Standings, etc.

Monday is here folks, and a new week is upon us.

It’s the last week before Christmas, meaning for many, it’ll be one of those “full work weeks” in name only as we trickle toward the holiday.

If you work in a retail setting, however, godspeed as you face the next several days.

The Bruins emerged from their two-game New York set with three points out of four, beating the Islanders, 5-4, on Friday before falling to the Rangers, 2-1, in overtime on Saturday.

Both games had their highs and lows, but it’s probably fair to say that the B’s, without Charlie McAvoy and Pavel Zacha, didn’t exactly play their best brand of hockey.

Still, three points from those two games isn’t terrible, particularly when you’re shorthanded.

Glancing at the standings, the Rangers are preparing to take 1st place in the East from the Bruins, while the Maple Leafs and Panthers both sit five points behind in the Atlantic.

Two big surprises, to me:

• The Lightning are in fifth place in the Atlantic, just three points ahead of Montreal.
• The Flyers are the hottest team in hockey at 7-1-2 in their last ten and are currently in second in the Metro.

Obviously the standings are subject to considerable change as we’re only in December, but Philly’s been on an impressive run as of late.

Any other teams jump out at you due to their place in the big picture?