The NHL season is 11% old — not enough time to make true declarations about teams or players but just enough to assess small sample sizes and whether they are sustainable.
Here’s a ranking of the confidence level we have that these surprising fast starts will continue during the season.
1. Andrei Vasilevskiy (2.22 GAA, .936 SV%)
This is a scary sight for opponents because the Tampa Bay Lightning entered the season as a Stanley Cup contender. Vasilevskiy is among the league leaders in save percentage, with an 8-1-0 record. He’s on this list because he’s still unproven and posted a .917 SV% last season, while his five-on-five mark was 25th among goalies with at least 1,000 minutes. Vasilevskiy, a first-round pick, is only 23 and has game-changing potential. Tampa Bay also has shown it can play a 200-foot game, comfortable in close and low-scoring contests. Vasilevskiy could quickly emerge as a frontline goalie — this year.
2. Jaden Schwartz (six goals, 13 points)
Schwartz ranks third in the NHL with 13 points. It’s even more impressive considering the St. Louis Blues have dealt with a myriad injuries, and Vladimir Tarasenko, who is not one of them, isn't leading the team in scoring. Couple Schwartz’s high-energy, fearless style with his skill and you have player who is always near the puck and in the middle of the offense. The 25-year-old has three seasons of 55 or more points and two with 25 or more goals. This year could offer much more.
3. Vegas Golden Knights (7-1-0)
The fan favorite Golden Knights are doing their part to show they are more than a fun, Cinderella story — including wins over the Blackhawks and Blues in their past two games. The Golden Knights aren’t the most talented team, so it’s hard to envision them ranking among the top teams in scoring and goals against throughout the season. They would be higher on this list if they were in win-now mode and were making moves to improve on their already strong start. Aside from a few young core pieces, it’s hard to know for sure who will stay and who will be traded as the season progresses. That makes it hard to fully buy in.
4. New Jersey Devils (6-2-0)
They are much improved thanks to additional skill and team speed. Nico Hischier looks like a star in the making, and Will Butcher is a creative, puck-moving defenseman. But the Devils, still short on high-end talent, seem at least a year away from being a playoff contender. The Devils won’t stick as the third-best offense (3.8 goals a game), so their defensive play must improve. GM Ray Shero needs to add a reliable top-four defenseman.
5. Vancouver Canucks (5-3-1)
The Canucks were supposed to be one of the worst teams. Instead, they’ve surprised with a start that has seen them reel off three wins in a row while allowing a combined three goals. Even more promising: They’ve controlled possession better — from 47.1% last season to 49.1% now, which is 17th. Bo Horvat, Brock Boeser and Jake Virtanen give this offense untapped potential, but it’s hard to believe in a defense giving Michael Del Zotto top minutes or a goalie tandem of Jacob Markstrom and Anders Nilsson.
