NHL Season 2025-26 Analysis: First Quarter Evaluation
The 2025-26 NHL season has reached its first quarter, with all 32 teams having played more than 20 games. This analysis evaluates the performance of each team, highlighting positive surprises, disappointments, and areas for improvement.
Each team receives a rating based on their performance, analyzing the positive and negative aspects of their game. The statistics considered are up to November 23rd.Note: Teams are listed alphabetically by rating.
Grades A
Colorado Avalanche
Preseason (over/under): 103.5
Current points pace: 137.9
The positive: They lead the NHL in goals per game and concede the fewest goals per game. They generate the most scoring chances per 60 minutes and shots per 60 in 5-on-5 play. Their defensive structure makes them a top 10 team in terms of the fewest shots allowed per 60 and the fewest dangerous chances per 60. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are on track to win individual awards. They could surpass the Bruins’ regular season points record.The negative: Despite leading the league in goals per game, they have problems in the power play, with a low conversion rate on their opportunities.
Rating: A+
Anaheim Ducks
Preseason (over/under): 83.5
Current points pace: 108.1
The positive: They are competing for the Pacific Division title. They have the second most prolific attack in terms of goals per game. Young Leo Carlsson is on track to have one of the best individual seasons in team history.The negative: Excessive reliance on Lukas Dostal in the defensive zone. They allow many scoring opportunities and shots against.
Rating: A
Dallas Stars
Preseason (over/under): 103.5
Current points pace: 111.8
The positive: The second-best team in the NHL’s power play and they are in the top 10 in goals per game. Despite the losses in the offseason, the team shows efficiency.
The negative: Disconnection between defensive performance in 5-on-5 play and penalty play, with a low success rate.
The positive: They are having their best start in a decade. Coach Todd McLellan is maximizing the team’s potential. Dylan Larkin leads the team in goals and points, and the rookies are performing well.The negative: They depend on a strong power play; their scoring at even strength can improve. The goaltending could be an area of concern.
Rating: A
New York Islanders
Preseason (over/under): 84.5
Current points pace: 99.8
The positive: Rookie Matthew Schaefer is having a great impact. Maxim Shabanov and the goalies are showing solidity. The team is in the top 10 in goals, driven by Bo Horvat and a healthy Mathew Barzal and Kyle Palmieri.The negative: They don’t have a powerful power play and their offense could be too dependent on a few players. They lost Alexander Romanov to injury.
Rating: A
Pittsburgh Penguins
Preseason (over/under): 77.5
Current points pace: 97.6
The positive: One of the surprises of the season. Dan Muse, the first-year coach, is performing well. The team concedes the second-fewest goals, is in the top 10 in offense, and has the best power play. The goaltending has improved.
The negative: Problems closing certain matches, especially in extra time and penalty shootouts. Injuries to key players.
Rating: A
Grades A-
Carolina Hurricanes
Preseason (over/under): 105.5
Current points pace: 111.8
The positive: They stand out for their defensive game. The offense has excelled, led by Seth Jarvis, Sebastian Aho, and Jordan Staal. Goalie Pyotr Kochetkov has been excellent.The negative: They have not had success on special teams, with the worst power play in the league and low penalty kill effectiveness. Problems in goal with Frederik Andersen.Rating: A-
New Jersey Devils
Preseason (over/under): 99.5
Current points pace: 108.1
The positive: The stellar offense has been producing at a consistent rate. The goaltending is strong, with an excellent Jake Allen. Simon Nemec has shown great progress.
The negative: Jack Hughes suffered an injury that will keep him out for several weeks. They need to find ways to keep scoring and not expose Allen.
Rating: A-
B Ratings
Boston Bruins
Preseason (over/under): 80.5
Current points pace: 88.8
The positive: They have been among the best contenders in the division. Coach Marco Sturm implemented a defensive structure that the team has adopted. Jeremy Swayman is back in top form, and the team is in the top 10 in power play and penalty kill. David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie have stood out on offense.
The negative: Significant injuries. They need consistency and could have difficulty finding it. They are still in the bottom ten for goals conceded.
Rating: B+
Chicago Blackhawks
Preseason (over/under): 67.5
Current points pace: 89.5
The positive: They have exceeded expectations. Connor Bedard is on his way to a high-scoring season. The goal has shown significant improvements.The negative: They need to improve cohesion in their defensive structure. They are one of the youngest teams in the NHL, which affects their defense.
Rating: B+
Montreal Canadiens
Preseason (over/under): 90.5
Current points pace: 97.6
The positive: Jakub Dobes has been a revelation in goal. The team has improved its defensive effort. Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki have been consistent on offense.The negative: They have underperformed in recent matches. Injuries that continue to affect the team. To stay in the conversation, Montreal must rely on its depth and not lose sight of defensive details.
Rating: B+
Philadelphia Flyers
Preseason (over/under): 83.5
Current points pace: 97.6
The positive: They find ways to win games with solid defensive play. Dan Vladar has been a reliable goalie. Travis Sanheim and Travis Konecny lead the offense.The negative: They are not producing at a high enough rate on offense. Matvei Michkov has not had the expected impact. They need more contributions in scoring.
Rating: B+
San Jose Sharks
Preseason (over/under): 70.5
Current point pace: 89.1
The positive: On track to surpass 80 points for the first time since 2018-19. Progress of the youngsters. Macklin Celebrini could have the best individual season in Sharks history.The negative: A six-game losing streak at the start of the season. They are in the bottom ten in goals per game and goals allowed per game.
Rating: B+
Seattle Kraken
Preseason (over/under): 78.5
Current points pace: 104.4
The positive: The goaltending has been a strong point. They have re-established their defensive identity. Joey Daccord, Philipp Grubauer, and Matt Murray have provided continuity in the goaltending.The negative: They have difficulties scoring goals. They average the fewest goal opportunities per game, shots per game, and dangerous opportunities per 60.
