Were people a little hasty in closing the window on the Chicago Blackhawks before the season? It sure looks like it. Are the New Jersey Devils the quietest 8-3-3 team in NHL history? Man, are they ever flying under the radar.
1. (Last week: 4) Chicago Blackhawks, 11-3-2
The Blackhawks head off on their annual circus trip having padded their record nicely. Sunday's win over Montreal was entertaining. Now come stops in Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton, San Jose, Anaheim and Los Angeles. Chicago's next home game isn't until Nov. 29 against Florida.
2. (3) Pittsburgh Penguins, 10-3-2
It sure looks like Matt Murray has reclaimed the No. 1 job in net, right? Now the question is: How long does Marc-Andre Fleury stay put? It might not be a bad idea to keep him around for the season, given the compressed schedule, and deal with that situation after the season. As they say, we shall see.
3. (2) New York Rangers, 12-4-0
The Blueshirts made the Alberta sweep over the weekend and now have a chance to make it a perfect road trip with wins in Vancouver and Columbus this week. New York's high PDO (save percentage + shooting percentage) suggests a market correction at some point, but I still like the way this team plays.
4. (6) Montreal Canadiens, 13-2-1
The Canadiens had impressive wins over Los Angeles and Detroit before a tough 3-2 loss at Chicago. The Blackhawks were fortunate not to have to face Carey Price, he of the .957 save percentage and 1.40 (!) goals-against average. Are you kidding me?
5. (1) Washington Capitals, 9-4-1
Losses to San Jose and Carolina were sandwiched around a nice win in Chicago last week. But, ooh baby, the Penguins come to town on Wednesday.
6. (10) San Jose Sharks, 9-6-0
The Sharks have three wins in three games on their six-game trek so far, including noteworthy decisions over Washington, Florida and Tampa Bay. Brent Burns is on pace for 76 points -- just saying.
7. (14) New Jersey Devils, 8-3-3
Are these the throwback Devils? New Jersey is third in goals against per game (2.14) while playing structured, disciplined hockey.
8. (12) Ottawa Senators, 9-5-1
The Sens have gone nine consecutive games without scoring more than two goals and yet have gone 5-3-1 during that stretch. Is Guy Boucher's system kicking in?
9. (13) Anaheim Ducks, 7-6-3
I'll be curious to see how long it takes top defenseman Hampus Lindholm -- who has played three games so far -- to find his groove. It's really hard to miss camp, the preseason and the start of the season and not blink.
10. (11) Minnesota Wild, 8-5-1
So far, so good for reclamation project Eric Staal in Minnesota. He has 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in 14 games and leads the Wild in scoring.
11. (5) Tampa Bay Lightning, 8-6-1
The Bolts begin a five-game road trip on Monday night at Brooklyn searching for more consistency. Other stops on the trip include Detroit, Buffalo, Philadelphia and Nashville.
12. (17) Boston Bruins, 10-6-0
Has Tuukka Rask changed his number to 31? He's been Carey Price-like this season, sporting a .945 save percentage and 1.54 GAA. What an amazing year so far for Rask.
13. (8) Edmonton Oilers, 9-6-1
Don't look now, but the Oilers -- after their wonderful start to the season -- have dropped six of their past eight games. The search for consistency continues.
14. (24) Winnipeg Jets, 8-7-2
We should all be cheering for Mark Scheifele to win the scoring title. He's among the best interviews in the entire league and a terrific young man. And, boy, has he come into his own over the past year.
15. (9) Columbus Blue Jackets, 7-4-2
The Jackets have scored 18 of their 45 goals in two games. Overall, they're averaging 3.46 goals per game (second in the NHL). But take away those two magical games, and they're averaging just 2.45 goals in the others.
16. (7) St. Louis Blues, 7-6-3
The Blues are on a three-game losing streak, including an 8-4 massacre in Columbus on Saturday. St. Louis is last in the league in PDO, so one would assume that some puck luck should be coming its way at some point.
17. (15) Los Angeles Kings, 7-8-1
Three consecutive losses for the Kings since that 7-0 romp in Toronto. Sure, they miss goalie Jonathan Quick -- but they're also just 24th in scoring.
18. (23) Nashville Predators, 6-5-3
Well, well, well -- have the preseason darlings woken up? The Preds have won three in a row, including a 5-0 shutout of Anaheim on Saturday.
19. (16) Florida Panthers, 7-7-1
It's been mostly win one, lose one for the Cats, as they search to find some cohesion. A four-game road trek starts Tuesday in Montreal.
20. (21) Detroit Red Wings, 8-7-1
The Wings got smoked 5-0 in Montreal on Saturday, and it doesn't get any easier this week with Tampa Bay and Washington on the docket.
21. (22) Dallas Stars, 6-6-4
Tyler Seguin took a while to get going after missing camp because of a World Cup injury, but he's roaring now. He's tied for the NHL lead in scoring, with 20 points (7-13) in 16 games.
22. (19) Toronto Maple Leafs, 6-6-3
The young Buds have given up 40-plus shots in four of their past six games, including 49 in Pittsburgh on Saturday night. Coach Mike Babcock has to keep convincing his kids there are two sides to a puck.
23. (20) Philadelphia Flyers, 7-7-2
The win over Minnesota on Saturday snapped a three-game skid. The Flyers need few more saves and better defensive play to get things going again.
24. (25) Colorado Avalanche, 6-8-0
Here's hoping Matt Duchene (concussion) isn't out long. The Avs are last in the NHL in goals per game (1.93) as it is.
25. (26) New York Islanders, 5-7-3
The slumping Isles have one win in six games this month, and things won't get any easier with Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh on tap -- followed next week by a three-game trek to California.
26. (28) Carolina Hurricanes, 4-6-4
Can the impressive 5-1 win over Washington spur Carolina? The 'Canes get San Jose and Montreal next, so we'll find out.
27. (18) Buffalo Sabres, 5-6-4
The inconsistent Sabres have dropped five of their past six games, when the power play has gone 1-for-11.
28. (27) Calgary Flames, 5-10-1
The Flames are tied for 30th in goals against per game (3.63). They are way better than this. Something has to give.
29. (30) Vancouver Canucks, 6-9-1
The Canucks are 27th in PDO if you're looking for something that suggests they deserve better luck.
30. (29) Arizona Coyotes, 5-9-0
We're not used to seeing a Dave Tippett team rank 27th in goals against per game. Such are the perils of having young players who are learning on the job.