NHL first-quarter report cards for all 32 teams 2025-26 season: complete grades and analysis

The 2025-26 NHL season has officially crossed the quarter mark, with all 32 teams having played more than 20 games and establishing their identities. This critical juncture offers the perfect opportunity to evaluate each franchise’s performance, from the conference leaders to the basement dwellers. Some teams have shattered preseason expectations while others have left fans scratching their heads, making this one of the most unpredictable starts in recent memory.

At this stage, we’ve seen everything from historic offensive explosions to baffling defensive collapses. The standings remain remarkably tight, with just a handful of points separating playoff positions from lottery odds in both conferences. Nathan MacKinnon leads the league in goals (14) and points (33), while Connor McDavid paces all players in assists (21), but individual brilliance hasn’t always translated to team success. For a more detailed breakdown of individual player performances, check out our comprehensive analysis at NHL insight’s first-quarter report cards.

Top performers: teams earning A grades in the NHL first-quarter report cards for all 32 teams 2025-26 season

Colorado Avalanche: setting the standard for excellence

The Colorado Avalanche have been nothing short of dominant through the first quarter, earning an A+ grade that reflects their elite play at both ends of the ice. They’re leading the NHL in goals per game while simultaneously giving up the fewest goals per game—a rare combination that has them on pace for 137.9 points. This demolishes their preseason over/under of 103.5 and puts them within striking distance of the Bruins’ record 135-point season from 2022-23.

What’s particularly impressive is their underlying metrics. The Avalanche generate the most scoring chances per 60 minutes, shots per 60, and scoring chances per 60 in 5-on-5 play. Defensively, they rank top-10 in fewest shots allowed per 60 and fewest high-danger chances per 60. Nathan MacKinnon is positioning himself for a second Hart Trophy, while Cale Makar could win his third Norris and potentially challenge MacKinnon for MVP. The supporting cast has provided consistent contributions, making Colorado the clear Stanley Cup favorite.

The only blemish on an otherwise perfect report card is their power play, which converts at just 15.7%—a bottom-10 mark. However, when you’re dominating at even strength this thoroughly, special teams become less critical.

Surprise stories: Anaheim Ducks and Pittsburgh Penguins

The Anaheim Ducks represent perhaps the biggest positive surprise of the season, earning an A grade after being projected for just 83.5 points. They’re now on pace for 108.1 points and fighting for the Pacific Division crown. Rookie Leo Carlsson has been electric, projecting to 108 points and potentially threatening Teemu Selanne’s franchise record of 109 points. Chris Kreider’s offseason addition has paid immediate dividends with 14 points in his first 15 games.

However, the Ducks are riding starting goaltender Lukas Dostal hard—he’s started 17 of 22 games and projects to play 63 games. That’s a heavy workload typically reserved for elite netminders. The underlying defensive numbers are concerning too, as Anaheim ranks in the top three for most scoring chances allowed, shots against, and high-danger scoring chances allowed per 60. Dostal’s 5.42 goals saved above expected has masked these issues, but sustainability remains a question.

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins have completely defied expectations under first-year coach Dan Muse. Their preseason over/under sat at just 77.5 points, yet they’re on pace for 97.6 and sit firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff mix. The Penguins boast the league’s best power play and rank top-10 in offense while giving up the second-fewest goals. Arturs Silovs has emerged as a reliable goaltending option alongside Tristan Jarry. Their only weakness is an 0-4 record in overtime and shootouts, leaving valuable points on the table.

Atlantic division excellence: Detroit, Boston, and Montreal

The Detroit Red Wings are enjoying their best start in a decade, earning an A grade with a 96.3-point pace that far exceeds their 84.5 preseason projection. Steve Yzerman’s vision has finally materialized under Todd McLellan’s coaching, with Dylan Larkin leading the way and rookies Emmitt Finnie and Nate Danielson making immediate impacts. The defensive buy-in has been remarkable, with Detroit averaging among the fewest shots against per game.

The Boston Bruins were supposed to be Atlantic Division basement dwellers with an 80.5-point over/under, yet they’re on pace for 88.8 points and competing for a playoff spot. Marco Sturm’s defense-first structure has worked wonders despite Elias Lindholm missing most of the season. Jeremy Swayman has returned to form, and David Pastrnak continues to be dynamic. However, injuries to Charlie McAvoy, Casey Mittelstadt, Viktor Arvidsson, and Jordan Harris threaten their sustainability.

The Montreal Canadiens round out the top tier with a B+ grade, led by breakout rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes and strong seasons from Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki. Their defensive structure has improved dramatically, though recent regression after a hot start raises questions about their ability to maintain this pace through injuries to Kaiden Guhle, Kirby Dach, Patrik Laine, and Alex Newhook.

Solid B performers: consistency and overachievement in the NHL first-quarter report cards for all 32 teams 2025-26 season

Central division depth: Dallas, Winnipeg, and Minnesota

The Dallas Stars are on a 111.8-point pace despite preseason questions about new coach Glen Gulutzan and the departure of three forwards. While their underlying possession numbers are concerning—ranking bottom-10 in scoring chances, shots, and high-danger chances per 60—they’ve been remarkably efficient. Their power play ranks second in the NHL, and they’re 10th in goals per game. The penalty kill needs work at 75.7%, but the Stars have found ways to win.

The Winnipeg Jets present a fascinating case, earning a B grade with a 93.7-point pace. They can score in bunches, with Kyle Connor, Josh Morrissey, and Mark Scheifele all averaging more than a point per game. Kyle Connor leads the league in goals with 15. Their power play ranks top-10, and they’ve shown depth scoring throughout the lineup.

The concern is defensive structure—Winnipeg gives up the most scoring chances per 60 and ranks ninth in high-danger chances allowed. This is particularly problematic with Connor Hellebuyck sidelined for up to six weeks. Eric Comrie and Thomas Milic must maintain a top-five team save percentage that has masked these structural issues.

Minnesota Wild’s success stems from roster continuity, with eight players appearing in every game and 13 skaters playing 20+ of their first 23 games. This consistency has them on a 99.8-point pace despite modest expectations. However, they’re in the bottom-10 in goals per game despite generating top-half underlying numbers, suggesting poor finishing ability that could hurt them in tight playoff races.

Metropolitan surprises: New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes

The New York Islanders have been perhaps the most shocking team in the entire league, earning an A grade with a 99.8-point pace after a 84.5 preseason projection. Rookie Matthew Schaefer, the 2025 first-overall pick, has been electric with over 22 minutes per night and Calder Trophy favorite status. Maxim Shabanov’s emergence from the KHL has provided secondary scoring, while Bo Horvat is having his best season in years.

The only concerns are a bottom-tier power play and the loss of Alexander Romanov for five to six months after shoulder surgery. Their offense may also be too top-heavy to sustain this pace against deeper clubs.

Carolina Hurricanes continue their consistent excellence with an A- grade and 111.8-point pace. Rod Brind’Amour’s structure remains elite, and their offense ranks second overall behind Seth Jarvis, Sebastian Aho, and Jordan Staal. Pyotr Kochetkov has been stellar in relief of Frederik Andersen. However, their power play ranks dead last and the penalty kill sits at 21st, which is uncharacteristic for a Brind’Amour team. Andersen’s health and performance remain question marks.

Western conference balance: Seattle, Vegas, and Utah

The Seattle Kraken have justified their massive goaltending investment, earning a B+ grade with a 104.4-point pace. Joey Daccord, Philipp Grubauer, and Matt Murray have combined for the NHL’s best team save percentage in 5-on-5 play. Lane Lambert has reestablished their defensive identity, limiting high-danger chances effectively.

The problem is scoring—they rank 30th in goals per game at 2.55 and last in all major offensive generation metrics: scoring chances, shots, and high-danger chances per 60. They’ve been winning 2-1 and 3-2 games, but playoff success requires more offensive firepower.

Vegas Golden Knights have adapted well to life without Alex Pietrangelo, earning a B+ grade with a 100.6-point pace. Their defensive structure ranks top-three in limiting high-danger chances and shots, but their goaltending has been surprisingly average. A .893 team save percentage in all situations ranks bottom-third despite strong defensive support. The Carter Hart situation adds uncertainty to their crease.

Utah Mammoth’s inaugural season has been a roller coaster, earning a B- grade. They opened 8-2-0 with a seven-game winning streak, ranking top-five in both goals scored and allowed. Since then, they’ve lost nine of 12, ranking bottom-four in goals scored and bottom-10 in goals allowed. This Jekyll-and-Hyde performance makes them difficult to evaluate long-term.

Middle-of-the-pack C grades: underperformance and inconsistency in the NHL first-quarter report cards for all 32 teams 2025-26 season

Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs: postseason contenders in crisis

The Edmonton Oilers’ story is puzzling given their recent Stanley Cup Final appearances. Their C- grade reflects a 9-9-5 record and 85.4-point pace, sitting 12th in the Western Conference. Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid continue producing, and Evan Bouchard has been stellar on defense. However, they’ve allowed the most goals in the NHL with a league-worst team save percentage.

The low point came November 19th when they surrendered seven goals to Washington, marking the 13th time in 22 games they’ve allowed four or more goals. Stan Bowman’s offseason moves haven’t addressed the defensive structure, and goaltending has been catastrophic. While they’ve overcome slow starts before, the West is too deep to dig a significant hole.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been arguably the league’s biggest disappointment, earning a C- grade with a 78.3-point pace that has them ahead of only Buffalo in the East. John Tavares has been magnificent with 12 goals in 21 games, and William Nylander has 27 points in 19 games. Their 5-on-5 offense ranks second in the NHL.

Everything else has been disastrous. The defense-first system that worked under Craig Berube last season has collapsed, with Toronto ranking third-worst in goals against per game. Injuries have devastated the roster: Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, Anthony Stolarz, Chris Tanev, Brandon Carlo, and depth centers Nicolas Roy and Scott Laughton have all missed significant time. The Leafs are 1-5-2 in their last eight and lack both identity and confidence.

New York Rangers and Washington Capitals: capital struggles

The New York Rangers’ new defensive identity under Mike Sullivan has worked—they’re giving up just 2.65 goals per game and rank among the stingiest teams in the league. Vladislav Gavrikov has been a perfect partner for Adam Fox. Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick have been outstanding in goal.

The problem is their 30th-ranked offense at 2.48 goals per game. J.T. Miller has 12 points in 22 games before getting injured. Mika Zibanejad has just 15 points in 23 games. Even Artemi Panarin isn’t at a point-per-game pace. The Rangers have scored one goal or fewer in nine games, making them entirely dependent on defensive perfection. Their 1-7-1 home record is the worst in hockey.

Washington Capitals are experiencing the decline many predicted, earning a C+ grade with a 92.7-point pace that has them outside playoff position. Alex Ovechkin continues defying age with 20 points in 20 games and another hat trick this month. Logan Thompson has been outstanding in goal, and veterans Tom Wilson, John Carlson, and Jakob Chychrun have contributed.

But the faster, younger team Spencer Carbery envisioned hasn’t materialized. Washington ranks bottom-five in penalty kill and their power play is well below average. Pierre-Luc Dubois’s injury removed their hoped-for second-line center, and now Nic Dowd is also out. The supporting cast hasn’t elevated their game, and consistency has been elusive.

Buffalo Sabres and other C-grade teams

The Buffalo Sabres’ C grade reflects another disappointing start, with an 82-point pace that extends their playoff drought. They’ve been decimated by injuries, with only a handful of skaters playing every game. Colten Ellis has been a waiver-wire gem with a .914 save percentage, and Josh Doan has fit in nicely with 12 points in 20 games. Their penalty kill leads the league at 89.8%.

However, they’re leaky defensively, their offense is top-heavy and inconsistent, and their power play sputters. Recent improvement (4-1-0 in their last five after a five-game losing streak) provides hope, but Lindy Ruff’s message may be wearing thin if they can’t sustain momentum.

The Ottawa Senators earned a B grade with a 96.9-point pace, buoyed by Travis Green’s defensive structure and Jake Sanderson’s two-way excellence. However, Linus Ullmark’s subpar goaltending (three or more goals allowed in 10 of 16 starts) and recent injuries to Thomas Chabot, Ridly Greig, and captain Brady Tkachuk threaten their Atlantic position.

Florida Panthers’ B- grade stems from their incredible resilience despite catastrophic injuries. Captain Aleksander Barkov is out for the season with a torn ACL and MCL. Eetu Luostarinen suffered burns in a barbecuing accident. Cole Schwindt broke his arm, and Matthew Tkachuk remains out after offseason surgery. Yet Brad Marchand is having his best season in years, and their next-man-up mentality keeps them competitive in the playoff race.

Struggling D and F teams: basement dwellers in the NHL first-quarter report cards for all 32 teams 2025-26 season

Vancouver Canucks and St. Louis Blues: from contenders to cellar dwellers

The Vancouver Canucks’ D grade reflects a stunning collapse to a 71.3-point pace after making the playoffs last season. They started 4-2-0 with a healthy Thatcher Demko looking like his Vezina-finalist self, and Kiefer Sherwood scoring nine goals in October. Then everything fell apart.

Since October 21st, they’ve endured three three-game losing streaks and needed 29 skaters and three goaltenders in 23 games. They’re bottom-two in the NHL in allowing shots, scoring chances, and high-danger chances per 60. Filip Chytil’s injury exposed their lack of center depth, and the defensive structure has completely collapsed under first-year coach Adam Foote.

St. Louis Blues’ D- grade is equally shocking for a team that made playoffs last season. Their 71.3-point pace has them 13th in the West despite adding 25-goal scorer Pius Suter. They rank fifth-worst in goals per game and bottom-10 in shots per game. Their goaltending has sabotaged their solid defensive structure, with the fourth-lowest team save percentage. They’ve given up the third-most goals per game despite limiting scoring chances effectively. The Blues face a crossroads: stay competitive or sell veterans and embrace a rebuild.

Calgary Flames and Nashville Predators: historic offensive futility

The Calgary Flames’ D grade comes with a 64.9-point pace and historically bad offense. Averaging just 2.38 goals per game, they’re on track for one of the 200 lowest-scoring seasons in NHL history. Their defensive structure is actually strong—top-four in limiting scoring chances and high-danger chances per 60—but offense has been non-existent. A recent three-game winning streak where they averaged 4.66 goals provides hope, but the sample size is too small to trust.

Nashville Predators have been the league’s worst team, earning an F grade with a 59.6-point pace. Their 2.29 goals per game is dead last and could be historically bad if sustained. They’re bottom-125 all-time in single-season offensive output. They’ve been without Roman Josi most of the season, and Steven Stamkos is on pace for fewer than 20 goals for the first time in a non-injury season. Their above-average penalty kill and Filip Forsberg’s continued excellence can’t offset their futility.

Matthew Wood has been a bright spot with Calder Trophy potential, but the Predators need a complete offensive overhaul. They’ve given up the sixth-most goals per game and have a bottom-seven power play. First-year coach Andrew Brunette has his work cut out, and management may need to consider significant roster changes before the trade deadline.

What these NHL first-quarter report cards for all 32 teams 2025-26 season mean for the playoff race

The tightness of the standings can’t be overstated. Four points separate fourth place from 15th in the East, while nine points separate all 16 playoff teams overall. This parity means the next quarter will be critical for teams on the bubble. Colorado’s dominance has them on pace to challenge regular-season records, while Nashville’s futility has them in the Connor Bedesid sweepstakes.

For teams like Toronto, Edmonton, and the Rangers, the clock is ticking. Their underlying issues—defensive structure for the Oilers, goaltending for the Leafs, and offense for the Rangers—must be addressed before holes become insurmountable. The trade deadline is still months away, but internal improvements are needed immediately.

Meanwhile, surprises like Anaheim, Pittsburgh, and Detroit must prove their starts aren’t flukes. Can the Ducks’ young core sustain this pace? Will the Penguins’ power play continue bailing out their overtime struggles? Do the Red Wings have enough depth when injuries hit? These questions will define the season’s second act.

The 2025-26 campaign has delivered unprecedented parity and storylines. From Colorado’s dominance to Nashville’s futility, from Toronto’s collapse to Anaheim’s emergence, this season promises more surprises ahead. For a complete team-by-team breakdown and updated grades as the season progresses, visit our comprehensive report cards page for ongoing analysis and playoff projections.