Early signs from the first week and a half of the NHL season suggest some unexpected shifts in team performance metrics that could reshape the league’s early narrative. While the season remains in its infancy, certain statistical patterns—such as defensive stability, offensive efficiency, or goaltending reliability—are already standing out as outliers compared to preseason expectations. Analysts are noting how quickly some teams have adapted or struggled in key areas, with early data hinting at potential surprises in the standings. Whether these trends hold or prove fleeting, they offer a glimpse into which squads might be over- or underperforming relative to their preseason projections.

We may be only a week and a half into the 2026-27 NHL season, but there are some interesting trends in teams’ metrics worth keeping an eye on. Take these…