The 2026-27 NHL season is in full swing, and as usual, the month of October has brought an assortment of surprises and challenges for the league's 32 teams. Historically, the Stanley Cup has never been won or lost in October, but that hasn’t stopped the excitement from taking hold of hockey fans across the continent. As we dive into the early action, let’s analyze the first week of matches and the initial power rankings compiled by the hockey staff at Bleacher Report.
Calgary Flames: A Shaky Start
From the outset, the Calgary Flames have struggled to find their footing, starting the season with an alarming 0-3-0 record. With only three goals scored and a staggering 16 allowed, frustrations are visible within the team. Coach Ryan Huska expressed concern about the team's disconnect, emphasizing the need for better coordination on ice. Additionally, rumors are circulating that former first-round pick Connor Zary has been waived, adding to the tumultuous atmosphere surrounding Calgary.
Connor Bedard's Return Proves Elusive
Another notable story is that of Connor Bedard, the highly-touted rookie who is still recovering from left shoulder surgery. Bedard has begun participating in drills with his teammates but has yet to clear contact, causing a ripple of concern among Chicago Blackhawks fans who are eager to see their star player back in action.
Philadelphia Flyers: Overachievement to Underperformance?
The Philadelphia Flyers could have been seen as overachievers last season, finishing with 98 points, but their current trajectory suggests otherwise. The team has opened the 2026-27 season with four consecutive losses, scoring only five goals in that stretch. Historically, this marked the first time the Flyers have experienced such a dire start since 2014, raising questions about whether they can recover from this slump.
Detroit Red Wings: Struggling for Consistency
Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings started the season with mixed results. Their offense is limping, putting up just two goals in two games as they face challenges during power plays. With head coach Todd McLellan recognizing his team’s struggle, particularly during unfavorable scenarios, the Red Wings will need to regroup with the return of Dylan Larkin potentially providing much-needed support.
Los Angeles Kings: Goaltending Concerns
For the Los Angeles Kings, the confusion in goaltending has resulted in some concerning statistics. In their first two games, Anton Forsberg and Darcy Kuemper combined to allow 13 goals on 54 shots, showcasing issues that the coaching staff must address immediately in order for the Kings to find success as the season progresses.
New Jersey Devils: An Out-of-Sync Start
The New Jersey Devils experienced a rapid decline from an overtime win to a 6-0 blowout loss against the New York Islanders. Reflecting on their performance, coach Sheldon Keefe lamented that his team played as if they were in preseason form against a gang that was already performing like a team in midseason. Addressing this inconsistency will be crucial in regaining momentum.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Close Games, Tough Losses
The Toronto Maple Leafs are finding themselves in tight games early on, as all their matches thus far have been decided by just a goal. Unfortunately for Toronto, they have come away with two losses. However, there’s a silver lining, with newly acquired players Kirill Marchenko and Gavin McKenna making notable contributions, including their first goals with the team.
Surprises and Struggles in Power Rankings
The Dallas Stars, who looked shaky at the beginning of the season, rebounded impressively with a decisive 5-0 victory against the San Jose Sharks. The team seemed to find its rhythm as they held their opponents to only 13 shots, reaffirming their status as strong contenders. On the flip side, the Predators have witnessed forward Steven Stamkos rise in the all-time goal charts, marking a silver lining amidst their offensive struggles.
The Resurgence of the New York Islanders
The Islanders appear to have made significant progress as they deftly navigated through penalties with disciplined play against New Jersey. Head coach Pete DeBoer emphasized the importance of discipline and focus, and the results are speaking for themselves early on in the season.
The Road Ahead Looks Challenging
As the month progresses, teams like the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers are hoping to turn things around after rocky starts. Carolina hoped to keep their championship momentum but faced back-to-back losses at home. Meanwhile, the Panthers are struggling with injuries, particularly to key players, which can deride their chances of succeeding this season.
Wrap-Up of the Power Rankings
As we move past the first week of NHL action, one thing is clear: this season promises to be filled with surprises, challenges, and dramatic twists. With coach evaluations, team performances, and player appearances all in a state of flux, predictions for the Stanley Cup playoff picture may still be too early to make. However, the foundation laid in October could provide valuable insight into the potential paths teams may take as the season unfolds.
