NHL storylines Top 10 after seven nights

Oct 7, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Peter Holland (24) watches his shot on Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price (31) just miss the net during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

9. Goaltenders continue to shine early in 2015-16

Martin Jones, San Jose Sharks

The prized offseason acquisition for San Jose had some question marks going into the season having a small sample size of NHL experience to use in the decision to make him starter. After three starts, Martin Jones has looked great piling up three wins in as many games with two shutouts while stopping 77 of 78 shots faced. It’s only been three games, but its safe to say the Sharks have likely found their man between the pipes.

Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens

Picking up exactly where he left off in 2014-15, Carey Price has already won all three of his starts facing 91 shots and only allowing five goals in the process. A sub 2.00 GAA is less than surprising for this Canadiens goaltender. The performance given by backup goaltender Mike Condon was a refreshing one compared to the ones Habs fans were used to last season from Dustin Tokarski. Condon played well enough last season in the AHL, and this year in the preseason to prove he can continue delivering solid performances on those limited times that he’ll be called upon.

Ryan Miller, Vancouver Canucks

Miller has started four games for the Canucks this season accumulating three wins and one overtime loss. Over that span, he’s stopped 107 of 112 shots that he’s faced while picking up a shutout in one of those games. He’s not likely to steadily maintain that 1.21 GAA and .955 save percentage throughout the season, but it’s a nice start for a goaltender playing on a team that had a lot of defensive questions heading into the 2015-16 campaign. The workload for Ryan Miller is a little higher right now with Jacob Markstrom sidelined with an injury. Markstrom will re-assume the role as backup upon return from injury and add some serious stability behind Miller.

Honorable Mentions:

Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators
Has stopped 78 of 80 shots over three games that included three wins

Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers
3-1 record having faced 134 shots while giving up nine goals

Mike Smith, Arizona Coyotes
Only two games played, both wins with Smith stopping 67 of 69 shots

Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings
Has appeared in two games winning both. Has a shutout while stopping 42 of 43 shots

Michael Hutchinson, Winnipeg Jets
Two games played, both wins. Has stopped 60 of 62 shots, 1 goal in both games.

Next: Old Faces on New Teams