Top tier domination
The Winnipeg Jets have surged back to the top position after a dominant week of hockey. Following their record-setting start to last season, the Jets have proven they’re no fluke, currently sitting at 6-3 through nine games. Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor continue their elite partnership, combining for 24 points. The Montreal Canadiens sit just behind at number two, delivering one of the season’s most compelling storylines. At 7-3 through their first 10 games, the Habs have built on last year’s playoff return with remarkable consistency. The emergence of Jakub Dobes has been nothing short of spectacular—the Czech netminder boasts a 5-0 record with a 1.77 GAA and .940 save percentage. His outstanding play has earned him the starting role over Samuel Montembeault. With 12 different players recording five or more points, the depth throughout the lineup has been crucial to their first-place standing in the Eastern Conference.
The New Jersey Devils occupy the third spot after an electrifying start under head coach Sheldon Keefe. Following a season-opening loss, the Devils rattled off eight consecutive victories, including impressive wins over the Panthers, Oilers, and Avalanche. Jack Hughes leads the charge with 12 points in nine games, while the team leads the league with 3.89 goals per game. They rank in the top four for goals against, suggesting championship contention.
The NHL power play efficiency rankings have also played a significant role in early-season success.
Colorado’s curious conundrum
Colorado Avalanche sit atop the league but have been inconsistent. They signed Martin Necas to an eight-year, $11.5 million extension. They have gone 5-1-4 in their last 10 games, aided by overtime and shootout points. Backup Scott Wedgewood has started most games with Mackenzie Blackwood recovering. Once Blackwood returns, they may become even tougher to score against.
Utah Mammoth rise
The Utah Mammoth vaulted into the top five with an 8-2 record, sitting first in the Western Conference. Nick Schmaltz and Jack Eichel lead the league with 16 points through the opening weeks, supported by Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, and Dylan Guenther. Utah ranks fourth in goals scored and third-fewest goals against. Goaltender Karel Vejmelka has provided stability.
Struggles and surprises
The St. Louis Blues sit with a seven-game losing streak. The Minnesota Wild have stumbled to a 2-5-3 last 10. Columbus Blue Jackets have won four straight behind Jet Greaves and Elvis Merzlikins. Pittsburgh Penguins have climbed toward the top 10 at 6-2-1 under Dan Muse.
Metropolitan and Atlantic division battles
Metropolitan Division features the Devils’ eight-game win streak. Hurricanes face injury woes with Slavin, Miller, and Gostisbehere sidelined. Andrei Svechnikov has yet to score a point. The Atlantic remains top-heavy, with Montreal and Florida facing different trajectories. Lightning face questions as Andrei Vasilevskiy has a rough start. Kucherov, Guentzel, Hagel, and Point have combined for 30 points in 34 games.
Pacific Division drama
Vegas Golden Knights cope with Mark Stone out and Adin Hill week-to-week. Seattle Kraken surprised with 5-2-2, losing McCann to injury but led by Joey Daccord in goal. Edmonton struggles despite McDavid and Draisaitl. Calgary Flames bottom out with a league-worst 2.00 goals per game.
Looking ahead
As November begins and teams approach 30 games, Olympic break looms. Devils, Jets, and Canadiens look well-positioned to maintain excellence, while Blues, Wild, and Rangers face pressure to rebound. Surprise teams Utah and Columbus must prove their hot start is sustainable.
Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.