NHL

2024 - 9 - 10

Stuck in the NHL 'Mushy Middle'? Here’s Why 8 Teams are on Thin Ice!

Johnny Gaudreau hockey - Johnny Gaudreau - NHL - sports news - Stanley Cup - Tampa Bay Lightning

Discover which NHL teams are in dire straits and why they can't seem to break free from mediocrity. Brace yourself for a hilarious deep dive into the mushy middle!

In the unpredictable world of the NHL, certain teams become ensnared in what fans affectionately call the 'mushy middle'. This is the limbo where franchises aren't strong enough to contend for a Stanley Cup but aren’t bad enough to secure a top draft pick either. It’s like being stuck in traffic on a highway with no exit in sight. Teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Philadelphia Flyers have been flirting with mediocrity for years. Fans might wonder if they should celebrate a couple of wins or mope in despair as they tread water in the standings.

This conundrum not only leaves players and fans frustrated, but also poses a significant hurdle during the trade deadline. General managers have a tough nut to crack: do they position their teams for a push towards the playoffs or rebuild for the future? It's a classic case of 'damned if you do, damned if you don't.' Imagine being a chef needing to serve a delicious meal but only having baby carrots and stale bread at your disposal! These teams must make use of limited resources, resulting in some hairy trade decisions that fans debate over during coffee breaks.

When we turn our attention to the Pittsburgh Penguins, a team not in the mushy middle but rather teetering on the edge of greatness, we find interesting narratives around their recent achievements. With accolades like the recent Bill Masterton Trophy awarded to Kris Letang in 2023 and multiple Stanley Cup victories, the Penguins are a testament that even the most formidable teams can have rocky periods. History shows that the big-name players do make the difference, but will the Penguins maintain their winning culture, or is the pressure finally causing them to crack like an old hockey stick?

Interestingly, while some teams languish in obscurity, there are learning moments for those who swam with sharks and survived, e.g., the Penguins' own journey to regaining their form. And speaking of journeys, did you know that the last time the Penguins lifted the Stanley Cup was in 2017? They have spent years perfecting their winning strategies, including the ever-coveted Maurice „Rocket“ Richard Trophy, which has been a part of their illustrious history since the days of Sidney Crosby.

As we look to the future of the NHL, it’s clear that the challenges faced by those in the mushy middle aren’t going away soon. With changing regulations, player dynamics, and unexpected injuries, the strategy to break free from mediocrity remains even more essential. Here's hoping these teams take a page from the Penguins’ playbook - remember, if you can survive the mushy middle, you can certainly aim for the stars!

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Image courtesy of "The Athletic"

Why these 8 NHL teams are in danger of being stuck in the mushy ... (The Athletic)

Teams in the mushy middle aren't Stanley Cup contenders or bad enough to pick high in the draft.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sports"

When Was the Last Time the Penguins Won an NHL Award (Yahoo Sports)

Bill Masterton Trophy - Kris Letang (2023) · Stanley Cup - 2017 · Conn Smythe - 2017 · Prince of Wales Trophy - 2017 · Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy - Sidney ...

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Johnny Gaudreau death: Wife of NHL star reveals she is pregnant at ... (New Zealand Herald)

The wife of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically died alongside his brother after being struck by a vehicle while bike riding last month, has revealed ...

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Image courtesy of "NBC 10 Philadelphia"

Johnny Gaudreau's widow reveals she is pregnant with 3rd child at ... (NBC 10 Philadelphia)

New Jersey natives John and Matthew Gaudreau were memorialized by their widows on Sept. 9, 2024, at a funeral service at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church ...

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Image courtesy of "NBC Chicago"

Johnny Gaudreau's wife reveals she's pregnant at funeral for NHL ... (NBC Chicago)

Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed in late August by an alleged drunk driver in New Jersey. By NBC Chicago Staff and Associated Press ...

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Gaudreau brothers remembered for special bond, dedication to family (NHL.com)

-- Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were remembered for their dedication to family and the unbreakable bond between them when family, friends and teammates gathered ...

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Image courtesy of "Fox News"

Late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau's widow reveals she's pregnant ... (Fox News)

Meredith Gaudreau, the widow of the late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, revealed at a memorial service for him and his brother that she is pregnant with their ...

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Image courtesy of "PhillyVoice.com"

Johnny Gaudreau's widow reveals pregnancy during eulogy for NHL ... (PhillyVoice.com)

During Monday's funeral for Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew, the former NHL star's widow, Meredith Gaudreau, revealed that she's pregnant ...

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Image courtesy of "New York Post"

Meredith Gaudreau, widow of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau ... (New York Post)

Mourners widely knew that Matthew's widow Madeline was pregnant with their first child — but Meredith Gaudreau said during her tearful eulogy that she and ...

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Image courtesy of "CBSSports.com"

Johnny Gaudreau death: Late NHL star's widow reveals she is ... (CBSSports.com)

During a heartfelt eulogy for her husband, Gaudreau's wife, Meredith Gaudreau, revealed she is pregnant with the couple's third child. "We're actually a family ...

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Hedman feels Lightning still 'have the team to be a contender' (NHL.com)

LAS VEGAS -- The Tampa Bay Lightning will have a new look this season, but Victor Hedman said the goal is still the same: win the Stanley Cup.

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40th annual 'Jake' charity tournament held ahead of training camp in Penticton.

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Funeral held for NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and brother (NBC News)

Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith announced that she is pregnant with the couple's third child during the funeral service honoring ...

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Five players from the Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club will attend National Hockey League Rookie Camps, including Noah Chadwick (TOR), Miguel Marques (NSH) ...

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Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club announced Monday that five players will attend National Hockey League Rookie Camps, including Noah ...

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Image courtesy of "The Athletic"

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Ranking last season's non-playoff teams based on their quality of young talent, current NHL roster and star or potential star talents.

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Image courtesy of "NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth"

Ranking the NHL's highest-paid players (NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth)

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Reinhart, Panthers 'hungry for more' following Cup title last season (NHL.com)

Forward excited for repeat quest after signing 8-year contract in offseason.

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Image courtesy of "NHL.com"

Huberdeau confident in rebound with Flames after new workout ... (NHL.com)

CALGARY -- Jonathan Huberdeau believes a new summer workout routine has returned a newfound sense of confidence to his game which will hopefully translate ...

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Image courtesy of "Boston 25 News"

Meredith Gaudreau, widow of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau ... (Boston 25 News)

Meredith Gaudreau had more to share about her husband than tales of his modest start on ice and rise to NHL stardom — their family of four was soon to ...

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The NHL is assessing its rebuilding teams to determine which are best positioned to contend for the Stanley Cup in the next decade. Key factors include the ...

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Vancouver Canucks have just been named the NHL's top team for a ... (Straight.com)

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