Grades for all 32 NHL groups on the quarter mark of 2025-26

The 2025-26 NHL season has reached its quarter mark, with all 32 groups having performed greater than 20 video games.

As regular, there are some optimistic surprises — wanting squarely on the Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim Geese — in addition to the not-so-positive surprises, together with the Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues and Vancouver Canucks.

However, how does every workforce grade out on its report card for the primary 25% of the season? This is a rundown of what has gone proper, what has gone fallacious and a first-quarter letter grade for all 32 golf equipment.

Be aware: Groups are listed alphabetically by letter grade. Ryan S. Clark graded the Pacific and Central Division groups, and Kristen Shilton graded the Metropolitan and Atlantic Division groups. Stats are by the video games of Nov. 23.

A grades

Preseason over/beneath: 103.5
Present factors tempo: 137.9

What has gone proper? They lead the NHL in objectives per sport whereas additionally giving up the fewest objectives per sport. They’re producing essentially the most scoring probabilities per 60 minutes, pictures per 60 and scoring probabilities per 60 in 5-on-5 play. Their defensive construction has made them a top-10 workforce by way of the fewest pictures allowed per 60 and fewest high-danger probabilities per 60.

Nathan MacKinnon is able to win his second Hart Trophy. Cale Makar might win his third Norris Trophy — and will problem MacKinnon for the Hart. They now seem to have the supporting solid able to offering constant contributions.

The Avs may be the perfect workforce within the NHL. And at their present tempo, they might threaten, if not surpass, the Bruins’ document of 135 regular-season factors set within the 2022-23 common season.

What has gone fallacious? Main the NHL with 4.00 objectives per sport comes with the belief that the Avs can rating in any scenario. However, the Avs are struggling relating to persistently scoring objectives on the facility play. Getting into Monday, the Avs had a bottom-10 power-play unit that was changing on solely 15.7% of its alternatives.

Grade: A+

Preseason over/beneath: 83.5
Present factors tempo: 108.1

What has gone proper? They’re preventing for the Pacific Division crown. They’ve the second-most prolific assault by way of objectives per sport. They’re persevering with to see their younger expertise develop all whereas offseason addition Chris Kreider had 14 factors in his first 15 video games.

However what may be the strongest indication of simply how effectively the Geese are doing this season is Leo Carlsson’s projected scoring tempo. A Geese participant has completed with greater than 100 factors in a season solely 4 instances in franchise historical past. Carlsson isn’t solely on tempo to hitch an inventory with Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne, however he is projected to complete with 108 factors. That locations Carlsson ready to have what might be among the best particular person seasons in workforce historical past, and threaten Selanne’s franchise document of 109 factors.

What has gone fallacious? An overreliance on Lukas Dostal within the defensive zone. Dostal has began 17 of the Geese’ first 22 video games. It is a tempo that has him projected to play 63 video games — which is the kind of workload reserved for top-tier goalies corresponding to Connor Hellebuyck, Juuse Saros and Andrei Vasilevskiy.

However there’s additionally the underlying numbers. The Geese are within the prime three by way of most scoring probabilities allowed, pictures towards and high-danger scoring probabilities allowed per 60, per Pure Stat Trick. It is a distinction from Dostal posting a 5.42 objectives saved above anticipated, which is sixth amongst goalies with greater than 10 video games.

Grade: A

Preseason over/beneath: 103.5
Present factors tempo: 111.8

What has gone proper? Glen Gulutzan’s second stint in control of the Stars might be outlined by perspective. There are some questions why the Stars are within the backside 10 in scoring probabilities per 60, pictures per 60 and high-danger scoring probabilities per 60. However there are additionally those that would argue that possibly it is only a signal of effectivity. The Stars have the NHL’s No. 2 power-play unit, and are additionally tenth in objectives per sport.

It is a promising return on a season that started with questions on how they might fare beneath a brand new coach, whereas taking into consideration that they misplaced three forwards in Evgenii Dadonov, Mikael Granlund and Mason Marchment within the offseason.

What has gone fallacious? There was a little bit of a disconnect with how the Stars carry out within the defensive zone in 5-on-5 play in comparison with the penalty kill. They’re among the many prime 10 groups in fewest objectives allowed per sport, and high-danger scoring probabilities allowed per 60. They’re additionally sitting round league common in permitting the fewest pictures per 60. But their PK hasn’t been as much as par, with a hit price of 75.7%, which is within the backside 10 within the NHL.

Grade: A

Preseason over/beneath: 84.5
Present factors tempo: 96.3

What has gone proper? Detroit is having its greatest begin in a decade, and it isn’t for one purpose specifically. It is a group effort delivering on GM Steve Yzerman’s imaginative and prescient for the Crimson Wings as a high-skilled, defensively accountable workforce. Head coach Todd McLellan is maximizing Detroit’s potential in his first full season.

The defensive buy-in is not solely mirrored in stats — corresponding to how the Crimson Wings common among the many fewest pictures towards per sport this season — however in how skaters corresponding to Dylan Larkin are thriving. The Crimson Wings’ captain leads the workforce in objectives and factors and has supplied invaluable management to the equally spectacular rookie forwards Emmitt Finnie and Nate Danielson.

On the again finish, rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka has been an vital presence, and supplied Detroit with the depth it wanted to be among the many Atlantic’s greatest.

What has gone fallacious? The Crimson Wings have leaned on a powerful energy play this season; it is their even-strength scoring that may enhance. It will not be sustainable for Detroit to depend on the additional man to see it by.

Though the Crimson Wings have shored up collectively on protection, they’re nonetheless giving up over three objectives towards per sport, which speaks partly to their goaltending. Cam Talbot has been higher this season than final however John Gibson — Yzerman’s large offseason acquisition — hasn’t been any kind of savior. The Crimson Wings should hope that tandem could be a difference-maker for them from right here.

Grade: A

Preseason over/beneath: 84.5
Present factors tempo: 99.8

What has gone proper? Let’s begin with the plain: Matthew Schaefer. The rookie defenseman arrived higher than marketed after New York chosen him No. 1 within the 2025 draft. Schaefer is electrical at each ends of the ice, and takes on vital minutes (over 22 per sport) that exhibits how a lot confidence coach Patrick Roy already has within the Calder Trophy favourite.

And he isn’t the one thrilling rookie that has Islanders followers buzzing. Maxim Shabanov delivered a breakout three-point efficiency to cap off a current 6-1-0 journey, illustrating why New York coveted the previous KHL participant (and why he is more likely to earn a promotion from the fourth line).

Past these two skaters, the Islanders are getting stable goaltending from Ilya Sorokin and David Rittich and, for a workforce that has persistently looked for extra offense, New York is prime 10 within the NHL in objectives, on the efforts of Bo Horvat (having his greatest begin in years) and a wholesome Mathew Barzal and Kyle Palmieri.

What has gone fallacious? The Islanders aren’t packing a potent energy play (it is among the many league’s worst) and there is concern that their offense may be too top-heavy to maintain tempo with deeper golf equipment. New York additionally simply misplaced considered one of its greatest defensemen — Alexander Romanov — for 5 to 6 months after shoulder surgical procedure following successful from Dallas’ Mikko Rantanen.

Given how the Islanders have exceeded expectations thus far, it is arduous to nitpick what else hasn’t labored for them within the grand scheme of the primary quarter.

Grade: A

Preseason over/beneath: 77.5
Present factors tempo: 97.6

What has gone proper? Pittsburgh is arguably one the season’s most shocking contenders. Few would have picked the Penguins to be within the Japanese Convention playoff combine on the season’s quarter mark.

It is a completely different Penguins’ workforce beneath first-year head coach Dan Muse, who’s pushing all the fitting buttons. Muse’s system brings out the perfect in Pittsburgh’s skaters by giving them freedom to function, and that has paid off within the Penguins’ rising confidence. Pittsburgh is giving up the second-fewest objectives this season, ranks prime 10 in offense and has the league’s greatest energy play. The Penguins’ goaltending has benefitted from the emergence of Arturs Silovs and an improved Tristan Jarry. Mainly, it has been all techniques go for Pittsburgh.

What has gone fallacious? The Penguins have an issue closing out sure video games — specifically, these stretching past regulation. Pittsburgh is 0-4 this season in time beyond regulation and the shootout, one thing Muse has sought to handle with observe drills centered on the membership’s 3-on-3 work. The standings this season are nearer than ever, and leaving factors on the board that usually is a small space Pittsburgh can clear up.

Rickard Rackell is out for 2 months due to a damaged hand sustained in October, and that may will proceed to have an effect on the Penguins’ depth. Jarry happening injured reserve earlier this month was a blow too, and can take a look at Pittsburgh’s resilience.

Grade: A

Preseason over/beneath: 105.5
Present factors tempo: 111.8

What has gone proper? Carolina is not the league’s most fun workforce, however it’s considered one of its greatest for a purpose. The Hurricanes thrive in head coach Rod Brind’Amour’s construction that emphasizes smothering defensive play. Their offense has actually excelled this season although, rating second total due to a potent Seth Jarvis — who leads the workforce in objectives — a slippery Sebastian Aho — pacing Carolina in factors — and the always-steady Jordan Staal.

Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov has been wonderful in internet amid starter Frederik Andersen’s robust begin. General, the Hurricanes are deep, detailed and disciplined. It is no surprise they’ve misplaced consecutive video games solely as soon as this season.

What has gone fallacious? The Hurricanes have not thrived on particular groups. Their energy play is the worst within the league, and so they’re twenty first on the penalty kill. It is a stark actuality given how Carolina can dominate at even-strength (it ranks third in 5-on-5 objectives) and may be a short lived glitch if Brind’Amour can determine why the person benefit particularly is such a momentum killer.

Carolina additionally has a goaltending conundrum with Andersen. The usually-injured veteran has already handled a concussion this season and his numbers have been poor when he’s obtainable. Kochetkov cannot be anticipated to hold the load totally, so Carolina might want to both get Andersen on observe or seek for additional goaltending choices.

Grade: A-

Preseason over/beneath: 99.5
Present factors tempo: 108.1

What has gone proper? New Jersey’s star-studded offense has been producing at a stable price this season — Jack Hughes had 20 factors by 17 video games, Jesper Bratt had 21 by 21 and Nico Hischier remains to be able to being one of many league’s premier two-way facilities.

The Devils’ goaltending is one other power due to veteran Jake Allen, who has been wonderful dealing with an elevated workload this season. In the meantime, defenseman Simon Nemec has blossomed after taking a bit longer to hit his stride than some anticipated after he went No. 2 within the 2022 draft. He has taken on a heavy workload, and that has solely amplified how good he could be within the Devils’ personal finish in addition to leaping into the frenzy.

What has gone fallacious? The Devils simply wished to have a nice workforce dinner in Chicago — and as a substitute, the evening ended with Hughes requiring surgical procedure on his finger after a freak accident on the restaurant. Having Hughes wholesome is (virtually) all New Jersey must be a Stanley Cup contender, and now that he is out for a number of weeks (together with Cody Glass and Brett Pesce) the Devils shall be dipping into their depth to cowl.

Talking of depth, it is a good factor Allen has been so sizzling to start out the season as a result of Jacob Markstrom has not. With Hughes out now, it is much more crucial that New Jersey finds methods to maintain scoring and never expose Allen to an onslaught that wears him down.

Grade: A-

B grades

Preseason over/beneath: 80.5
Present factors tempo: 88.8

What has gone proper? The Bruins had been purported to be Atlantic Division basement dwellers. However — plot twist — they’ve truly been considered one of its prime contenders. Full credit score to first-year head coach Marco Sturm for implementing a defense-first construction that Boston has embraced sufficient to mitigate a number of the sting from prime heart Elias Lindholm sitting out a lot of the season thus far due to a lower-body damage.

Defenseman Nikita Zadorov has been significantly sturdy, bringing a bruising presence to the Bruins’ blue line. Boston has additionally benefitted from Jeremy Swayman’s return to type this season, and the workforce is prime 10 on each the facility play and penalty kill. The Bruins weren’t anticipated to be a powerhouse up entrance, however David Pastrnak has been his regular dynamic self and Morgan Geekie is a budding offensive star.

What has gone fallacious? Accidents are including up. Defenseman Charlie McAvoy is out indefinitely after taking a puck to the face, and all of Casey Mittelstadt, Viktor Arvidsson and Jordan Harris even have been sidelined of late. The Bruins have overachieved out of the gate, however it would not really feel sustainable if skaters corresponding to Lindholm and McAvoy are sitting out prolonged time and the remainder of the league will get wholesome sufficient to catch up.

Even with Sturm’s messaging and Swayman’s stable play, the Bruins are nonetheless backside 10 in objectives towards, and that is not an encouraging stat now that McAvoy will not be round to anchor the again finish. The Bruins want consistency, and will wrestle to seek out it.

Grade: B+

Preseason over/beneath: 67.5
Present factors tempo: 89.5

What has gone proper? Take into consideration the problems the Blackhawks confronted final season. A lot of them have develop into the bedrock for a workforce that is within the operating for the NHL’s greatest shock by the primary quarter of the common season.

The questions on Connor Bedard have been changed with one other set of questions: Will he make Canada’s Olympic workforce whereas additionally presumably profitable a scoring title? Bedard is on tempo for 116 factors and if that holds, it will be the highest-scoring season of any Blackhawks participant not named Denis Savard. Plus, any of the considerations about their veterans’ struggles from final season have been erased by what they’re doing this season.

Although Bedard is producing lots of consideration, the goaltending might signify simply how a lot has modified with the Blackhawks from final season. They completed with a workforce save share of .894 in 2024-25 however have begun this season with a .911 mark by the primary 22 video games, tied for fourth within the NHL. Spencer Knight is presenting his case for why he might be beneath Olympic consideration for Group USA.

What has gone fallacious? Discovering cohesion inside their defensive construction stays a little bit of a problem. Make no mistake, the Blackhawks had been anticipated to come across some challenges on the defensive finish due partly to being what Elite Prospects lists because the third-youngest workforce within the NHL this season. Their top-four defensemen, by way of minutes performed, are youthful than 24, and two of them are rookies.

Having that a lot youth together with the Blackhawks’ construction has performed a job in why they’re within the backside 4 of scoring probabilities allowed per 60, high-danger scoring probabilities allowed per 60 and pictures allowed per 60 in 5-on-5 play by their first 22 video games.

Grade: B+

Preseason over/beneath: 90.5
Present factors tempo: 97.6

What has gone proper? Montreal did not assume rookie goalie Jakub Dobes can be a spine to their early-season success, however the rising star grew to become precisely that by outperforming starter Sam Montembeault as one of many league’s breakout netminders. Dobes has been aided by the Canadiens’ extra constant defensive effort. Montreal did not pay sufficient consideration on that finish of the ice final season, and it damage them. Now, the Canadiens have been stronger by the impartial zone and performed with tighter gaps to restrict rush probabilities.

The Canadiens’ prime skaters have additionally delivered, with Cole Caufield already notching 13 objectives and Nick Suzuki compiling 22 factors in his first 20 video games.

What has gone fallacious? The Canadiens have regressed just lately after their spectacular begin. Dobes and Montembeault have each been beneath common and Montreal’s confidence seems shaken by lopsided losses (like a 7-0 defeat towards Dallas) that decision into query all of the strides they appeared to have made throughout the board.

Accidents additionally proceed to take their toll, with Kaiden Guhle, Kirby Dach, Patrik Laine and Alex Newhook all out for vital stretches. Montreal was a shock playoff workforce final season however confirmed it was no fluke given how effectively they began this season. To remain in that dialog means Montreal has to depend on its depth and never lose sight of these difference-making defensive particulars.

Grade: B+

Preseason over/beneath: 83.5
Present factors tempo: 97.6

What has gone proper? Philadelphia is correct within the Japanese Convention’s mushy center and that is not so dangerous in the event you’re the Flyers. Rick Tocchet’s group is discovering methods to win hockey video games with stable defensive play — they’ve hovered close to the highest 10 in objectives towards per sport. That has rubbed off on their penalty kill too, which is close to the highest of the league.

Goaltender Dan Vladar has been a surprisingly dependable starter, going from a tandem possibility with Samuel Ersson to a spine of Philadelphia’s entire operation.

One other pillar is defenseman Travis Sanheim, who has been in excellent command of the Flyers’ blue line. And up entrance, Trevor Zegras — acquired within the offseason to bolster Philadelphia’s heart depth — is averaging over some extent per sport to guide the Flyers’ offense together with Travis Konecny.

What has gone fallacious? The Flyers have a great pool of forwards, however they don’t seem to be producing at a excessive sufficient price. Philadelphia is twenty sixth in objectives per sport this season, and its energy play is working beneath 20%. Although Vladar and the workforce’s collective defensive method has put the Flyers in a stable place for now, it will not final until they’ll discover extra contributors on the rating sheet.

Particularly, Matvei Michkov has taken a step again this season — with solely 9 factors in his first 19 video games — and Philadelphia remains to be looking for consistency all through the lineup. There’s additionally the difficulty of Ersson, and whether or not he can assist Vladar because the season progresses. Some nights Ersson can cross the attention take a look at, but when Vladar stumbles or will get damage, they’re going to be relying on the backup to step up.

Grade: B+

Preseason over/beneath: 70.5
Present factors tempo: 89.1

What has gone proper? Any dialog across the Sharks at this second is one which requires a degree of nuance.

Their present projection has them on tempo to complete with greater than 80 factors for the primary time because the 2018-19 season, which was additionally their final playoff look. They’ve seen progress from their younger core of Yaroslav Askarov, William Eklund and Will Smith whereas their veterans proceed to assist in methods that may and cannot be measured.

Then there’s a completely completely different dialog that may be had about Macklin Celebrini. Sure, Celebrini has been so good that he’s among the many league leaders in factors and might be enjoying his manner on to Canada’s Olympic workforce. But what would possibly get misplaced within the dialogue round Celebrini is the concept he might find yourself having the best particular person season in Sharks historical past. He is at the moment on tempo for 121 factors, and if that holds, he’d surpass Joe Thornton for essentially the most in a single season (114).

What has gone fallacious? The six-game shedding streak to start out the season. They gave up greater than three objectives in every of these defeats, which solely amplified what it meant to start the season in a gap. It was a streak that additionally performed a job in why the Sharks are within the backside 10 in objectives per sport, objectives allowed per sport and have the Eleventh-worst penalty kill.

To place it one other manner: For the reason that shedding streak ended on Oct. 23, the Sharks have the fourth-most factors within the NHL

Grade: B+

Preseason over/beneath: 78.5
Present factors tempo: 104.4

What has gone proper? Solely the Rangers have dedicated a better share of their lively wage cap area to their goalies than the Kraken. The early returns of that funding are one of many main explanation why the Kraken are actively preventing for a playoff spot in the intervening time.

Pure Stat Trick’s metrics present that the Kraken had been main the NHL in workforce save share in 5-on-5 play as of Monday, and had been tied for fourth in workforce save share in all conditions. Joey Daccord, Philipp Grubauer and Matt Murray have supplied a continuity in internet that has complemented the Kraken’s defensive construction.

Lane Lambert’s first season as coach has seen the Kraken reestablish their defensive identification as one of many stronger groups within the NHL at limiting high-danger scoring probabilities per 60, and scoring probabilities per 60 in 5-on-5 play.

What has gone fallacious? Giving up 2.59 objectives per sport has made the Kraken one of many more durable groups to attain towards this season. However scoring 2.55 objectives per sport will make it more durable for the Kraken to remain within the hunt for a playoff spot. The margins have been so tight that that they had equivalent numbers when it got here to objectives scored per sport and objectives allowed per sport as just lately as Friday. Having such little margin for error is an element of a bigger composite that illustrates how the Kraken have struggled to attain objectives and discover methods to generate these alternatives for objectives.

There are solely three groups within the NHL which are averaging fewer objectives per sport than the Kraken. It is a course of that has been made much more tough by the truth that the Kraken are final in scoring probabilities per 60, pictures per 60 and high-danger probabilities per 60. And but, they entered Monday only a level behind the Geese for first place within the Pacific Division — having been in a wild-card spot simply 4 days earlier. As a result of that is what the panorama has regarded like within the Western Convention by the opening quarter.

Grade: B+

Preseason over/beneath: 104.5
Present factors tempo: 100.6

What has gone proper? They’re discovering defensive continuity with out Alex Pietrangelo. Scoring objectives is vital, however there was a powerful perception the Golden Knights had been going to attain lots of them anyway — and so they have this season. Shedding their No. 1 defenseman in Pietrangelo as he recovers from a bilateral femur reconstruction created questions on how they might fare with out him.

They’ve used the primary quarter to determine themselves as one of many extra constant defensive buildings within the NHL. The Golden Knights have been a top-three workforce this season by way of permitting the fewest high-danger scoring probabilities per 60 and pictures per 60.

What has gone fallacious? This is the place it will get weird. The Golden Knights are limiting high-danger probabilities and pictures in ways in which ought to profit their goalies. And but there’s nonetheless one thing of a disconnect with how their goalies have carried out this season.

The Golden Knights are round league common in workforce save share in 5-on-5 play however rank within the backside third of the NHL relating to workforce save share in all conditions, at .893. It is a part of what performed into the choice to signal Carter Hart, who’s at the moment enjoying for his or her AHL affiliate as he’ll be eligible for reinstatement on Dec. 1 as a part of the Hockey Canada trial during which 5 gamers had been acquitted for sexual assault.

Grade: B+

Preseason over/beneath: 84.5
Present factors tempo: 89.1

What has gone proper? Columbus can all the time depend on Zach Werenski to ship, and the Blue Jackets’ greatest participant has been precisely that to start out the season. Werenski is tied for the second-most factors on the workforce — having notched his four-hundredth profession level earlier this month — and performs almost 27 minutes per sport.

Up entrance, it is Kirill Marchenko, Dmitri Voronkov and Adam Fantilli showcasing how promising Columbus’ current and future are on offense, as these younger skaters proceed to develop and mature into their particular person video games. The Blue Jackets have had notable scoring success at 5-on-5 as effectively due to one of many league’s greatest assaults on the frenzy.

The goaltending — particularly from Jet Greaves — has been higher than anticipated to maintain Columbus proper within the Japanese Convention wild-card combine.

What has gone fallacious? The Blue Jackets have not had a lot luck on particular groups, having a middling energy play and one of many league’s worst penalty kills. Although the person benefit has proven indicators of life just lately it has been a thorn in Columbus’ aspect not having the ability to capitalize on extra of these probabilities — or maintain their opponents’ probabilities from ending up within the internet.

The Blue Jackets have star performers, however there’s a vital drop-off in contributors all through the lineup. Shedding captain Boone Jenner to damage hurts Columbus there, and the Blue Jackets would possibly wrestle within the wake of his absence making an attempt to type out their offensive assault.

Grade: B

Preseason over/beneath: 98.5
Present factors tempo: 99.8

What has gone proper? It has been the defensive consistency for the Kings. Playoff groups are going to be judged on what allowed them to win and/or be eradicated. Giving up 20 objectives over the ultimate 4 video games of their first-round sequence final season towards the Oilers — after having a 2-0 sequence lead — created fairly a couple of questions in regards to the Kings. Among the many objects that got here into query was their defensive construction.

They’re going to in all probability want to attend till the playoffs to definitively reply any of the questions raised after their 4 straight first-round exits. However the way in which they’ve began the season — permitting the fifth-fewest objectives per sport — has at the least introduced the notion that they are adept at enjoying shut video games, with purpose prevention on the coronary heart of that plan.

What has gone fallacious? Scoring objectives has been an issue for the Kings. They’re within the backside six in objectives per sport and on the facility play.

However the element that makes the Kings’ struggles equally fascinating and perplexing can be how their underlying numbers skew. On one hand, they’re ranked sixth in high-danger scoring probabilities per 60, and twelfth in pictures. However, they rank just under league common in scoring probabilities per 60. It is a formulation that has additional bolstered why their defensive consistency issues, as they’re averaging 2.68 objectives whereas giving up 2.68 objectives coming into Monday.

Grade: B

Preseason over/beneath: 94.5
Present factors tempo: 99.8

What has gone proper? Having the ability to persistently discipline the identical roster. Accidents took the Wild from having among the best begins of any workforce final season to 1 that needed to struggle simply to seize a wild-card spot.

To be clear, this season has had its challenges. However it comes with the context that they’ve had eight gamers seem in each sport, and 13 of their skaters have performed in 20 or extra of their first 23 video games. The impression of that has been mirrored within the Wild’s defensive core: Three of the highest 4 defensemen by way of common ice time have performed in each sport, and Jonas Brodin has sat out just one.

What has gone fallacious? They should rating extra objectives. Anybody who follows the Wild is aware of how this all works; they wrestle to persistently rating objectives however can usually rely or in some instances rely an excessive amount of on their defensive construction and goaltending to win video games.

This season has seen its share of disconnects with that method. Minnesota’s underlying numbers counsel it ought to be scoring extra objectives. The Wild are within the prime half of the NHL in scoring probabilities per 60 and pictures per 60. They’re additionally 18th in high-danger probabilities, solely to be within the backside 10 of objectives per sport. To to get in a safer playoff place — they have been jockeying between third place within the Central or a wild-card spot — they’re going to must ramp up the scoring.

Grade: B

Preseason over/beneath: 95.5
Present factors tempo: 96.9

What has gone proper? Ottawa received off to a shaky begin earlier than recommitting to move coach Travis Inexperienced’s defensive construction. That shift has been a game-changer, because the Senators staked their declare among the many Atlantic’s prime three golf equipment. The Senators are giving up the third fewest pictures towards per sport this season, and their objectives towards common has trended downward since adapting that new mindset in late October.

Ottawa hasn’t had bother scoring with Drake Batherson — main the Sens with 19 factors in 17 video games — Tim Stutzle, and Shane Pinto all contributing commonly. Jake Sanderson continues to be a revelation at each ends for Ottawa, and that has been particularly impactful with captain Brady Tkachuk nonetheless sidelined after an early-season damage.

What has gone fallacious? The Senators have too usually been preventing themselves due to subpar goaltending from Linus Ullmark. The Vezina Trophy winner hasn’t been in prime form this season, giving up three or extra objectives in 10 of his first 16 begins, whereas forcing Ottawa to attempt to outscore each mistake. Backup Leevi Merilainen has achieved his greatest to step in when known as upon, however Ullmark has to keep up management of the crease with extra consistency from right here for Ottawa to maintain up within the crowded Atlantic race.

And to that finish, current accidents to prime defenseman Thomas Chabot and ahead Ridly Greig might actually harm Ottawa’s depth as they watch for Tkachuk to return.

Grade: B

Preseason over/beneath: 101.5
Present factors tempo: 104.4

What has gone proper? The Lightning are, effectively … the Lightning. No matter what a season throws at them, this workforce adjusts to its circumstances and stays harmful.

Jake Guentzel and Nikita Kucherov pack a one-two punch up entrance to guide the offense, and Guentzel’s efficiency has been significantly sturdy this season whereas the Lightning’s depth has been beneath the microscope. The Lightning even have Anthony Cirelli as an archetypal 200-foot heart, and Victor Hedman can nonetheless go toe-to-toe to be among the many league’s greatest defenders. The Lightning are a stable defensive group total and dominate on the penalty kill.

Jon Cooper makes essentially the most of his lineup each evening, and that is considered one of Tampa Bay’s true superpowers.

What has gone fallacious? The Lightning are going by it with accidents already — and now Hedman is out for a few weeks. Solely six skaters have appeared in all Tampa Bay’s video games this season, forcing the Lightning to depend on call-ups to fill within the gaps. It has labored effectively sufficient to maintain the workforce within the playoff image, however with out the identical swagger the Lightning are used to wielding.

Talking of lacking swagger, what occurred to Brayden Level’s? The often dynamic top-line skater is a shadow of his earlier seasons’ performances, with solely three objectives and 11 factors in his first 20 video games. The Lightning are accustomed to getting fairly a bit extra out of him.

Grade: B

Preseason over/beneath: 97.5
Present factors tempo: 93.7

What has gone proper? The Jets can rating objectives, typically in bulk. They’ll get these objectives from completely different line mixtures and protection pairings in ways in which many groups all through the league cannot replicate. The way during which they’ve obtained offensive contributions from completely different gamers enhances how Kyle Connor, Josh Morrissey and Mark Scheifele are every averaging greater than some extent per sport.

It is a part of the rationale behind why they’re within the prime 12 of objectives per sport whereas additionally boasting a prime 10 energy play. Figuring out they’ll generate objectives at a excessive price might show helpful upon the information that three-time Vezina recipient Connor Hellebuyck might sit out as much as six weeks.

What has gone fallacious? Lacking Hellebuyck for an prolonged interval might current challenges and probably amplify what has been an space of concern for the Jets relating to their defensive construction. There are solely three groups which have given up extra scoring probabilities per 60. They’ve additionally given up the ninth-most high-danger probabilities per 60 along with being within the prime 10 of permitting essentially the most pictures per 60.

It is what makes the work achieved by Eric Comrie and Hellebuyck much more very important by the primary quarter. The Jets had a top-five workforce save share in all conditions, and the eighth-best workforce save share in 5-on-5 play earlier than Hellebuyck’s damage. Now they’re going to want Comrie — and World Junior Championships hero Thomas Milic — to supply continuity in Hellebuyck’s absence.

Grade: B

Preseason over/beneath: 106.5
Present factors tempo: 93.2

What has gone proper? Florida has proved depth and resiliency could be a weapon. Or, at the least a useful device. The Panthers are adaptive within the face of damage woes, and that next-man-up mentality might see them by because it has up to now.

Florida is getting a few of Brad Marchand’s greatest hockey in years because the workforce’s objectives and factors chief, complementing sturdy begins from Sam Reinhart and Anton Lundell. The Panthers can seemingly climate a storm higher than most due to, effectively, you already know — being back-to-back Stanley Cup champions and all, and the arrogance that comes with it.

What has gone fallacious? Florida has been cratered by accidents. Captain Aleksander Barkov tore his ACL and MCL throughout a preseason observe and is out for the season. Eetu Luostarinen was sidelined after sustaining burns in a barbecuing accident. Cole Schwindt wanted surgical procedure after breaking his arm colliding with Panthers’ goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. And all of these comply with Matthew Tkachuk being out after offseason surgical procedure.

Florida is actually placing “bend-don’t-break” to the take a look at, and it is arduous to even assess what the Panthers could be given how lengthy the injured listing is — and, extra particularly, the caliber of gamers who’re on it.

Grade: B-

Preseason over/beneath: 92.5
Present factors tempo: 96.3

What has gone proper? There was sufficient of a pattern measurement that proves the Mammoth might have one thing good with their present roster. A seven-game profitable streak was a part of a sequence that noticed them open the common season profitable eight of their first 10 video games.

One purpose why they had been within the prime 5 in giving up the fewest objectives per sport in that span is as a result of they had been additionally a top-five workforce when it got here to giving up the fewest pictures per sport. They had been additionally within the prime 5 of most pictures per sport, which translated into them being within the prime 5 of objectives scored per sport.

What has gone fallacious? There additionally has been sufficient of a pattern measurement that proves the Mammoth nonetheless want extra. Think about how they’ve carried out since that seven-game profitable streak ended Oct. 28. They’ve had a pair of three-game shedding streaks, with their second such streak reaching 4. It is half of a bigger sequence that has seen them lose 9 of their 12 most up-to-date video games.

In that span, they’re within the backside 4 by way of objectives scored per sport and are within the backside 10 by way of giving up essentially the most objectives per sport.

Grade: B-

C grades

Preseason over/beneath: 96.5
Present factors tempo: 92.7

What has gone proper? Washington has Alex Ovechkin nonetheless enjoying premier hockey into his 40s. That merely cannot be taken with no consideration. The Capitals’ captain tied for the workforce lead with 20 factors in his first 20 video games, and in addition added one other hat trick earlier this month.

He isn’t the one veteran contributing for Washington — Tom Wilson, John Carlson and Jakob Chychrun have all been difference-makers in D.C.

Goaltender Logan Thompson additionally has been excellent, rating among the many league’s prime starters in save share and goals-against common.

What has gone fallacious? The Capitals aren’t the identical workforce that completed atop the Japanese Convention standings final season. Coach Spencer Carbery’s intention to construct Washington right into a sooner membership that may maintain tempo with the league’s speedier lineups is not taking place. There is a lack of consistency within the scoring assault, and that was made worse when Pierre-Luc Dubois hit injured reserve this month. And now Nic Dowd can be out.

It isn’t simply at even power the place Washington hasn’t produced — the Capitals’ energy play is effectively beneath common, and their penalty kill is backside 5 within the league. There’s simply one thing off about how the Capitals present up on a game-to-game foundation. Although their prime gamers seem principally dialed in, the supporting solid is not doing its half frequently.

Grade: C+

Preseason over/beneath: 83.5
Present factors tempo: 82

What has gone proper? Buffalo discovered a possible hidden gem in goaltender Colten Ellis. The Sabres claimed Ellis off waivers from St. Louis in October, and he has stepped in just lately to assist stabilize Buffalo in internet. Ellis was 3-1-0 in his first 4 video games, with a .914 save share, incomes an extended look within the starter’s function and offering a shiny spot amid an in any other case tough season.

Josh Doan is one other new face that has slot in effectively, enjoying over quarter-hour per sport and notching 12 factors in his first 20 video games.

The Sabres have proven they’ll rating in bunches — that 9-3 victory over Chicago this month was proof — and so they’ve produced the league’s greatest penalty kill (89.8%). And, Buffalo’s truly beginning to warmth up; after shedding 5 straight, the Sabres have rebounded to win 4 of their previous 5.

What has gone fallacious? The Sabres aren’t but near snapping that traditionally lengthy playoff drought. Buffalo sank to the underside of the Atlantic Division early, and are solely now making sluggish progress out of it. The Sabres are leaky defensively, their offense is top-heavy and inconsistent, plus their energy play is sputtering too usually.

Accidents have invariably performed a job in Buffalo’s struggles — solely a handful of skaters have appeared in each sport this season — and the Sabres merely have not had the depth to make up for his or her continuously full infirmary. It is arduous to not query if coach Lindy Ruff’s messaging is already falling on deaf ears if Buffalo cannot flip issues round. And what occurs then?

Grade: C

Preseason over/beneath: 103.5
Present factors tempo: 85.4

What has gone proper? Being some extent out of the ultimate wild-card place at this level. A lot of that has been because of Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid each averaging greater than some extent per sport whereas others corresponding to Evan Bouchard, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jack Roslovic have additionally made offensive contributions for the Oilers.

The 2-time defending Western Convention champions have achieved this earlier than. They’ve had sluggish begins — some even slower than what they’ve encountered this season — and have nonetheless reached the Stanley Cup Closing.

What has gone fallacious? The factor about sluggish begins is that it results in the identical questions being requested each season.

That is what might make Nov. 19 a probably essential date for the Oilers after giving up seven objectives in a loss to the Capitals. It was the thirteenth time in 22 video games that the Oilers gave up greater than 4 objectives. Watching the Oilers be uncovered led to Sportsnet’s broadcast declaring that they gave up essentially the most objectives within the NHL, essentially the most objectives in 5-on-5 play and had the bottom workforce save share.

Grade: C-

Preseason over/beneath: 95.5
Present factors tempo: 82.0

What has gone proper? New York is a superior defensive workforce beneath first-year coach Mike Sullivan, and that has saved them afloat. The Rangers are one of many NHL’s stingiest groups — averaging 2.65 goals-against per sport — and that is credit score to lots of New York’s skaters enjoying a number of the greatest protection of their careers.

And naturally the offseason addition of Vladislav Gavrikov modified the narrative there too; the big-bodied defender has been a powerful associate to Adam Fox anchoring the Rangers’ blue line.

Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Fast have been a terrific goaltending tandem for the Blueshirts as effectively, a great reflection of the Rangers’ defensive dedication.

What has gone fallacious? The Rangers cannot rating sufficient objectives, which may be an understatement. New York scored one purpose in its first 4 video games, and nonetheless hasn’t lit the league on fireplace. The Rangers’ offense ranks thirtieth total (2.48 objectives per sport) for good purpose: their star scorers being something however. J.T. Miller had 12 factors in 22 video games — and is now out due to an upper-body damage. Mika Zibanejad managed solely 15 factors by 23 video games. Not even Artemi Panarin is averaging a point-per-game tempo.

It is a good factor New York has shut down opponents defensively as a result of Sullivan has but to seek out a solution for the sputtering offense. Fittingly, it is made New York a workforce with out a clear identification.

Grade: C-

Preseason over/beneath: 99.5
Present factors tempo: 78.3

What has gone proper? Toronto couldn’t have anticipated John Tavares turning again the clock. That is the case although, and a great factor too as a result of Tavares — together with William Nylander — has been powering the Leafs’ success up entrance. Tavares’ 12 objectives in his first 21 video games was prime 10 within the NHL, and Nylander compiled 27 factors in his first 19 video games. Nick Robertson can be a shock standout with an everyday top-six function.

Toronto has managed to rank prime 5 in objectives scored and second in 5-on-5 objectives. The Leafs just lately welcomed Joseph Woll again from coping with a private problem to start out the season, and the netminder has barely missed a beat stepping in as Toronto’s reigning No. 1 goalie.

What has gone fallacious? Mitch Marner is not on the roster, and unsurprisingly, they only do not look the identical.

Granted, Toronto’s difficulties stem from way more than simply Marner’s absence. Toronto thrived in coach Craig Berube’s defense-first system final season, however are one of many league’s worst groups towards the frenzy and are prime three in objectives towards per sport this season. Toronto has no actual identification; frankly, it has been tough to determine one. The Leafs have been decimated by accidents in every single place, from goaltender Anthony Stolarz (who struggled in his early begins), to prime forwards Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, to depth facilities Nicolas Roy and Scott Laughton and proper by the blue line, with Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo each sitting out time.

That has left Berube to attempt to patch collectively a lineup too usually missing chemistry — or confidence. Tavares and Nylander have been instrumental in maintaining the Leafs afloat, however Toronto’s current stretch going 1-5-2 has left them at a loss for solutions, and on the backside of the Japanese Convention standings.

Grade: C-

D grades

Preseason over/beneath: 83.5
Present factors tempo: 64.9

What has gone proper? Being in competition for the worst document within the NHL often comes with the affiliation of a porous defensive construction. Until it is the Flames, apparently.

Their defensive construction can be the hallmark of a workforce that is making an attempt to make a push for a playoff spot. They’re within the prime 4 by way of permitting the fewest scoring probabilities per 60 and high-danger scoring probabilities per 60. The Flames are additionally thirteenth in pictures allowed per 60.

What has gone fallacious? Their struggles within the offensive zone have performed a big half in why the Flames have alternated between having both the worst document within the NHL or one of many worst marks within the league. They had been averaging 2.10 objectives per sport all through the early portion of November.

However their current three-game profitable streak has seen them common 4.66 objectives in these victories, which has raised their common to 2.38 objectives per sport. Do not get too excited; that is now the second-lowest common objectives per sport within the NHL. It is a determine that additionally makes them one of many extra offense-challenged groups in NHL historical past. The Flames’ present objectives per sport common can be within the backside 200 groups all time by way of single-season objectives per sport.

Grade: D

Preseason over/beneath: 90.5
Present factors tempo: 71.3

What has gone proper? Successful 4 of their first six video games. That window supplied a glimpse into how a wholesome model of the Canucks might perform. A totally wholesome Thatcher Demko regarded just like the model of himself that was a Vezina Trophy finalist in 2023-24. Filip Chytil scored three objectives throughout that stretch and was beginning to reply questions on whether or not he might discover consistency as a top-six heart.

There was additionally the continued emergence of Kiefer Sherwood — who went from having 19 objectives in his first season with the Canucks to scoring 4 instances in these six video games as a part of a month during which he completed with 9 objectives.

What has gone fallacious? Practically every little thing since Oct. 21. That is when the Canucks went on the primary of what has been three, three-game shedding streaks, together with a rash of accidents that has tremendously altered their lineup.

They’ve wanted 29 skaters and three goaltenders simply to get by their first 23 video games. They are a bottom-10 workforce by way of pictures per 60, scoring probabilities per 60 and high-danger probabilities per 60, and have confronted even higher struggles defensively. The Canucks are both the worst or second-worst workforce within the NHL relating to permitting essentially the most pictures per 60, scoring probabilities per 60 and high-danger probabilities per 60.

Grade: D

Preseason over/beneath: 92.5
Present factors tempo: 71.3

What has gone proper? A optimistic that may shortly be became a damaging seems to be essentially the most succinct approach to describe the Blues in 2025-26.

They’re among the many greatest groups within the NHL at limiting scoring probabilities. They’re a top-10 workforce relating to giving up the fewest scoring probabilities and high-danger scoring probabilities per 60. OK, so how is having what seems to be a purposeful defensive construction a nasty factor? It is as a result of the Blues are giving up the third-most objectives per sport at 3.64 objectives per sport.

What has gone fallacious? They’ve had one of many extra disappointing begins within the NHL. They had been a playoff workforce that used the offseason so as to add a 25-goal scorer in Pius Suter to a gaggle that had seven returning gamers who reached double figures in objectives.

However they’ve gone by the primary quarter with the third-fewest factors within the NHL. They’re averaging the fifth-fewest objectives per sport, whereas residing within the backside 10 of pictures per sport. Their goaltending has disrupted their defensive construction by having the fourth-lowest workforce save share in all conditions, and the fifth worst in 5-on-5 play. The Blues got here into Monday 5 factors adrift of the ultimate wild-card spot, with the concept what occurs within the close to future might decide if they are a playoff workforce or one destined for the lottery.

Grade: D-

F grade

Preseason over/beneath: 86.5
Present factors tempo: 59.6

What has gone proper? Effectively, they’ve an above league common penalty kill. So, there’s that at the least.

Filip Forsberg is continuous to construct upon his legacy as the perfect ahead within the franchise’s historical past. He is projected to succeed in the 30-goal mark for the fourth time up to now 5 seasons, and for the fifth time in his profession. Plus, Matthew Wooden is presenting a powerful case to make the All-Rookie Group and probably be a Calder Trophy finalist. All of that, together with the truth that the Tennessee-Vanderbilt sport Saturday might have School Soccer Playoff implications for each groups.

What has gone fallacious? They had been the final workforce to succeed in the 50-goal mark this season, and have the bottom goals-per-game common within the NHL at 2.29. This has an opportunity to be one of many extra offense-challenged seasons in league historical past ought to it proceed. They entered Monday within the backside 125 in league historical past relating to the bottom single-season averages in objectives per sport.

These frustrations have prolonged to different areas, with the Preds giving up the sixth-most objectives per sport. They’ve a bottom-seven energy play. They have been with out their greatest defenseman and arguably greatest participant in Roman Josi for a lot of the season. And Steven Stamkos, who has scored greater than 580 profession objectives, is on tempo to complete with fewer than 20 for the primary time in his profession in a non-injury season.

Grade: F