The Atlantic division enters the chat

Welcome to the Daily Faceoff Mid-Season Newsletters. Here we’ll use analytics to find out which teams are struggling and who is leading the class. Teams are rated on how they stack up against the league average in a variety of key metrics both offensively and defensively. The best team receives a score of 100 and the worst is awarded 0. To determine the team’s OVR, the five measures (5v5 OFF, 5v5 DEF, PP, PK and Goaltending) are combined.

8 – Nashville Predators

Are predators good? Apparently! They sit second in a tight central division and have some of the best 5 × 5 defensive plays in the league. If only their attack could catch up …

7 – Dallas stars

Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz and Joe Pavelski were one of the Dallas Stars’ top lines. But their power play and power play have been a big part of their success this year.

6 – Tampa Bay Lightning

Would it be a top 10 if it didn’t include the Lightning? They hum again and move closer to the odds of the favorites to win the cup. Excellent 5 × 5 defense, powerful penalties and one of the best goalkeepers in the world played a big part.

5 – Boston Bruins

And these B’s? They are the best defensive team in the league with special teams well above average. Goalkeepers and the offense, however, continue to plague them. In a tough Atlantic division, they currently find themselves on the outside looking inward.

Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s chief news officer and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or contactable by email at [email protected]