NHL Top Ten - Nov. 5
The beginning of the NHL season means the beginning of an NHL top ten rankings. And with the first few weeks being as unexpected as ever, these rankings are sure to leave some scratching their heads.
10. Colorado Avalanche (4-4-1, 9 points)
Coming off a Stanley Cup victory, it’s safe to assume there is still a slight hangover from the summer. But make no mistake, the Avs are still one of the best teams in the league.
Valeri Nichuskin already has 12 points in only seven games after an impressive playoff run last year. Pair him with guys like Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen and that makes one of the most lethal offenses in the league.
The backend is led by defenseman Cale Makar and with a revitalized Alexandar Georgiev between the pipes, this team will continue to dominate at the top of the league despite its slow start.
9. Philadelphia Flyers (5-2-1, 11 points)
Probably the most shocking development of the new season has been the Flyers resurgence to relevance.
Led by new coach John Tortorella, the Flyers have been making noise, with guys like Kevin Hayes and Travis Konecy regaining their scoring touches.
It’s hard to tell whether or not the Flyers can keep this surprising stretch going, but for now they find themselves on this list at No. 9.
8. Dallas Stars (5-3-1, 11 points)
The Stars are off to a rather shocking early start to their season, leading the Central Division in the early season.
Jason Robertson has burst onto the scene once more for the Stars with 10 points in nine games.
Goaltending is the main story in Dallas, however. Jake Oettinger has been absolutely stellar to start the new campaign, posting a 1.40 goals against average and a .952 save percentage.
7. New York Rangers (5-3-2, 12 points)
The Rangers have come into the new season fresh off an Eastern Conference Final loss and are back with a purpose.
Artemi Panarin has looked like an early Hart Trophy candidate, with 16 points in just 10 games so far. He’s been paired with Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck to create one of the best lines in the league.
It doesn’t hurt to have the reigning Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin in net. Safe to say this team isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
6. Edmonton Oilers (6-3-0, 12 points)
Similar to the Rangers, the Edmonton Oilers lost in the Conference Final last season and are looking to avenge that loss.
The Oilers already have four players in double-digit scoring to start the season, including two of the best players in the world in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
WIth the emergence of Stuart Skinner in net, this Oilers team may finally have what it takes to bring a Stanley Cup back over the border.
5. Buffalo Sabres (6-3-0, 12 points)
Something that hasn’t been said in several years about the Buffalo Sabres can finally be said: they’re fun to watch.
Former first overall pick Rasmus Dahlin is having an incredible start to his season, with six goals and 12 points in nine games. Tage Thompson continues to work wonders on offense and Jeff Skinner looks like his old self again.
If the offense wasn’t enough, 41-year-old Craig Anderson has been one of the hottest goalies in the league, with a 1.66 goals against average and a .946 save percentage.
4. New Jersey Devils (6-3-0, 12 points)
The New Jersey Devils are starting to live up to their potential.
A healthy Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier have solidified the middle six and brought much needed scoring help to the lineup. Dougie Hamilton and John Marino have been two of the best defensemen early on in the season as well.
However, all eyes lay on Jesper Bratt. The 24-year-old forward is off to the best start of his career, with 15 points in nine games and no signs of slowing down.
3. Vegas Golden Knights (8-2-0, 16 points)
Nobody expected Vegas to be where they are right now, especially considering all the injuries coming into the season.
Goaltending was the main concern for Vegas coming into the season, but now goaltending is its strong suit.
Both Adin Hill and Logan Thompson have a below 2.00 goals against average and at least a .940 save percentage, making them one of the scariest duos in the league.
2. Carolina Hurricanes (6-2-1, 13 points)
The Carolina Hurricanes have been playing very stellar hockey to start the season.
They are led by the emergence of Andrei Svechnikov and Martin Nečas, two of the most explosive young players in the league.
Svechnikov sits second in the league in goals with eight and Nečas leads the team in points with 13.
Add to that a sturdy defensive core and a solid goaltending tandem in Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta, and that makes for a dangerously deep team.
1. Boston Bruins (8-1-0, 16 points)
Boston went from being a team over the offseason that might finish at the bottom of the Atlantic Division to an early season favorite to win it.
Despite their old age, the Bruins are scoring seemingly almost at will, averaging over four goals a game.
David Pastrnak’s 17 points are second in the league and Linus Ullmark has been a top five goaltender to start the year.
Even when you think the Bruins might be slain for good, they rise up from the dead and continue to haunt the rest of the league.
Joshua Bartosik is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jsb6137@psu.edu.
