With the NHL season now underway and eight games completed, the phrase "as far as" has become a common refrain among analysts and fans alike as they weigh early-season performances and speculate on how far teams might go. As predictions flood in and discussions intensify, the league’s unpredictable nature—where momentum, injuries, and standout play can shift trajectories overnight—remains a defining factor. Early results have already sparked debates about which teams are exceeding expectations and which may be struggling sooner than anticipated. The season’s first stretch offers a glimpse into how closely reality might align with the boldest projections.

Will go as far as. That phrase is used frequently with the NHL season underway, eight of 1,344 games in the books, and media members and fans all making predictions, talking about ...