The new season is a few weeks in, and there’s a decent possibility that your team has experienced a rough beginning. It may be a straightforward disappointment, or it might be edging towards catastrophic — the variations are numerous. However, encountering such a start often leads to anxiety and a feeling of impending doom, especially with important dates like November 1 or U.S. Thanksgiving looming, suggesting that the season could become a total bust if the team doesn’t regroup by then. A poor start can be disheartening.
Yet, it may not be as significant as it seems.
The term “may” is crucial because a sluggish start can certainly derail a season. Nonetheless, this isn’t always the case, as history frequently shows us. Therefore, let’s try to alleviate some concerns for fan bases in Colorado, Nashville, Buffalo, and elsewhere, while perhaps evoking some nostalgic memories for fans of other teams. We’ll take a look back at instances of poor starts that eventually turned out just fine.
For our discussion, we’ll define a bad start somewhat loosely, permitting us to use some arbitrary endpoints. Nonetheless, we aim to focus on teams that are at least below .500. For certain teams, this cold streak may last only a handful of games, while others may take months to gain traction. Additionally, the “didn’t matter” aspect will depend on individual perspectives; for some teams, a few extra points in October could have resulted in home ice advantage, a favorable playoff match-up, or who knows what else later on. The overarching takeaway remains: Often, a few poor games amount to merely that, and skilled teams usually find a way to rebound.
There is optimism. You just have to know where to direct your attention. Let’s reflect on some challenging starts.
Western Conference
We’ll progress alphabetically, which conveniently places the Ducks as a prime illustration of how insignificant a poor start can end up being. They began the 2015-16 season filled with hope after reaching the conference finals but stumbled almost right out of the gate. Within ten games, they had secured just one win, sitting at a dismal 1-7-2 while trailing the entirety of the league. The deficit was so severe that they didn’t reach .500 until after Christmas; however, an impressive 11-game winning streak in the latter half of the season propelled them to finish first in their division with 103 points. Remarkably, for once, a GM’s vow to avoid making changes for the sake of change proved effective.
Calgary Flames
By mid-November during the 2003-04 season, the Flames had tumbled to a record of 6-8-0-2, which is problematic for two reasons: First, because their record was below .500, and second—much more importantly—because it recalls a brief era where NHL standings had four columns. Good times, indeed. That said, the Flames finished impressively with a total of 94 points and advanced all the way to the finals.
Jarome Iginla poses with Bill Daly and the Clarence Campbell Bowl after winning the West for a berth in the 2004 Stanley Cup Final. (Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images)
Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks’ 1969-70 season began poorly, with an 0-5-1 record. It was not until their seventh game that they secured a win, only to then lose to the struggling Golden Seals. Despite this rocky start, they ended up with the best record in the league. In a more recent example, the 2008-09 team had a dismal beginning, prompting the firing of head coach and franchise great Denis Savard after just four games. Nevertheless, that squad advanced to the conference final and went on to capture three Cups in six years.
Colorado Avalanche
This season has been nothing short of disappointing for the Avalanche. Their struggles in the 2020 season were similar, as they started with a 4-5-1 record after ten games, having just suffered a sweep at the hands of the Brad Larsen-led Blue Jackets. However, they managed to rally, achieving six consecutive victories and completing five streaks with at least five wins during the remainder of the regular season. They continued their success in the playoffs, finishing with a 16-4 record to clinch the Cup.
Dallas Stars
The 2019-20 Stars serve as a textbook example of a turnaround. They began the season with one of the worst starts in franchise history, amassing a dismal record of 1-7-1. It seemed controversial to exclude them from my bottom five at that time. However, they bounced back spectacularly, claiming 14 victories in 16 games, and after the pandemic pause, they made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in two decades.
Edmonton Oilers
Although last year’s 2-9-1 start, which led to the dismissal of Jay Woodcroft, stands out, it did not prevent the Oilers from advancing to the finals. (In hindsight, a few more wins could have secured home-ice advantage in a decisive Game 7, indicating that their start held more significance than initially perceived.) Instead, I would highlight the 1989-90 Oilers, who, reeling from the previous year’s Wayne Gretzky trade, began their season with a 5-8-4 record and did not exceed .500 until late November. Remarkably, they went on to secure their fifth Cup in seven years.
Los Angeles Kings
The 2011-12 Kings warrant mention here, though their start was less about being poor and more about a lack of inspiration, as they hovered around .500 for much of December. Following a coaching change to Darryl Sutter, they performed well enough to clinch the final playoff position in the West. The rest is now part of hockey history.
Minnesota Wild
Two years ago, the Wild’s season began with dismal performances; they lost their first three games and conceded 20 goals in total. Their coach even opted to send the players home in frustration. By November, they managed to return to .500, ultimately finishing the season with 103 points and ranking solidly for fewest goals allowed. Unfortunately, they were eliminated in the first round, remaining true to their identity as the Wild.
(It’s also worth giving a nod to the 1990-91 North Stars, who, despite starting at 4-14-5, still reached the Stanley Cup Final.)
Nashville Predators
No team might need an “October doesn’t matter” morale boost more than the Predators at this moment, and lucky for them, the franchise’s two most successful seasons both began with slow starts. In the 2016-17 season, they recorded a 2-5-1 record within the first month yet still advanced to the finals. Similarly, during the 2017-18 season, they started off at 5-5-2 before winning nine out of ten games, ultimately finishing the season with the best record in the league.
San Jose Sharks
Sharks fans are no strangers to dismal beginnings, having experienced a 3-9-3 record two years back and, of course, last year’s 11-game losing streak. Although neither of those campaigns concluded successfully, the 2003-04 season unfolded differently, even after the Sharks won only three out of their first 19 games. Fortunately, they only suffered eight losses in that span—the remainder being ties from a time when that was still possible. The Sharks eventually overcame their rocky start, amassing 103 points and reaching the conference finals for the first time in franchise history.
Seattle Kraken
You didn’t think we’d forget about them, did you? Though the Kraken are just entering their fourth year, they started the 2022-23 season with a 3-4-2 record, which was the only season they qualified for the playoffs. That team finished the year with 100 points and even advanced past the first round.
St. Louis Blues
With due respect to their inaugural season, where the Blues began with a 5-16-2 record but advanced to the Finals, the highlight has to be their championship run in 2018-19. At various stages, their record was concerning, including being 1-3-2, 2-4-3, 7-10-3, and even 15-18-4 on January 3, the day they found themselves at the bottom of the league standings. This turnaround may be regarded as the most remarkable in NHL history—a season that will serve as an example for struggling teams in years to come as they ask their fanbases for continued patience.
Utah Hockey Club
The most challenging start in franchise history is (checks note) this year, given that the NHL claims this is a new team that previously did not exist. So, regrettably for Utah fans, you may not be part of today’s retrospective. However, we all recognize these are the repackaged Coyotes, so let’s recall the 2010-11 season, during which they only won four of their first 14 games yet finished with 99 points— the second-best record in team history.
Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks deserve acknowledgment for their knack for turning around their worst starts, often leading to their most disappointing seasons. A notable exception is the 2010-11 season, which is considered the best in franchise history. That year, the team struggled initially, securing only two victories in their first seven games before rallying to capture the Presidents’ Trophy and nearly clinch a championship.
Vegas Golden Knights
<p/In fact, the Golden Knights have experienced only two slow starts throughout their history, beginning the seasons with 1-4-0 records in both 2018-19 and 2021-22. One of those seasons concluded in an incredibly heart-wrenching manner, while the other saw them miss the playoffs for the first time ever. So yes, this example truly is the exception that confirms the rule.
Winnipeg Jets
<p/The 2017-18 Jets not only started their season with an 0-2-0 record but also conceded 13 goals along the way. On a positive note, they bounced back promptly to secure a franchise-record 114 points, almost winning the Presidents’ Trophy. Even better, those underwhelming first two games ultimately led to starter Steve Mason losing his position to a young talent named Connor Hellebuyck.
Eastern Conference
Boston Bruins
Can a single game be classified as a poor start? I believe it can, especially when the opposing team raises a Cup banner in your presence and then humiliates you with a 7-0 defeat that prompts your future captain to lash out and confront an opponent. This was how the 2018-19 Bruins kicked off their season, which they later concluded by reaching the Stanley Cup Final.
Buffalo Sabres
Let’s scroll until we discover a commendable season for the Sabres. (After scrolling for a bit.) Ah, here we are. The 2005-06 squad didn’t appear strong following the lockout; they were stuck at .500 by mid-November, having won only nine of their first 18 games. However, they went on to win 43 out of their last 64, finishing with 110 points and advancing through two playoff rounds before injuries ravaged their defense, hindering what could have been the franchise’s first championship. To illustrate that starts can be misleading, the following year’s team turned things around by beginning the season 10-0-0, only to exit in the conference finals yet again.
Daniel Briere celebrates his overtime game-winning goal to force Game 7 in the 2006 Eastern Conference final against Carolina. (Rick Stewart / Getty Images)
Carolina Hurricanes
The Cup-winning season of 2005-06 began fairly well. However, if we look back three years earlier, we see a team led by the youthful mastermind Paul Maurice had a rocky initial few months; they didn’t maintain a winning record until achieving a victory in the second week of December, yet ultimately made it to the finals. More recently, the rookie coach Rod Brind’Amour led the 2018-19 team through a tough stretch in October and November, where they lost eight of ten games, not reclaiming a winning record until the start of the new year. That team managed to finish with 99 points and won two rounds in the playoffs.
Columbus Blue Jackets
<p A challenging aspect of identifying a poor start transforming into a successful season lies in the definition of a 'successful season'. This is particularly pertinent in Columbus, where the franchise has only achieved one victory in a seven-game series throughout its history. This lone achievement occurred in the 2018-19 season, during which the team's start was quite decent. So, turning our attention to the 2016-17 season, this team stumbled initially with four losses in their first six games but then switched gears, culminating in a record-breaking 108-point season. A helpful tip: achieving a 16-game winning streak throughout December and onward greatly contributes to such a turnaround.
Detroit Red Wings
<p Despite decent starts in their recent Cup-winning seasons, they opened the 1996-97 season with a record of 2-4-0 just two weeks in. Let's consider the previous year, when the 1995-96 team began with a 5-5-2 record before gaining momentum to finish with an impressive 57-8-5 record, setting the NHL record for most wins in a single season with 62. (Although this record has since been matched and surpassed, those accomplishments occurred during the shootout/loser point era, hence they are not considered comparable.)
Florida Panthers
<p There’s no need for embellishment here, particularly with a franchise that hasn’t had many triumphant seasons to reflect on. The previous year certainly qualifies as a success, especially considering they began with a 2-3-0 record. Ultimately, everything turned out well.
Montreal Canadiens
<p A wealth of history exists for selection, but let’s focus on the more recent era by highlighting the 1985-86 Canadiens. This team started the season with a 4-6-0 record in October but rebounded effectively, ultimately securing a playoff berth and winning the franchise's 23rd Stanley Cup. For Canadiens fans, this serves as a more positive reminder that early-season performances aren't always indicative of the final outcome, unlike some other seasons we could discuss.
New Jersey Devils
<p Recent history provides a crucial lesson on the dangers of overreacting to early games. Just two years ago, the team started with an 0-2-0 record, which led to fans clamoring to Fire Lindy, yet soon after, they won 16 of their next 17 games, finishing with 112 points. We can also recall the 1994-95 season, where expectations were high, but the team stumbled out of the gate with a 3-5-2 record, only managing to achieve a winning record on the final day of March. While this season was impacted by a lockout, it still involved a lengthy wait.
New York Islanders
The 1979-80 team took …
It took quite some time for progress to be made, with the team hitting a low point of 6-11-4 by November’s end and not breaking even until mid-January. Following that, they orchestrated a noteworthy trade with the Kings that you may recall. Subsequently, they triumphed in the Cup and went on to win the next three titles as well. As a result, many have forgotten the sluggish start from the fall of 1979.
The Islanders captured their inaugural Stanley Cup in 1980 after a challenging start. They went on to secure three more titles as well. (Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios / Getty Images)
New York Rangers
In the 1993-94 season, the Rangers began with a record of 4-5-0, achieving this dubious milestone after suffering back-to-back defeats to newly added teams, the Mighty Ducks and Lightning (during a time when expansion franchises were expected to perform poorly). If you’re curious how that season unfolded for the Rangers, just tune into the NHL Network; it won’t be long before they begin discussing it.
Ottawa Senators
The Senators have a peculiar history regarding starts; they have often sabotaged their seasons with poor performances in October, yet they once launched a season with a remarkable 13-1-0 start, only to dismiss their newly hired coach a few months later. In addition, the 2006-07 season kicked off with a record of 6-10-1 by mid-November, yet they still amassed 105 points and scored the winning goal in the Stanley Cup.
Philadelphia Flyers
Longtime Flyers supporters are well aware that starts don’t always dictate outcomes. There was a time when this team reached its 38th game before experiencing its second loss, but that season didn’t end with a Cup victory. The 1999-2000 team, however, is more relevant to this discussion, as they commenced with a dismal 0-4-1 record, scoring only once in their first three games. They quickly rebounded, winning four consecutive games to reenter the playoff race, finishing with 105 points, and ultimately advancing to a conference final that fans still vividly remember for <a href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/playoffs00/s/2000/0528/
Pittsburgh Penguins
The 1990-91 season began with the team securing consecutive victories, but they then managed to win only one of their subsequent seven games, resulting in a 3-5-1 record. To compound matters, Mario Lemieux faced an extended absence from the lineup, and promising rookie Jaromir Jagr struggled early on. Additionally, they had a significant gap on defense that wouldn’t be addressed until Larry Murphy joined the team in December. Ultimately, they went on to win the next two Stanley Cups. Your team could have a similar fate, provided they have two of the greatest offensive players in history poised to dominate the league and can acquire a Hall-of-Fame defenseman for a steal. Huh. Perhaps this example isn’t quite as instructive as it seemed.
Tampa Bay Lightning
We need to bend our “under .500” rule slightly, as the 2019-20 Lightning never fully fell below that mark. However, they were perilously close in October, ending up with a record of 6-5-2 over their first 13 games. This was notable considering they had just come off a record-breaking 128-point season that ended in an unexpected first-round exit. Even their captain warned that it would be a “really, really, really long year.” It indeed was, as they played into September and emerged victorious in the Stanley Cup.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The history of the Leafs is certainly filled with poor beginnings, and I could mention the time they started 1-10-0 yet still managed to make the playoffs. (With, uh, 57 points. Bless you, Wendel, for the Norris Division.) However, let’s focus on the 1992-93 team, which found themselves at 2-3-1 after their first six games. Even more troubling, they allowed at least three goals in every match, casting doubt on the defensive abilities of their new coach, Pat Burns, making the prospect of a fun season seem bleak.
Washington Capitals
I’d love to highlight the 1974-75 team, which won only one of its initial 18 games but then caught fire to finish the season with eight victories. However, I believe we should focus on the 2017-18 squad, which had come off a Presidents’ Trophy-winning season yet stumbled through October with a 5-6-1 record. It took some time, but at last, the Capitals grasped the key lesson this entire article has emphasized: the way you start is only marginally less crucial than how you finish.
(Top photo of Alex Pietrangelo hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2019: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
Why a Slow Start Doesn’t Have to Spell Disaster: Learning from NHL Teams That Overcame Early Struggles
Understanding the Nature of Slow Starts in NHL Teams
The National Hockey League (NHL) is a competitive arena where the pressure to perform is immense. Each season presents teams with the challenge of establishing momentum, and a slow start can be daunting. However, history shows that a sluggish beginning does not necessarily dictate a team’s fate. Many NHL teams have turned early-season struggles into success stories, demonstrating resilience, strategic adjustments, and strong leadership.
Common Causes of Slow Starts in NHL Teams
- Player Injuries: Injuries to key players can significantly impact team performance.
- Roster Changes: New player acquisitions and trades may disrupt team chemistry.
- Coaching Adjustments: New systems and strategies can take time for players to adapt.
- Team Dynamics: Internal issues like locker room chemistry can affect performance.
Benefits of Overcoming a Slow Start
Teams that successfully navigate early-season struggles can enjoy numerous benefits:
- Increased Resilience: Overcoming adversity builds character and mental toughness.
- Improved Team Chemistry: Working through challenges can strengthen bonds between players.
- Strategic Depth: Teams often identify weaknesses and make necessary adjustments.
- Fan Engagement: A comeback story can engage and excite the fanbase, driving attendance and viewership.
Case Studies: NHL Teams that Overcame Early Struggles
1. Chicago Blackhawks (2010-2011 Season)
After a tumultuous start with a 3-5-1 record, the Chicago Blackhawks rallied to finish the season strong. Key reasons for their turnaround included:
- Improved offensive strategies as the coaching staff adjusted line combinations.
- Star player Patrick Kane stepping up to lead the scoring charts.
- A solid defensive game that reduced goals against.
Ultimately, the Blackhawks made a deep playoff run, showcasing their ability to bounce back from an early-season slump.
2. Los Angeles Kings (2011-2012 Season)
The Kings started the season poorly, but they found their stride mid-season. Their transformation was marked by:
- Consistent goaltending from Jonathan Quick, who became a key player.
- A shift in focus to a stronger defensive game, which minimized turnovers.
- Effective communication between players and coaching staff to address issues.
This resilience helped the Kings capture the Stanley Cup, proving that a rough beginning can be overcome.
3. St. Louis Blues (2018-2019 Season)
In December 2018, the St. Louis Blues were last in the NHL standings. However, they made critical changes that led to one of the biggest turnarounds:
- Hiring Craig Berube as head coach, who implemented a more aggressive style of play.
- Strong performances from rookie Jordan Binnington, who solidified the goaltending position.
- Team cohesion and resilience in the face of adversity.
By the end of the season, the Blues secured their first Stanley Cup, illustrating that perseverance pays off.
First-Hand Experiences: Insights from Players and Coaches
Players and coaches often share their perspectives on overcoming slow starts. Here are a few key insights:
Player Perspectives
Players emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. Here are some sentiments from veteran NHL players:
“It’s all about trusting the process and believing in each other, no matter how tough things get.” – NHL Veteran
“You can’t let the outside noise affect your focus. We knew we had the talent to turn things around.” – All-Star Player
Coaching Insights
Coaches also highlight strategies that can help teams overcome adversity:
“Communication is key. We broke down the issues and worked on solutions together.” – NHL Head Coach
“We focused on the little victories, celebrating even minor improvements.” – Associate Coach
Practical Tips for Teams Facing Slow Starts
For NHL teams grappling with early difficulties, implementing strategic adjustments and fostering a positive environment can be crucial. Here are some practical tips:
- Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where players feel comfortable discussing challenges.
- Set Short-Term Goals: Focus on achieving small victories rather than getting overwhelmed by the bigger picture.
- Analyze Performance Metrics: Use data to identify areas for improvement and develop targeted strategies.
- Emphasize Team Bonding: Organize team-building activities to strengthen relationships off the ice.
Key Takeaways from NHL Comebacks
Analyzing NHL teams that overcame slow starts reveals several lessons:
| Team | Season | Initial Record | Final Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Blackhawks | 2010-2011 | 3-5-1 | Deep Playoff Run |
| Los Angeles Kings | 2011-2012 | Poor Start | Stanley Cup Champions |
| St. Louis Blues | 2018-2019 | Last Place | Stanley Cup Champions |
Conclusion: The Importance of Perseverance
Ultimately, NHL teams that face slow starts can find success through resilience, strategic adjustments, and teamwork. By learning from past experiences and focusing on improvement, teams can turn early struggles into a pathway for future victories. Whether it’s through enhanced communication, setting achievable goals, or fostering strong relationships, the journey from a slow start to success can be an inspiring tale in the world of hockey.
