Peter DeBoer expressed concerns about his team’s performance as the coach of the Dallas Stars amidst his long career in the NHL. Now in his fifth coaching role, he pondered if the Stars would struggle to regain momentum following their recent back-to-back appearances in the Western Conference Final. He questioned whether they might experience some sort of “hangover” from their deep playoff runs.
However, contrary to DeBoer’s worries, the Stars have started remarkably well, boasting a record of 5-1-0. Unfortunately, not all Stanley Cup contenders have fared as well during the initial weeks of the season. Teams like Colorado, Edmonton, and Nashville collectively endured a disappointing stretch, losing 13 out of 17 games, which has turned the standings on their head early in the season.
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar acknowledged the struggles faced by various teams, suggesting that setbacks can be part of the game. “I don’t think year-to-year you can just assume the top teams won’t have difficulties,” he noted. It seems that for some clubs, finding their rhythm has proven challenging in the early going.
In stark contrast to Dallas’ solid performance, the Nashville Predators have hit a rough patch. The team has yet to earn a point with five consecutive losses in regulation and has been outscored 23-10. This follows an aggressive spending spree that saw them acquire big names like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. Stamkos admitted that the expectations for the team were significantly higher, emphasizing the need to overcome their current adversity.
Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers have had a rocky start reminiscent of last season’s struggles. After losing three straight games, even the elite talent like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl haven’t been able to spark their offense. McDavid pointed out issues with puck control and passing, indicating significant areas for improvement.
The Avalanche have particular challenges, suffering from high turnover rates. With players like Valeri Nichushkin suspended and captain Gabriel Landeskog dealing with prolonged injury issues, their offensive firepower has taken a hit. Forward Logan O’Connor highlighted the need for the team to focus on their defensive play, emphasizing the importance of smart game habits.
Turnovers are expected to a degree, especially early in the season when players are shedding summer habits. Stars defenseman Thomas Harley mentioned that it’s essential to concentrate on the less glamorous aspects of the game as players shake off the offseason rust.
Scoring has also ramped up across the league, with an average of 6.4 goals per game over the first stretch of matches—indicative of a scoring spree not seen in over 30 years. Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy shared his observations, suggesting that offensive players are slightly ahead of goaltenders, and improving checking habits is essential moving forward.
As for goaltending performances, many leading teams are seeing excellent results. Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger currently holds the top save percentage in the league. Other standout goaltenders include Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets, and Igor Shesterkin from the New York Rangers, both of whom have showcased impressive stats early in the season.
The New Jersey Devils have played the most games to date and, under new head coach Sheldon Keefe, have secured a strong position with a 5-2-1 record. The Washington Capitals find themselves off to a promising start as well, thanks in part to Dylan Strome’s contributions—who leads the team in points. Notably, Alex Ovechkin is making headlines for his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s career goal record, being just 41 goals away from the mark, yet Ovechkin is not leading his team’s scoring efforts at this moment.
Overall, it’s shaping up to be an intriguing season with various teams facing their own unique issues, while others find ways to navigate early challenges effectively. The journey is just beginning, and the outcomes remain to be seen.
