A fresh look at the NHL season kicks off with early assessments of every team’s performance, offering first impressions from the ice. Experts break down standout plays, defensive struggles, and emerging trends as squads jockey for position in the standings. From dominant goal-scoring streaks to surprising defensive turnarounds, the rankings highlight which teams are exceeding expectations and which may be facing early hurdles. Fans and analysts alike will find insights into how rosters are shaping up before the competitive grind of the regular season takes full hold.

NHL Power Rankings: Early first impressions of every team  The New York Times