Just over three weeks into the 2024-25 NHL season, the landscape is looking intriguing. The Edmonton Oilers, who were our preseason favorites for the Stanley Cup, are encountering difficulties in finding the back of the net. Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames and Minnesota Wild, both of whom missed the playoffs last year, are surprisingly off to impressive starts. Additionally, the Winnipeg Jets are not just performing well; they remain undefeated.
The surprises of this active season have even exceeded our most daring predictions.
What has been the most surprising aspect for each team thus far, whether good, bad, or ugly? This week, The Athletic asked its NHL staff for insights. Here’s their take.
Mason McTavish’s demotion in the lineup: Several candidates were in contention for this spot: Trevor Zegras, who has only 2 points in six games, Cutter Gauthier, who finally registered his first points earlier this week, and Lukáš Dostál, who is off to a strong start in goal. However, what raised eyebrows was Ducks coach Greg Cronin moving McTavish from his usual No. 2 center position to the fourth line during Tuesday’s game against the San Jose Sharks. This move doesn’t seem to be a permanent decision, as McTavish still played nearly 17 minutes and assisted on Leo Carlsson’s crucial power-play goal. Nonetheless, it highlights Cronin’s high expectations for the young player, who has so far accumulated only eight shots on goal along with poor possession and defensive statistics. Similar to his approach with Zegras last season and Gauthier, benching McTavish for extended periods sends a clear message to his young prospects if he is dissatisfied with their performance. — Eric Stephens
GO DEEPER
Here they go again — the Ducks are making life difficult for Lukáš Dostál in goal
Cole Koepke’s offensive breakout: The Bruins signed Koepke, 26, as a depth forward on a one-year, $775,000 contract, with no guarantee of making the team. However, as the No. 4 right wing alongside Johnny Beecher and Mark Kastelic, the former Tampa Bay Lightning player has notched three goals and accumulated 6 points in his first eight games. Previously, he had scored just one goal in the NHL. Koepke has demonstrated a straightforward, no-nonsense playing style, consistently heading into difficult areas to retrieve pucks. — Fluto Shinzawa
Cole Koepke, ladies and gentlemen. pic.twitter.com/VqVqSCmEgN
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) October 20, 2024
Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn have yet to score: Positioned on Buffalo’s second line and receiving power-play opportunities, Cozens and Quinn are anticipated to have significant seasons. However, after eight games, they have yet to score a goal and have only registered three assists combined. Quinn even faced a game as a healthy scratch. Although Cozens leads the team in shots on goal, he has struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Furthermore, Buffalo has not converted a power-play chance yet. The Sabres need these two players to find their rhythm to alleviate some pressure from the team’s top line. — Matthew Fairburn
Calgary Flames
Their franchise-best start: Jonathan Huberdeau is producing at a point-per-game pace, and Martin Pospisil is showing promise as a viable center option, which bodes well for the team.
Dustin Wolf’s flawless 3-0-0 record is noteworthy. Additionally, we shouldn’t overlook Justin Kirkland. When you consider all of this, it results in a Flames team that has surpassed expectations, achieving the best start in franchise history. Many analysts predicted Calgary would end up as a bottom-three team in the standings. Now, there are discussions about whether the Flames should stockpile assets for a playoff push. Will this trajectory continue? Time will tell. However, Flames fans are eager to relish this journey for as long as it lasts. — Julian McKenzie
GO DEEPER
LeBrun: What’s behind the Flames’ hot start? Catching up with Craig Conroy
Shayne Gostisbehere surpassing expectations: It was well-known that Gostisbehere had scoring ability. Heading into this season, he had accumulated 97 goals since becoming an NHL regular in the 2015-16 season, ranking as the 10th highest among defensemen. Nonetheless, “Ghost” has gone beyond expectations at the start of this season with four goals in his first five games. He’s only the second defenseman in franchise history (following Dougie Hamilton in 2019) and the first in the NHL since Filip Hronek (Detroit Red Wings, 2022) to score in four consecutive games. Moreover, he has integrated seamlessly into the top power-play unit, which finished second in the league last season. — Cory Lavalette
WE BELIEVE IN GHOST 👻 pic.twitter.com/BYcrTMFZp8
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) October 23, 2024
Veteran acquisitions have not made an impact: The Blackhawks brought in eight veterans during the offseason, yet with the exception of Teuvo Teräväinen, their influence has been minimal. Craig Smith has shown flashes of promise but has also found himself as a healthy scratch. Tyler Bertuzzi has yet to register a point in five-on-five situations over eight games. T.J. Brodie has struggled in his defensive role. Ilya Mikheyev has not contributed offensively. Patrick Maroon holds the second-lowest on-ice expected goals percentage on the team. Further complicating matters, Alec Martinez and Laurent Brossoit are sidelined due to injuries. — Scott Powers
Ross Colton rising to a first-line position: With Gabriel Landeskog, Valeri Nichushkin, and Jonathan Drouin unavailable to play alongside Nathan MacKinnon on Colorado’s top line, coach Jared Bednar turned to Colton. Colton has responded by scoring seven goals, placing him second in the NHL behind the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov (eight). His offensive surge has aligned with Colorado’s revival, having netted two goals in each of the team’s first two victories (including the game-winner on Sunday in San Jose). Colton has proved to be a delightful and vital surprise early in the season. — Jesse Granger
Can ANYONE stop Ross Colton right now? 🔥 pic.twitter.com/358GyhZlNu
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 23, 2024
October 25, 2024
Mathieu Olivier … a goal scorer? Currently, the leading goal scorers for the Blue Jackets this season include Kirill Marchenko, Sean Monahan, Yegor Chinakhov, and, surprisingly … Olivier? Yes, the player typically known as a fourth-liner has made an unexpected impact, tallying three goals, one assist, four points, and a plus-1 rating in just the first six games. He achieved his first career two-goal game on Tuesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Olivier, who also led the team with four preseason goals, shared that he dedicated his offseason to enhancing his skills, which included a modification to his equipment he preferred not to disclose. After all, why tempt fate? — Aaron Portzline
GO DEEPER
Blue Jackets receive significant boost from Mathieu Olivier and Justin Danforth in rout of Leafs
Columbus has scored!
Goal by Mathieu Olivier with 08:24 remaining in the 2nd period.
Assists by Zachary Aston-Reese and Justin Danforth.
Score: Columbus 5
Toronto 0#TORvsCBJ #CBJ #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/6CMDxCZPM5— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) October 23, 2024
Defensive production concerns: While the start has been impressive, one downside is the lack of offensive contributions from the Stars’ defensemen. Dallas has managed just one goal from the defense, scored by Thomas Harley in their seventh game, which was a loss to Buffalo. Moreover, it’s not solely about scoring. Miro Heiskanen’s secondary assist on Jason Robertson’s goal during Thursday night’s game in Boston marked the first point for a Dallas defenseman besides Harley. Through eight games — nearly 10 percent of the season — five defensemen, including a potential Norris Trophy candidate, have collectively produced no goals and only one secondary assist. On a positive note, the Stars hold a record of 6-2-0. As Heiskanen starts to contribute more offensively, their potential will undoubtedly increase. — Mark Lazerus
Detroit Red Wings
Simon Edvinsson’s swift adaptation: Edvinsson arrives with significant expectations as the No. 6 draft pick, but his rapid integration as a crucial element of the Red Wings’ blue line has been remarkable. Early in the season, he has been logging significant minutes and matching up against top offensive lines. He has quickly ascended to the team’s top defensive pairing and has shown resilience, particularly while maintaining a tight 1-0 lead against the New York Islanders, using his impressive defensive skills to thwart entries and disrupt plays. With just over 30 NHL games under his belt, Edvinsson will undoubtedly experience fluctuations in performance as the season unfolds, particularly given the challenging nature of his current role. However, it’s essential…
It is encouraging for the Red Wings to see him thriving in that role so early. — Max Bultman
GO DEEPER
My thoughts and insights on the Red Wings after 7 games
Edmonton Oilers
Struggling to score: The Oilers have been an offensive powerhouse since becoming a consistent playoff contender in 2020. Following a four-goal effort against Pittsburgh on Friday, they have totaled only 18 goals in their eight games, averaging 2.25 goals per game, which places them just above the San Jose Sharks. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins finally found the back of the net for the first time this season, while offseason acquisition Viktor Arvidsson has yet to score. Similarly, Zach Hyman, who notched 54 goals in the regular season and added 16 in the playoffs last year, has not scored either. The once-dominant power play, featuring Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, has become a point of concern, prompting coach Kris Knoblauch to contemplate changes in personnel. The situation remains baffling. — Daniel Nugent-Bowman
GO DEEPER
Time is running out for the Oilers to make changes to their power play
Carter Verhaeghe’s slow start: The Panthers did not anticipate being without Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk for much of the early season, although Tkachuk has since come back. Despite this setback, the reigning champions have managed to stay afloat. There’s little cause for alarm, yet it’s somewhat surprising that Verhaeghe has not stepped up more during this time; he has accumulated just one goal and five points (with only three at even strength) through his first nine games. However, this seems like minor criticism, and he is expected to find his rhythm soon. — Sean Gentille
The Kings’ inconsistent performance: With a record of 4-2-2, they find themselves in a decent position, unexpectedly placed between Calgary and the traditionally strong Pacific Division contender, the Vegas Golden Knights. Given that only a small fraction of the season has been played, there is still time to improve. What stands out about the Kings is their tendency to either perform defensively strong or to be overwhelmed offensively. They conceded six goals in regulation losses to both Toronto and Vegas, and the Ottawa Senators scored eight against them during a thrilling overtime shootout. Conversely, they have allowed two goals or fewer in their other five games. The absence of Drew Doughty from the defense may contribute to this inconsistency. David Rittich has been reliable in goal, while Darcy Kuemper, now activated, is set to start Saturday against the Utah Hockey Club after missing four games. The transition away from the 1-3-1 neutral-zone trap, along with some roster changes, has created fluctuations in play, but the Kings managed to secure points over a challenging seven-game road stretch to kick off the season. Ultimately, that is what counts. — Eric Stephens
GO DEEPER
What worked and didn’t work on the Kings’ season-opening road trip
Minnesota Wild
Riding the Gus Bus: General manager Bill Guerin of the Wild is fortunate he chose not to trade Filip Gustavsson last offseason, as many of his counterparts are likely regretting not taking a chance on him. After five starts this season, Gustavsson is performing at an impressive level, arguably surpassing his form from two years ago when he ranked second in the NHL for save percentage and goals-against average. He made history as the 15th goalie in NHL history and the first in Wild franchise history to score a goal, while also allowing only seven goals across his five starts, boasting a record of 4-0-1. He currently holds the league’s top goals-against average at 1.40 and the second-best save percentage at .952. — Michael Russo
GO DEEPER
Inside the Wild’s Filip Gustavsson’s perfectly aimed goalie goal
Gus Bus appreciation post 💚 pic.twitter.com/W1VBNbd50x
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) October 23, 2024
Lane Hutson’s ice time: Despite a challenging recent performance, Hutson’s adjustment to the NHL has been remarkably seamless. Over the course of seven games, he has assumed the lead in ice time for the Canadiens, averaging 23:16 per game without participating in the primary power-play unit. At even strength, his ice time is 20:05 per game, placing him among the top 20 players in the NHL—surpassing the averages of Moritz Seider from the Red Wings, Devon Toews from the Avalanche, and Noah Dobson from the Islanders. While some defensive shortcomings have emerged, they are less pronounced than many expected for a defenseman measuring 5-foot-9 and weighing 160 pounds. — Arpon Basu
GO DEEPER
Lane Hutson predicted Canadiens wouldn’t care about his size. He’s proved himself right
The overall lackluster play: The Predators have finally triumphed over their historically poor beginning to the season, turning around a streak of five losses in regulation with an essential 4-0 victory against the Bruins. This win may signal a shift in momentum. However, in the early going, no facet of this team’s performance is meeting the anticipated standards. Juuse
Saros typically begins the season slowly, which isn’t particularly shocking. However, the addition of Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei to a team that excelled under Andrew Brunette’s system last season was expected to ignite instant chemistry. — Joe Rexrode
Johnathan Kovacevic has been fitting in nicely with the New Jersey Devils. (Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
The rise of Johnathan Kovacevic: This summer, the Devils brought Kovacevic on board in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2026, and he has integrated seamlessly into the team. As of Friday’s game, he was averaging 21:18 in ice time, with a goal, 5 points, and a plus-3 rating. While his ice time may decrease with the return of Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce, the Devils are undoubtedly pleased with his contributions thus far. — Peter Baugh
New York Islanders
Ilya Sorokin’s return to form: Sorokin underwent a puzzling offseason back surgery, which limited him to just a few days in training camp, casting doubt on his regular-season performance. However, he has dispelled any worries. Not only has he returned to health, but he has also performed remarkably well. Before Friday’s game, he had conceded only four goals across three starts. Unfortunately, his teammates have struggled to find the back of the net on his behalf. — Arthur Staple
The excellence of the third line: While it’s not surprising that the Rangers’ third line, consisting of Will Cuylle, Filip Chytil, and Kaapo Kakko, has been productive, their combined impact has been significant for coach Peter Laviolette. Each member of the trio has recorded at least 5 points, and notably, the Rangers have not surrendered a five-on-five goal with this line on the ice throughout seven games. Chytil, who missed most of last season due to a suspected concussion, has greatly contributed to the team’s depth by remaining healthy and effective. A scoring-capable third line enhances the Rangers’ overall strength, significantly contributing to their success.
off to a 5-1-1 start. — Peter Baugh
GO DEEPER
How Rangers’ Kaapo Kakko navigates Type 1 diabetes as an NHL player
Ottawa Senators
Their power play: Eventually, the Senators’ power-play conversion rate will decrease. However, it’s encouraging to see the Sens ranking over 40 percent as of Thursday and recording power-play goals in four consecutive games prior to Friday night’s matchup against Vegas. They have demonstrated an ability to effectively circulate the puck during power plays, with Jake Sanderson playing a vital role in their success. To maintain their position among the league’s elite, Ottawa will likely need to create more high-danger scoring opportunities, but they certainly have a strong foundation. — Julian McKenzie
GO DEEPER
Five things we’ve learned about the Senators after 5 games
Jett Luchanko remains on the NHL roster: Currently, two players from the 2024 NHL Draft have secured spots on NHL rosters: Macklin Celebrini of San Jose, selected first and Luchanko, taken at No. 13. Coach John Tortorella has praised Luchanko’s performance since their first encounter in training camp, lauding his speed, maturity, and hockey IQ. Whether Luchanko returns to juniors or stays with the Flyers for the entirety of the season remains uncertain. — Kevin Kurz
Pittsburgh Penguins
Kevin Hayes is putting the puck in the net: For much of the last decade, scoring from the bottom six has been lacking in Pittsburgh. Although adding Hayes wasn’t expected to change that dynamic, he has excelled. Alongside scoring three goals, Hayes has also distinguished himself with impressive defensive play on a revamped fourth line. His ability around the net, showcasing both skill and finesse, makes him a valuable addition. — Rob Rossi
GO DEEPER
Kevin Hayes shows value in early days with Penguins
Kevin Hayes converts on the power play to get the Penguins on the board. 🐧 pic.twitter.com/Ym6wWdLeX2
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 22, 2024
San Jose Sharks
A challenging winless season start: The Sharks were not expected to rack up wins this season. However, with a new head coach and significant roster changes, there was hope for improved competitiveness and an earlier first win compared to last season’s 0-10-1 start. Opening night presented a prime opportunity when the Sharks led the St. Louis Blues by three goals heading into the third period. A win at that point would have dispelled the dreadful initiation of the 2023-24 season, but this team remains in a talent-desolate situation, still grasping the necessity of playing a complete game to secure victories. Competitive spirit has been evident, as shown during Thursday’s match against the Kings, where the Sharks delivered a solid final 40 minutes despite the loss. This group does not seem destined to replicate last season’s alarming statistics of 331 goals conceded or a minus-150 goal differential. However, upcoming games against Vegas, Utah, and a rematch with Los Angeles imply that the path to victory remains challenging. — Eric Stephens
GO DEEPER
Stephens: The Sharks are still searching for a win — and their new identity
Brandon Montour’s influence: Viewers tuning into Kraken games have certainly noticed Montour’s impactful presence on the ice during the early season. As a high-profile unrestricted free-agent addition, he was anticipated to enhance the Kraken’s defense. Yet, he has surpassed all expectations with his performances in the Pacific Northwest over the last month. Not only has he contributed on the scoreboard, but his two-way game and style of play have established him as a valuable asset for the Kraken. Montour’s dynamic ability to drive play from the back end has noticeably benefited both of the team’s top-four defensive pairs, leading to remarkable advantages in shot counts and scoring chances while he’s on the ice. Though it’s still early, Montour appears to have significantly raised this team’s offensive potential. — Thomas Drance
St. Louis Blues
Ryan Suter on the top defensive pair: At 39, Suter is the second-oldest player in the NHL, just a few months younger than Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. With a birthday in January marking his transition to 40, he continues to showcase impressive performance levels. After being bought out of his contract for the second time last summer, he was signed by the Blues to bolster their defensive depth. Stepping in for an injured Nick Leddy, Suter now takes on a pivotal role alongside Colton Parayko in the top defensive pairing. Since taking on this responsibility, he has averaged over 24 minutes of ice time per game and remains a positive contributor on the ice. — Jeremy Rutherford
GO DEEPER
Sizing up the NHL: Analyzing 2024-25 teams by age, height, weight and nationality
Tampa Bay Lightning
Brandon Hagel is excelling in his role: Hagel’s success isn’t reliant on elite teammates; rather, he has thrived even after being moved off the top line that included Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point. Starting the season outside the top unit hasn’t hindered his performance in any way.
his scoring has not diminished; his current pace of 4.13 points per 60 minutes marks the peak of his career. This can largely be attributed to his exceptional play during five-on-five situations: The Lightning are creating higher-quality offense when he’s on the ice, and he boasts one of the strongest influences on their expected goal suppression, all while taking on significant responsibilities against elite competition. — Shayna Goldman
Toronto Maple Leafs
The performance of Anthony Stolarz: Joseph Woll suffered an injury just before the regular season commenced, but the Leafs managed to navigate that setback unscathed. Stolarz stepped up impressively, allowing two goals or fewer in each of his first five starts while stopping nearly 94 percent of the shots he encountered. The Leafs had signed Stolarz to a two-year contract last summer with the expectation that he would effectively serve as a competent 1B behind Woll. However, he has exceeded those expectations, displaying a distinct advantage over Woll, who made his return to the ice on Thursday after an absence of seven games. — Jonas Siegel
Utah Hockey Club
The challenges facing Connor Ingram in goal: While Utah has seen several positive surprises contributing to their 4-3-1 start, one concerning trend is the underwhelming performance of the team’s No. 1 goaltender, who has struggled to maintain last year’s high save rate. Ingram enjoyed a breakout season in 2023-24, playing in 50 games and recording the league’s 10th-best goals saved above expected statistic (minimum 30 starts). This season, however, he finds himself with a troubling .861 save percentage and has been significantly outperformed by backup Karel Vejmelka, raising the possibility of an emerging goalie controversy. Alongside several critical injuries affecting the team’s defense, Ingram’s performance has simply not matched the level we’ve come to expect. — James Mirtle
The rise of Kevin Lankinen: After signing late in the Canucks’ training camp following a month of negotiations, Lankinen has rapidly established himself as the team’s primary starting goaltender during Thatcher Demko’s extended absence. Lankinen has guided the Canucks to a 3-1-2 record, boasting an impressive five-on-five save percentage in the .950s. His solid play between the pipes has been crucial in helping Vancouver secure and maintain leads, which is necessary as the team has been slowly trying to regain their renowned lockdown defensive strategy from the previous season. — Thomas Drance
KEVIN LANKINEN 🤯 pic.twitter.com/T8HaooBOWK
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) October 12, 2024
Vegas Golden Knights
The offensive surge: Following the departure of franchise leading goal scorer Jonathan Marchessault, alongside important forwards Chandler Stephenson and William Carrier over the summer, it initially seemed the Golden Knights would focus on their defensive play for the 2024-25 season. However, that hasn’t been the case in the early weeks. As they head into Friday night’s match against the Senators, Vegas ranks as the fifth-highest-scoring team in the NHL, averaging 4.14 goals per game and has only failed to score three goals in a game once. The Golden Knights are achieving an astonishing shooting percentage of 15.4, the highest in the league, a figure not seen since 1991, indicating that some regression is likely on the horizon, yet the team has had no trouble finding the back of the net so far. — Jesse Granger
Alex Ovechkin’s impact on defense: The Capitals were always expected to improve their five-on-five performance this season compared to last, but they’ve received more than anticipated while Ovechkin is on the ice. After a prolonged decline in his all-around five-on-five effectiveness, Ovechkin now presents impressive goal-share statistics.
— Over 63 percent, both actual and expected — coupled with impressive defensive statistics. With him on the ice, opponents are generating 2.07 expected goals per 60 minutes, a figure he hasn’t approached in a decade. — Sean Gentille
Winnipeg Jets
The defense is equally impressive: While the Jets may not have faced off against one Stanley Cup contender after another to kick off the season, the one “elite” team they encountered, Edmonton, has begun the year poorly. I anticipated more developmental challenges for Scott Arniel’s Jets — and I still foresee some when the competition intensifies. However, Neal Pionk has significantly improved, Dylan Samberg has performed well, and the team’s five-on-five performance has remained strong under the new coach. The goaltending has been exceptional, the discipline has been maintained, and early into the 2024-25 season, Winnipeg has allowed the fewest goals in the NHL once again. — Murat Ates
GO DEEPER
Inside Scott Arniel’s analytics summit and his aim to elevate unbeaten Jets
(Illustration: Meech Robinson / The Athletic. Photos: Jonathan Kozub / NHLI; Ronald Martinez, Sarah Stier / Getty Images)
# NHL 2024-25 Season: Surprising Starts, Struggling Favorites, and Early Season Surprises
The NHL 2024-25 season is well underway, and fans are already buzzing with excitement over surprising starts, struggling favorites, and unexpected performances. As teams jockey for position in the standings, certain narratives are beginning to emerge. In this article, we will delve into the standout stories of the season, analyze struggling teams, and highlight early season surprises that are making waves around the league.
## Surprising Starts
### Rising Stars: Unexpected Teams Thriving
The NHL is known for its unpredictability, and the 2024-25 season is no exception. Here are some teams that have emerged as surprising contenders:
– **Seattle Kraken**: After a rocky start to their franchise history, the Kraken have turned heads with a strong start this season. Their solid goaltending and improved offensive depth are key factors in their success.
– **Buffalo Sabres**: Known for their long playoff drought, the Sabres have come out swinging, showcasing a blend of youth and veteran leadership that has propelled them into the playoff conversation early on.
– **New Jersey Devils**: The Devils have taken a significant leap forward, thanks in part to their dynamic offensive players and improved defensive structure. Fans are hopeful that this is the year they make a serious run for the postseason.
### Key Players Making an Impact
Several players have stepped up significantly for these teams, making substantial contributions to their surprising success.
– **Matty Beniers (Seattle Kraken)**: The young forward has quickly become a cornerstone of the Kraken’s offense, leading the team in points and showcasing his impressive playmaking abilities.
– **Owen Power (Buffalo Sabres)**: The rookie defenseman has been a revelation on the blue line, providing both offensive contributions and solid defensive play, making him an essential part of the Sabres’ resurgence.
– **Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils)**: Hughes’ offensive prowess has been on full display, and his ability to produce in clutch moments has vaulted the Devils into an early playoff position.
## Struggling Favorites
### Disappointing Starts: Teams Underperforming Expectations
While some teams are thriving, others have struggled to find their footing. Here’s a look at some of the favorites who are facing challenges early in the season:
– **Toronto Maple Leafs**: Expected to be a top contender, the Maple Leafs have been inconsistent, with their star players failing to produce at expected levels. Defensive lapses have also resulted in costly losses.
– **Vegas Golden Knights**: The reigning champions are struggling to replicate last year’s success, facing injuries and a lack of offensive production from key players.
– **Tampa Bay Lightning**: The Lightning, a perennial contender, have not found their rhythm yet. While their core remains intact, inconsistency in net and a lack of scoring depth have plagued their early games.
### Analyzing the Struggles
Understanding the factors contributing to these teams’ struggles is essential for both fans and analysts. Here’s a breakdown:
#### Toronto Maple Leafs
– **Key Issues**:
– Lack of offensive production from stars like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.
– Defensive breakdowns leading to high-scoring games against them.
– **Potential Solutions**:
– Adjusting line combinations to spark chemistry.
– Focusing on defensive drills during practice to tighten up play.
#### Vegas Golden Knights
– **Key Issues**:
– Injury woes, particularly on the blue line.
– Inconsistent goaltending, with both goalies struggling to find form.
– **Potential Solutions**:
– Relying on their depth players to step up in the absence of key players.
– Implementing a more defensive game plan until injuries resolve.
#### Tampa Bay Lightning
– **Key Issues**:
– Poor special teams play, including a struggling power play.
– Over-reliance on star players to carry the team.
– **Potential Solutions**:
- Revamping the power play strategies.
- Encouraging secondary scoring from third and fourth lines.
## Early Season Surprises
### Breakout Performances
Some players have come out of nowhere to make significant impacts this season, captivating fans and analysts alike. Here are some notable breakout stars:
– **Andrei Kuzmenko (Vancouver Canucks)**: After a solid rookie season, Kuzmenko has taken his game to another level, becoming a top scorer for the Canucks and a reliable offensive option.
- **Seth Jarvis (Carolina Hurricanes)**: The young winger has emerged as a key player for the Hurricanes, showing off his scoring touch and playmaking abilities.
– **Lucas Raymond (Detroit Red Wings)**: Raymond is proving to be a vital part of the Red Wings’ resurgence, contributing consistently on the scoresheet and showcasing his skill.
### Statistical Overview of Breakout Players
Here’s a quick look at these breakout players and their early season statistics:
| Player | Team | Games Played | Goals | Assists</th | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrei Kuzmenko | Vancouver Canucks | 15 | 10 | 8 | 18 |
| Seth Jarvis | Carolina Hurricanes | 15 | 9 | 7 | 16 |
| Lucas Raymond | Detroit Red Wings | 15 | 8 | 6 | 14 |
## Benefits of Following Early Season Trends
Keeping an eye on early season trends can provide fans with a wealth of knowledge. Here are some benefits:
– **Informed Betting**: Understanding which teams and players are performing well can help fans make informed betting decisions.
– **Fantasy Hockey Insights**: Identifying breakout players and struggling favorites can provide strategic advantages in fantasy leagues.
– **Fan Engagement**: Following the narratives of the season keeps fans engaged and invested in their favorite teams and players.
## Tips for Staying Updated
To get the most out of the NHL 2024-25 season, consider the following tips:
– **Follow Reliable Sources**: Keep up with trusted sports news outlets for the latest updates on player performances and team standings.
– **Engage with Fan Communities**: Join forums and social media groups where fans share insights and discuss teams and players.
– **Utilize Analytics**: Explore advanced stats that go beyond traditional metrics to understand player and team performances better.
By staying informed and engaged, fans can enhance their NHL experience and appreciate the complexity of the game as the season unfolds.
