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6 things we’ve learned from NHL season so far, including Stars, Flames, Maple Leafs takeaways

The early stages of the 2026-27 NHL season have already delivered surprises and shifts in the league’s power structure. The New York Rangers are leading the Metropolitan Division with a standout defensive performance, allowing just eight goals through their first few games—a mark that ranks third in the NHL.

Their success has been bolstered by a balanced offensive approach, with standout contributions from Alexis Lafrenière and Mika Zibanejad, while Gabriel Perreault has emerged as a key player on the top line. The Rangers’ recent wins, including a 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, have solidified their early dominance, with goalie Igor Shesterkin anchoring a defense that has played exceptionally well without him.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars have taken a bold but risky approach by re-signing Jason Robertson to a one-year deal, prioritizing cohesion over depth. Their season so far has been inconsistent, with convincing wins over the Sabres and Sharks but unexpected losses to the Predators and Blues, raising questions about their long-term stability and whether this season will break their recent trend of inconsistency.

The Eastern Conference is also seeing significant early struggles, with the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers at the bottom of the standings. The Canadiens have allowed 19 goals in just four games, while the Flyers have scored only six goals in five, making them the worst-scoring team in the league.

The offensive expectations for Trevor Zegras and Matvei Mitchkov have yet to materialize, and their defensive issues have only compounded their struggles, setting up a challenging season ahead for both teams.

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