Early Season Surprises: Devils, Penguins, and Red Wings Climb the Rankings

As fans gear up for Halloween, the start of the 2025-26 NHL season has already provided thrilling twists and turns. The New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings, and Pittsburgh Penguins have defied pre-season expectations by rising to remarkable positions in the league standings. With an impressive combined record of 22-7-2 through the first 31 games, these teams are making headlines and capturing the attention of voters in this week's B/R Power Rankings.

The Devils lead the pack, holding the top spot in the rankings thanks to a strong start that has propelled them into contention for the Metropolitan Division. While the Penguins sit in fourth, the Red Wings have secured the eighth position, showcasing potential that only a few could have predicted at the outset of the season.

Conversely, the Calgary Flames find themselves at the bottom of the heap once again. With a league-worst record of 2-8-1, their struggles have continued into the early season, characterized by a lack of scoring and defensive frailty. Their woes culminated in a heart-wrenching loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, which saw them give up a late goal and drop another crucial point.

The season has also seen mixed performances from other teams. The St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild have faced their fair share of challenges, while the Los Angeles Kings have turned a corner, going on a six-game point streak. The league's balance of power seems to be shifting, making for an exciting season ahead.

As we move deeper into October, hockey enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting how these storylines develop. Teams like the Canadiens and Jets remain competitive in their divisions, while rising stars are stepping into the spotlight, challenging their respective teams to elevate their game.

Join the conversation on the app comments to share your thoughts on the current standings and predictions for the rest of the season.