The early stretch of the NHL season has already delivered unexpected twists, with two teams defying expectations and reshaping the league’s power structure. One squad, long considered a playoff longshot, has stormed out of the gate with a blend of breakout performances and veteran leadership, while another traditionally dominant franchise is struggling in ways few anticipated. Analysts are scrambling to adjust their projections as these shifts could have major implications for playoff positioning and championship hopes. The season’s narrative is being rewritten before the midpoint, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning what comes next.

2 most surprising NHL teams early in 2026-27 season  Yahoo Sports