The initial two weeks of the 2022-23 NHL season are in the books, and although some issues have not shocked us — the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights major their divisions, and the Arizona Coyotes close to the bottom — there has been no shortage of shocks for just about every club therefore far. This week alongside our updated energy rankings, we’ll determine the player, stat or trend that has shocked us most for all 32 teams.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors prices teams against a single an additional — taking into account game final results, injuries and upcoming schedule — and these final results are tabulated to create the list featured right here.
Note: Previous ranking for each and every group refers to the final edition, published Oct. 21. Points paces are by way of Thursday’s games.
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: .750
Next seven days: vs. NYI (Oct. 28), @ PHI (Oct. 29), vs. WSH (Oct. 31), @ TB (Nov. three)
A surprising linchpin to Carolina’s early push has been its second line, centered by the emergent Jesperi Kotkaniemi. The Hurricanes have been waiting to see the most effective of their young forward, and his unit with Andrei Svechnikov and Martin Necas is showcasing just that. Kotkaniemi has been a shockingly very good two-way contributor, and is 57.five% in the faceoff dot.
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: .875
Next seven days: @ CBJ (Oct. 28), @ PIT (Nov. 1), @ NYR (Nov. three)
Simply place, this has been a surprisingly terrific start off for a group who lots of believed was previous its point of critical contention. Boston was missing Brad Marchand (their major scorer from final season) and Charlie McAvoy (who generates ample offense from the blue line) for the initial two weeks, and nevertheless managed a six-1- record although tying for the most objectives scored in the league (30).
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: .643
Next seven days: @ NJ (Otc. 28), @ NYI (Oct. 29)
Colorado’s energy play has been shockingly very good, and the Avalanche are employing an unconventional style to boot. While Colorado’s best unit is the classic alignment (4 forwards and a single defenseman), they’ve attempted a second unit with 3 (!) defensemen and two forwards. Surprisingly, that is been a winning recipe — the Avalanche are at 50% on the man benefit, almost 20 percentage points far better than the subsequent group.
Previous ranking: five
Points percentage: .643
Next seven days: @ VAN (Oct. 28), @ SEA (Oct. 29), vs. BOS (Nov. 1), @ BUF (Nov. two)
Sidney Crosby playing like a Hart Trophy candidate will not floor any person. When Crosby’s linemate Jake Guentzel got hurt although, the surprising choose to initially replace him was Danton Heinen, who is obtaining an unexpectedly terrific start off. The winger reeled off 3 objectives and six points in his initial seven games, and is playing some of his most effective hockey ever — all on a $1 million deal!
Previous ranking: two
Points percentage: .833
Next seven days: vs. EDM (Oct. 29), vs. SEA (Nov. 1), vs. NSH (Nov. three)
It’s no terrific shock that Calgary is off to a franchise-most effective start off soon after bringing on Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau more than the summer time. But the chemistry Kadri located so swiftly with Andrew Mangiapane and Dillon Dube on the Flames’ second line? That’s a welcome surprise for Calgary’s offense. It’s not possible to predict how players will mesh — and obtaining in the groove can take time — but that trio has been completely complementary.
Previous ranking: eight
Points percentage: .750
Next seven days: vs. ANA (Oct. 28), vs. WPG (Oct. 30), @ WSH (Nov. 1), @ OTT (Nov. three)
How’s this for balance? The white-hot Golden Knights have gotten at least a single point from 19 of their 20 skaters this season. And Vegas has 14 distinctive purpose scorers currently. For a club that struggled to remain competitive down the stretch final season, the Golden Knights’ surprisingly robust offensive attack is not letting any opponents off straightforward suitable now.
Previous ranking: six
Points percentage: .563
Next seven days: vs. OTT (Oct. 29), @ ARI (Nov. 1), @ SJ (Nov. three)
Remember final spring, when Florida’s woeful energy play contributed to the President’s Trophy winner’s early postseason exit? Well, in a shocking twist, the subsequent particular teams overhaul hasn’t been very good. The Panthers are averaging additional energy-play possibilities per game (four.71) than any group in the league, but are an awful six.1% at converting them. Both man-benefit objectives Florida scored came in the very same period of the very same game. Back to the drawing board.
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: .563
Next seven days: @ LA (Oct. 29), @ ANA (Oct. 30), vs. PHI (Nov. two)
Toronto has looked shockingly out of sorts at occasions, from their lots of defensive miscues to issues more than streaky scoring. The Leafs’ surprisingly steady spot? Goaltending. Matt Murray could be out with an injury, but Ilya Samsonov has been exceptional, supplying Toronto just about every chance to figure itself out. The goalie could use a small additional assist from his close friends.
Previous ranking: three
Points percentage: .500
Next seven days: @ DAL (Oct. 29), @ ARI (Oct. 30), vs. PHI (Nov. 1), vs. BOS (Nov. three)
The Rangers turned in some surprising final results of late with losses to each Columbus and San Jose. But beneath the surface, New York’s underlying numbers never recommend catastrophe — they are a best-5 possession group (and dominate the face-off circle), typical fewer than 30 shots against per game and additional than 3 objectives per game.
Previous ranking: four
Points percentage: .688
Next seven days: vs. NYR (Oct. 29), vs. LA (Nov. 1), @ ARI (Nov. three)
It’s a surprise that Roope Hintz is a surprise (to some). The center launched into a point-per-game pace this season that followed up on a single of the most unheralded 37-purpose seasons in the league in 2021-22. While Jake Oettinger (deservedly) draws headlines and Dallas’ exceptional all round start off to the campaign is terrific, Hintz’s function in that results should not be catching any person off guard.
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: .625
Next seven days: @ CGY (Oct. 29), vs. NSH (Nov. 1), vs. NJ (Nov. three)
For after, Edmonton’s results is not becoming driven totally by just these two players everybody normally talks about (Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl). The Oilers have gotten surprisingly constant contributions up front from their third line, led by Ryan McLeod and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and that bodes properly for the team’s path this season.
Previous ranking: ten
Points percentage: .500
Next seven days: vs. MTL (Oct. 29), vs. LA (Oct. 31), vs. NYI (Nov. three)
The encore to Jordan Binnington’s really tumultuous 2021-22 season has been a shockingly robust opening to this new campaign. The Blues’ netminder began three-1-, with a single shutout and a .936 SV% to his credit. St. Louis believed in Binnington even when he faltered now the goaltender seems to be proving his mettle all more than once more.
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: .571
Next seven days: @ FLA (Oct. 29), @ TB (Nov. 1), vs. VGK (Nov. three)
The Senators have exhibited an anticipated depth of scoring talent up front. The genuine surprise in Ottawa has been their impressively sound defense. It’s not just the Thomas Chabot show, either. Artem Zub has been robust, Jake Sanderson is an emerging star, Erik Brannstrom has bounced back, and even Travis Hamonic is fitting in. No wonder Ottawa is off to an encouraging start off.
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: .571
Next seven days: vs. CHI (Oct. 29), vs. DET (Oct. 31), vs. PIT (Nov. two)
We knew Rasmus Dahlin would be very good. But … this very good? Like, major NHL defensemen in points (9), setting records (as the initial blueliner in history to score a purpose in 5 straight games to open a season) and usually dominating a single opponent soon after an additional? That’s a very good surprise Buffalo can get behind.
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: .571
Next seven days: vs. MIN (Oct. 29), @ BUF (Oct. 31), vs. WSH (Nov. three)
Detroit had a busy offseason, acquiring free of charge agents who have contributed to the team’s hot start off. Elmer Soderblom is an in-residence lineup addition who’s been surprisingly efficient early on. The rookie is an intimidating presence on the ice, at six-foot-six, 220 pounds, and utilizes that size to his benefit (see: Soderblom undressing Kings defenseman Sean Durzi with an alley-oop pass — to himself). Soderblom’s two objectives in 5 games appear like just the starting of his run.
ELMER! Söderblom juggles the puck out of the air and more than Durzi, obtaining about him and drawing a penalty.
This guy is a thing else. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/W013vX4H5H
— Ryan Hana (@RyanHanaWWP) October 18, 2022
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: .571
Next seven days: vs. COL (Oct. 28), vs. CBJ (Oct. 30), @ VAN (Nov. 1), @ EDM (Nov. three)
Jesper Bratt was tied for the league lead in scoring (3 objectives, 12 points) by way of seven games. Just like we all predicted. Bratt is the Devils’ surprising standout so far in a start off that integrated potting two objectives and an help in just 13 minutes of ice time against Detroit. That’s some impressive efficiency.
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: .500
Next seven days: @ NSH (Oct. 29), @ Automobile (Oct. 31), vs. VGK (Nov. 1, @ DET (Nov. three)
The Capitals acquiring free of charge agent goaltender Darcy Kuemper was their huge swing of the offseason. Its netted surprisingly mediocre final results. Washington is bottom-ten in objectives permitted so far (three.43 per game) although Kuemper and his new teammates have worked to come across a rhythm. These issues can take time, but offered Kuemper’s championship pedigree and the veteran-laden lineup about him, it is been an unusually slow transition.
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: .444
Next seven days: vs. TOR (Oct. 29), @ STL (Oct. 31), @ DAL (Nov. 1), @ CHI (Nov. three)
There’s been a surprising ascension in the Kings’ ranks, and his name is Gabriel Vilardi. The 23-year-old had previously struggled to turn out to be a complete-time NHLer, but that appears to be in the previous as Vilardi led L.A. with seven points by way of seven games out of the gate — which also matched Vilardi’s 25-game point total from a season ago. Onwards and upwards.
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: .714
Next seven days: vs. Automobile (Oct. 29), @ NYR (Nov. 1), @ TOR (Nov. two)
The Flyers going three– out of the gate? Shocker. The surprising backbone of their results? Carter Hart. The netminder’s four– start off with a .949 SV% and 1.75 GAA powered Philadelphia to a respectable spot in the early-season standings.
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: .500
Next seven days: @ SJ (Oct. 29), vs. OTT (Nov. 1), vs. Automobile (Nov. three)
Steven Stamkos major the Lightning with seven objectives in seven games? Not a surprise. That Tampa Bay scored only 17 objectives total by way of its initial eight games? More shocking. The Lightning offense has failed to catch fire by way of a beneath-typical start off to this season.
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: .500
Next seven days: @ DET (Oct. 29), @ CHI (Oct. 30), vs. MTL (Nov. 1), vs. SEA (Nov. three)
The Wild have been a surprising enigma soon after a 113-point 2021-22 season. Minnesota went -three out of the gate with a rusty-hunting Marc-Andre Fleury in net (posting an .847 SV% and five.25 GAA) although major the NHL in objectives against. Then Fleury rebounded, and the group somewhat followed suit in its subsequent 3 — with wins more than Vancouver and Montreal and an overtime loss to Boston — but what an unexpected roller coaster therefore far.
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: .429
Next seven days: @ Automobile (Oct. 28), vs. COL (Oct. 29), @ CHI (Nov. 1), @ STL (Nov. three)
The Islanders’ inability to score regularly is not so surprising offered the lack of offseason turnover. Ilya Sorokin’s troubles had been additional shocking. New York’s starter went 1-three- to start off, with a two.84 GAA and .908 SV%. Then Sorokin posted a 41-save shutout against the Rangers. Will the genuine Sorokin please stand up?
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: .571
Next seven days: @ ARI (Oct. 28), @ VGK (Oct. 30), vs. MTL (Nov. three)
From the smaller-sample-size division: When the Jets score 4 objectives, they win. When the Jets score fewer than 4 objectives, they shed. That’s been the surprisingly constant trend to start off their initial six games — and is somewhat shocking offered the presence of elite netminder Connor Hellebuyck. Let’s see how extended it holds.
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: .375
Next seven days: vs. BOS (Oct. 28), @ NJ (Oct. 30)
A not-so-entertaining surprise for the Blue Jackets: Not even Johnny Gaudreau could avert them from becoming the final group in the NHL this season to score a energy play purpose (beginning the season -for-20). Yikes.
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: .571
Next seven days: @ BUF (Oct. 29), vs. MIN (Oct. 30), vs. NYI (Nov. 1), vs. LA (Nov. three)
The Blackhawks have been a surprisingly resilient group. Despite a roster depleted of contributors from seasons previous, Chicago has managed 3 come-from-behind victories currently. That’s not so undesirable, and undoubtedly out-paces the low bar of expectations most pundits had for the Blackhawks this season.
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: .500
Next seven days: @ STL (Oct. 29), @ MIN (Nov. 1), @ WPG (Nov. three)
The rebuild could be on in Montreal, but the Canadiens’ depth is surprisingly robust currently. Sean Monahan and Kirby Dach have elevated Montreal up front even additional than anticipated, although the freshman-heavy back finish highlighted by Arber Xhekaj and Kaiden Guhle has been creating robust, constant contributions. That’s a win.
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: .438
Next seven days: vs. WSH (Oct. 29), @ EDM (Nov. 1), @ CGY (Nov. three)
It’s early, but seeing Nashville at the bottom of several league categories? Shocking. The Predators have regularly blown leads, and rank amongst the NHL’s worst in objectives, shots on net and in particular-teams results. Nashville has talent in its depths, that talent just hasn’t come to the forefront.
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: .444
Next seven days: vs. PIT (Oct. 29), @ CGY (Nov. 1), @ MIN (Nov. three)
The Kraken seem to be providing Shane Wright a surprisingly restricted audition. The rookie averages fewer minutes (six:51 per game) than any other Kraken skater, and he hasn’t had significantly possibility to seriously get involved. Given the nine-game window Seattle has to determine about Wright’s subsequent move — and the reality Wright could be playing huge minutes in with his junior group — it is an fascinating approach to take.
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: .333
Next seven days: vs. WPG (Oct. 28), vs. NYR (Oct. 30), vs. FLA (Nov. 1), vs. DAL (Nov. three)
Arizona averaged additional objectives (three.17 per game) by way of their initial six games than the following clubs: Florida, Tampa Bay, Toronto and the New York Rangers. Don’t act like you are not (a small) shocked.
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: .300
Next seven days: vs. TB (Oct. 29), vs. ANA (Nov. 1), vs. FLA (Nov. three)
Did any person have an Erik Karlsson resurgence on their Sharks’ Bingo card? San Jose’s early returns have been iffy, but Karlsson’s shockingly very good play has not been. The veteran appears far better than he has in years, averaging more than 23 minutes of ice time per game, and major the Sharks in points. Talk about a vibrant spot.
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: .250
Next seven days: vs. PIT (Oct. 28), vs. NJ (Nov. 1), vs. ANA (Nov. three)
The Canucks have been shockingly undesirable at holding a lead (see: several, multi-purpose benefits disappeared) through their historically poor -five-two run to open this season. Vancouver was believed to be on the upswing, stocked with maturing young talent, steady goaltending and the suitable veterans. Surprisingly, practically nothing has added up but.
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: .214
Next seven days: @ VGK (Oct. 28), vs. TOR (Oct. 30), @ SJ (Nov. 1), @ VAN (Nov. three)
John Gibson has been Anaheim’s saving grace for a couple of seasons. It’s surprising how normally the Ducks nevertheless leave him out to dry. Anaheim is best 3 in objectives against (four.50), and Gibson has a beneath-.900 SV%, but for a group that has some very good talent all round, it is shocking how the Ducks can not present additional help to their goaltender.
