[rhaums]

Eastern Conference

Detroit Red Wings (28-16-5, 2nd in East)
A team already sitting in playoff positions, January was a great month for the Detroit Red Wings. Dylan Larkin bounced back from a slower start to the year, with 8G 13A in his 12 games played this month. Reimer had a few shaky starts, but in general continued to provide strong goaltending.

Philadelphia Flyers (16-30-4, 16th in East)
A tough season in Philly becomes even worse. With Arizona finding a run of form, the Flyers move into conversation for worst team in the NHL. Sean Couturier has not been particularly effective this season, recording 23 points and a Goal Differential of -16. As the worst scorers and worst defense in the league, Philadelphia need a lot of work to become a contending team again.

Ottawa Senators (26-17-3, 8th in East)
Ottawa's rebuild looks to be finally stepping over. With Chabot going at a point-per-game pace from the blue line and young stars Tim Stutzle (46 GP, 24G, 22A) and Jakob Chuchrun (45 GP, 6G, 30A), Ottawa fans are experiencing winning hockey for the first time in years.

Western Conference
Minnesota Wild (26-19-4, 6th in West)
Another star with a strong Janurary is Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (49 GP 29G, 39A). With an excellent penalty kill and powerplay, Kaprizov and Matt Boldy (49 GP, 21 G, 30A) are combining for plenty of goals. Rookie Kyle Masters has also made a statement, with 4 assists in his first 2 NHL Games. Loved by Minnesota media and in Hart contention, Kaprizov is more than happy as the face of the Wild franchise.

Arizona Coyotes (17-29-2, 16th in West)
While GM Bill Armstrong is unlikely to return in Arizona, the Coyotes start to 2024 may have saved him a premature firing. Patrick Kane proves to be a good signing for Arizona, leading the team in points, though with the team in the drain and Kane facing the end of his career, questions are being raised if Arizona should try to move him for more young talent.

Anaheim Ducks (23-24-2, 11th in West)
As a team overperforming preseason expectations, Anaheim had a strong start to their seasons. However they have begun slipping a bit away from playoff positions. In addition to this slump, the Ducks recently announced starting goalie John Gibson will miss up to three months with a broken thigh. While not official yet, the media expects Alex Stalock to be recalled from the AHL to fill in. With AHL stats of 15GP, .898 SV% and -2.18 GSAA, there are questions if Stalock is enough, or if Anaheim will be looking at goalie options in the upcoming trade deadline.