NHL Teams Most Likely to Improve in the 2014-15 Season

Several of last spring's NHL playoff teams are off to unexpected slow starts this season. Some entered 2014-15 as potential Stanley Cup contenders; others were considered postseason candidates.

Injuries, coaching changes, struggling stars and unaddressed roster weaknesses are among the reasons for their early struggles. Despite their current position in the standings, these teams still have sufficient time to overcome their issues. 

Here's a look at the NHL teams most likely to improve during this season and the factors behind their anticipated progression.

Having reached the playoffs for the first time since 2009 last season, the Columbus Blue Jackets are thus far enduring a season from hell. With only 14 points in 21 games, the Blue Jackets are 15th overall in the Eastern Conference.

An unusually high number of early-season injuries explains their low standing. The Columbus Dispatch's Aaron Portzline reports that the club had "racked up 136 man-games lost to injury," which is on pace for a franchise record. Among those sidelined are Nathan Horton, Brandon Dubinsky, Mark Letestu, Fedor Tyutin and Ryan Murray.

Still, there's some signs of optimism. Forwards Ryan Johansen, Nick Foligno and Scott Hartnell are playing well, while defensemen James Wisniewski and Jack Johnson have picked up their play of late. The Jackets have a deep hole to climb out of to get back into playoff contention, but with a healthier roster, they should improve substantially.

After 21 games, the Philadelphia Flyers only have eight victories and 19 points and sit 13th overall in the Eastern Conference. They're among the bottom third in defensive stats (goals against, penalty killing and shots against per game) and puck-possession numbers. However, it's possible they can reverse their current fortunes. 

The Flyers overcame a similar slow start last season and reached the playoffs. Led by Jakub Voracek, Claude Giroux and Wayne Simmonds, their offensive numbers are among the league's best. Scoring winger Michael Raffl has returned from injury. After struggling earlier in the season, goaltender Steve Mason's performance improved during November.

Defense still remains a significant problem, which management must address. Still, the Flyers are within striking distance of a playoff berth and have have sufficient time to rally back into contention.

The Colorado Avalanche are well off last season's 112-point performance. After 23 games, they are 13th in the Western Conference with 21 points.

Semyon Varlamov's strong goaltending overcame the Avs' poor defensive and puck-possession stats last season. With Varlamov and blueliners Ryan Wilson and Brad Stuart sidelined, opponents are taking advantage.

Still, there are signs of development. The Denver Post's Adrian Dater reports that the Avalanche are improving their defensive play and puck possession. He also reports that Varlamov is practicing again and could return to the lineup soon. After struggling earlier in the season, forwards Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog and Jarome Iginla have also regained their scoring touches.

With the Avalanche only a handful of points off a playoff berth, they still have the time and talent to move up into contention.

Despite the offseason addition of Jason Spezza, the Dallas Stars are off to a less than stellar start. They have 22 points from as many games and sit 11th overall in the Western Conference.

Defense is their weak point, ranking among the bottom third in goals against per game, penalty killing and shots against. General manager Jim Nill recently took steps to address these issues, acquiring defenseman Jason Demers and checking forward Travis Moen. Rookie blueliner John Klingberg has also proven a welcome addition, with eight points in as many games. 

Despite their defensive issues, the Stars are a decent puck-possesion club. Thanks to Spezza, Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn, they're also among the Top 10 in goals per game. Factoring in Nill's early-season moves, the Stars should improve as the season progresses.

The combination of promising youth and the addition of sniper Thomas Vanek was supposed to help the Minnesota Wild rise in the Western Conference standings. After 21 games, however, the Wild were ninth overall with 24 points.

Vanek and captain Mikko Koivu are struggling to score. That explains why the Wild are in the middle of the pack in goals per game and possess a horrid power play. Still, they're among the league leaders in goal differential and shots per game.

If Vanek and Koivu regain their scoring tough, the Wild's offensive numbers should improve. They remain solid defensively, ranking among the leaders in goals against per game, penalty killing and shots against.  As the season progresses, the Wild should move up in the standings.

Hopes were high for the Washington Capitals following a management change, the hiring of Barry Trotz as head coach and the additions of blueliners Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik. After 21 games, however, the Capitals found themselves 10th overall in the Eastern Conference with 22 points.

Despite the slow start, there are plenty of encouraging signs. The Capitals are among the Top 10 teams in puck possession, power-play percentage and shots against per game. Eight players have 10 points or more. Since early November, goaltender Braden Holtby's stats have noticeably improved.

The Capitals still appeared to be adjusting to Trotz's system. They're among the middle of the pack in goals per game, shots per game and penalty killing. Still, as the Capitals become more comfortable playing for Trotz, they should move up in the Eastern standings. 

Defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings aren't exactly dominating the league in the early going. After 23 games, they are sixth overall in the Western Conference with 29 points. Early-season injuries to several players (including Anze Kopitar and Marian Gaborik) took a toll. So has the ongoing suspension of defenseman Slava Voynov.

It's not unusual, however, to see the Kings this low in the standings. Last season, they finished sixth overall. They were fifth overall in 2012-13 and barely made the playoffs in 2011-12. The Kings also remain among the dominant teams in goals against per game, are among the better penalty-killing teams and are 13th overall in goals per game.

Their offensive numbers should improve with Kopitar and Gaborik back in the lineup. A healthier blue line should also bolster their overall defensive game. Given their depth of talent and championship pedigree, it won't be long before the Kings rise in the standings.

Considered among this season's Stanley Cup contenders, the Blackhawks are off to an unusually slow start. They sit seventh overall in the Western Conference with 27 points, only three points off ninth overall.

A slow start by forwards Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa and Brandon Saad was a contributing factor, as was losing Patrick Sharp to injury. Kane's production has picked up in recent games, while Hossa and Saad should improve as the season progresses. Sharp's return in December should provide a welcome offensive boost.

The Blackhawks are a better team than their record suggests. They're among the league leaders in goal differential, goals against per game, penalty killing and shots per game. They're also in the Top 10 in goals per game and in fewest shots against per game. It's only a matter of time until they're challenging for top spot in the Western Conference.

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