The Bruins' annual push to make critics look foolish has begun, with Jeremy Swayman leading the charge. He has saved 7.97 goals above average, erasing nearly every mistake Boston makes in front of him. The Bruins sit near the top of a tough Atlantic Division, and their goaltending has been the biggest reason for the fast start.
Elsewhere in the rankings, the Hurricanes' Nic Deslauriers scored a two-goal explosion against the Canucks, his first goal since April 13, 2025. In Edmonton, Vasily Podkolzin has already produced seven goals and five assists in nine games, giving Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl a new running mate at the top of the lineup. Can that level of production hold all season?
Utah is off to a strong start even without league-average goaltending. Karel Vejmelka and Sebastian Cossa have combined to allow 5.92 goals above average, which could prompt a move. Meanwhile, Trevor Connelly has seven points in 10 games for Vegas, tied for the rookie lead, and Brett Kulak's first season in Colorado has not started as smoothly, with the Avalanche owning just 42.2% of expected goals with him on the ice at five-on-five.
The Senators were the first team to lose to the Flyers, a result that warrants a drop out of the top 10. Mikko Rantanen's production has come in short bursts, while Kirill Marchenko has wasted no time settling in Toronto with 11 points already. Those early returns are worth watching as the season develops.
Source: CBS Sports NHL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing