Quarter mark team reviews

In a highly original, groundbreaking concept, Team Recon will be bringing you bitesize reviews of the first quarter (roughly) performance of all 29 NHL teams, plus the New York Islanders.

As our affiliations do not quite cover each team, some of the commentary may feature elements of ill-informed guesswork and hearsay based on watching only a couple of games, but hey, that never stopped Mike Milbury offering an opinion, so why should it stop us?

Team reviews will be drip-fed by our correspondents within this post (after the break) - keep checking back for updates.

Jump to:

Anaheim Ducks; Atlanta Thrashers; Boston Bruins; Chicago Blackhawks; Colorado Avalanche; Columbus Blue Jackets; Dallas Stars; Detroit Red Wings; Edmonton Oilers; Los Angeles Kings; Minnesota Wild; Montreal Canadiens; New Jersey Devils; New York Islanders; New York Rangers; Phoenix Coyotes; Pittsburgh Penguins; San Jose Sharks; St. Louis Blues; Toronto Maple Leafs; Vancouver Canucks; Washington Capitals

Vancouver Canucks

(10-5-3, 3rd in Western Conference, 1st in NW Division at time of writing)

Best Performer: Daniel/Henrik Sedin

Does this question really need to be asked of the Vancouver Canucks? I mean, come on, unless you have been hanging out in Lindsay Land with Ms. Lohan, you know that the Canucks are all about the Sedin sisters…I mean, twins. My bad , a little slip of the tongue, which usually costs the Avalanche 3 or 4 goals a game when uttered. Let’s face it; this dynamic duo is pretty darn good. They just know where each other are on the ice at all times, kind of scary. Daniel is sitting with 12 goals and 12 assists at through 18 games, and is shooting at 22.2%...not too shabby. And you can bet that most, if not all, of those goals were assisted on by his brother Henrik, who has 2 goals and 22 assists through 18 games. My only question is, in this dynamic duo, who is the Batman and who is the Robin?

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: Keith Ballard

I am not sure what Canucks fans expectations are for Keith Ballard, but I consider him to be a disappointment for this team thus far. In 9 appearances with the Canucks this year, he has no points and is a -2. I think they expected a lot more from Keith when they acquired him. Mind you, he did miss some time with a concussion, and that could be playing a part in it, but I think at this point of the season, he gets this distinction.

Most Improved/Biggest Surprise: Raffi Torres

Torres has 7 goals and 9 points through 18 games with a shooting percentage of 21.2%. I don’t think that is too shabby for a 3rd liner. I certainly didn’t expect that kind of start to the season by Torres.

Team Grade: A-

I am giving the Canucks an A- at this point. There really is not a lot to be disappointed with as they are near the top of the NHL in almost all categories. They are #8 in goals /game with 3.06 and they are #5 in goals against/game with 2.44. The PP is #2 in the league, thanks in large part to the aforementioned sisters…I mean…twins. If I’m a Canucks fan I’d like to see Burrows get going, he hasn’t done a whole lot in the 8 games since his injury, and playing top line minutes, he should at least be getting a few secondary assists.

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Dallas Stars

(10-7-0, 12th in the Western Conference, 5th in the Pacific Division at time of writing)

Best Performer: Brad Richards

It is hard to argue against Brad Richards for this distinction. 9 goals and 24 points with a +10 rating, pretty good numbers for 17 games. Richards is more than the stats though. He is the veteran presence on a team whose best forwards are all pretty young guys league experience wise. 

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: Stars' PK

A Stars fan that I talked with mentioned James Neal for this distinction, stating that up until the last game or two, he really hasn’t been performing up to his level of play. I was thinking the same of Jamie Benn myself as he has not impressed me thus far this year, and I know the expectations for him are pretty high. I decided to go against picking these 2 players though and go with the penalty kill of the Dallas Stars for the worst performer of their season to date. 76.4% on the penalty kill…that is good for #27 overall in the NHL. It really makes it hard to win games when you are giving up PP goals like that, puts a lot of pressure on your 5 on 5 play. Definitely an area Dallas needs to improve in if they are going to make the playoffs.

Most Improved/Biggest Surprise: Kari Lehtonen

This has to be Kari Lehtonen. I know I for one had a lot of questions when Dallas acquired Kari from Atlanta. We have heard for years that he is a good goalie, and at times in Atlanta he showed that, but at other times he was awful. Kari is off to a good start this season in Dallas, giving them a chance to win games. He is 9-6 with a 2.83 GAA and .910 save %, nothing earth shattering numbers wise mind you, but not too shabby either. Plus, he has stayed healthy, which in and of itself is a surprise at this point. Maybe Kari will finally show the NHL the skill that has been talked of.

Team Grade: C-

I think a C- for the Stars at this point in the season. Usually you would toss a D or an F out for a team that is in last place in their division, but then you realize they are in the Pacific with the likes of the Kings and Sharks. You put Dallas and their 20 points out East, and they are in the top 8 of the conference right now. They are #12 in the league in goals/game with 3.00 and are #17 in goals against/game with 2.88. That is their story right now, middle of the pack in most stat categories…playing some good hockey, but nothing too awe inspiring or spectacular. 

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Colorado Avalanche

(11-7-1, 5th in the Western Conference, 2nd in the NW Division at time of writing)

Best Performer: John-Michael Liles

The quick and easy answer to this question is Chris Stewart. Stewart leads the team in scoring and has really blossomed into a great NHL player. I am going to go a different route though and go with John-Michael Liles (can we get a little love from Juice for the Spartan?). His numbers are impressive, 3 goals and 15 assists while being +10. What I see this year in Liles that I haven’t in the past is confidence and a purpose to his game. I feel his defensive game has grown this year and he is seeing the ice really well right now. The other part that impresses with Liles, and the same can be said for Stewart as well…Liles was in the dog house with Sacco a lot last year. He was sat for extended periods of time and he never stopped working at his game and he never pouted, at least publicly. Instead, it seems that Liles put in the work this summer and has come back determined to stay out of the dog house, and that has really translated well to the ice.

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: Avs' Special Teams

I have to go with special teams on this one. While the PP is finally coming around, they are #9 in the league currently; at the beginning it was not very good. It seemed we were getting scored on while on the PP more than we were scoring early on. I was all about the NHL allowing teams to decline penalties at that point. The penalty kill on the other hand, not well. The Avs are currently #26 in the NHL at 76.6%...OUCH!!! At one point a few weeks back, the Avs were allowing a PP goal every 3 attempts. That is not going to cut the mustard in the NHL these days, especially when you have to play the Canucks 6 games out of the season and the Wings and LA 4 times.

Most Improved: Kevin Porter

Did not have a great start to the season and was sent down the AHL for a bit. Injuries forced him back into action with the Avalanche, and thus far he has answered the call with 5 goals and a +8. He has seen some time on the top line and is getting PP chances as well. I am digging the improvement I have seen from Kevin and really hope he can keep it up over the rest of the season.

Biggest Surprise: Peter Budaj

It is tough for me to say that Budaj is the biggest surprise right now, because I have always loved the guy. He had a rough time of it when the starting job was his alone, but as a backup Budaj has been stellar and the guy works very hard even though he doesn’t get many chances to play. So, Anderson goes down with an injury and now we need to Avs need to make a Budaj call (the Budaj references on Twitter kill me). He played all 10 games that Anderson was out and posted a 7-3-1 record with 1 shut out. This could have been a time when the Avs struggled mightily as not only was Anderson out, but the Avs also had 9-10 other guys out as well and were relying on some rookie D to fill the holes. Budaj came in and played solid hockey and gave them a chance to the win the games and not lose any ground in the West. A bit surprising to the rest of the NHL probably, but for most Avalanche fans, we’ve always known Peter had it in him.

Team Grade: B

I am going to give the Avalanche a B right now. They are #2 in the NHL in goals/game with 3.53, but on the flip side, they are #22 in goals against/game with 3.00. They are the second best team stat wise 5 on 5 in the NHL at this point as well. Defense is really where they need to shore things up and get more consistency. I have been impressed thus far with the rookies that have come in and had to fill roles with the injury situations. Kevin Shattenkirk, Colby Cohen, Jonas Holos, David Liffiton, Greg Mauldin and David Van Der Gulik (now a casualty of the game himself)…all have come in and played well in their first season with the Avalanche. Honestly, I am more disappointed in the defensive play of some of the guys who have been there a year or two. It is a tough Western Conference, but I like what I see so far from this Avalanche team and if they can get the PK righted, they should be able to have a great season and hopefully make a nice playoff run.

Vancouver, Dallas and Colorado reviews by Avfan2119

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New York Rangers

(10-9-1, 7th in the Eastern Conference, 3rd in the Atlantic Division at time of writing)

Best Performer: Brandon Dubinsky

Fingers crossed, having the year Rangers fans were hoping for last year. 11 goals, much more consistent play and part of a unit with Ryan Callahan and Artem Anisimov that was surprisingly productive during the shocking 12-game absence of Marian Gaborik.

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: Alex Frolov

OK, still early and suffered from the absence of expected-linemate Gaborik. However, one four-point splurge against the hapless Oilers aside, production of anything other than multiple whiffs on close-in scoring chances and endless extremely slow wraparound attempts has been scarce.

Most Improved/Biggest Surprise: Brian Boyle
After being in tough to make the team during camp, has produced unexpected offense (eight goals, after never scoring more than four in any year) in still fairly limited minutes, and is using his "big, strong body" (copyright Joe Micheletti) to much greater effect.

Team Grade: B-
Some great wins mixed with a few horrid defeats, especially at home, suggest more of the same; a team likely to finish anywhere from 6th to 11th in the parity-rich Eastern Conference. However, relative to last year, the team appears to have a stronger playing identity and has coped better than anticipated with key injuries that just haven't occurred in the last two seasons.

NY Rangers review by LW3H

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Kings, Yotes, Ducks reviewed below by Juice in LA (Caveated ahead of time so you know who to blame.)

Los Angeles Kings

A Cinderella Story probably bigger than St. Louis.

(13-6-0, 2nd in Western Conference, 1st in Pacific Division at time of writing)

Washington, Philly, Detroit - all teams you expect to be Top 5 in the League standings. Maybe you’d expect to see even the Pens, Vancouver and the 2008 SJ Sharks… but the LA Kings cracking sitting solidly in the Top 5 in league standings with an 8-0 start at home is this year's Cinderella Story - so far.

Best Performer: Anze Kopitar
As inclined as I am to argue that the Kings' strength is that the whole is more than the sum of its parts, I am going with Kopi, Kopi, Kopi! Anze Kopitar honestly cannot seem to do any wrong these days. Lead the league in points for about two weeks in October, has 20 points now. Coming to play every night dominating in a way people had forgotten to expect. Love it.

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: Jack MF Johnson
Maybe its tough to be a defensive star on a team with Doughty and Greene and O’Donnell- but dammit, you don’t get the Mothra Faulkner Nickname with being a bad one.

Most Improved/Biggest Surprise: Justin Williams
I am giving this to Justin Williams because (a) he has 20 points, (b) he’s not injured yet (c) I consider him a poorman’s Gaborik (ok ok maybe a poorman’s Jussi Jokinen), and (d) he’s playing far more solidly than I would ever otherwise have given him credit for this year.

Team Grade: Solid A
8-0 at home through last week, top of their disturbingly water logged division (seriously, two former powerhouses (Ducks-Sharks), the perennial scrappy Yotes and Stars and yet this division looks like the weakest link in the league…how bizarre), but solidly in the top 5 of the league. Doughty is back, and Johnny Quick is incredibly solid in goal. Their success is almost more exciting that St. Louis this year, but just because St. Louis is a surprise, the LA Kings are coming into a 4 year period of slow steady patient growth, good management choices and showing heart that each year expands more than the Grinch at Christmas.

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Phoenix Coyotes

Might as well be sleeping in the sun.

(9-5-5, 8th in the Western Conference, 2nd in the Pacific Division at time of writing)

Where on earth is that spitfire of a team my poor Red Wings battled last April? Without the fiery cauldron of bankruptcy and Hamilton Ont. licking at their skates, the ‘Yotes seem to be asleep in the sun. Shane Doan is non existent, and NOT just because of injury, Yandle, Morris, Woj Wolski have made less impact on the league and their team’s standing than - uh-

-Biz nasty on Twitter? … nope, not even a contest.

-Kovi on Jersey? … Naw, too easy.

-Wily E. Coyote on the population of Arizona Road Runners? Sure let’s go with that.

Best Performer: Ilya Bryzgalov
10-6 record, with a 2.04 goals against average, a .921 save percentage and three shutouts. Far and away the only thing keeping this team even in divisional running - unless you count the implosion and dismantling of the Sharks and Ducks in the off season… Honorable Mention to BizNasty- but only for his Parros Tribute ‘Stache and his Twitter campaign for the All Star ballot. Good god don’t you want to see Bettman’s sphincter clenching anger when he has to let Bissonette into the All Star game? Vote here.  

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: Shane Doan
Sure Morris, Prucha, Woj, and Yandle are all stinking it up and sure I’ll kick a guy when he’s down. But its warranted.  Before he was injured Doaner was stinking it up to high hell with 1 goal 2 assists 25 PIMS in 9 games for the captain?  THE CAPTAIN? Trust me these are NOT vintage Doaner numbers. Let’s hope he’s taken time while on IR get his poop in a group.

Biggest Surprise/Most Improved: ?
eh. Korpikoski? IDK.

Team Grade: C
A very steamy pile of D. Ok ok a “C”, but only because Bryz gets an A+.

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Anaheim Thucks

Yes Rodney, Someone did, indeed, step on a Duck.

(10-9-3, 9th in the Western Conference, 3rd in the Pacific Division at time of writing)

It is my colleagues' not so deeply disguised desire to cause me intense mental anguish which sees me having to cover the Thucks in this Quarter Mark Report. My only joy comes from the unfathomable off season dismantling (that actually began when they let Pronger go) has made them a mere shell of their former Thuck-iness.

Best Performer: Andreas Lilja
According to the masses we might give this one to Selanne with his 22 points, and an argument might be made that Bobby Ryan with his 19 points and a +/- of 6 is really truly the only hope for the future.  There is always an argument for Jonas Hiller, and then take a look at Lydman’s surprising numbers… But I am giving this one to Andreas Lilja, who after being unceremoniously tossed around the league on his overly concussed head, has 2 assists - and because he was a Red Wing. Yea suck it, I don’t care. Pay me if you want me to be objective.

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment (struggling not to make Goldberg joke here…): Todd Marchant
OK I am actually giving this one to Todd Marchant whose completely pathetic 0 goals 2 assists, 6 PIM are worse numbers than being put up by a guy whose ears won’t stop ringing and who should probably hang up the skates for the good of his own health … just saying.

Biggest Surprise/Most Improved: Lubomir Visnovsky 
I think I am going with Visnovsky, a defenseman with 17 points and a +10 sitting in the top 5 of all Duck point getters. How does that feel Ryan Getzlaf? Corey Perry? Bueller?

Team Grade: C-
But with my bias does it matter? A cursory glance around the interwebs seems to give the team an overall grade of B-, but objectively I think that is very generous - unless you are weighing it for the complete and utter off season and trade deadline implosions that have occurred over the last 2 seasons, then I see your point. Still not giving it to them.

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Toronto Maple Leafs

(7-9-3, 13th in the Eastern Conference, 5th in the NE Division at time of writing)

Best Performer: Tyler Seg...er, Clarke MacArthur

I'll admit to not having seen enough of the Leafs outside of the three games they have played against the Rangers, so despite what seems to be a much-improved defensive performance by the team and Luke Schenn in particular, I'll take the easy route and pick the top scorer. 17 points in 19 games smells more like a nice streak than a sustainable trend for MacArthur (one goal in the last 12 suggests so), but on a team starved of offense, it stands out.

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: Tyler Bozak

Probably harsh to have high expectations of a college free-agent signing with only 37 games of NHL experience (with only another 32 games of pro experience on top of that) coming into the season. However, given those 37 games produced 27 points and starting out with a place next to Phil Kessel on what passes for a scoring line in Toronto, a line of 2-3-5 in 19 games is likely not what was hoped for.

Most Improved/Biggest Surprise: Leafs' defense/goaltending

Perhaps largely attributable to a revolutionary defensive strategy (known as "Not Employing Vesa Toskala") implemented by the shy, retiring Burke/Wilson tag team, the Leafs sit in the middle of the pack with a Goals Against per Game of 2.74, down around half a goal from last year. The PK numbers still appear to be pretty horrendous though.

Team Grade: C

I was expecting a non-playoff team, and that's where the Leafs sit right now, despite a short-lived hot start. But that's OK for a franchise clearly committed to rebuilding over the long-term through the draft. Oh, wait a sec...

Toronto review by LW3H

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Washington Capitals

(14-5-2, 1st in the Eastern Conference, 1st in the SE Division at time of writing, and 1st in your hearts always)

Best Performer: Alexander Semin

A couple third line/role players are in the running for this title as well, but Semin has the stat line to prove it. With 14 goals and 26 points, he is tied with 4-time Pearson/Lindsay Award winner teammate Alex Ovechkin for the team scoring lead. Semin has a lot to prove this year after receiving only a one year extension this summer. Caps fans have been waiting for years for Semin to finally consistently show the skill and flashes of hard work. Coach Bruce Boudreau challenged Semin a few weeks ago: if he wanted to stay on the top line, he had to show how badly he wanted it. Semin responded with skillful goals and playmaking, good discipline and even uncharacteristic mucking and grinding in the corners to the point that he even dons the “A” occasionally. Semin has been playing like a man desperate to stay in Washington and the Caps are definitely benefiting.

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: Tomas Fleischmann

Eric Fehr may have less desirable stats, but Fleischmann gets the “biggest disappointment” tag for failing at his position. At the end of training camp, Coach Boudreau announced Fleischmann would start as the second-line center and he has had little success. “Flash” needs a lot of work on faceoffs – out of the top 6 to take faceoffs, his percentage is only higher than rookie Marcus Johansson. Over the next 20 games, Fleischmann went from second line center to healthy scratch. It’s not for a lack of effort that Flash gets this infamous title, but it appears the young center is easily shaken and thinks too much about every move. With so many secondary players firing on all cylinders at the moment, Flash just seems to be the odd man out in the team on-ice chemistry. After a great year last year, it is disappointing to see him not take the next step and fill the second line center role that was his to lose 20 games ago.

Most Improved/Biggest Surprise: Caps' PK

Instead of choosing just one player, I’d like to give props to all of the players on the penalty kill. Last year, the Caps had a horrendous penalty kill with only 78.8% efficiency, good for 6th worst in the league. This year, the Caps’ PK at 84.6% ranks 9th in the league at the moment, which is crucial considering the Caps are 4th in the league in minor penalties against. The Caps staff lamented the problem last year and this summer worked hard to come up with a more effective scheme including increased aggressiveness and shorter shifts to conserve energy. The PK has come up big time and time again and many nights it has been the difference between a win and overtime/loss.

Team Grade: A-

It’s tough to give the number one team in the league anything less than an A, but while secondary scoring is fantastic and the defense (for the most part) satisfactory, the goaltending situation is still unclear. Michal Neuvirth was great the first few weeks in the season, but there are worries that he may be overworked, even though he’s been fine so far. Semyon Varlamov was expected to split time with him this year in net, but so far has been plagued with injuries. Braden Holtby has made a few starts, but he was not expected to really be a major player this early in his development.

Washington review by ccd3m

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New York Islanders

(4-12-4, 15th in Eastern Conference, 5th in Atlantic Division at time of writing...Yikes)

Best Performer: Matt Moulson

Well there has to be SOMETHING positive to say, right? To many people, the Islanders are just the team John Tavares plays for. It's clear that their team is not going anywhere, but they have had a pleasant surprise so far this season. Matt Moulson leads the team in goals and points. He is on pace to score 35 goals this season. To do that on a team that is projected to be in the basement all season gives Isles fans at least one reason to smile.

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: Dwayne Roloson/ Rick DiPietro

The Isles do have the second worst goals for/against differential which not only shows that they aren't scoring, but that they aren't keeping the puck out of the net. DiPietro has a GAA of almost 4 and Dwayne Roloson has a 2-9-1 record. They are not helping the team steal any victories.

Most Improved/Biggest Surprise: James Wisniewski

(He does do more than make "obscene" gestures.) Wisniewski is already 1 goal shy of topping his career high 3 goal plateau. He is known more as a pest and has not changed that role, but James suddenly finds himself tied for the team lead in points. I think it's safe to say that no one expected that. He even has more points than John Tavares. His only downside is his current -15 rating.

Team Grade: D-

I know, I know. How could I not give this team an F? Well they are the worst team in the league so far. There is no denying that. But the team is without two of their best players and will be for some time to come. Kyle Okposo and Mark Streit both started the season on the IR.

NY Islanders review by Alicia

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Atlanta Thrashers

(9-9-3, 8th in the Eastern Conference, 3rd in the SE Division at time of writing)

Best Performer: Dustin Byfuglien

The recent Stanley Cup winner joined several other Blackhawks teammates in the move to Atlanta and they brought their confident attitude with them. Byfuglien has spent his career jumping between forward and defense, and this year the Thrashers elected to use him on defense to help young Tobias Enstrom with puck-moving on the blue line. The move has paid off well with Byfuglien tied for the team lead in goals and first among Thrashers defensemen in points. Not only are his personal stats impressive, the Thrashers are currently in a playoff position despite being in a tough Southeast division so far this year. With Byfuglien’s addition, the team has also greatly improved their power play from 16% efficiency last year 23.5%, good for sixth in the league.

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: Thrashers' defense

While the Thrashers offense has significantly improved along with a rocking power play, the team’s defense has a long way to go. Defensemen Johnny Oduya and Zach Bogosian are a combined minus-17 only 21 games into the season and the team allows an average of 35.4 shots on goal per game. To put it in perspective, the only team that allows more shots is the Edmonton Oilers with 35.6. The main reason the Thrashers are not losing more often is because of goalie Ondrej Pavelec, but even the best goaltenders will start to falter if they become overworked.

Most Improved/Biggest Surprise: Alexander Burmistrov

The Russian rookie has impressed everyone so far this season with his strong two-way game. While most Russian forwards coming into the league tend to focus solely on offense, Burmistrov has always valued the defensive side of the game. In a recent interview with nhl.com, the 2010 No. 8 overall pick showed just how much when asked who his dream linemates would be: Igor Larionov and Pavel Datsyuk. The coaching staff has become so comfortable with him, they happily put him out against the opposition’s top lines every night. Not only is he a strong checking presence with a team-high plus-4, he has also dazzled with his hard work and puck skills as some might remember in a recent game against Washington. Look for Burmistrov to only get better as he becomes more adjusted to the NHL and adds some size.

Team Grade: C

While the offense has been much stronger this year when compared to last year and is actually in the top 10 in the league, this is mostly due to the success of the power play. The Thrashers need to be more effective 5 on 5 since your game plan can’t count on the expectation of getting power plays every game. The defense is in the bottom 10 in the league and they allow entirely too many shots per game to keep up their winning percentage for the rest of the season. The penalty kill is the 5th worst in the league, but luckily the Thrashers have good team discipline so this aspect of play has not been as glaring as it could be. Overall, the Thrashers need to work on controlling the game at even strength, and keeping the puck out of the net by allowing their goalies a chance to win.

Atlanta review by ccd3m

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Columbus Blue Jackets

(13-6-0, 4th in Western Conference, 2nd in Central Division at time of writing)

Best Performer: Rick Nash

It almost sounds too predictable, but you really can't argue against Rick Nash being the best player in Columbus so far this season. He already has 13 goals this season, and the player second to him in goals (RJ Umberger) has just 6. It has been years that we've been saying Rick Nash needs a centerman, but he seems to be doing just find without playing with a superstar.

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: Antoine Vermette

Antoine Vermette is at the opposite end of the spectrum from Nash. He has been visibly struggling to score goals. At this rate he is only on pace to score 13 goals. Vermette scored 27 last season. It would be fine if he was finding his name on the box score for assists, but he isn't having any success in point production whatsoever.

Most Improved/Biggest Surprise: Derick Brassard

It would be safe to say that this has been Derick Brassard's breakout season. He had a successful 09-10 season with the Blue Jackets, but Brassard now finds himself competing with Rick Nash for the team lead in points. Who can say that they honestly expected that? Brassard isn't a very well known name, but I would start to get used to the sound of it.

Team Grade: B+

How can you not give this team a fantastic grade? No one expected them to be making any noise this season. They are in a tough Western Conference and one of the toughest divisions in hockey. Not only do they have to face the defending Stanley Cup champions 6 times, but they have to face the Detroit Red Wings 6 times. That is no easy task. And to be where they are in the standings right now with one of the least well known rosters in the NHL is VERY impressive.

Columbus review by Alicia

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Chicago Blackhawks

“It’s ok, we still have our core.”
(11-10-2, 7th in the Western Conference, 4th in the Central Division at time of writing)

Best Performer: Patrick Sharp

Patrick Sharp leads Chicago in goals, 3rd in assists, and tied for the team lead with 22 points. 1/3 of Sharp’s goals have come on the power play, which is 3rd best in the NHL behind Vancouver and Minnesota.

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: Marty Turco

8-6-2 record, 2.83 goals against and a .906 save %. That’s Marty Turco. Turco has given up 4 or more goals in a game 5 times already this season, including giving up 7 goals in his last start against Calgary.

Most Improved/Biggest Surprise: Viktor Stalberg

Stalberg has 10 points in 22 games so far for Chicago after having 14 points in 40 games last season for Toronto. I almost went with Toews and his “intangibles” that have him ranked 3rd among forwards in all-star voting (and apparently a top 3 player in the world), but Stalberg seemed like a much better option here.

Team Grade: C-

“It’s ok, we still have our core.” This is what numerous Chicago fans said after their team lost a majority of its depth after they won the Cup this past June after being “Old Yeller’d” due to the salary cap. They still have their core, so all is good, right? A significant injury to a member of their beloved “core” and they most likely miss the playoffs in a deep Western Conference. Chicago fans are right: they still have their “core,” just place a “medio” in front of it, hit spell check, and you get what they are: mediocre.

Chicago review by Ola

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St. Louis Blues

(11-5-3, 6th in Western Conference, 3rd in the Central Division at time of writing)

Best Performer: Andy McDonald/Patrick Berglund

Andy McDonald leads the Blues in scoring with 5G and 9A for 14 points in 19 game so far, but Patrick Berglund is right behind him with 5G and 8A for 13 points. I can honestly say that I haven't seen too much action from this team, so I'm going by the stats alone.

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: T.J. Oshie's injury

I'm not going to talk about the worst performer. Looking at the numbers, several players could fall into that category and maybe undeservedly. I want to talk about the biggest disappointment, and this has nothing to do with play. My biggest disappointment is T.J. Oshie, who is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery for a fractured ankle. He broke it on November 10 when Columbus' Samuel Pahlsson fell on T.J.

Most Improved/Biggest Surprise: Matt D'Agostini

The biggest surprise for me is Matt D'Agostini, who already has 6G and 4A for 10 points after 19 games. Last season, he managed 2 goals and 2 assists in 40 games for Montreal before being traded to St. Louis during the playoffs. He didn't do anything to help the Blues advance, but he sure seems to be doing his part to keep St. Louis in fighting form.

Team Grade: C

I'm taking a "wait and see" attitude about this team. I think they're still pretty inconsistent. Die-hard Blues fans may take exception and I welcome the opportunity to be educated by them. Don't be shy!

St. Louis review by Motley Su

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Edmonton Oilers

As Charles Barkley would say, “turrible, just turrible”
(5-11-4, 15th in the Western Conference, 5th in the NW Division at time of writing)

Best Performer: Ryan Whitney

Edmonton’s leading scorer with 17 points so far on the season is Ryan Whitney. All of his 17 points come on 17 assists. He also has a +/- rating of +2, good enough for 2nd on the Oilers, while averaging 25:59 of ice time per game on a team that is in rebuild mode.

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: Andrew Cogliano

1 goal, 3 assists and a +/- rating of -10. Yikes. Let’s move on.

Most Improved/Biggest Surprise: Jordan Eberle

“But what about 1st overall pick Taylor Hall?” Eberle has 4 goals and 8 assists so far in 19 games for the Oilers. 2 of his 4 goals have come shorthanded, including a highlight reel goal for his 1st career goal against the Calgary Flames.

Team Grade: F

Yes, they are rebuilding and will go through rough patches along the way, but when you have penalty kill that is under 70% and are last in goals against, the grade warrants itself. Couple that with the worst record in the Western Conference, a -28 goal differential and the 2nd fewest points in the NHL with 14, and you know it will be a long year. This team should be better in a few years, but right now, they need time to gel with one another. Hall, Eberle and Paajarvi are exciting players to watch and will be for years to come.

Edmonton review by Ola

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Minnesota Wild

Picking top 10 again in the draft? Pshh yeah right
(10-7-2, 10th in Western Conference, 3rd in NW Division at time of writing)

Best Performer: Brent Burns/Niklas Backstrom

After an injury ridden season in 2009-10 for Brent Burns and a struggling year in net for Niklas Backstrom, both of these players are playing like men on a mission. Burns is 2nd in the NHL for goals by a defenseman with 6, with 4 of those 6 goals coming on the power play, which is currently the 2nd best power play in the league, and those 4 power play goals currently lead all NHL defenseman. Burns is averaging 24:31 of ice time per game while playing superb (and all-star worthy; vote him in, people) defense on a Minnesota blue line that had a lot of “what ifs” prior to the start of the season. His resurgence after an injury filled year last season can be attributed to 2 things: his awesome “Movember” beard and Wild assistant coach Rick Wilson.

The first two words that should be said about Niklas Backstrom are “he’s back!” After an off year for Backstrom, the Finnish netminder is looking like his old self at the start of the 2010-11 season with a record of 8-5-2, a goals against of 2.11, which is good for a 7th place tie with Brent Johnson, and a .932 save %, which is tied for 5th best in the NHL. There’s only one lingering problem with Backstrom this year: all-star votes. Something is clearly wrong if Marc-Andre Fleury, Marty Turco, Roberto Luongo, Antti Niemi, Marty Brodeur, Craig Anderson, and JS Giguere all have more all-star votes than Backstrom while having worse numbers.

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: Cam Barker

3 assists, -5 rating, out of position defensively, and turning the puck over way too much. The anti-Brent Burns if you will. Nothing else really needs to be said.

Most Improved/Biggest Surprise: Wild special teams

The Minnesota Wild gave up a league high 13 shorthanded goals last season. This year, they have given up a total of 2. The penalty kill last year was ranked 14th in the NHL at 82.7%, compared to this season where they are at an 84.7% success rate, which is good for 7th in the NHL. Minnesota’s power play last year finished at 19.1%, which was good enough for 10th best in the NHL. The power play has improved dramatically for the Wild, thanks in large part to the acquisition of Minnesota native Matt Cullen. As of now, the power play for the Wild is 2nd best in the NHL at 26.3%, which only trails Vancouver’s 27.0% success rate.

Team Grade: B

This team is ignoring the words of “experts” so far this season. Predicted to finish 13th in the Western Conference yet again, the Wild are off to a much better start to the season this year than they were last year. Niklas Backstrom is off to a great start to the season, which is huge for this team. If Backstrom keeps them in games like he has been so far, this team can be a playoff team in the Western Conference. With the resurgence of Brent Burns, leadership of captain Mikko Koivu, current leading point producer Martin Havlat, agitator and leading scorer Cal Clutterbuck, as well as the imminent return of Pierre-Marc Bouchard, which should be a huge lift to a team that desperately needs more speed and goal scoring, things are looking a lot better right now than they were a year ago in the State of Hockey. For a team that is labeled as “the most boring team in the league,” a team that is “lucky” to win games, and one “mired in mediocrity,” they are playing better than people expected them to this year, which is a welcome sight to a hockey-crazed fan base.

Minnesota review by Ola

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Boston Bruins

(12-6-2, 6th in the Eastern Conference, 2nd in the NE Division at time of writing)

Best Performer: Tim Thomas

The winner of the Vezina Trophy two years ago is showing a strong rebound from last season’s less-than-Vezina-worthy play that saw him lose the starting position to Tuukka Rask. There is some speculation that his play last year may have been affected by a torn labrum in his hip, and Thomas underwent surgery this summer to repair it. The result has been terrific. “The Tank” has regained his starter position, which is no small feat as backup Rask’s numbers are not so shabby either. Thomas has a 1.46 GAA and leads the league with a 0.955 save percentage. He is also tied for the league lead with 4 shutouts. Before you think Thomas’s job is easy playing behind guys like Zdeno Chara every night, let me point out that the Bruins have allowed on average 34 shots per game, which is near the most in the league. The Bruins have played well as a team but Thomas is the biggest reason the Bruins are doing as well as they are.

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: Daniel Paille

It’s tough to choose a “biggest disappointment” on a team performing so well defensively and offensively, and most importantly rolling all four lines. Unfortunately for Paille, he seems to be the odd man out and to date has only played in 7 games, posting one assist and a minus-1. With Savard possibly returning and Sturm expected back in the next few weeks, the Bruins will only have more depth on the front end.

Most Improved/Biggest Surprise: Nathan Horton

I could have gone with the 42-year-old Mark Recchi, showing no signs of slowing down in his “old age”, or the opposite end of the spectrum with the two rookies Seguin and Caron, both of whom have adjusted in no time at all to the NHL game. But Horton takes the cake as the Bruins got exactly what they are hoping for in this summer’s trade. For years, the Panthers hoped that Horton would fully develop into the dominant offensive force they drafted him to be, but thanks to injuries and perhaps his overall situation in Florida, he never quite lived up to expectations. Now in Boston, Horton is not only tied for the team lead in points but has served as the perfect complement to his linemate, Milan Lucic. Their stats are perfect mirror images of each other: Horton with 8 goals, 10 assists; Lucic with 10 goals and 8 assists. Both players are strong defensively as well, with matching plus-10’s and both Horton and Lucic are gritty and unafraid to do the dirty work, with 25 and 22 points, respectively.

Team Grade: B+

The Bruins may have one of the more anemic offenses in the East, but the team also did last year and made it to the second round of the playoffs. Holding on to the 6th spot in the East at the moment will become a little easier if offensive players Marc Savard and Marco Sturm are able to return to the lineup soon. The defense has been strong as usual, and with Thomas and Rask filling in the goal, the Bruins have allowed the fewest goals in the league.

Boston review by ccd3m

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Pittsburgh Penguins

(13-8-2, 5th in Eastern Conference, 2nd in Atlantic Division at time of writing)

Best Performer: Sidney Crosby

Hands down, it has to be Sid. Love him or hate him, you can't argue with 36 points in 23 games (15G, 21A). Do I now regret that I passed him over to select Geno first overall in my fantasy hockey draft? I guess I do a little, but I have a feeling that Geno will turn on the jets. He's second in scoring for the Pens with 7G and 14A for 21 points in 22 games.

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: Marc-Andre Fleury

Another obvious answer. Marc-Andre Fleury has been playing like a goalie from another planet. Or maybe it's a case of "Invasion of the Goalie-Snatchers." Either way, he's got to work hard to improve his .896 save percentage and 2.68GAA. Those might not be bad numbers for other goalies, but Flower can do much better. He seemed back on form the other night against Buffalo. Maybe this is a sign of things to come. (*fingers crossed* <-well, not really, otherwise I couldn't type)

Most Improved/Biggest Surprise: Kris Letang

Where has this guy been the last two seasons??? He's EN FUEGO right now, with 19 points (4G, 15A) in 23 games and sports a +10 rating. He's the third highest scoring defenseman in the NHL right now, behind Dustin Byfuglien (yes, I spelled this without looking it up!) from Atlanta (8G, 12A = 20P) and Nicklas Lidstrom from Detroit (3G, 17A = 20P). For the past 3 years, I've said Tanger was destined for great things. This might be the season he proves me right

Team Grade: B-

I know the Pens took a hit on the D corps and they have yet to find solid linemates for Sid and Geno, but I expected much more out of this team that still remembers what it's like to hoist the Cup. Now that it looks as though Fleury might have his head (and skills) back, maybe he and the D will step up to help pick up the slack, while Sid, Geno and others continue to rack up the points.

Pittsburgh review by Motley Su

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Detroit Red Wings

(17-5-3, 1st in Western Conference, 1st in Central Division at time of writing)

Best Performers: Nicklas Lidstrom/Pavel Datsyuk

Lidstrom: The list of things that can be said about Nicklas Lidstrom is endless, so endless that I can only sum up his season to date like this: He’s 40, playing amazing defense as usual, averaging .84 points/game, is the front runner for the Norris trophy (at least I think so), and he’s the perfect human. This debunks any prior myths about him being an alternate life form from another universe.

Datsyuk: The "Magic Czar," master and innovator of Dastyukian dekes, stickhandling wizard, human highlight reel and 1/2 of the Euro twins known as Pavel Datsyuk leads the Red Wings in scoring with 29 points (8 goals, 21 assists). Defensively, Datsyuk is on a quest to add a 5th Selke trophy to his name, as he is tied for the league lead in takeaways with 35. Oh, yeah... he also embarrasses people, too.

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: Jiri Hudler

6 points and a -7 in 22 games for Jiri Hudler so far this year. Maybe he needs to be happier before the points start piling up?

Most Improved/Biggest Surprise: Jimmy Howard

Jimmy Howard is 2nd in the NHL in wins with 15, trailing only Montreal's Carey Price (16). Howard has gotten off to an amazing start so far this season, posting a record of 15-3-2 through 20 starts, and an even more impressive 29-3-4 record in his last 35 regular season starts.

Team Grade: A

The Red Wings are off to a fast start this season (currently on pace for 121 points) after being eliminated in the 2nd round of the playoffs last season by the San Jose Sharks. Detroit is healthy, their star players are producing, and Jimmy Howard is standing on his head. Typical Red Wings. There's no such thing as a perfect start to a season at the 25 game mark (outside of being undefeated which is very unlikely), but for a team as good as Detroit, a start to the season such as this one sends a message to the rest of the Western Conference. It basically goes like this: "We're back... and we're not going away." That means bad news for any and all Wings haters out there.

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San Jose Sharks

(13-9-4, 9th in Western Conference, 4th in Pacific Division at time of writing)

Best Performer: Dany Heatley

I’m getting this out of the way now while I can: Yes, he should be in jail for the Dan Snyder incident. Now that this is out of the way, let’s move on. Heatley leads the Sharks in goals with 13 and points with 28. He is also tied for 3rd on the team with a +/- of +4, tied for the team lead in power play goals with 5 along with Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski, and ranks 2nd on the Sharks in power play assists with 8, trailing Joe Thornton’s team leading 10 in that department.

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: Antti Niemi

You knew this was coming. After winning a Stanley Cup behind a stellar Chicago defense last season, Niemi swam for warmer waters (you know you thought it was clever, don’t lie) and signed with the Sharks during the offseason. He was supposed to be half of the answer to the departure of Evgeni Nabokov (with Antero Niittymaki being the other half of the answer), but so far, Niemi has not lived up to expectations. Niemi currently has a 5-6-1 record with a 3.33 goals against and a .890 save % with the Sharks. As of now, this signing is looking like a terrible one for the Sharks and their fans. Maybe things will pick up for Niemi when the stakes are higher and he's forced to “Antti” up (ugh I can’t believe I said it either).

Most Improved/Biggest Surprise: Logan Couture

In 25 games for the Sharks last season as a call-up from Worcester, Couture had 5 goals and 4 assists for a total of 9 points. This season is Couture’s first full season in the NHL, and he’s taking people by surprise. Couture currently has 12 goals (including 4 game winners) and 18 points in 26 games for the Sharks, and he’s on pace for 38 goals and 19 assists as a true rookie. If he maintains this pace, he should easily be a Calder nominee and a favorite to win the award at season’s end if he keeps producing the way he is for San Jose.

Team Grade: B-

The Sharks have gotten off to a slow start this season compared to the past couple of years. They are currently 4th in the Pacific division (tied with Los Angeles with 30 points), trailing division leading Dallas by 4 points, and are on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs in the Western Conference as they sit in 9th place in the West with 30 points. The Western Conference is log-jammed at the moment with teams 2nd (Dallas) – 13th (Minnesota) separated by a total of 8 points, with the Sharks currently in the middle of this group. The standings can dramatically change in just a few games out West, and there’s still plenty of season left to play, which means anything can happen, which is good news for the Sharks and their fans.

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New Jersey Devils

(8-17-2, 14th in Eastern Conference, 4th in Atlantic Division at time of writing)

Best Performer: Nobody

I’m serious when I say this. Every single member of the New Jersey Devils is under performing this season, so much so that I seriously can’t come up with a best performer to name. Let’s move on.

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: Ilya Kovalchuk, Devils' offense in general, Martin Brodeur

1.8 goals per game… good enough for last in the entire NHL. This is how many goals the Devils currently average per game… there are so many words that I could throw out here like depressing, terrible, awful, etc. but it would be a lengthy list and I haven’t gotten to the next part of the worst performers yet. Ilya Kovalchuk, 40 goal scorer, elite offensive player, sniper. This is what he used to be before he signed his huge contract prior to the start of the season. Kovalchuk has gotten off to to horrid start this season with 5 goals and 11 points in 26 games (currently on pace for 15 goals, 18 assists, 33 points). Oh yeah, it gets worse… he’s a -17 (on pace for a +/- of -52… that’s not a typo either) as well. That 15 year $100 million contract doesn't look all that good at the moment, does it? I didn’t think so.

And to make matters even worse for him:

 

Marty Brodeur is being left out to dry by his defense. Brodeur currently has a record of 4-10-1 with a 2.74 goals against and a .901 save %. These numbers are not entirely his fault, are un-Marty like, and do not reflect how “good” Brodeur really is. He is still an elite goaltender, future hall of famer, the all-time wins leader in NHL history, and 3-time Stanley Cup champion, but this season, these are the numbers of Marty Brodeur, and they are not good at all. Poor Marty.

Most Improved/Biggest Surprise: Whole team

If you told me prior to the start of the season that the Devils would be 14th in the East and have the 2nd fewest wins (and points) in the NHL right now, I would have laughed for quite some time. This team is in shambles from top to bottom, everywhere from the coach, to Kovalchuk, to their offense, to their defense, to losing Zach Parise to an injury, to their attendance - oh wait, that was never in shambles, my bad (too easy). The Devils’ season to date is an abysmal one but has two bright spots in it - the eventual return of Parise, and the possibility of getting a high draft pick if they continue to struggle.

Team Grade: F

1.8 goals a game, losing an all-star caliber player in Parise, paying a player $100 million over 15 years and having him underachieve so far, terrible defense, a -31 goal differential (currently worst in the league), the 2nd fewest wins in the NHL and the most regulation losses in the NHL. This is the 2010-11 Devils right now. All of this has left “The Rock” relatively quiet this season (insert another attendance joke here if you wish). The Devils have hit rock bottom. I never thought I would be saying it this soon, but they have (at least so far this year) and it’s gotten them in a bad situation in the East. Only time will tell if they are capable of salvaging the rest of their season.

Detroit, San Jose and New Jersey reviews by Ola

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Montreal Canadiens

(18-8-2, 3rd in Eastern Conference, 1st in NE Division at time of writing)

Best Performer: Carey Price

Jaroslav qui?  It's fair to say more than a few Francophones were sceptical about the Habs' summer decision to place their faith in the seemingly-flaky Price over the seemingly-unbeatable Halak.  So far, so good, judging by Price's numbers - a sub-2.00 GAA, .936 SV% and four shutouts so far.  Inflated by the ever-so-slightly negative Jacques Martin system?  Most likely, but Habs fans' eager All-Star ballot stuffing appears to be at least marginally justifiable for a change.

Worst Performer/Biggest Disappointment: Scott Gomez

Four goals in 28 games isn't actually so far short of what I'd expect from Gomez.  But just the five assists from the Mexican Gretzky?  I don't actually need to see the Canadiens play to picture all the half-assed turnovers just inside the offensive blue line.  Exactly how drunk did Glen Sather manage to get Bob Gainey?

Most Improved/Biggest Surprise: Jeff Halpern

After seasons of only 19 and 18 points, Halpern's line of 6-9-15 is relatively surprising output to date for a checking line staple.  Can surely now expect "Gomez money" when he again hits the free agent market in the summer.

Team Grade: A-

There doesn't appear to be too much to complain about while the team is holding off the much-favoured Bruins at the top of the NE Division, overcoming one or two very slow starts from their top offensive players, the departure of a playoff hero and Commissioner of Respect, Mike Richards, taking public umbrage at the nasty words/actions of their top rookie.  However, it will be interesting to see how the team copes with another long-term absence of Andrei Markov and whether Price can cope with his currently high workload as the season progresses.

Montreal review by LW3H

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