Early NHL Season: Spotting Real Trends vs. Hype (2026‑27)

With only two or three games played per team in the opening week of the 2026‑27 NHL season, early results should be viewed cautiously.

The same clubs that appear to be gaining momentum could just as easily falter, so a closer look is warranted.

That said, we’ll break down which trends truly reflect a team’s strength and which are likely to fade as the schedule expands.

What’s Real: The San Jose Sharks’ Strong Start

The Sharks have managed to win their first two contests in overtime, defeating veteran‑rich opponents such as the Los Angeles Kings and the Florida Panthers. Their success is being driven by a rising core of young talent.

Center Macklin Celebrini leads the team with five assists, despite missing a game due to a lower‑body injury. Forwards Will Smith and Igor Chernyshov each recorded two goals and three points, underscoring the depth of San Jose’s youth.

Despite a 5‑0 loss to the Dallas Stars—coming off two defeats—San Jose’s foundation appears solid. Their upcoming stretch against St. Louis, Edmonton and Boston will test their progress.

What’s Not Real: The New York Rangers And Seattle Kraken’s Competitive Starts

New York entered the season with a 4‑1‑0 record and a four‑game winning streak, posting victories over Tampa Bay, Detroit, Utah and the Islanders. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin’s 1.75 GAA and .926 save percentage, while impressive, are unlikely to remain at those levels, suggesting a correction is imminent.

For Seattle, two dominant 6‑1 wins over the Calgary Flames have masked underlying issues. After dropping a game to Edmonton, the Kraken have yet to face consistent opposition. Their schedule now includes the Vegas Golden Knights, Washington, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay and Florida, where their current shortcomings are likely to be exposed.

The Rangers' Hot Stretch To Season Is No Accident
WAH-CHOO!

It’s going to get much harder for the Kraken, as evident with their 6‑2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. They will now take on the Washington Capitals, Philadelphia Flyers, Lightning and Panthers in five of their next seven games. The Kraken are flawed, and their weaknesses will soon be apparent.

What’s Real: The Utah Mammoth Are A Force

Utah sits atop the Central Division with a 3‑1‑0 mark and a 17‑8 scoring differential. The franchise bolstered its roster in the off‑season by adding veteran forwards Vincent Trocheck and Anders Lee.

Early scorers—Nick Schmaltz, Clayton Keller, Dylan Guenther and Mikhail Sergachev—combine for 26 points, signaling a balanced attack. While they may not yet be ready to overtake Colorado, Dallas or Minnesota for the top three spots, the Mammoth possess the talent and experience to secure a playoff berth.

The Mammoth Keep Finding Ways to Win
Nick Schmaltz and Clayton Keller are leading the way as the Utah Mammoth improve to 3‑1 behind a power play that has been nearly unstoppable to start the season.

What’s Not Real: The Flyers’ Defensive Woes

Philadelphia opened the season 0‑3 after losses to Pittsburgh, New Jersey and Carolina, being outscored 17‑5—an untenable rate for a team of their caliber. Rookie goaltender Joseph Woll has posted a .929 save percentage in two starts, but veteran Dan Vladar has struggled, allowing seven goals in a 7‑0 defeat to the Penguins.

Only two Flyers—Travis Sanheim and Travis Konecny—have recorded more than one point, each with just two. The offense and defense must improve if the Flyers are to become competitive.

The coaching staff, led by Rick Tocchet, is expected to tighten defensive pairings and boost offensive pressure, paving the way for better results ahead.

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