One Insight on Each NFL Team a Month Into the Season
The NHL season for 2025-26 has crossed the one-month milestone, offering insights into each of the league’s 32 teams. Here’s a look at the major updates and trends observed so far.
Team Insights After One Month of NHL Action
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Anaheim Ducks
Joel Quenneville’s coaching tenure has sparked a noticeable improvement. The Ducks are generating an average of 17.1 quality scoring chances per game, ranking them 13th in the league.
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Boston Bruins
The Bruins have showcased a team effort in their victories, with multiple players contributing game-winning goals. A total of eight different players have stepped up to secure wins in regulation or overtime.
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Buffalo Sabres
A recent trade saw Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring join the Sabres, receiving JJ Peterka in return. This deal appears beneficial for both teams, as it addresses the needs of each lineup.
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Calgary Flames
With a current record of 4-10-2, the Flames possess a valuable trade asset in Nazem Kadri, although ownership is reportedly reluctant to move him.
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Carolina Hurricanes
Nikolaj Ehlers’ early performance shows room for improvement. Despite scoring only two goals and four assists, he remains an integral part of a line that has demonstrated strong chemistry.
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Chicago Blackhawks
Surprising many, the Blackhawks hold a record of 7-5-3. Their ability to stay competitive in games is highlighted by their lead and tie statistics.
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Colorado Avalanche
Dominating the league, the Avalanche are first in points and goals against, solidifying their status as a top contender early in the season.
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Columbus Blue Jackets
Currently fifth in the league for team save percentage at .906, the Blue Jackets’ goaltending duo has outperformed expectations despite the team’s overall defensive struggles.
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Dallas Stars
Jason Robertson is currently on pace for a lower goal count than expected, with just three goals in 14 games. Fans anticipate an increase in his scoring as the season progresses.
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Detroit Red Wings
After struggling last season, the Red Wings have improved their penalty kill rate to 85.7%, ranking seventh in the league.
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Edmonton Oilers
Connor McDavid has rebounded from a slow start, currently ranking third in points with 21 in 15 games, signaling a return to form.
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Florida Panthers
Despite being outside of playoff contention, Brad Marchand stands out as the team’s leading scorer with nine goals and 40 shots on goal.
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Los Angeles Kings
The defense pairing of Brandt Clarke and Joel Edmundson has excelled, helping the Kings to achieve a positive scoring differential.
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Minnesota Wild
Wild general manager Bill Guerin commands a highly talented defense lineup, yet the team struggles to find cohesion on the ice.
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Montreal Canadiens
With a record of 9-3-2, the Canadiens face goalie concerns as Jakub Dobes rises while starter Sam Montembeault falters.
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Nashville Predators
Steven Stamkos finds himself in a goal-scoring slump early in the season, highlighting challenges in adjusting to a new team environment.
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New Jersey Devils
Leading the Metropolitan Division, the Devils maintain a record of 10-4-0, but their recent performance has prompted criticism from their coach over work ethic and consistency.
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New York Islanders
The Islanders continue to tap into the KHL for talent, signing Maxim Shabanov, who adds depth but has yet to make a significant impact.
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New York Rangers
The Rangers have seen stark contrasts in their home and away performance, struggling to find success in Madison Square Garden.
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Ottawa Senators
The Senators hold a 6-5-3 record amidst inconsistency, struggling with defensive and goaltending issues despite a potent offense.
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Philadelphia Flyers
General manager Daniel Briere has made impactful trades, most notably acquiring Trevor Zegras. However, past trades have raised concerns about asset management.
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Pittsburgh Penguins
Promising young talent Ben Kindel has emerged, adding five goals to the Penguins’ efforts as they navigate a challenging season.
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San Jose Sharks
The Sharks are aiming for top prospects while navigating a difficult season, with rookie Macklin Celebrini showing considerable potential.
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Seattle Kraken
Rookie Berkly Catton faces challenges in his first NHL season, balancing potential development opportunities between the NHL and junior leagues.
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St. Louis Blues
Currently at the bottom of the standings, the Blues may benefit from a tough season, potentially leading to higher draft picks.
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Tampa Bay Lightning
Concerns arise over the speed of Tampa Bay’s defensive corps, which could hinder their performance moving forward.
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Joseph Woll’s return is crucial for Toronto, which has faced goalie struggles since he has been away for personal reasons.
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Utah Mammoth
Under coach Andre Tourigny, the Mammoth are making waves with an impressive 9-5-0 record, balancing offensive creativity with strong defensive tactics.
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Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks face challenges as their star player Elias Pettersson’s performance has not matched expectations amid a soft early schedule.
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Vegas Golden Knights
With a strong start reflected in their points percentage, the Golden Knights are positioned well as they continue to build on past successes.
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Washington Capitals
Coach Spencer Carbery is adjusting Alex Ovechkin’s role, focusing on maximizing his offensive contributions while minimizing defensive responsibilities.
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Winnipeg Jets
Jonathan Toews has made a successful return, demonstrating competency as a middle-six center while leading in faceoff proficiency.
As the NHL season progresses, fans and analysts alike will keep a close watch on these developments for potential shifts in performance and standings.