Early Season Surprises Abound as Power Rankings Shift
As the NHL season kicks into high gear, the league’s balance of power is already undergoing seismic shifts. In the latest edition of ESPN’s NHL power rankings, a new team has ascended to the top of the heap, while others are defying expectations – for better or worse.
Leading the charge are the Winnipeg Jets, who have soared to the number two spot on the strength of a perfect 7-0-0 start. Close behind are the Dallas Stars, powered by rookie sensation Logan Stankoven’s scorching debut. But perhaps the biggest stunner is the New York Rangers’ vault to the top of the rankings, fueled in part by Alexis Lafreniere’s breakout performance.
You have to wonder how much Team Canada consideration he will get for February’s 4 Nations Face-off.
– On Alexis Lafreniere’s strong start for the Rangers
Struggling Squads and Surprising Slumps
On the flip side, some presumed contenders find themselves mired in unexpected slumps. The Nashville Predators, despite a splashy offseason of high-profile signings, stumbled out of the gate to a dismal 0-5 start before finally notching a win. The Edmonton Oilers, perenially in “Cup-or-bust” mode, are once again struggling to gain traction, much to the chagrin of superstar Connor McDavid.
Elsewhere, the San Jose Sharks remain the lone winless team, compounding their misery with the loss of prized rookie Macklin Celebrini to injury. Discipline has been a key issue, with the Sharks yielding six or more power plays in three of their last four contests.
Maybe stay off the refs a little bit too. Maybe they’ll start to call a little more in our favor.
– Sharks defenseman Cody Ceci on the team’s penalty woes
Standout Performers Reshaping the Landscape
Amidst the early season turmoil, several standout performers are making their presence felt in a big way:
- Jake Guentzel is fitting in seamlessly alongside Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov in Tampa, notching seven points through six games.
- Rasmus Andersson leads the surging Flames with eight points, helping propel Calgary to a surprising first-place perch in the Pacific.
- Shayne Gostisbehere has rediscovered his scoring touch in Carolina, riding a four-game goal streak – with three coming on the power play.
As the season unfolds, the burning question is which of these early developments are true indicators of things to come, and which are mere mirages. While it’s far too early to draw definitive conclusions, one thing is certain – the NHL’s power structure is anything but settled, setting the stage for a wild and unpredictable ride ahead.
