2025-26 NHL quarter-mark report cards for all 32 teams

The first quarter of the 2025-26 NHL season has delivered unprecedented parity and surprises that have reshaped the playoff picture. With the season reaching its quarter mark in late November, all 32 teams have played more than 20 games, revealing clear contenders, disappointing underachievers, and overperforming squads that have defied preseason expectations. The standings are historically tight—just nine points separate all 16 teams in the Eastern Conference, while the Western Conference features similar congestion, making every game feel like a playoff battle.

This compressed schedule, designed to accommodate the Olympic break in February, has created a relentless pace that’s testing every organization’s depth and resilience. Teams are playing every other day or on back-to-back nights, leaving little time for practice and recovery. As Seattle center Chandler Stephenson noted, “It almost feels like playoffs.” In this environment, coaching adjustments, goaltending consistency, and the ability to stay healthy have become paramount. Let’s dive into the complete report card for each of the 32 teams.

A-level performers in the 2025-26 NHL quarter-mark report cards

Colorado Avalanche: A+

The Colorado Avalanche haven’t just been good—they’ve been historically dominant through the first quarter. Leading the NHL in goals per game (4.00) while simultaneously giving up the fewest goals per game, the Avalanche are generating the most scoring chances per 60 minutes, shots per 60, and scoring chances per 60 in 5-on-5 play. Nathan MacKinnon is positioned to win his second Hart Trophy, while Cale Makar could capture his third Norris Trophy and potentially challenge MacKinnon for the Hart.

The Avalanche’s defensive structure has been equally impressive, ranking top-10 in allowing the fewest shots per 60 and fewest high-danger chances per 60. At their current 137.9-point pace, they’re threatening to surpass the Bruins’ record of 135 regular-season points set in 2022-23. The only blemish is a struggling power play converting at just 15.7%, but that’s a minor concern for a team that looks like the NHL’s best.

Anaheim Ducks: A

Anaheim represents one of the season’s most delightful surprises, fighting for the Pacific Division crown despite a preseason over/under of just 83.5 points. The Ducks own the second-most prolific attack in terms of goals per game, with young talent blossoming alongside veteran Chris Kreider, who contributed 14 points in his first 15 games. Rookie sensation Leo Carlsson is on pace for 108 points, which would challenge Teemu Selanne’s franchise record of 109 points.

However, the Ducks show an overreliance on goaltender Lukas Dostal, who started 17 of 22 games—a workload typically reserved for elite starters. While Dostal has posted a strong 5.42 goals saved above expected, the underlying metrics reveal concerns. Anaheim ranks in the top three in most scoring chances allowed, shots against, and high-danger chances allowed per 60, suggesting their defensive structure needs significant improvement.

Pittsburgh Penguins: A

Few teams have shocked the hockey world more than Pittsburgh, transforming from projected lottery team to Eastern Conference playoff contender. Under first-year coach Dan Muse, the Penguins rank top-10 in offense while surrendering the second-fewest goals in the NHL. Their power play leads the league, and goaltending has been stellar with Arturs Silovs emerging as a legitimate starter and Tristan Jarry returning to form.

The Penguins’ defensive commitment has been remarkable for a team in transition. They’ve given up the second-fewest goals while maintaining offensive punch that defies their aging core. The biggest concern is an 0-4 record in games beyond regulation, leaving valuable points on the table. With Rickard Rakell out two months with a broken hand and Jarry recently on injured reserve, the Penguins must prove their depth can sustain this success.

B-tier teams in the 2025-26 NHL quarter-mark report cards

Dallas Stars: A-

Glen Gulutzan’s second stint behind the Stars’ bench has been defined by efficiency. Despite ranking bottom-10 in scoring chances per 60, shots per 60, and high-danger chances per 60, Dallas sits second in power-play efficiency and 10th in goals per game. This efficiency-first approach has mitigated the loss of three key forwards from last season: Evgenii Dadonov, Mikael Granlund, and Mason Marchment.

The Stars’ penalty kill has been the weak link, operating at just 75.7% efficiency—bottom-10 in the NHL. This disconnect between their strong 5-on-5 defense and shorthanded struggles represents the primary area for improvement. With their current 111.8-point pace, the Stars are well-positioned to secure home-ice advantage despite these special teams woes.

Detroit Red Wings: A

Detroit is experiencing its best start in a decade, a testament to GM Steve Yzerman’s vision and coach Todd McLellan’s system. The Red Wings rank among the fewest shots against per game, with captain Dylan Larkin leading by example with his best offensive production in years. Rookie forwards Emmitt Finnie and Nate Danielson have made immediate impacts, while defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka has provided crucial depth.

The concern lies in goaltending consistency. While Cam Talbot has improved from last season, offseason acquisition John Gibson hasn’t been the savior many expected. The team gives up over three goals per game despite strong defensive structure, indicating their netminders must elevate their play. Additionally, Detroit’s reliance on power-play scoring may not be sustainable through the grind of an 82-game season.

New York Islanders: A

Few teams have exceeded expectations like the Islanders, led by Calder Trophy favorite Matthew Schaefer. The rookie defenseman, selected first overall in the 2025 draft, averages over 22 minutes per game and has been electric at both ends. Veteran Bo Horvat is enjoying his best start in years, while a healthy Mathew Barzal and Kyle Palmieri have provided offensive stability.

The Islanders’ goaltending duo of Ilya Sorokin and David Rittich has been solid, and the team ranks top-10 in goals scored. However, their power play ranks among the league’s worst, and the offense may be too top-heavy to compete with deeper clubs. The loss of Alexander Romanov for five to six months following shoulder surgery will test their defensive depth significantly.

Mid-pack clubs: B grades across the 2025-26 NHL quarter-mark report cards

Boston Bruins: B+

Marco Sturm’s arrival has transformed Boston into a defensively responsible squad that’s defied preseason predictions of a basement finish. Despite Elias Lindholm missing most of the season, the Bruins rank top-10 on both power play and penalty kill. David Pastrnak remains dynamic while Morgan Geekie emerges as an offensive star, and Jeremy Swayman has returned to form in net.

Injuries have begun piling up, with Charlie McAvoy out indefinitely after taking a puck to the face. The Bruins remain bottom-10 in goals against despite their defensive structure, and the absence of McAvoy will severely test their back end. The overachievement feels unsustainable if key players continue missing extended time.

Chicago Blackhawks: B+

Connor Bedard has answered every question about his sophomore season, pacing the NHL in scoring while making a case for Canada’s Olympic team. On track for 116 points—the highest Blackhawks total since Denis Savard—Bedard has lifted the entire organization. Goaltender Spencer Knight is presenting his case for Team USA Olympic consideration, while the team’s collective save percentage has jumped from .894 to .911.

Despite offensive fireworks, defensive cohesion remains problematic. Chicago ranks bottom-4 in scoring chances allowed per 60, high-danger chances allowed per 60, and shots against per 60. With the third-youngest roster in the NHL, growing pains are expected, but the defensive structure must improve for this surprising start to translate into playoff contention.

Montreal Canadiens: B+

Rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes has emerged as the backbone of Montreal’s surprisingly strong start, outperforming veteran Sam Montembeault. The Canadiens’ defensive structure has improved dramatically from last season, with tighter neutral-zone play limiting rush chances. Cole Caufield has 13 goals in 20 games, while Nick Suzuki has compiled 22 points.

Recent regression has raised concerns, including a 7-0 loss to Dallas that shook the team’s confidence. Kaiden Guhle, Kirby Dach, Patrik Laine, and Alex Newhook have all missed significant time, testing depth that may not be playoff-caliber. The goaltending duo has been below average lately, and Montreal must rediscover early-season defensive details to remain in contention.

Playoff contenders with flaws in the 2025-26 NHL quarter-mark report cards

Carolina Hurricanes: A-

Rod Brind’Amour’s defensive structure remains among the NHL’s best, with the Hurricanes ranking third in 5-on-5 goals. Seth Jarvis leads the team in goals, Sebastian Aho paces them in points, and the always-steady Jordan Staal provides two-way excellence. Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov has been excellent while starter Frederik Andersen deals with another injury.

The Hurricanes’ special teams have been disastrous—their power play ranks dead last, and the penalty kill sits at 21st. This stark contrast to their even-strength dominance must be corrected for Carolina to maintain its status as a true Stanley Cup threat. Andersen’s ongoing injury issues and poor performance when healthy have created a goaltending conundrum that could derail their season.

New Jersey Devils: A-

New Jersey’s star-studded offense continues producing, with Jack Hughes posting 20 points in 17 games before a freak restaurant accident required finger surgery. Jesper Bratt remains a point-per-game player, while Nico Hischier’s two-way excellence anchors the top line. Jake Allen has been exceptional in handling an increased workload, and Simon Nemec has finally blossomed into the defenseman the Devils envisioned.

Hughes’s multi-week absence coincides with injuries to Cody Glass and Brett Pesce, testing the Devils’ depth at a critical juncture. Jacob Markstrom’s struggles have made Allen’s workload even more concerning, and the team must find ways to keep scoring without exposing their goaltender to too many high-danger chances. The Devils’ defensive structure has been solid, but their offensive predictability could become an issue.

Calgary Flames: D

The Flames’ defensive structure paradoxically ranks among the NHL’s best—they’re top-4 in allowing the fewest scoring chances and high-danger chances per 60. However, Calgary is averaging just 2.38 goals per game, the second-lowest mark in the league and potentially one of the worst offensive seasons in NHL history. Their recent three-game winning streak raised their average to 4.66 goals in those victories, but this spike masks systemic offensive issues.

This offensive ineptitude places Calgary among the bottom 200 teams all-time in single-season goals per game average. The Flames are projected for just 64.9 points, putting them firmly in the Connor Bedard sweepstakes. While their defensive structure suggests a competitive team, the complete offensive breakdown makes them the NHL’s most disappointing squad.

Disappointing performers in the 2025-26 NHL quarter-mark report cards

Edmonton Oilers: C-

The Oilers are clinging to playoff contention, sitting just one point out of the final wild-card spot despite hemorrhaging goals. Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid continue producing at point-per-game paces, and Evan Bouchard, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Jack Roslovic have provided offensive support. The two-time defending Western Conference champions have overcome slow starts before, reaching the Stanley Cup Final despite early-season struggles.

However, Edmonton has surrendered seven goals on 13 occasions through 22 games, including a brutal 7-0 loss to Washington on November 19. The Oilers rank last in team save percentage and have given up the most goals in the NHL in both overall and 5-on-5 play. These defensive breakdowns are historically bad, and the goaltending situation has devolved into a crisis that even McDavid’s brilliance cannot overcome.

New York Rangers: C-

Mike Sullivan’s defensive system has transformed the Rangers into one of the NHL’s stingiest teams, surrendering just 2.65 goals per game. The offseason addition of Vladislav Gavrikov has provided a physical presence alongside Adam Fox, while the goaltending tandem of Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick has been exceptional. This defensive commitment has kept the Rangers afloat during an offensive drought.

The offense ranks 30th overall, averaging just 2.48 goals per game. J.T. Miller has 12 points in 22 games before an upper-body injury, Mika Zibanejad has just 15 points, and not even Artemi Panarin is at a point-per-game pace. The power play has sputtered, and Sullivan has yet to find any combination that generates consistent scoring. This lack of offensive identity could sink the Rangers despite their defensive excellence.

Toronto Maple Leafs: C-

John Tavares has turned back the clock, ranking top-10 in NHL goals with 12 in 21 games, while William Nylander has compiled 27 points in 19 games. Nick Robertson has emerged as a surprise top-six contributor, and the Maple Leafs rank second in 5-on-5 goals. The return of Joseph Woll from personal issues has stabilized the goaltending, though the team remains defensively porous.

The Leafs were supposed to contend for the Atlantic Division but find themselves near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Craig Berube’s defense-first system has collapsed, with Toronto ranking top-3 in goals against per game and looking lost against the rush. Injuries to Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, Chris Tanev, and Brandon Carlo have decimated the lineup, but the team’s recent 1-5-2 stretch suggests deeper systemic issues. The supporting cast has failed to support Tavares and Nylander, and the Leafs’ championship window may be closing faster than expected.

Bottom dwellers: struggling franchises at the 2025-26 NHL quarter-mark

Vancouver Canucks: D

A healthy Canucks squad showed promise early, winning four of six games as Thatcher Demko looked like his Vezina-finalist self. Filip Chytil scored three goals, addressing questions about his top-six viability, while Kiefer Sherwood exploded for nine goals in a month. This brief window provided hope that Vancouver could build on last season’s momentum.

Since October 21, nearly everything has gone wrong. The Canucks have endured three separate three-game losing streaks and have needed 29 skaters and three goaltenders through 23 games. They’re bottom-10 in shots, scoring chances, and high-danger chances per 60, while defensively, they rank worst or second-worst in allowing shots, scoring chances, and high-danger chances. Injuries have destroyed any continuity, and the Canucks look like a team destined for the lottery rather than the playoffs.

St. Louis Blues: D-

The Blues entered the season as a playoff team that added 25-goal scorer Pius Suter to an offense featuring seven returning double-digit goal scorers. Their defensive structure ranks top-10 in allowing the fewest scoring chances and high-danger chances per 60. On paper, the Blues looked like Central Division contenders.

Reality has been brutal. St. Louis sits third-last in the NHL standings, averaging the fifth-fewest goals per game while their goaltending sports the fourth-lowest team save percentage in all situations. They’re giving up 3.64 goals per game despite excellent underlying defensive numbers, indicating their goaltending has sabotaged their structure. Five points adrift of the final wild-card spot, the Blues face a critical stretch that will determine whether they’re buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.

Nashville Predators: F

The Predators can claim an above-average penalty kill and Filip Forsberg’s continued excellence—he’s projected for his fourth 30-goal season in five years. Rookie Matthew Wood is making a strong Calder Trophy case, and the team’s defensive structure isn’t completely broken. These small positives represent the only bright spots in an otherwise disastrous quarter.

Nashville was the last team to reach 50 goals this season, averaging a league-worst 2.29 goals per game—a pace that could rank bottom-125 in NHL history. They’ve given up the sixth-most goals per game, their power play ranks bottom-seven, and they’re without franchise defenseman Roman Josi for most of the season. Steven Stamkos is on pace for fewer than 20 goals for the first time in his career, and the Predators look like a team in need of a complete rebuild rather than minor tweaks.

The 2025-26 NHL season has delivered unprecedented parity and surprises that have reshaped the playoff picture at the quarter mark. Colorado’s dominance, Anaheim and Pittsburgh’s shocking contention, and the historic tightness of the standings have created a compelling narrative. Meanwhile, traditional powers like Edmonton, Toronto, and the Rangers struggle to find consistency, and two-time champion Florida battles devastating injuries.

As the season progresses through its compressed schedule, depth and durability will become increasingly critical. Teams that can maintain their defensive structures while staying healthy will separate from the pack. The Olympic break in February provides a crucial reset opportunity, but the standings chaos suggests the playoff races will remain white-knuckle affairs until the final days of the regular season. For complete analysis of team grades and playoff outlooks, check out our comprehensive first-quarter breakdown, and stay updated with ongoing 2025-26 season coverage as the playoff picture continues to evolve.