As the 2024-25 NHL regular season passes the quarter pole, it’s time to assess each team’s performance thus far. While preseason expectations had some clubs pegged for greatness and others destined for the draft lottery, the on-ice results have told a different story in many cases.
Acing the Test: Hurricanes, Jets, Wild Excel
Three teams have risen to the head of the class with their stellar play through the first 20+ games. The Carolina Hurricanes, Winnipeg Jets, and Minnesota Wild are all outpacing their projected point totals by significant margins.
Carolina has silenced doubters who thought an aging blue line and unproven goaltending would hold them back. Instead, the Canes boast a top-10 offense and the NHL’s stingiest defense, backstopped by emerging netminder Pyotr Kochetkov. With a league-leading points percentage, Carolina looks primed for a deep playoff run.
Meanwhile, the high-flying Jets have taken off, ranking second in goals per game and shooting percentage. Balanced scoring has seen 11 skaters already hit double-digit points. Between the pipes, Connor Hellebuyck continues to prove why he’s a perennial Vezina contender. Winnipeg is soaring above preseason expectations and showing they’re a true Cup threat.
In the State of Hockey, the Wild are off to a roaring start. With a top-10 offense and defense plus elite underlying metrics, Minnesota has found a winning formula under second-year bench boss John Hynes. As Kirill Kaprizov makes an early Hart Trophy case, the Wild could be a dark horse to go the distance.
Honor Roll: More High Marks Across the League
Several other clubs have earned high grades at the quarter mark:
- Washington Capitals: The NHL’s biggest surprise, leading the Metro with a revitalized Ovechkin and solid team defense.
- Vegas Golden Knights: Thriving despite offseason departures, powered by a resurgent Jack Eichel.
- New Jersey Devils: Scoring in bunches with MVP-caliber campaigns from Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes.
A few teams are performing right to expectation, like the reigning Eastern Conference champion Florida Panthers and contending Tampa Bay Lightning. Consistency remains key to staying at the head of the pack.
Falling Behind: Disappointments and Letdowns
On the flip side, some presumed contenders are barely staying afloat or already sinking in the standings:
- Boston Bruins: A shocking fall from grace sees the B’s with the NHL’s worst offense after firing coach Jim Montgomery.
- Nashville Predators: Big summer additions haven’t saved the goal-starved Preds from the Central basement so far.
- Pittsburgh Penguins: Questionable roster moves and a lack of direction have the Pens floundering despite Crosby’s heroics.
Teams in the mushy middle, like the Red Wings, Flyers, and Blue Jackets, are showing flashes of promise amid overall inconsistency. There’s still time to turn the tide, but the clock is ticking.
Grading on a Curve: Signs of Progress for Rebuilders
While wins are scarce for clubs in full-on rebuild mode, a few have shown positive signs in the early going:
- Anaheim Ducks: Surprising competitiveness thanks to elite goaltending from Lukas Dostal and John Gibson.
- Chicago Blackhawks: improvement from 2023-24’s last-place finish, though goal scoring and Connor Bedard‘s play remain a work in progress.
Patient development is the focus for the Sharks, Canadiens, and Coyotes as they stockpile futures and await reinforcements from promising prospect pipelines. Year-over-year growth is the goal at this stage.
The Verdict: Contenders Emerging as Season Marches On
As the 2024-25 campaign rolls toward its midpoint, the wheat is already separating from the chaff. The Hurricanes, Jets, and Wild look like bona fide Cup contenders with their early-season dominance, while other hopefuls like the Capitals and Devils are emerging as threats.
For struggling clubs, there’s still time to right the ship or salvage positives from a lost season. However, the pressure is mounting on underachievers like Boston, Nashville, and Pittsburgh to find answers fast.
With three-quarters of the schedule yet to be played, expect more ebbs and flows in the coming months. But if the first 20-odd games are any indication, it’s shaping up to be a wild ride toward the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Buckle up, hockey fans!
