The NHL's Biggest Surprises So Far

[elocomotive]

So, it's still too early to jump to conclusions on the year. I'd be surprised if Chris Stewart hoists the Richard at years end, or if the Devils aren't at least in the playoff mix. But what are you most suprised by so far in the young 2010-2011 season?

-On a team level?
-On an individual level?

I'd say the Devils being last in the East is a little shocking and my biggest surprise on the team front. Pittsburgh having a losing record is a little suprising, but they have often had trouble in Oct/Nov the last few years only to bounce back strong in the new year.

For individuals, I think Brandon Dubinsky gets the nod. He'll likely pass his previous season-high in goals before the all-star break despite not having Gaborik to take some of the defensive heat off him. Pretty impressive stuff.

 

[Ho_Brah]

Through 14 games, I'm surprised that the Kings are:

Undefeated on home ice. (7-0-0)
#1 on the PK
#1 in the western conf
#1 in the pacific division
#1 as a team in GA/G
Youngest team in avg age in the NHL

 

[Automattic]

^ HOMER ALERT^

 

[Automattic]

Probably the Atlantic as a whole is surprising to me. I thought it might be down to a 3 team race by the All-Star break, but didn't see Philly being the only team cruising.

 

[Comeds]

I am amazed the Habs are doing so decently with a power play thats offensive to watch.

I am surprised how much of a bounce back year Tim Thomas is having so far. he has been great.

 

[filosofy29]

Teams

Surprisingly Good:
1.) Montreal Canadiens (I thought they chose the wrong goalie)
2.) Columbus Blue Jackets (especially the way Mason has played so far)
3.) St. Louis Blues (I thought they'd be good.....just not this good)

Surprisingly Bad:
1.) New Jersey Devils
2.) Buffalo Sabres
3.) Blackhawks/Penguins/Sharks (I didn't think these 3 teams would struggle as bad as they have so far)

EDIT: Good topic Eleco.

 

[IPostedWhat]

Surprisingly Bad:
1.) New Jersey Devils
2.) Buffalo Sabres
3.) Blackhawks/Penguins/Sharks (I didn't think these 3 teams would struggle as bad as they have so far)

I wouldn't say that it's a surprise that the Sabres are bad really.

We lost some good players on defense and didn't really do anything to add back to that position of any great worth, and our offense wasn't even the main reason why we won games last year.

If anything, the way Miller has played so poorly is most surprising.

 

[HonusWagner66]

The Devils are the biggest surprise to me thus far.

They really suck.

 

[elocomotive]

I am surprised how much of a bounce back year Tim Thomas is having so far. he has been great.

I don't know. He's had a couple terrible starts and now his save percentage is down to a mediocre 95.9%.

 

[thedddd]

On a team level everyone is spot on. Honestly with the Kings it is about time they had a lot of young talent and good to see playing well.

I guess the biggest non-surprise is the Patriots of hockey in the Red Wings. Keep bringing in the right veterans/talent and keep on winning.

I think on an individual level, yeah most might not be surprised due to past production but seeing how well Teemu Selanne is doing at the age of 40.

And on the opposite side how bad some goalies (granted all three teams are not playing well right now) are in Miller, Brodeur and Fleury.

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

I really didn't expect the Devils & Sabres to get off to such HORRIBLE starts.

 

[Automattic]

I also thought I would have at least 2 ties in fantasy football...

 

[elocomotive]

I also thought I would have at least 2 ties in fantasy football...

Are those 3-point games? Go to a field goal kickoff?

 

[Automattic]

Are those 3-point games? Go to a field goal kickoff?

I drafted 6 kickers hoping that was the case.....it's not.

 

[elocomotive]

I drafted 6 kickers hoping that was the case.....it's not.

Hahaha! I've actually won TWO fantasy football games this year by less than a point. Been very lucky.

But yeah, drafting extra kickers is always the way to go. You can never draft too many and you can never draft them early enough.