. With pieces like Tage Thompson, Dylan Cozens, and Rasums Dahlin taking major strides, the Sabres might finally get it right for once.

Carolina Hurricanes: A-

Finishing 3rd in the league is quite the feat, especially with the goaltending drama they were faced with towards the end of the season. The team lacked a true superstar but nevertheless, a very good season for the Hurricanes, one to build off of.

Columbus Blue Jackets: B-

You’re lying to me if you told me you remembered the Blue Jackets existed this season. Patrik Laine was quite the story but other than that, they weren't very good on paper, and did not have a very good season.

Detroit Red Wings: A

The Red Wings got off to their annual hot start and eventually trailed off but that isn’t to say they outperformed expectations this season. Seider and Raymond both proved to be legitimate franchise altering talents which alone is good enough to justify this grade.

Florida Panthers: A

The Presidents Trophy winners saw their season end in a souring way, but that isn’t to say they didn’t just make history. For the first time since Wayne Gretzky was playing, a team averaged 4 goals per game which knowing the skill of modern goalies is remarkable. They also didn’t bow out in the first round which is always nice.

Montreal Canadiens: B-

This grade is much higher than many are willing to give them credit for knowing how it all went down, but with the incredible additions to the front office, landing the first overall pick and finally getting Cole Caufield to bounce back, this season might have just been worth it in the end for Habs fans.

New Jersey Devils: C-

Can you guys just be good already? It feels like the league is waiting for the Devils to make a jump any time now, but they just aren’t.

New York Islanders: D

In all fairness, 13 straight road games to open the season is tough. But this was a throw-away year for Long Island as they virtually had no positives throughout the season.

New York Rangers: A+

The other side of New York however is laughing. Making it to the ECF on the back of your elite goaltender was a great boost for the fans. Add on top of that, Alexis Lafreniere finally proving his worth to the team is a major bonus for the Rangers.

Ottawa Senators: C-

News flash: the Sens rebuild is far from over. This was arguably their worst season in quite some time as well. The Senators were surely expecting a bigger jump from their young core coming into this season and while it was a jump, it wasn't very high. Hopefully they don’t draft a possible future USports level talent with their top ten pick this year as well.

Philadelphia Flyers: F

F is for Flyers… and fire. A pretty fair description for the entirety of the Flyers season. At least they will be in for a change with John Tortorella at the wheel next year. Good change? Now that is the big question. But at least it is change.

Pittsburgh Penguins: C

The Penguins yet again waste a precious year of a historically good Sidney Crosby. With him on the wrong side of 35 to start next season, the Penguins need to do everything they can to go for it.

Tampa Bay Lightning: A+

They didn’t complete the three-peat, but still got there despite the fatigue and injuries throughout the playoffs. Tons of character on that team and I suspect they aren’t going anywhere.

Toronto Maple Leafs: C+

Auston Matthews is the sole purpose this grade isn’t any lower. To a concerning amount of Leaf Nation’s surprise, just trying your best sometimes isn’t good enough in professional sports. Nor should it be acceptable, but to each their own. Once again, a solid regular season with nothing to show for when it mattered.

Washington Capitals: C+

Mid. The literal definition of average. Shouldn’t be too different next year either.