A new season means a clean slate for all.
It's the most welcomed facet that a new season brings, especially for clubs who faltered or just barely missed out on the postseason a season ago.
Heading into this season several teams have addressed dire needs that hindered them in 2015-16, while others simply would like a do-over to prove that the last campaign was a fluke.
Whatever the case, here are three teams that missed the playoffs last season who should earn a playoff spot come April:
Boston Bruins
The Bruins missed out on the postseason not because they didn't have enough points, but simply because they had one less win in regulation or in overtime than the Detroit Red Wings.
This offseason the team said goodbye to Loui Eriksson and instead replaced him with David Backes.
With the move the team loses a bit of its offensive touch, but adds more grit - a feature Bruins clubs never seem to be in short supply of.
On top of that, the Bruins can expect improved performances from several players. Young studs such as Ryan Spooner and David Pastrnak should only continue to develop into high-end scorers.
Meanwhile, if the World Cup has proved anything it could be that Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand appear to be in mid-season form after combining for nine goals and 15 points in six games - good for second and third in tournament scoring.
If goaltender Tuukka Rask can also rally after a career-worst season statistically, there is no reason to think the club can't return to the playoffs after a two-year absence.
Calgary Flames
The biggest reason for the Flames missing the postseason last year: goaltending.
The biggest acquisition by the Flames this offseason: a goalie.
The team addressed its biggest need by acquiring Brian Elliott and signing Chad Johnson as a relief option. Elliott and Johnson immediately help a club that finished 30th last season with 260 goals against.
Up front, the team added a player who can seemingly do it all in Troy Brouwer. However, the Flames said goodbye to head coach Bob Hartley while naming Glen Gulutzan his successor.
The Flames are just one season removed from making it to the second round of the postseason and still boast the majority of that club. The team has addressed its biggest holes and should be poised for another playoff appearance.
Winnipeg Jets
It's hard to imagine a scenario where a team loses its captain and yet are projected to do better the following season.
However, the Jets find themselves in such a predicament after Andrew Ladd was traded away last season and ultimately signed with the Islanders.
A large reason for this is because of the young, talented contingent the Jets have at their disposal.
Of course, the team now boasts a proven goal scorer in Patrik Laine who should deliver an immediate impact. The likes of Nikolaj Ehlers and Connor Hellebuyck should continue to develop, as well as Mark Scheifele who is coming off his best season to date.
Factor in that the team will have a healthy Bryan Little back in the fold - after he was limited to just 57 games - and it's no question the Jets posses a deep roster, one certainly capable of making up the nine points they missed the playoffs by last season.
