The National Hockey League (NHL) season began in October, and early season action has been shocking. Rookies shining, veterans struggling, underdogs with pristine records, and sleeping giants all contribute to the intrigue so far this season, roughly 12 games in.
First of all, the Washington Capitals are one of the league’s top teams this year, boasting an 8-3-0 record through the first 11 games. Last season, the Caps barely made the playoffs and were promptly defeated by the New York Rangers, leaving the future for the Caps uncertain. Over the summer, multiple trades and free agent signings led to a roster overhaul. Now, with the new additions, the Capitals are a top 10 team in the league and are showing few signs of slowing down.
“The Caps started this season really strong, and Ovechkin is getting lots of goals, which is good,” junior Landon Zike said.
Next, 19 year-old rookie Matvei Michkov has been tearing up opposing defenses so far this year. The Philadelphia Flyers drafted him in 2023, and after spending one more year in Russia, Michkov decided to come over and join the NHL. Michkov is one of the top contestants for the rookie of the year award, and won Rookie of the Month in October.
The Edmonton Oilers were one game away from winning the Stanley Cup last June. Now, their start to the season has been rocky to say the least. They opened the year with only three regulation wins in the month of October and are barely sitting in a playoff spot right now. To add salt to the wound, Connor McDavid, the best hockey player in the world right now, is dealing with a leg injury and will be out for about two months. It is still early in the season, but the Oilers need to turn this around quickly, midseason comes faster than you expect.
The Colorado Avalanche were also struggling to start the year. Currently they have a record of 5-7-0, which keeps them 7th in their division. Injuries and suspensions have decimated their team, with notable absences from Valeri Nichushkin, Gabriel Landeskog, Ross Colton, and Jonathan Drouin. The Avalanche have some of the most offensive talent in the league, paired with a very strong defense, but so far this season they have lackedin the win column. Their top stars, Nathan Mackinnon and Cale Makar have still performed absolutely incredible as expected, but two players isn’t enough to be a great team.
“Avalanche don’t have a great record so far, but I don’t think that represents their capabilities. Their injuries are limiting them right now, and once they get better, they’ll be back in the playoff conversation” junior Hayden Kusic said.
He’s right, injuries often mask the true potential of a team. Since the Avalanche have been consistently one of the best teams in the league, it’s safe to say that they will return to their winning roots soon.
The NHL season has been exciting and full of drama so far this year, and we’re just getting started.
