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Kristen Shilton, ESPN NHL reporter
The 2024-25 NHL season is simply two weeks previous and already chock stuffed with surprises.
Did we anticipate the Winnipeg Jets to be the final undefeated staff? Or for the Calgary Flames to be steamrolling the competitors? And what of the Utah Hockey Club, making enlargement life look good?
It has been an thrilling run — for some. For others, not a lot. There are backs towards the wall, so to talk.
Nevertheless it’s nonetheless early … proper?
These 5 groups higher hope so.
We’re breaking down the golf equipment who got here into the 2024-25 marketing campaign rife with expectations that have not fairly lived as much as the hype. What’s holding them again? And the way frightened ought to followers be about their trajectory from right here?
It is our (in all probability) too-early Panic Meter readings! Let’s dissect the candidates:
Stanley Cup odds: +1400
Document: 2-2-0, sixth in Metro
The issues: Granted, the Hurricanes are solely 4 video games into their season. It is nonetheless unusual to see them at solely the .500 mark and forward of simply the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets within the Metro Division.
So, sure. It is a small pattern dimension. However Carolina has had some obtrusive inconsistencies, too. The Hurricanes are hurting themselves because the fourth-most penalized staff within the league (averaging over 5 minutes per recreation) and that is been a pricey, momentum-crushing pattern, taxing their Thirteenth-ranked penalty kill (83.3%) whereas preserving top-end skaters like Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov from doing what they do finest on the offensive finish. Carolina’s nineteenth general offensively (3.00 targets per recreation), and averaging the sixth-most pictures (32.8), so the alternatives to problem opponents are clearly there. It is a matter of the Hurricanes not being their very own worst enemy.
Carolina knew going into the season {that a}) goalie well being and b) goalie efficiency could be a big issue for them, and whereas Frederik Andersen has been good to date, his counterpart Pyotr Kochetkov has struggled. The younger netminder is 1-1-0 with an .867 SV% and three.05 GAA, in comparison with Andersen’s .936 SV% and 1.53 GAA. Andersen has been run aground by accidents previously, so coach Rod Brind’Amour should be capable to depend on Kotchetkov to help the veteran. That is nonetheless a piece in progress.
One other trigger for concern is the curler coaster that’s Carolina’s prime defensive unit. Brent Burns and Jaccob Slavin had been on the ice for 3 of 4 targets towards within the Hurricanes’ loss to the St. Louis Blues, proper after sparking Carolina to a dominant win towards the Pittsburgh Penguins. Burns is nearing 40 years previous, and it exhibits in his foot velocity; carrying almost 23 minutes per recreation might not be sustainable, and it’ll require others on Carolina’s again finish to step up in some unspecified time in the future and maybe take away a part of that stress.
Panic meter studying: 5.5/10. Carolina has stored up in each recreation; it is the little errors they have to start out cleansing up, although. Unhealthy habits have a manner of snowballing and that is an actual fear for the Hurricanes. Eliminating unhealthy penalties and maximizing their scoring depth — it is defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere at the moment main the staff in targets, with three — will give Carolina extra respiration room and that ought to push the Hurricanes up the standings.
If something, it appears like Carolina continues to be looking for its id and given the quick runway they’ve had into the season that is not surprising. Time is at all times of the essence — however on this case a minimum of it is on the Hurricanes’ aspect.
Stanley Cup odds: +1200
Document: 2-4-0, seventh in Central
The issues: Colorado’s season started with an 0-4-0 mark for simply the second time in franchise historical past (the opposite incidence being 1998-99); it took overcoming a two-goal deficit towards the Anaheim Ducks on Friday for the Avalanche to ultimately earn their elusive first win of the yr (in additional time, no much less). Sunday’s 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks — that includes a pair of targets from Ross Colton and three factors by Cale Makar — is one other step in the appropriate course. However Colorado has to show it might probably produce optimistic outcomes towards the league’s would-be contenders too alongside the best way right here too.
The Avalanche are thirty second already in targets towards per recreation (4.83), due largely to atrocious goaltending. Aleksandar Georgiev is 1-3-0 with an .811 save proportion and 4.99 goals-against common via Colorado’s first 5 outings. Over these preliminary 4 losses, Colorado’s starter had let in a league-high 17 targets. All of the goal-scoring magic Nathan MacKinnon may muster will not make up for that type of leaky netminding.
Particular groups have been a hindrance as properly. Colorado picked up the place it left off within the second half of final season with an inconsistent penalty kill (twenty ninth within the league, at 68.4% via six video games) that is overshadowing their second-ranked energy play (38.1%). Once more, goaltending woes play a consider these poor short-handed stats, however the Avalanche’s prime penalty-killing unit (anchored by Makar and Colton) is not getting the job performed both in entrance of Georgiev.
That mentioned, the Avalanche are lacking key items from the lineup, together with Gabriel Landeskog, Jonathan Drouin, Valeri Nichushkin, Devon Toews and Artturi Lehkonen. Having their lineup impacted to that diploma, with no technique to substitute it, and coping with critically sub-par goaltending is daunting job. Colorado needs to be up for the problem.
Panic meter studying: 7.5/10. The Avalanche have MacKinnon, and Makar, plus a fiery Mikko Rantanen. That is a top-tier trio with game-changing potential (and it was MacKinnon, in fact, who potted that OT winner towards the Geese to safe Colorado’s preliminary win). The Avalanche have been stingy defensively, sitting fourth finest in pictures towards per recreation (25.5) they usually’ve performed properly producing scoring alternative up entrance, notably from the slot.
That diminished scoring depth has contributed to why extra possibilities aren’t getting in (Colorado is eleventh in targets, averaging 3.50 per recreation) however there is a brilliant spot there as properly: coach Jared Bednar mentioned over the weekend he hopes Nichushkin, who’s again skating on his personal whereas finishing a six-month suspension in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA help program, will be capable to return by Nov. 13.
What the Avalanche should hope for is that its goaltending will enhance, too. Colorado claimed goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen off waivers over every week in the past, and he was lastly capable of be a part of the staff on Saturday after coping with immigration points. As soon as he is in control, there is not any doubt Colorado will insert him to take the sting off Georgiev. On the identical time, Colorado has to push Georgiev into turning the nook, too. With a victory beneath his belt, now there’s cause for the goaltender to really feel higher about his personal recreation and permit that to translate into stringing additional wins collectively for Colorado from right here.
The Avalanche haven’t got cap area accessible to instantly deal with any areas of concern, so getting extra out of the present roster is their solely technique to dig out of this early deficit.
Stanley Cup odds: +6000
Document: 2-3-0, eighth in Atlantic
The issues: The Purple Wings are off to a glacial 2-3-0 begin that features a pair of victories over the league’s solely winless staff (Nashville). That is not a ringing endorsement for the place Detroit might be headed. This was speculated to be a season the place the Purple Wings lastly punched their manner again to the playoffs after being absent since 2015-16. Detroit got here achingly shut in 2023-24, falling simply in need of a postseason berth with a tie-breaking loss to Washington on the very finish. The Purple Wings might need hoped for some momentum to hold over into the brand new marketing campaign, however it’s been a troublesome slog (apart from once they’ve confronted the Predators, naturally).
Detroit’s injured record has begun to replenish, with Tyler Motte and Christian Fischer struggling illnesses already. However that is no excuse. The Purple Wings’ general execution has lacked greater than something, notably off the draw. Detroit is twenty seventh in FOW% (46.4%) they usually’ve seen momentum snatched away from targets scored immediately off a poorly executed faceoff (see New York Rangers winger Reilly Smith‘s marker final week). Good groups have the small print dialled in; Detroit continues to be getting there.
The Purple Wings’ particular groups are one other problem. Detroit owns the second-worst penalty kill within the league (62.5%) and their energy play is a mediocre (15.8%). These areas of the sport that might increase the Purple Wings aren’t coming via usually sufficient, and it is dragging them down. The identical is true with their collective staff protection, a long-time concern that is failed to enhance over time. Detroit is tied for the second-most pictures towards per recreation (34.2) and even strong goaltending from each Alex Lyon (1-1-0, .938 SV%, 2.06 GAA) and Cam Talbot (1-1-0, 907 SV% and three.31 GAA) cannot fill the void.
Panic meter studying: 6.5/10. Detroit’s early schedule has been odd, with the 2 outings towards Nashville and two conferences already with the Rangers. Regardless, the Purple Wings are showcasing too most of the identical previous issues to fully say they’re on monitor to a distinct consequence than seasons previous. Detroit has allowed 15 complete targets in these three losses. Even with the likes of Dylan Larkin (who has three targets), Andrew Copp (identical) and offseason addition Vladimir Tarasenko (two targets) sparking the offense, the Purple Wings want much more fingers to get on the appropriate aspect of those scoresheets.
It is actually whether or not Detroit can go all-in defensively that can doubtless decide their destiny (once more). Anticipating to outscore their different troubles — at 5-on-5 or particular groups — hasn’t labored earlier than, and will not work this season. If Detroit should purchase in to what coach Derek Lalonde is preaching and hold getting succesful goaltending and constant scoring, their recipe for fulfillment may get them again within the postseason combine ahead of later.
Stanley Cup odds: +750
Document: 2-4-0, seventh in Pacific
The issues: Edmonton just isn’t getting the goaltending it wants — and that is affecting every part else. Stuart Skinner is 1-3-0 with an .851 SV% and 4.03 GAA. His backup Calvin Pickard is 1-1-0 with an .852 SV% and three.28 GAA. These are powerful numbers to beat at one of the best of occasions, however particularly when Edmonton can also be not producing a constant quantity of top-end offense.
Leon Draisaitl has three targets on the season and Connor McDavid has a aim and 6 factors, however head coach Kris Knobloch has stored them collectively on a line with Zach Hyman (who has zero factors via six video games) and it would not make sense to load up a single unit when the outcomes are there usually sufficient. The living proof: Edmonton had a disappointing 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars on Saturday the place the Oilers fell behind 3-0, and solely Draisaitl’s late third interval aim stored Edmonton from being shut out for the second time in six video games, the primary one being a 6-0 drubbing by the Winnipeg Jets of their season opener.
Whereas Draisaitl is the Oilers’ main scorer, he is additionally been punished by Knobloch already for poorly timed penalties. And Edmonton’s particular groups have been putrid as properly — the facility play is working at simply 6.7% (good for thirtieth general) and their penalty kill is dead-last within the NHL at 55%. Whenever you’re additionally averaging the fewest targets within the league (2.00) and are twenty seventh in targets towards (4.00), it is a brutal mixture.
The underside line for Edmonton is that till their offense improves, the Oilers’ outcomes will not get higher, both. It is on Knobloch to make the appropriate changes — at even energy and on the facility play — so the Oilers can thrive.
Panic meter studying: 8/10. Hear, the Oilers have fooled us earlier than. Final season Edmonton began 2-9-1 and turned issues round so drastically they wound up in Sport 7 of the Stanley Cup Closing. That is to not say historical past can repeat itself now, although. The Oilers’ 1-4-0 begin is nothing to be ok with, and exhibits there are an abundance of weaknesses in Edmonton’s lineup that have to be addressed.
It isn’t that the Oilers don’t get their possibilities. They had been the higher staff towards Dallas within the first interval on Saturday, however could not capitalize. The Stars took over from there and that spelled bother for the Oilers. If they’ll discover methods to profit from these alternatives going ahead, it’s going to be a distinct story.
On the plus aspect, Edmonton’s depth has been strong. Jeff Skinner has 4 factors in six video games, Corey Perry has been his traditional feisty self and there are vital indicators of life on the again finish. Edmonton has time to show issues round, however Knobloch should unfold his expertise out and let Draisaitl and McDavid drive their very own strains. The goaltending and particular groups have to be seemed into as properly clearly, however what Edmonton wants greater than ever is confidence. And that comes from stringing some wins collectively.
Stanley Cup odds: +2000
Document: 0-5-0, eighth in Central
The issues: Enjoyable truth: no NHL staff that has began 0-5-0 has reached the postseason since 2005-06. And Nashville is precisely that, boasting (?) a franchise-worst begin that took one other blow in Saturday’s lopsided 5-2 loss to Detroit. Suffice to say then, the Predators face an uphill battle to make the postseason.
Nashville’s new-look lineup has fallen properly in need of expectations in a winless stretch to open this marketing campaign — they’re the final remaining NHL staff and not using a level, besides — and the problems hold stacking up.
Let’s begin in the beginning. Nashville is permitting the second-most targets (4.60 per recreation) and scoring the fewest (2.00). And that is whereas the Predators are additionally averaging essentially the most pictures (35.4 per recreation) within the league. What conclusions may be drawn? Nashville’s goaltending — and skill to truly end on their possibilities — are out of whack.
Juuse Saros has seemed humbly human in web for the Predators, with an 0-4-0 file, .875 SV% and three.64 GAA. Scott Wedgewood is true behind him and completely no higher at 0-1-0 with an .800 SV% and 4.21 GAA.
Offensively the Predators have not seemed almost as dominant as predicted given the additions they made within the offseason. Extremely prized free agent signees Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault have not clicked but within the system, and that is slowed the Predators’ assault. Stamkos did not rating for the primary time till Saturday’s loss towards Detroit, and whereas Marchessault has 4 factors in 5 video games, he hasn’t been an actual difference-maker out of the gate.
Nashville seems to be missing chemistry, and head coach Andrew Brunette is at a loss already to seek out mixtures that click on.
Panic meter studying: 9.5/10. This staff is in a foul spot. There isn’t any technique to sugarcoat being the one NHL membership and not using a level, particularly when the roster has such depth of expertise. Nashville’s defensive efforts have not been horrible, both. The Predators have allowed the ninth fewest in pictures towards per recreation (27.4), however with out the saves it does not imply a lot to be first rate sufficient on the again finish. Roman Josi is averaging over 27 minutes per recreation — tied for many amongst defenseman with Quinn Hughes — and that is a heavy ask of the 34-year-old.
Brunette mentioned on Saturday the Predators’ terrible opening is not for “lack of making an attempt,” and that is true. Nashville is clearly placing in effort. It is that the Predators are making huge errors — and there is not any getting back from these on a shift-by-shift foundation in case your goaltending is a multitude. And the extra Nashville sees pucks getting in, the extra gamers are gripping their sticks too tightly — compounding these infuriating errors.
Are there silver linings? Possibly. Filip Forsberg has been strong out of the gate — he leads the staff with two targets and 5 factors — and there’s a genuinely sturdy management unit within the room headed by Ryan O’Reilly, Josi and, in time, Stamkos. The actual fact Nashville can a minimum of create possibilities is sweet, too.
The one answer for Nashville? Discover a technique to win a recreation. It may be the scrappiest, ugliest, least-aesthetically pleasing victory. However what this group wants greater than something is simply to know it might probably get the job performed as soon as — and confidence ought to construct from there.
