We are just over two weeks into the NHL season. Frozen Frenzy has wrapped up, and on the horizon looms the exciting return of top-level international hockey at the 4 Nations Face-off.
Although there is still a considerable amount of the season ahead, we have gathered enough data to pinpoint the biggest surprise for each of the 32 teams. This analysis is presented along with an updated set of Power Rankings.
How we rank: A panel consisting of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors submits a 1-32 poll based on the games played through Wednesday. This compilation results in our master ranking list.
Note: The previous ranking for each team refers to the last edition published on Oct. 19. Points percentages are current through Thursday’s games.
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 78.57%
Biggest surprise: Alexis is (still) on fire. Though the French word for brakes is “freins”, Alexis Lafreniere has been all gas, with no sign of “freins”. He continues to build on his impressive performance of 14 points in 16 playoff games. Being the No. 1 overall pick comes with immense expectations, often requiring immediate greatness. For the Quebec native, it’s been a marathon rather than a sprint, and his improvements are evident. One can only speculate how much consideration he will receive for Team Canada leading up to February’s 4 Nations Face-off.
Next seven days: vs. ANA (Oct. 26), @ WSH (Oct. 29)
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 100.00%
Biggest surprise: A perfect start. The Jets have achieved an impeccable start: 7-0-0, with a goal differential of plus-18, and six players registering at least a point per game. This kind of dream beginning can be pivotal if the team faces a slump later in the season while still maintaining a top position in the division. Before the season began, the Central Division was viewed as a top-heavy contest with the potential for surprises, and so far, Winnipeg has proven to be the most positive surprise.
Next seven days: @ CGY (Oct. 26), vs. TOR (Oct. 28), @ DET (Oct. 30)
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 75.00%
Biggest surprise: Logan Stankoven’s carried-over rookie campaign. In the NHL, a player remains classified as a “rookie” until they have played 25 games. Logan Stankoven played 24 last season for Dallas, making him eligible for the Calder Trophy this year. He made quite the impression during those 24 regular season and 19 postseason games, averaging just over 16 minutes of ice time per game. Now, he has commenced his official rookie season with seven assists in his first seven games, showcasing his energetic and fearless style, which has earned him top-line minutes.
Next seven days: vs. CHI (Oct. 26)
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 85.71%
Biggest surprise: A 5-0-2 start. The Wild are kicking off Marc-Andre Fleury’s final NHL
season off in a strong fashion, being one of just four teams without a regulation loss at this stage. Kirill Kaprizov has accumulated 13 points over seven games, while Mats Zuccarello has netted four goals. Could it be that the Wild and Preds exchanged preseason expectations?
Next seven days: @ PHI (Oct. 26), @ PIT (Oct. 29)
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 78.57%
Biggest surprise: Leading the league after seven games. The Flames were not anticipated to vie for a playoff spot this season, yet they have gotten off to a blistering start. They dominated Edmonton in the Battle of Alberta. Defenseman Rasmus Andersson leads with eight points, while Andersson, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Nazem Kadri each have three goals.
Next seven days: vs. WPG (Oct. 26), @ VGK (Oct. 28), @ UTA (Oct. 30)
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 57.14%
Biggest surprise: Guentzel continues where Stamkos left off. Let’s be clear, no one can replace Steven Stamkos and the legacy he has built with the Lightning and the city of Tampa. He is destined for the Hall of Fame, with his number set to be retired at Amalie Arena and a statue to be erected outside. Everyone is aware of this. However, Bolts fans watching the initial games of this season can’t help but feel excited as Jake Guentzel meshes perfectly with Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov, scoring seven points in his first six games.
Next seven days: vs. WSH (Oct. 26), vs. NSH (Oct. 28), @ COL (Oct. 30)
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 57.14%
Editor’s Picks
2 Related
Biggest surprise: Goaltending looks … promising? Toronto fans have long sought a stable No. 1 goalie to guide the team to success. Following Ilya Samsonov’s exit, Joseph Woll was expected to seize the opportunity, having shown great potential in the postseason when fit. The challenge, however, lies in his injury history.
Enter Anthony Stolarz, who has allowed two goals or fewer in every start this season, making a strong case for the No. 1 spot (or at the very least, co-No. 1 in a rotation). Dennis Hildeby has also performed well when called upon (except for the 6-2 defeat handed by the Blue Jackets). With Woll coming back from injury, the outlook for the Leafs in goal appears optimistic (despite Woll’s less than stellar performance against St. Louis on Thursday).
Next seven days: @ BOS (Oct. 26), @ WPG (Oct. 28), vs. SEA (Oct. 31)
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 64.29%
Biggest surprise: Howdy Howden. Brett Howden begins his fourth season with the Golden Knights as he plays in a contract year, and he has made a quick impact; he has scored three goals in seven games, showing promise for the season ahead.
He’s on track to reach double digits for the first time in his career. As a two-way player with a physical approach, he’s secured top-six minutes on the second line, joining Tomas Hertl and Pavel Dorofeyev to offer additional scoring options for a team that has lost several to free agency.
Next seven days: vs. OTT (Oct. 25), vs. SJ (Oct. 26), vs. CGY (Oct. 28), @ LA (Oct. 30)
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 55.00%
Biggest surprise: Casey’s impressive start. Seamus Casey has made a name for himself among Devils fans, netting three goals in eight games. Head coach Sheldon Keefe has expressed admiration for the 2022 second-round pick. Nonetheless, it is crucial for Casey to develop his skills further in the AHL. With Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce returning on Thursday, the blue line is becoming increasingly crowded for the long haul.
Next seven days: vs. NYI (Oct. 25), vs. ANA (Oct. 27), @ VAN (Oct. 30)
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 83.33%
Biggest surprise: Picking up where they left off. The Capitals have kicked off the season with a 5-1 record. Dylan Strome has tallied nine points, while Tom Wilson has scored five goals. Fans are eagerly anticipating when Alex Ovechkin will surpass Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record, but this team is also focused on returning to the playoffs following last season’s unexpected appearance.
Next seven days: @ TB (Oct. 26), vs. NYR (Oct. 29), vs. MTL (Oct. 31)
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 61.11%
Biggest (non-)surprise: Paul Maurice signs on the dotted line. One of the most memorable moments in NHL history occurred when Paul Maurice, during an interview with ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, was interrupted to receive the Stanley Cup. His expression reflected 29 years of pent-up relief as he spoke to and lifted the trophy. Winning the Cup often leads to retaining key personnel, which is exactly what the Panthers did by extending Maurice’s contract this week.
Next seven days: @ NYI (Oct. 26), @ BUF (Oct. 28)
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 66.67%
Biggest surprise: A very visible Ghost Bear. Shayne Gostisbehere returned to the Hurricanes from the Red Wings during the offseason and has made an early impact, including a streak of four games with goals, three of which were on the power play. The Hurricanes achieved the sole comeback of two or more goals during Frozen Frenzy night, overcoming Connor McDavid’s two goals to secure a win in overtime, with Gostisbehere contributing a goal and an assist in that match.
Next seven days: @ SEA (Oct. 26), @ VAN (Oct. 28), vs. BOS (Oct. 31)
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Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 56.25%
Biggest surprise: They’ve excelled in a season filled with firsts. The script for their opening game couldn’t have been better; a fantastic atmosphere, the first goal in franchise history netted by Dylan Guenther, who recently signed a substantial contract, followed by a second goal from the newly appointed captain, Clayton Keller. Will this magic persist throughout the season and lead to a playoff appearance?
Next seven days: @ LA (Oct. 26), vs. SJ (Oct. 28), vs. CGY (Oct. 30)
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 62.50%
Biggest surprise: Brandt Clarke. In last week’s power rankings that highlighted fantasy pickups for each team, Clarke was selected for Los Angeles. This 21-year-old is racking up significant and crucial minutes, especially filling in for Drew Doughty on the Kings’ power play. Clarke has achieved five assists in his first eight games of the season.
Next seven days: vs. UTA (Oct. 26), @ SJ (Oct. 29), vs. VGK (Oct. 30)
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 66.67%
Biggest surprise: The effectiveness of the power play. The Sens currently rank second in the league, operating at 40.9% efficiency with the man advantage, and are tied for the league lead with nine power play goals. Jake Sanderson has been outstanding, contributing six of his seven points while on the power play.
Next seven days: @ VGK (Oct. 25), @ COL (Oct. 27), vs. STL (Oct. 29)
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 66.67%
Biggest surprise: Elias Pettersson’s sluggish start. Pettersson has surpassed 30 goals in the last three seasons, accumulating 102 points two seasons ago. Therefore, having only three assists in six games paints an unflattering picture, particularly after he signed a hefty contract just months prior. Is he poised to break through?
Next seven days: vs. PIT (Oct. 26), vs. CAR (Oct. 28), vs. NJ (Oct. 30)
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 43.75%
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Surprising moment: Coach’s outburst towards Brad. During the third period of the Boston Bruins’ 2-1 loss to Utah on October 19, head coach Jim Montgomery was observed shouting at captain Brad Marchand from the bench after an offensive zone turnover. Montgomery also physically shoved the captain. Entering his third season with the Bruins, Montgomery has faced postseason exits in both of his previous years against the Panthers, leading to speculation about his job security.
For what it’s worth, Marchand downplayed the situation when speaking to reporters on Thursday: “It’s unfortunate how coaches get judged over situations like these. There’s a lack of accountability today because many can’t withstand the pressure. If you make a mistake, you should expect to be held accountable.”
Upcoming schedule: vs. TOR (Oct. 26), vs. PHI (Oct. 29), @ CAR (Oct. 31)
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 56.25%
Surprising development: Offensive explosion. In their inaugural season, the Seattle Kraken finished among the bottom five teams in goals scored (213). However, in their second season, the Kraken significantly improved, ranking in the top five with 289 goals, which propelled them into the playoffs. Last season, they fell back to the bottom five again (214 goals) and were far removed from postseason contention. Currently, they are performing around mid-table, in 13th place, with 23 goals across seven games. Key players Jared McCann and Jordan Eberle have contributed a combined nine goals as the team strives to return to the playoffs.
Upcoming schedule: vs. CAR (Oct. 26), @ MTL (Oct. 29), @ TOR (Oct. 31)
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 50.00%
Surprising factor: Goaltending issues. The Avalanche began the season with an 0-4 record, with opponents scoring five or more goals in each loss. Since then, they have bounced back, winning three games in a row while allowing an average of just two goals against per game. In five games, Alexandar Georgiev has recorded a save percentage of .810 and a 1-3 record. Justus Annunen stands at 2-1 with a .900 save percentage. Meanwhile, Kaapo Kahkonen is currently on a conditioning assignment in the AHL after being claimed off waivers. The team possesses the capability to outscore their difficulties on many occasions (Cale Makar is projected to achieve 114 points), but achieving stability in goal is crucial for them to become serious contenders.
Upcoming schedule: vs. OTT (Oct. 27), vs. CHI (Oct. 28), vs. TB (Oct. 30)
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 62.50%
Surprising characteristic: Tenacity. The Blues disrupted Macklin Celebrini’s NHL debut; although the Sharks led 4-1 heading into the third period, the Blues rallied back, scoring three unanswered goals to force the game into overtime, where captain Brayden Schenn sealed the win. Out of their games so far, only two have not been decided by a single goal, and St. Louis has managed to win more than they have lost.
Upcoming schedule: @ MTL (Oct. 26), @ OTT (Oct. 29), @ PHI (Oct. 31)
Previous ranking:
10
Points percentage: 35.71%
Biggest surprise: The Mirror. Mirror, mirror on the wall … which team is the biggest underachiever? So far this season, it’s Edmonton, who dreads the mention of déjà vu as much as Connor McDavid detests ketchup. It’s time for Edmonton to [ahem] buckle down and start racking up victories because, once again, this team is in Cup-or-bust mode.
Next seven days: vs. PIT (Oct. 25), @ DET (Oct. 27), @ CBJ (Oct. 28), @ NSH (Oct. 31)
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 50.00%
Biggest surprise: Shutout losses. Throughout six games, the Islanders have faced shutouts three times, with two of those losses being 1-0. The Isles have outshot opponents (particularly the Red Wings, with a shot count of 30-11) and created more chances. Meanwhile, Ilya Sorokin has excelled in goal. However, the team is struggling to find the back of the net. With Anthony Duclair injured, no player has scored more than two goals this season (Mathew Barzal has only one).
Next seven days: @ NJ (Oct. 25), vs. FLA (Oct. 26), vs. ANA (Oct. 29), @ CBJ (Oct. 30)
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 43.75%
Biggest surprise: Our love for nostalgia. Years ago, I attended a Bon Jovi concert. After performing a few tracks from their latest album, Jon Bon Jovi exclaimed, “Now we’ll play your favorites … the hits, only hits and nothing but the hits!” This thrilled the audience. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin may not be on a retirement tour, yet they are certainly achieving significant milestones (with Sid recently surpassing 1,600 points and Geno scoring 500 goals), evoking a sense of nostalgia for hockey fans reminiscent of ”Livin’ On A Prayer.”
Next seven days: @ EDM (Oct. 25), @ VAN (Oct. 26), vs. MIN (Oct. 29), vs. ANA (Oct. 31)
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 43.75%
Biggest surprise: Ryan McLeod. Since joining the Sabres from Edmonton in the offseason, McLeod has seamlessly integrated into the team, ranking second in goals on a squad that currently sits seventh in league scoring. Although the team didn’t start strong, including two losses overseas to kick off the season, the young core undeniably has the potential for a playoff push. McLeod adds valuable depth in the center.
Next seven days: vs. DET (Oct. 26), vs. FLA (Oct. 28)
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 58.33%
Biggest surprise: Shots for everyone! Perhaps this shouldn’t come as a shock, as this trend has persisted for the Ducks over the past few seasons. They led the league two years ago with 35.8 shots allowed per game, and this season they trail only Montreal with an allowance of 34.2. Despite this barrage, Lukas
Dostal has performed admirably during John Gibson’s absence, achieving a record of 2-1-1 and boasting a .930 save percentage.
Next seven days: @ NYR (Oct. 26), @ NJ (Oct. 27), @ NYI (Oct. 29), @ PIT (Oct. 31)
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 57.14%
Biggest surprise: Winning a game with just 11 shots on goal. This observation might carry some recency bias, as I’m composing this less than 24 hours after Frozen Frenzy, but it amazes me whenever a team manages to win a game with only 11 shots. This ties for the fifth fewest shots recorded in a victory in NHL history. Notably, two teams— the Sharks in 1998 and the Maple Leafs in 1999—achieved wins with just nine shots. Another candidate for this section could be Alex Lyon, who is having an impressive stretch (allowing only two goals on 84 shots in his last three outings).
Next seven days: @ BUF (Oct. 26), vs. EDM (Oct. 27), vs. WPG (Oct. 30)
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 50.00
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Biggest surprise: Scoring despite injuries. Columbus ranks 10th in the league for scoring, having netted 24 goals with a record of 3-3-0. Remarkably, their key offensive players are sidelined: captain Boone Jenner may be out for six months due to shoulder surgery, Dmitri Voronkov has been placed on IR after a preseason game, and Kent Johnston is also unavailable. Nevertheless, the Blue Jackets continue to find ways to score, including a notable 6-2 victory against Toronto. Sean Monahan, Mathieu Olivier, Kirill Marchenko, and Tegor Chinakov each have three goals across six games.
Next seven days: @ NSH (Oct. 26), vs. EDM (Oct. 28), vs. NYI (Oct. 30)
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 16.67%
Biggest surprise: Slow start following summer spending spree. The Preds have been a surprise since the offseason began. They acquired players like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, making them the second oldest team in the NHL, with an average age of 30.2. Despite these additions, their scoring has faltered, resulting in struggles; they began the season 0-5 before finally earning a 4-0 victory against the Bruins this week.
Next seven days: @ CHI (Oct. 25), vs. CBJ (Oct. 26), @ TB (Oct. 28), vs. EDM (Oct. 31)
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 35.71%
Biggest surprise: Turbo boost. Welcome back, Teuvo Teravainen. The 30-year-old began his NHL journey with the Blackhawks, spent eight seasons with Carolina, and has now returned to Chicago. He currently shares the top spot on the Hawks’ scoring leaderboard with Seth Jones and Connor Bedard, boasting three goals that put him level with captain Nick Foligno. The chemistry between Teravainen and Bedard has developed quickly, suggesting a promising partnership as the season unfolds.
Next seven days: vs. NSH (Oct. 25), @ DAL (Oct. 26), @ COL (Oct. 28), @ SJ (Oct. 31)
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 35.71%
Biggest surprise: Lane Hutson. Although the Habs may not be heading to the playoffs this year, they’re undeniably entertaining. It seems that each game features a moment that makes fans jump out of their seats, thanks to their exciting young talents. While it may not be surprising to see Cole Caulfield or Nick Suzuki in the spotlight, Lane Hutson has been delivering many of these thrilling moments. Despite the analytics being less favorable, coach Martin St. Louis appears untroubled so far. Hutson is on track to become a long-term defensive star for the Canadiens.
Next seven days: vs. STL (Oct. 26), @ PHI (Oct. 27), vs. SEA (Oct. 29), @ WSH (Oct. 31)
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 21.43%
Biggest surprise: Matvei-ry good. Matvei Michkov has officially joined the scene, much to the delight of Flyers fans, especially with his leading seven points over seven games. His puck handling, vision, and shooting skills are remarkable, and he is already playing significant minutes on the top line. All three of his goals have come on the power play; one can only imagine how effective he will become once he fully transitions to 5-on-5 scenarios.
Next seven days: vs. MIN (Oct. 26), vs. MTL (Oct. 27), @ BOS (Oct. 29), vs. STL (Oct. 31)
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 12.50%
Biggest surprise: Penalties. The Sharks remain the only winless team in the NHL, compounded by Macklin Celebrini’s injury absence. A concerning trend has emerged: the Sharks have allowed six power-play opportunities in three of their last four games. Following the Sharks’ 3-1 defeat to the Ducks on Tuesday, Cody Ceci noted, “Maybe we need to stay off the refs a little bit. Perhaps they’ll start to call more in our favor.” While reducing their penalty count might not resolve all issues, it’s certainly a place to begin.
Next seven days: @ VGK (Oct. 26), @ UTA (Oct. 28), vs. LA (Oct. 29), vs. CHI (Oct. 31)
Early NHL Surprises: Power Rankings and Standout Performances Two Weeks into the Season
Understanding the Early NHL Landscape
The NHL season is just two weeks old, and already, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with excitement over unexpected performances and shifting power dynamics. This article delves into the early surprises of the NHL, providing power rankings and highlighting standout performances that have caught the attention of hockey enthusiasts. With teams vying for positioning, now is the perfect time to analyze which squads are exceeding expectations and which players are making waves.
Current NHL Power Rankings
Early in the season, power rankings can be a telling indicator of which teams might make a serious run for the playoffs. Here’s a look at the top teams based on their performance over the first two weeks:
| Rank | Team | Record | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado Avalanche | 5-0-0 | Dominating offense with an average of 4.5 goals per game. |
| 2 | Florida Panthers | 4-1-0 | Strong defensive play, allowing only 2 goals per game. |
| 3 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 4-1-0 | Star players stepping up with multiple point games. |
| 4 | New York Rangers | 3-1-1 | Rookie goalie’s impressive debut with a shutout. |
| 5 | Dallas Stars | 3-2-0 | Excellent special teams play with a top power play unit. |
Standout Performances of the Season
As the season unfolds, several players have emerged as early frontrunners for individual accolades. Here are some standout performances that have turned heads:
1. Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche
Nathan MacKinnon is off to a blistering start, leading the league in points with 12 (6 goals, 6 assists) through just five games. His combination of speed, skill, and vision has been pivotal to the Avalanche’s early success.
2. Igor Shesterkin - New York Rangers
The Rangers’ goaltender Igor Shesterkin has showcased elite performance, boasting a 1.50 goals-against average (GAA) and a .950 save percentage. His ability to make highlight-reel saves has kept his team competitive in tight games.
3. Matthew Tkachuk - Florida Panthers
Matthew Tkachuk has brought a new level of intensity to the Panthers. With 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) and a physical style of play, he has become a key factor in Florida’s strong start.
4. Auston Matthews – Toronto Maple Leafs
Auston Matthews continues to be a dominant force, scoring 5 goals and 4 assists early in the season. His ability to find the back of the net consistently puts him in contention for the Rocket Richard Trophy.
5. Miro Heiskanen – Dallas Stars
The young defenseman Miro Heiskanen has been pivotal on both ends of the ice. Not only does he lead all defensemen in scoring with 8 points (2 goals, 6 assists), but he also logs heavy minutes, showcasing his skill set in a versatile role.
Key Takeaways from the Early Season
- Team Chemistry: Early success often comes from teams that have built strong chemistry. The Avalanche and Panthers exemplify this with cohesive play and shared responsibilities.
- Goalkeeping Matters: A solid goaltender can make all the difference. Teams like the Rangers and Avalanche are benefiting from their top-tier goalies.
- Star Power: Superstars stepping up in critical moments can elevate the entire team. Players like MacKinnon and Matthews are proving their worth early in the season.
Benefits of Monitoring Early Season Trends
Understanding early season performance can greatly benefit fans, bettors, and fantasy hockey players alike. Here are some benefits of keeping an eye on the NHL’s early trends:
- Informed Betting Decisions: By analyzing power rankings and standout performances, bettors can make more educated predictions regarding game outcomes.
- Fantasy Hockey Insights: Identifying players who are on the rise can help in drafting successful fantasy teams or making trades.
- Enhanced Viewing Experience: Knowing which teams and players to watch can make games more engaging and enjoyable.
Case Studies: Teams Surprising Early in the Season
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche has been a dominant force, winning all five of their games and showcasing a high-octane offense. Their ability to score at will has made them a team to watch, especially with MacKinnon leading the charge.
New York Rangers
The Rangers have demonstrated resilience early on, with Shesterkin’s standout performances stealing games. Their young core is showing promise, and if they can maintain this level of play, they could be contenders in the Eastern Conference.
First-Hand Experience: Fan Reactions
Fans are reacting passionately to the surprises of the early NHL season. Social media is abuzz with highlights, player stats, and discussions about potential trades. Here’s a glimpse of what fans are saying:
- “Can’t believe how well MacKinnon is playing! He’s on fire!”
- “Shesterkin is the backbone of the Rangers. If he stays healthy, watch out!”
- “I didn’t expect the Panthers to be this good. Their defense is unreal!”
Practical Tips for Following the NHL Season
- Stay Updated: Follow reliable sports news sources for up-to-the-minute updates on teams and player performances.
- Engage with Community: Join forums or social media groups to discuss thoughts and predictions with fellow fans.
- Watch Games: Make it a point to watch key matchups that could influence standings and playoff positions.
Conclusion
As we look forward to the rest of the season, it’s clear that surprises are a hallmark of the NHL. With teams like the Avalanche and Panthers setting the pace, and players like MacKinnon and Shesterkin leading the charge, fans can expect more excitement as the season progresses. Stay tuned for updates, power rankings, and standout performances in the weeks to come!
