How struggling NHL contenders can get back in playoff mix

Expectations are a humorous factor.

The lead-up to a brand new NHL season is stuffed with projections and prognostications — each inside and exterior — round what must be attainable for each group.

Certain golf equipment attain that potential with ease. Some even soar previous them.

And after all, there’s that different handful of groups, too — the estimated contenders who fell alarmingly quick into “can we still salvage this?” territory.

That latter group can be clearly essentially the most fascinating to dissect. And it is the proper time to take action as we’re nearing the vaunted U.S. Thanksgiving mark, which by normal rule alerts groups at the moment in playoff place will stay there by spring.

The Boston Bruins, Vegas Golden Knights and the New York Rangers? Consider them near-certain postseason locks.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and Los Angeles Kings? A trio of secure bets.

The actual drama exists for the gorgeous sliders who have not answered the bell. We picked 5 of the most important underachievers — together with a preferred preseason Stanley Cup decide — to go underneath the microscope; we establish the most important issues and devise options to get them back on monitor earlier than it is too late.