The NHL season has just begun, and everyone is already jumping to conclusions.
Some early reactions might be spot on, while others could be way off the mark. Let’s dive into Frank Seravalli’s five myths from the first week of hockey action.
Edmonton Oilers’ Slow Start
No need for panic in Edmonton despite a shaky 2-3-0 start. It’s rare for Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to score only one goal together. But assuming they can repeat last year’s 2-9-1 start and still reach Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final isn’t smart. This team has changed; their defense and speed aren’t what they used to be. Last season’s record-breaking 16-game win streak? Probably not happening again. Every game counts, and home ice could’ve changed everything in the finals.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Washed Up or Not?
After losing 6-0 to the New York Rangers on opening night, many thought the Penguins were done for. They seemed slow and too reliant on their older stars. Yet here they are at 3-2-0 with Evgeni Malkin leading in points—11 in five games! That’s his best start ever, even better than Mario Lemieux’s back in 2003. Fans might wonder if this is a sign of good things ahead.
Colorado Avalanche’s Goaltending Woes
It’s been tough for the Avalanche so far with Alexandar Georgiev struggling in goal—four goals allowed on just 24 shots against Boston! His save percentage rose slightly but remains low at .800 after letting in a league-high of 17 goals over four games. In past seasons, they’ve managed wins despite weak goaltending; however, this year seems different without key players like Gabriel Landeskog or Valeri Nichushkin available due to injuries or cap constraints.
Jets Prove Doubters Wrong
I was wrong about Winnipeg Jets’ defense—they’re proving me wrong big time! Their identity as a strong defensive team is shining through as they’ve given up only two goals across three games so far this season—a feat shared with Florida Panthers last year when scoring was up significantly league-wide yet both teams allowed under an impressive benchmark figure (198). Sometimes we look for reasons why success can’t happen twice—but maybe sometimes it just can!
Goaltender Interference Confusion:
The NHL Situation Room has had its fair share of struggles early this season regarding goaltender interference calls causing frustration among fans from Edmonton all way down south Tampa Bay including New York & Carolina too! Coaches feel these decisions now resemble coin flips instead being clear-cut judgments meant catch obvious errors rather than scrutinizing every frame video footage which led some questionable reversals already seen thus far… Shouldn’t there always exist some level common sense applied recognizing interference right away upon seeing it unfold before our eyes?
What do you think about these early-season surprises?
