NHL Power Rankings: First Month Surprises and Sleepers

NHL Power Rankings are in, and the first month of the regular season is in the books.  We are starting to get a feel of which teams are establishing themselves as contenders, as well as which teams aren’t really in the running for the playoffs.

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We’ve already had a bad case of the injury bug around the league, with a bunch of big name players feeling the pain.

Now that we’ve seen about 12-15 games from each team, it’s time to take a look at our updated NHL power rankings from the first month of the season (October 7-November 6).

Legend: Ranking. Team Name (Record) (Differential From Pre-Season NHL Power Rankings)

** Note: This is a multi-day collaboration of work.  We’ve done our best to keep the statistics as up-to-date as possible.

NHL Power Rankings – Month in Review

30.  Toronto Maple Leafs (2-8-4) (-1)

Oct 10, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Reilly (44) races down ice with the puck against Ottawa Senators in the first period at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

Not a huge drop in the standings for the Leafs, but that’s because there really wasn’t that far to drop in the first place.  Toronto has struggled mightily to begin the 2015-2016 campaign, winning only two of their first 13 games.  Toronto finds itself in the bottom third in almost every important statistical category (28th in GPG, 25th in GA, 24th in PP%, and 20th in PK%).  That is a recipe for disaster.

While Mike Babcock certainly won’t have to worry about being in the hot seat this early into his tenure as coach, but this couldn’t have been the start he imagined.  The Leafs only have three players with a positive plus/minus rating: Daniel Winnik, Michael Grabner, and Dion Phaneuf.

The goaltending situation has been atrocious.  James Reimer (2-2-3) and Johnathan Bernier (0-6-1) have split starts through the teams first 13 games, but neither has taken the reins on the starting gig.  Tough times in Toronto right now, and it doesn’t seem like a turnaround is close.

Toronto’s approach to prospects has already been on full display after the Maple Leafs decided to call up Byron Froese, instead of calling up William Nylander, who already has 14 points in 12 games.  Goaltender Jonathan Bernier was placed on IR last week, which triggered the call up of Antoine Bibeau.  The young goaltender is still looking to make his NHL debut.

29.  Columbus Blue Jackets (4-11-0) (-6)

Nov 6, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Curtis McElhinney (30) attempts to block a shot by Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry (not pictured) during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

After an absolutely brutal start to the season where we saw the Jackets fail to register a single point in their first 7 games of the season, it was clearly time for a change.  Columbus fired coach Todd Richards, and brought in a more seasoned coach with a winning track record in John Tortorella.

While Tortorella lost his debut with Columbus, and accordingly saw his team drop their record to 0-8-0, it is obvious the Blue Jackets are playing much more inspired hockey with Torts behind the bench.  Since Tortorella has taken over, the Jackets have gone 4-4, and are trying to turn their season around.

Columbus is struggling to put the puck in the net, while also having a difficult time keeping the rubber out of their own net, resulting in only Cody Goloubef and Brandon Dubinsky having a positive plus/minus so far through the season.

Sergei Bobrovsky, after a tough start to the year, has started to look more confident in net, but the backup situation is far less stable.  The Jackets have a long way to go and need a lot of luck if they want to find a way into the postseason this year.  But if there’s anyone who can help, it’s John Tortorella.

28. Calgary Flames (5-9-1) (-18)

Nov 7, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) celebrates his empty net goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Flames won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

One of the preseason’s sexiest picks to make the Stanley Cup Finals, the Flames have been anything but hot to start the year.  Many thought with the mixture of youth and experience, coupled with last season’s success, that Calgary would come firing on all cylinders out of the gate.  Unfortunately, that has not been the case.  Like Toronto, the Flames find themselves in the bottom third in some very important statistical categories (20th in GPG, 30th in GA, 23rd in PP%, and 25th in PK%).

The goaltending situation is without a doubt the biggest issue in Calgary.  The rotation of Karri Ramo, Jonas Hiller, and Joni Ortio has been a disaster.  All 3 netminders have a SV% south of .900, while also having GAA average north of 3.50.  It doesn’t matter what team you have in front of you, that type of production is not going to cut it on any level, let alone the NHL.

Newcomer Dougie Hamilton has had a very frustrating start to his career in Calgary.  Hamilton has accumulated a -9 rating so far this year, and while his defense has always been his biggest flaw, usually his offensive numbers have been there to make up for it.  Unfortunately for Hamilton he has only two goals and two assists so far; shockingly low numbers for a player of his offensive ability.  The recent return of T.J. Brodie should hopefully add some stability to Calgary’s blue-line (Brodie was Giordano’s top-pair partner last season).

The only bright spot for the Flames is the continued growth and development of Johnny Gaudreau.  He is currently the only player on the roster to have played every game this year, and have posted a positive plus/minus.  Luckily for Calgary, Sam Bennett is starting to heat up with nine points in 14 games.  The Flames still have all the talent to be successful, but they need to start playing better defense and they need one of their goalies to establish themselves as a solid starter.

27.  Colorado Avalanche (4-9-1) (-7)

Nov 6, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) is congratulated for his power play goal by center Carl Soderberg (34) and defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) and left wing Alex Tanguay (40) and right wing Jarome Iginla (12) in the first period agains the New York Rangers at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Av’s were another team picked to be a possible threat in the West this year, but a slow start has gotten people questioning whether they are the real deal.

One thing that is surely for real, which is Nathan MacKinnon.  The 3rd year pro is showing signs of a bounce back season after a sophomore slump that saw his production drop heavily from his rookie campaign.  MacKinnon looks more confident on the ice and it seems as though he is a more experienced and smart player out there.

The main problem with Colorado this year has been their defensive play.  Too many times have breakdowns or mental mistakes cost the Av’s while leaving Semyon Varlamov hanging out to dry.  There really isn’t a defenseman on the roster that is a lock-down defender, and it shows.

The Av’s have plenty of offensive firepower, but I believe the old adage, “Defense wins championships” applies more than ever with this team.  Head Coach Patrick Roy might begin to feel his seat getting a little hot if the Av’s don’t find a way to turn things around on the defensive end.

26.  Anaheim Ducks (5-7-2) (-23)

Nov 6, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen (31) celebrates with his team after the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Honda Center. The Anaheim Ducks won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Oh, how the Mighty (Ducks) have fallen.  Seriously, the Ducks have dropped 23 spots since the preseason power rankings were released.  Not many could have seen this start coming from a perennial playoff team like Anaheim.  The strange thing is, the Ducks have been one of the best defensive teams in the league to start the year.  They are currently 6th in GA average, while also boasting the league’s best penalty kill.

The obvious problem then, is the offense.  The Ducks are the 28th in PP% which is contributing to them scoring only 1.5 goals per game, worst in the league.  The losses of Francois Beauchemin and Matt Beleskey seem to have hurt the Ducks more than originally anticipated.  Leaders like Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf have had less than stellar starts to the year, which is especially critical to this team as they are relying on those two more than ever.  Newcomer Carl Hagelin has been invisible, posting only a goal and an assist for 2 points in the teams first 14 games.

Goaltenders Frederik Andersen and Anton Khudobin have been great in net, often keeping their team in games they have no business being in.  But the goaltending really doesn’t mean much when the men in front of you are averaging less than 2 goals a game.  Are the Ducks still as Mighty as we are used to?  Or will Gordon Bombay need to come in and re-establish the Flying-V?

Next: 25-21

Nov 5, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund (11) scores a goal against Philadelphia Flyers goalie Michal Neuvirth (30) during overtime at Scotiabank Saddledome. The Flames won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

25.  Philadelphia Flyers (5-6-3) (-1)

Those notorious Philly fans have not had much to cheer about with the Flyers.  While the team has found ways to gain points in 8 of their first 14 games, they have only won 5.

Another team struggling to score goals, the Flyers have averaged less than 2 goals a game to begin their campaign.  Brayden Schenn is the only player only the team to have at least 5 goals, which indicates a lack of playmaking and goal scoring ability on this Flyers roster.

Michal Neuvirth and Steve Mason have pretty much split time so far this season, but Neuvirth has clearly had the better start to the year, posting a .945 SV& and a 1.81 GAA, while Mason boasts a .902 SV& with a 3.34 GAA.  I expect these results will allow Neuvirth to solidify his starting netminder job.

Usual offensive threats Jakub Voracek and Wayne Simmonds have struggled out of the gate early this year, which is a main contributor to the Flyers lack of goals.  There is still time to turn things around, especially with the way Neuvirth has been in net, but it has to happen quick for Philly to be considered a threat this year.

24.  Edmonton Oilers (5-10-0) (+4)

Nov 8, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Edmonton Oilers right wing Jordan Eberle (14) rests after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at the United Center. The Chicago Blackhawks defat the Edmonton Oilers 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Well, the worst possible thing that could happen in Edmonton, has happened.  Rookie sensation Connor McDavid will be out for at least a couple of months with a broken collarbone, after a very promising start to career, that saw him average a point per game through the first 12 full games of his career.

While normally, the loss of a teenager wouldn’t impact most professional sports teams, we aren’t talking about just any teenager.  McDavid’s absence for such a lengthy period of time will be a huge loss of this Oilers team looking to show that they are on the rise.

The Oilers haven’t had much problem scoring goals this year, but the issue with a young team like this is the defense, proven by being 27th in the league in goals against.  Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have been their usual solid selves, but they are really the only players producing for this team without McDavid.  Hall’s production has to make one wonder if the Oilers would consider dealing the star winger if the team continues to flounder.

Their defensive group is just not up to snub with the better teams in the league for them to even consider a playoff run.  Even with McDavid playing, the Oilers weren’t exactly winning all the time. Edmonton could be in for a tough a couple months until their rookie phenom returns.  On the bright side, goaltenders Cam Talbot and Anders Nilsson have been an upgrade in-goal, even if the stats don’t show it.

23.  Carolina Hurricanes (6-8-0) (+3)

Nov 7, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes forward Jordan Staal (11) celebrates his game winning goal with teammates against the Ottawa Senators at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

The Hurricanes are another team that finds themselves struggling on both ends of the ice.  Statistically the ‘Canes are 27 in GPG, 21st in GA, 27th in PP%, and 21st in PK%.  As we’ve found, being in the bottom third in those categories typically does not bode well.

Captain Eric Staal has been solid to start the year, adding even more fuel to the fire in regards to trade rumors.  Stall is asking for a lot of money from Carolina when his contract runs out; likely more than Carolina can afford.  It would be surprising if the ‘Canes didn’t try to get something of value in return for their captain.  Newcomer Kris Versteeg has been a pleasant surprise, leading the team in points early in the year.

Goaltenders Cam Ward and Eddie Lack have been very average so far this season, but Carolina needs more from their tandem goaltenders.  The ‘Canes seem to be one of those teams that are destined for mediocrity, and it will be difficult for me to anticipate them making a run at a playoff spot this year.

22.  Buffalo Sabres (6-8-0) (+5)

Nov 7, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (55) and center Jack Eichel (15) hug after beating the Vancouver Canucks at First Niagara Center. Sabres beat the Canucks 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The Sabres are a team that has improved.  There is no doubt.  Have they improved enough to be considered a threat in the East?  Probably not.  But there is reason for optimism.  Rookie Jack Eichel seems to have a knack for putting the puck in the net.  The 19-year-old leads his team in goals in the early season, and already has a couple of highlight goals to add to his reel.

Ryan O’Reilly seems to have put his offseason issues behind him, en route to an excellent start to his career in Buffalo.  Evander Kane was off to a slow start through his first 7 games of the season, and then unfortunately suffered a leg injury that will keep him out at least 4-6 weeks.  That is a big blow to a team looking to prove themselves.

His injury along with starting goalie Robin Lehner‘s are two tough pills to swallow for Sabres fans.  Chad Johnson certainly hasn’t been great in net, but he has been serviceable. The jury is still out on whether Linus Ullmark can help carry the load.

The Sabres still have work to do on the defensive side of the ice, and that should be their focus for the remainder of the year.  One of the lone bright spots on the back-end however, has been Rasmus Ristolainen, who’s quickly establishing himself as a threat on the blue-line.

21.  Florida Panthers (5-6-3) (+1)

November 7, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Florida Panthers right wing Jaromir Jagr (68) and defenseman Willie Mitchell (33) in position for the face off against Los Angeles Kings during the second period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

After surprising most people last year by being in the playoff race until the very end of the season, the Panthers were hoping to take a step forward to catapult themselves into a top team in the East.  So far, that hasn’t quite happened.  That’s not to say that Florida hasn’t played well this year, because they have.  They just haven’t played well enough to win the close games.

They are receiving solid goaltending from Roberto Luongo and Al Montoya.  While their records might not support that claim, the rest of their statistics are pretty solid.  I think the most bittersweet aspect of the Panthers’ season has been the play of future hall of famer Jaromir Jagr.  Like a fine wine, he only gets better with age.  Before suffering a minor injury, Jagr had been playing extremely well for the Panthers, leading them in scoring.  That’s the sweet part.

The bitter part is that Florida should not be relying on a 43-year-old to be leading their team in scoring, it should be a pleasant surprise.  But right now Jagr is about the only bright spot in Florida.  If the Panthers want to take the next step forward it’s going to be up to guys like Nick Bjugstad, Johnathan Huberdeau, and Reilly Smith to step up.

Next: 20-16

Oct 26, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Arizona Coyotes center Max Domi (16) jumps the boards to start a new shift as left wing Anthony Duclair (10) and right wing Shane Doan (19) look on from the bench against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Coyotes beat the Maple Leafs 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

20.  Arizona Coyotes (6-6-1) (+10)

The ‘Yotes have been a pleasant surprise to start the season.  I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t expect much from Arizona this year, as proven by ranking them dead last in the preseason rankings.  They must have gotten wind of those rankings, because they have had a solid start to their season.

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Rookie Max Domi has been the biggest surprise for this team.  Domi has shown great hands, vision, and playmaking ability to begin his career.  He already has more points than his father Tie had his entire career.  Okay, that part might not be true, but you get the point.  Domi is looking to become the future of this franchise, and he is well on his way.

For the Coyotes to take the next step forward, they will need guys like Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Mikkel Boedker to step up and become leaders.  Goalie Mike Smith is bouncing back from one of his worst NHL campaigns in 2014-15, and although it hasn’t been spectacular, he’s played well enough to help them win games.  Is Arizona a threat in the Western Conference? Not yet.  But there is a lot to be excited about.

19.  Boston Bruins (7-6-1) (—)

Nov 7, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Boston Bruins forward David Krejci (46) skates on the ice during warmups prior to the game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

The Bruins have been the hardest team for me to get a read on so far this season.  They start out the season by getting manhandled 3 straight times at home.  Then they go 6-0-1 in their next 7 games, looking like a completely different team.  Follow that up by 2 duds against Dallas and Washington.  The B’s have been the streakiest team of the year so far, good and bad.

The problem with the Bruins is their normally stout defense.  They are 28th in the league in goals allowed, while also deploying the league’s worst penalty kill.  However, one bright spot for the Bruins has been the turnaround in their powerplay, which is #1 in the league.  That’s probably the most head scratching part about this Bruins team. Usually their PK is one of the best and their PP is one of the worst, and this year it’s the complete opposite.

The Bruins are scoring goals this year, but they are struggling in their own end with mental errors and defensive lapses that often leave Tuukka Rask out to dry.  Rask hasn’t been playing all that well either, which compounds the problem.

Newcomer Jimmy Hayes seems to be comfortable playing for his hometown team, and David Krejci has been on a tear to start the year.  A healthy Krejci makes this a different team.  The Bruins have proved they can play at an elite level, but they have also proved that they can play at a very sub-par level as well.  Which Bruins team will we see as the season goes on?

18.  Vancouver Canucks (6-4-5) (-6)

Nov 7, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Vancouver Canucks goalie Ryan Miller (30) tries to move Buffalo Sabres center David Legwand (17) out from in front of the net during the second period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The Canucks have also been a team that’s hard to figure out this season.  Through their first 13 games Vancouver ranks 9th in GPG, 6th in GA, and 5th in PK%.  So it’s a bit strange as to why they have so few wins.

As usual Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin are leading the team in points.  Ryan Miller has been solid in net.  But it just seems as though the Canucks are finding themselves one play away from victory in most of their losses.

In order for Vancouver to become a great team, they need to be able to make that extra play, extra shot, extra block or extra pass to find ways to win games.  Despite getting a point in each of their 4 OT losses, OT losses are still losses.  They won’t get into the playoffs 1 point at a time.

There are some positive stories coming out of Vancouver early into the season however.  Ben Hutton came out of nowhere to claim a roster spot out of training camp, and has been one of the Canucks top defenders.  Rookies Jared McCann and Jake Virtanen look to have solidified their spots with the team, avoiding a demotion to junior.  And Brandon Sutter has fit in very well with seven points in 15 games so far.

17.  New Jersey Devils (8-5-1) (+8)

Nov 6, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider (35) looks for the puck through a screen by Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw (65) during the third period at Prudential Center. The Devils defeated the Blackhawks 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

The Devils are another team that has opened some eyes to begin the year.  The main reason for their success has been the play of starting goaltender Cory Schneider.  Schneider has started 11 games this year posting a 7-3-1 record with a 2.15 GAA and a .923 SV%.  Schneider has kept his Devils in games making key save after key save; inspiring his team as he goes.

Travis Zajac, Kyle Palmieri, Lee Stempniak, Adam Henrique and Mike Cammalleri have provided the offense.  But other than those 5 players, the rest of the roster has been pretty unimpressive.  Luckily for the Devils, that core group of players has gotten the team off the a pretty good start.  But for them to maintain this play, they need more production from the team as a whole.

16.  San Jose Sharks (7-7-0) (+5)

The Sharks are off to a pretty adequate start, but they could be doing much better.  With the talent on the roster, there is no reason the Sharks shouldn’t be one of the better teams in the West.

Nov 5, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic (44) celebrates scoring against the Florida Panthers in the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports.

However, a huge flaw that is plaguing San Jose to start the year is the play of their special teams units.  Their PP ranks 28th in the league, while their PK unit is only 25th.  It’s pretty safe to say that if those units were succeeding at a higher rate, the Sharks record would be a lot better than it is.

Joe Pavelski is leading the team in points, to no surprise.  But a big surprise is who’s right behind him in the points categories, and that is Joel Ward.  Ward is not known for being a big scorer, but he has provided a nice scoring touch in his first year in San Jose along with bringing his typical physicality.

The Sharks have also gotten excellent goaltending from their new netminder Martin Jones.  If Tomas Hertl and Tommy Wingels can start to pick up their play, beware of (the) Sharks.

Next: 15-11

Nov 8, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Gustav Nyquist (14) takes a shot in the third period against the Dallas Stars at Joe Louis Arena. Dallas won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

15.  Detroit Red Wings (7-6-1) (-1)

The Red Wings were expected to take a step back this season.  With their stars like Pavel Datysuk and Henrik Zetterberg not getting any younger, along with the departure of coach Mike Babcock, many were counting the Wings out.

Union and Blue

Not so fast.  While Datsyuk has yet to play this season, Zetterberg has been on a roll to begin the season, leading the Wings in points.

Right behind him in that category is arguably the biggest surprise of the season so far, rookie Dylan Larkin.  Larkin has virtually come out of nowhere, leading his team with a +12 rating in the early stages of the season.

Jimmy Howard and Petr Mrazek have split time in net, while Howard has had a slight advantage so far.  The Wings are relying on their core of youngsters such as Tomas Tatar, Gustav Nyquist, and Justin Abdelkader to keep the team afloat in Datysuk’s stead.  So far, so good in Hockey Town.

14.  Tampa Bay Lightning (7-7-2) (-12)

Nov 7, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos (91) in the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Coming off a Stanley Cup Finals appearance, there was little to suggest that Tampa wouldn’t make another run at the cup again this season.  While that is certainly still a very real possibility, this probably wasn’t the start the Lightning imagined having.

Their defense has been excellent thus far, but their real issue has been scoring goals.  Hard to imagine a team with Steven Stamkos struggling to score goals right?  Stamkos has had no problem himself, but the majority of his teammates are not finding much luck in putting the puck in the net.

Jonathan Drouin is trying to establish himself worthy of the high praise he received as a prospect, but has struggled a bit to start the year this year, battling with a lower-body injury.  Tampa needs him to start producing.

Goaltender Ben Bishop is putting up good numbers, but for some reason the Lightning are finding ways to lose games.  This might just be early season jitters.  I still expect Tampa to be right at the top of the Eastern Conference by season’s end.

13.  Chicago Blackhawks (8-6-1) (-12)

Nov 8, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) makes a save against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The other participant (and eventual victor) of the Stanley Cup Finals from last season has also had a less than stellar start to their title defense.

The Blackhawks have been pretty inconsistent thus far, and it shows in their stats.  They find themselves in the middle of the pack in GPG(18th), GA(15th), and PP%(14th) which is unusual for such a complete team like Chicago.

An excellent aspect of the Blackhawks season thus far has been the play of Patrick Kane.  After dealing with some very serious off-the-ice issues, which have since been resolved, Kane’r has shown an incredible amount of focus and determination on the ice.  He seems like he is out to prove something.

Jonathan Toews hasn’t been bad this year, but he hasn’t been his usual self.  The captain will undoubtedly turn things around; he’s too good not to.  Stepping up in this forward group has been KHL transfer Artemi Panarin, who has looked like a man possessed.  Newcomer Artem Anisimov has also had a fairly solid start to his tenure in Chicago.

Corey Crawford has been average so far this year, but the Hawks will take it as long as he plays the way he plays once the postseason starts.  It might be worth noting that the loss of Patrick Sharp and Johnny Oduya could have a bigger impact than previously thought for Chicago.  All things considered, this team isn’t anywhere near panic mode yet, and should end up in the top 4 of the Western Conference come April.

12.  Ottawa Senators (7-4-3) (+3)

Nov 7, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Ottawa Senators defensemen Chris Widemen (45) takes 3rd period shot against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

The Senators are looking to take another step forward this year after having a remarkable end to the season last year, capped off by a very unlikely playoff berth.  The Senators did that riding the unreal streak goaltender Andrew Hammond was on.

Hammond has been fighting an early injury this season, so he hasn’t gotten much time on the ice.  Craig Anderson has been solid in net while Hammond has been recovering, so it’s tough to say who will be the feature goalie going forward.

Either way the Senators have been playing well, in spite of being 21st in GA, 25th in PP%, and 28th in PK% so far this year.  Erik Karlsson has yet to score a goal this season, but he has still been producing on the ice with a bunch of assists and a +6 rating.

A major surprise for the Sens has been the play of Mark Stone, who leads the team in points so far.  Bobby Ryan and Kyle Turris have been providing steady point production as well as leadership to a team that is trying to establish themselves as a consistent threat in the East.  Mika Zibanejad looks poised for a breakout early into the 2015-16 NHL season.

The biggest questions going forward is if they can maintain consistency, and which goalie will help them accomplish that.

11.  Minnesota Wild (8-3-2) (+2)

Nov 7, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk (40) and defenseman Matt Dumba (24)celebrate the win after the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Xcel Energy Center. The Minnesota Wild beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The Wild are playing some very strong hockey to start their 2015-2016 campaign.  They are 6th in the league in goals per game and are getting consistent production from almost everyone in the lineup.

Zach Parise leads the team in goals with 7 so far, but recently suffered a knee injury that may sideline him for a few games.  So it will be up to guys like Thomas Vanek, Ryan Suter and Mikko Koivu to pick up the slack.  Luckily for the Wild, those guys have had no trouble doing that so far this season, and I wouldn’t expect that to stop with Parise’s absence.

Devin Dubnyk has been a solid presence in net as well for Minnesota.  This team won’t beat you with highlight plays and star power, but they will beat you with grit, determination, and chemistry.

Next: 10-6

Nov 5, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; New York Islanders forward John Tavares (91) circles the net of Montreal Canadiens goalie Mike Condon (39) during the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

10.  New York Islanders (7-5-3) (-3)

The Islanders have been playing good hockey so far this year, and that is to be expected.  Captain John Tavares leads the team in points which shouldn’t surprise anyone.
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But what should surprise you is that he also leads his team in penalty minutes.  Tavares has to be a little more disciplined out there, because the Isles can’t afford to have their best penalty killer in the box all the time.
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Jaroslav Halak has been stellar in net in his limited time, posting a 1.85 GAA.  One thing that should encourage Islanders’ fans is that while they’ve been playing good hockey, they definitely haven’t been playing their best hockey.
There is still more to come from the Islanders who are loaded with talent and leadership.

9.  Winnipeg Jets (8-5-2) (+7)

Nov 7, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec (31) during the second period against the Philadelphia Flyers at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

One of the bigger surprises of the season so far has been the Winnipeg Jets.  They are a team that isn’t overloaded with super stars, or budding young prospects.  But they are a team that is hungry to prove themselves, and they have shown that with their play.

They have chemistry and it shows on the ice.  Blake Wheeler and Bryan Little are leading the team in scoring, but they are doing so while each are posting a -2 rating.  Normally the leading two scorers on a winning team don’t have minus ratings.  Fortunately, rookie Nikolaj Ehlers has been a pleasant surprise for Jets, and looks poised to compete for the Calder Trophy.

Ondrej Pavelec and Michal Hutchinson have been a good 1-1A pairing in net.  The Jets are playing well enough to garner some attention around the league.  Whether they can maintain this type of play throughout the season remains to be seen.

8.  Los Angeles Kings (9-5-0) (+10)

November 7, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) and goalie Jonathan Quick (32) celebrate the 4-1 victory against Florida Panthers following the third period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

After an 0-3 start, the Kings have seemingly turned things around.  While LA might not score as many goals as most elite teams, they are elite on the defensive side of the ice.  They are big, strong, and will wear you down, which is how they open things up offensively.

Jeff Carter and Tyler Toffoli have been providing the offensive punch for the Kings early on.  Newcomer Milan Lucic seems to be fitting in nicely with his new team and is setting himself up for a good year.  Anze Kopitar avoided a concussion recently which provides a huge relief to this team.  Losing him for an extended period especially to an unpredictable injury like a concussion could have been a huge blow.

Jonathan Quick has been stellar in net.  The Kings are looking like a much better team than last year, and should they continue this style of play, will be a very difficult team to face this season.  Even backup goaltender Jhonas Enroth has added stability in his limited minutes.

7.  Nashville Predators (8-3-2) (+1)

Nov 7, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber (6) passes the puck from behind his net during the second period against the St. Louis Blues at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Predators haven’t been overwhelming teams defensively.  They haven’t been lighting the lamp with ferocity.  But they still somehow find ways to win games and earn points.  That is a sign of a good team.  They do what they need to do to win.  James Neal and Roman Josi are tied for the team lead with 10 points.

The main reason for this team’s success lies, as usual, with their goalie Pekka Rinne.  Rinne’s play is outstanding, but his presence alone in net is a huge factor in why this team is successful.  They can play aggressively and know that if there is a mistake, Rinne will be there to bail them out.

The Preds play team first hockey.  That’s why I anticipate them being a top team in the West and a threat come playoff time.

6.  Pittsburgh Penguins (9-5-0) (+5)

Pittsburgh Penguins are arguably the hottest team in the league at the moment.  After an 0-3 start to the year, the Pens have gone 9-1 in their last 10 and look to have found a recipe for success.

Nov 7, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Phil Kessel (81) celebrates his goal against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Most might think with the addition of sniper Phil Kessel; that the recipe for success would involve a lot of goals.  But shockingly, the Penguins are 25th in the league in goals scored.

The Penguins defense has shown signs of improvement at times, but they’ve struggles with turnovers, and even more so, making the first pass of the breakout. This could help explain why they’ve spent more time in their own end at times.  Perhaps prospect Derrick Pouliot is the answer to help bring this group together, recently tearing it up down in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

The other bizarre aspect of the Penguins success this year has been their great play in spite of very human play by Sidney Crosby.  Sid the Kid has only 7 points in his first 14 games, which has people panicking.  But there is no reason to believe he won’t turn things around, especially playing with guys like Kessel and Evgeni Malkin.

Marc-Andre Fleury is a very early candidate for a Vezina Trophy finalist, posting a 1.93 GAA and a .933 SV%.  The Pens appear to have taken their play up a notch, likely feeling a little embarrassment from missing the postseason last year.

Next: 5-1