{"time":1791398240679,"blocks":[{"id":"xUSn9VPe36","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The first few weeks of the NHL season are always a little wild. "}},{"id":"5I3wUhxCEA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Whether it's the short training camps, the early start, or both, some teams have looked great right from opening night while others still look like they’re enjoying the summer. "}},{"id":"muyf2pgh","type":"video","data":{"url":"https://media-cdn.roundtable.io/media-service/videos/d99f410b-e6c3-4160-9898-83d48dd9d9ae/mp4","caption":"","autoplay":false,"controls":true,"muted":false,"stretched":true,"width":0,"height":0,"image":{"url":"https://media-cdn.roundtable.io/media-service/videos/d99f410b-e6c3-4160-9898-83d48dd9d9ae/thumbnail"},"cdn":{"videoId":"d99f410b-e6c3-4160-9898-83d48dd9d9ae","libraryId":"372172","collectionId":"30032062-eefd-4041-a355-12ad05bc987b","cdnBaseUrl":"https://vz-052fc010-b27.b-cdn.net","mp4Url":"https://media-cdn.roundtable.io/media-service/videos/d99f410b-e6c3-4160-9898-83d48dd9d9ae/mp4","thumbnailUrl":"https://media-cdn.roundtable.io/media-service/videos/d99f410b-e6c3-4160-9898-83d48dd9d9ae/thumbnail","previewAnimationUrl":"https://vz-052fc010-b27.b-cdn.net/d99f410b-e6c3-4160-9898-83d48dd9d9ae/preview.webp"}}},{"id":"RutaVl5v74","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"What's important, however, is we've now seen all 32 teams in action. Here's how the power rankings shake out after the first full week of the season. "}},{"id":"CjGrbrrG0n","type":"header","data":{"text":"1. Vegas Golden Knights (3-1-0, +7. Previous rank: 3) ","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"uvPpxd_Hzq","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Golden Knights look absolutely dominant and they nearly came back to beat the Anaheim Ducks after being down 4-0. They've had a pretty easy schedule so far, and their path will be made easier with a weak Pacific Division. "}},{"id":"n3_bC4cdBd","type":"header","data":{"text":"2.Colorado Avalanche (2-0-0, +9. PR: 4) ","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"5-CsWY0SaJ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"No, the Avalanche may not be able to run their power play like the Edmonton Oilers, but they do have a Cup and don’t have trouble beating weaker teams."}},{"id":"Cenr3CbRqi","type":"header","data":{"text":"3. Minnesota Wild (2-0-1, +4. PR: 6)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"sNzG68qpFO","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Wild have so far been very good, though losing Brock Faber is a big blow and they squandered a two-goal lead against the Buffalo Sabres. Their top players are producing save for Matt Boldy – he will score soon enough – but the Central is going to be a bloodbath as expected."}},{"id":"8JDNB_WjHh","type":"header","data":{"text":"4. Utah Mammoth (3-1-0, +9. PR: 10)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"wQTjc-yoIj","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In the early going, no team has looked like they made a bigger leap than the Mammoth. Such a weird schedule quirk they don’t face a Central Division rival until Oct. 27 against the Wild, which might be their first real test."}},{"id":"6LuRLZ29e_","type":"header","data":{"text":"5. Florida Panthers (2-0-2, even. PR: 1)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"B4neVajUs0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Panthers have managed to earn a point in every game so far despite playing on the road for 10 of their 14 games until the end of October, and injuries have hit them again with Aleksander Barkov on LTIR and Brad Marchand needing help to get off the ice in just his second game back. "}},{"id":"wSwLsBMR1e","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/brad-marchand-suffers-lower-body-injury-panthers-react-to-losing-another-key-player","meta":{"title":"Brad Marchand Suffers Lower Body Injury, Panthers React To Losing Another Key Player","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/brad-marchand-suffers-lower-body-injury-panthers-react-to-losing-another-key-player","description":"Just days after Sasha Barkov’s departure, the Panthers face a fresh injury crisis as another star forward left Tuesday's game in Los Angeles, testing Florida’s touted roster depth.","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/3b1ab396-19e5-466c-820e-30aa634d39de.jpeg","type":"jpeg","width":"1150","height":"493"}}}},{"id":"QXGhhtCqxv","type":"header","data":{"text":"6. Carolina Hurricanes (2-1-1, -1. PR: 2)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"EPyPUw9qhQ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"A nice bounce back after a poor performance in the season opener, and again showed how dominant they can be with a 6-4 win against the Montreal Canadiens in a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference final."}},{"id":"2_Uz4Kr4lD","type":"header","data":{"text":"7. Tampa Bay Lightning (2-1-0, +1. PR: 8)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"z9ow-1z7-y","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Jon Cooper didn't have kind words for his squad in a poor showing in the season opener against the New York Rangers but they were back on track with two straight wins and only two goals allowed. We don’t count out this team, ever. "}},{"id":"gO7JiKdz1E","type":"header","data":{"text":"8. Buffalo Sabres (2-1-0, -1. PR: 9)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"hIUwdnultb","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Sabres have a ton of young talent but we seem to forget Owen Power is just 23 years old and will continue to get better. He's averaging 26 minutes per game, a big jump from last season, and looking very good while doing so."}},{"id":"eYJZQ0HtoP","type":"header","data":{"text":"9. Montreal Canadiens (1-1-1, -2. PR: 5)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"Jh_LD7W7cJ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Tuesday’s game against the Canes was the litmus test and the Habs were outplayed and squandered their lead multiple times. While they’ve proved to be a resilient bunch – they nearly came back down 5-1 against the Penguins – they haven’t been dominant or consistent enough to be considered Cup contenders, though it’s still early in the season."}},{"id":"_fST-hOz4V","type":"header","data":{"text":"10. Edmonton Oilers (2-0-1, +3. PR: 13)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"V-9bV-DPT0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Hey, they didn’t give up a touchdown! "}},{"id":"XBSIzVwHph","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/latest-news/we-didn-t-give-up-a-touchdown-babcock-seeing-progress-as-oilers-beat-kraken","meta":{"title":"“We Didn’t Give Up a Touchdown”: Babcock Seeing Progress As Oilers Beat Kraken","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/latest-news/we-didn-t-give-up-a-touchdown-babcock-seeing-progress-as-oilers-beat-kraken","description":"Edmonton stifled Seattle with a disciplined defensive structure, limiting shots and high-danger chances as Devon Levi stood tall to help the Oilers embrace a gritty, low-event win. It was the farthest thing from the first two games of the season against Vancouver. ","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/60a76d85-7060-416e-b351-7eca30f7746f.jpeg","type":"jpeg","width":"1150","height":"493"}}}},{"id":"7eKF-JO7ep","type":"header","data":{"text":"11. Dallas Stars (1-2-0, even. PR: 7)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"68xTPDe0pP","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Beating the Celebrini-less San Jose Sharks wasn’t home to write about, but at least they managed to score five goals after scoring just once in their first two games. "}},{"id":"ZwOeVa4BhP","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Glen Gulutzan noted the Stars offense underperformed despite finishing ninth in goals for per game last season so either they’re back on track or galaxy brained themselves into fixing something that didn’t need to be fixed."}},{"id":"svnZhE8Esu","type":"header","data":{"text":"12. Washington Capitals (1-1-0, +1. PR: 12)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"Tsd-6Jbcr1","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"With Alex Ovechkin announcing that this will be his final season, we’ll be on milestone watch. Ovechkin is 11 goals shy of passing Wayne Gretzky for most regular-season and playoff goals, 12 points away from reaching 1,700, and 36 shy of passing Mario Lemieux for ninth in all-time points. "}},{"id":"b4wwwOFdJy","type":"header","data":{"text":"13. Anaheim Ducks (2-0-0, +2. PR: 21)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"YxbEe7DFjX","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Anaheim had two big tests against the Golden Knights and Panthers to begin the season, and the Ducks won both games. That's a good start considering how much depth they lost over the summer. But can Jackson LaCombe (29:09 TOI/GP) and Tristan Luneau (26:47 TOI/GP) do this for 84 games?"}},{"id":"tp8wGWsghH","type":"header","data":{"text":"14. Pittsburgh Penguins (2-1-0, +7. PR: 16)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"bT8-L2512Q","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Penguins keep winning games and finding diamonds in the rough. Declan Carlisle, 26 years old and played 42 games in a depth role for the Lightning last season, is tied for the team lead with four points. Nick Robertson has two goals in three games. And now GM Kyle Dubas has leveraged Filip Hallander's hot start to acquire defenseman Spencer Stastney from the Oilers."}},{"id":"5MKzQceLha","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-acquire-spencer-stastney-from-edmonton-oilers-for-filip-hallander","meta":{"title":"Penguins Acquire Spencer Stastney From Edmonton Oilers for Filip Hallander","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/penguins-acquire-spencer-stastney-from-edmonton-oilers-for-filip-hallander","description":"The Pittsburgh Penguins cleared up their forward logjam Wednesday by sending Filip Hallander to the Edmonton Oilers","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/3eeb35ab-0f01-4c55-9914-986f028590a4.jpeg","type":"jpeg","width":"1150","height":"493"}}}},{"id":"rTDvs5-Vaz","type":"header","data":{"text":"15. Ottawa Senators (2-1-0, +2. PR: 17)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"HLwsuUfD2j","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"It would be a very Senators thing to happen if Linus Ullmark misses an extended period of time only to see Leevi Merilainen take off with the Vancouver Canucks while getting stuck with a tandem of Samuel Ersson and Jonas Johansson. "}},{"id":"s4ve-6N7Fn","type":"header","data":{"text":"16. Boston Bruins (2-2-0, -2. PR: 11)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"b518xDcyme","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"So much for having more balanced scoring this season, right? Clearly head coach Marco Sturm is unhappy with how his forwards are being deployed and is looking to shake up his team's second line, with Marat Khusnutdinov, Fraser Minten and JJ Peterka skating together in practice on Wednesday."}},{"id":"8Sg7cAkjQh","type":"header","data":{"text":"17. New York Rangers (4-1-0, +8. PR: 27)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"OfK1goq2gr","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Yes, the Rangers are first in the league. Just like we all predicted. "}},{"id":"7RGPXusFu-","type":"header","data":{"text":"18. Winnipeg Jets (2-0-1, +1. PR: 28)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"AA3hKN_2ci","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Connor who? Through three games, the Jets have the eighth-best save percentage at 5-on-5 per NaturalStatTrick.com. "}},{"id":"K7wqFSmX1Z","type":"header","data":{"text":"19. New York Islanders (1-2-0, +2. PR: 18)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"EK6IpGYqup","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Semyon Varlamov is one of the feel-good comeback stories of the season already, making his first start since Nov. 29, 2024 after getting a pair of new knees. "}},{"id":"H0jrMwt7Xe","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/semyon-varlamov-breaks-down-first-start-in-676-days","meta":{"title":"Semyon Varlamov Breaks Down First Start In 676 Days","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/semyon-varlamov-breaks-down-first-start-in-676-days","description":"The New York Islanders dropped their game against the New York Rangers 5-2 on Tuesday night inside Madison Square Garden. Though it looks like a blowout, the game was effectively 3-2 until Alexis Lafreniére potted not one but two empty-net goals to seal the win for the Rangers.
\n","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/36bafaf0-f808-4090-b905-b2e3de611a3b.jpeg","type":"jpeg","width":"1150","height":"493"}}}},{"id":"50KVwapktD","type":"header","data":{"text":"20. San Jose Sharks (2-1-0, -3. PR: 19)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"KNeB-InYjW","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"They scored zero goals with Macklin Celebrini out of the lineup. That alone makes a strong case for Celebrini to be MVP. "}},{"id":"rbjNPMLP6L","type":"header","data":{"text":"21. New Jersey Devils (1-2-0, -7. PR: 15)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"wW17mmCLze","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Jack Hughes' injury scare aside, no one is really surprised the Devils goaltending has allowed 11 goals in their past two games and barely beat the Flyers in their season opener, who might be the worst team in the league right now. "}},{"id":"xORr-vYSDN","type":"header","data":{"text":"22. Columbus Blue Jackets (1-1-0, even. PR: 22)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"uclQF56mPZ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Denton Mateychuk is making a very, very strong case to be the breakout player of the season."}},{"id":"QO95F4bVPw","type":"header","data":{"text":"23. Toronto Maple Leafs (2-2-0, +1. PR: 24)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"G8fxSHMEnN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The good: They were very good in one-goal games up until last season, and they’re already improved in that regard with a comeback win against the Predators after being down 3-0. The bad: Apparently, scoring on a 3-on-0 in overtime is really, really difficult. "}},{"id":"JeNE0SuRKl","type":"header","data":{"text":"24. Nashville Predators (1-1-1, -2. PR: 25)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"bXYQl3RSZw","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"A mixed bag so far where it looks like they might have to grind out games and then they blow a 3-0 lead to the Maple Leafs. The good news is Chris MacFarland has another 81 games to decide if he’s going to give this old core one last kick at the can or start the rebuild."}},{"id":"12ECMMmnLg","type":"header","data":{"text":"25. St. Louis Blues (1-2-0, -3. PR: 20)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"c9_S9_1Fci","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"A great start with 4-0 road win in Dallas but they get shellacked 6-1 in Colorado the next night and then lose to the Blackhawks. Last season, the Blues could barely win two games in a row and need to find a way to be more consistent this season."}},{"id":"WcLy9eIFoO","type":"header","data":{"text":"26. Vancouver Canucks (2-2-0, +1. PR: 30) ","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"ppetqpNM8k","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"No matter how many games the Canucks win this season, the biggest takeaway is that Elias Pettersson is starting to look like Elias Pettersson again. He trails only former teammate Kiefer Sherwood (20) with 19 hits so far this season. "}},{"id":"8uk5w25C59","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/how-elias-petterssons-physical-edge-is-reinventing-his-game-with-the-canucks","meta":{"title":"How Elias Pettersson's Physical Edge Is Reinventing His Game With The Canucks","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/how-elias-petterssons-physical-edge-is-reinventing-his-game-with-the-canucks","description":"The past few seasons were difficult for Elias Pettersson, but these first few outings may suggest that the 27-year-old center has found his spark again. What has led to his strong start?","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/57ff6248-bdcb-47fa-ad1b-82ac87023608.jpeg","type":"jpeg","width":"1150","height":"493"}}}},{"id":"vtLp-d5HA6","type":"header","data":{"text":"27. Seattle Kraken (2-2-0, +4. PR: 29)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"U7TUx7AJue","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Blowout wins against the Calgary Flames but also losses to the Oilers and Golden Knights. This kind of shows you how the Kraken are in the mushy middle where they’re not good enough to compete but also not bad enough to tank. "}},{"id":"5EujnLhL1J","type":"header","data":{"text":"28. Detroit Red Wings (1-2-0, -1. PR: 23)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"WUXYg-fP01","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"$16 million in cap space, rising cap environment, and a top player who took all the risk and attended training camp without a contract? Losing Simon Edvinsson will be 100 percent on the Red Wings. "}},{"id":"uWT6MCsIC5","type":"header","data":{"text":"29. Los Angeles Kings (0-2-1, -6. PR: 26)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"EI0s0JCklZ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The good news is the Kings look like they can actually score goals. The bad news is they still can’t win regulation. "}},{"id":"EE6OqqdTxy","type":"header","data":{"text":"30. Philadelphia Flyers (0-2-2, -12. PR: 14)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"SM_IAIpLMl","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Michael Bunting is a solid player but when you sign him a week into the season it tells me you’re already desperate for ideas. Teams usually don’t fall this far this quickly in the power rankings early in the season, but their play has been really concerning. "}},{"id":"wBdQYYPBb9","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/how-flyers-michael-bunting-signing-changes-lineup-going-forward","meta":{"title":"How Flyers' Michael Bunting Signing Changes Lineup Going Forward","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/how-flyers-michael-bunting-signing-changes-lineup-going-forward","description":"New Philadelphia Flyers signing Michael Bunting will send a ripple effect throughout the team's existing lineup.","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/7bd43a3d-e27d-4183-b429-3bb54616e58e.jpeg","type":"jpeg","width":"1150","height":"493"}}}},{"id":"rgUm90o9fL","type":"header","data":{"text":"31. Chicago Blackhawks (1-3-0, -8. PR: 32)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"jU0InQthKZ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"A really rough start to the season going 0-3-0 with 15 goals against, but they made good in their home opener and Patrick Kane’s return with a win against the Blues."}},{"id":"ssXyK9bRnq","type":"header","data":{"text":"32. Calgary Flames (0-3-0, -13. PR: 31)","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"hBtUk3A-6u","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Let me save you some time. Per THN’s prospect guru Tony Ferrari, the best prospect in the 2027 draft class is right-handed Michigan Wolverine defenseman Landon DuPont. Landon’s father, Micki, was drafted 270th overall in the ninth round – which doesn’t exist anymore – in 2000 by the Flames; what a story that would be to follow in dad’s footsteps. "}},{"id":"bYzJaGjdNg","type":"delimiter","data":{}},{"id":"YsZql3FOCU","type":"image","data":{"caption":"","withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"size":"full","alignment":"center","linkUrl":"https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription","file":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/5a831790-e7da-4009-ba91-f58f2aa19aa6.webp"}}},{"id":"aROSrIMWXt","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free."}},{"id":"ed-8EmydsT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"See more of The Hockey News on Google and save us as a preferred source. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum."}}],"version":"2.31.6"}

Growing the Game: Aliu's Book, Pond Hockey and Colored Hockey League

Hockey Things: What Caught Our Eye Last Week (May 9 Edition)