NHL Quarter Mark Shockers: Which Teams Are Surpassing Expectations—and Which Are Crashing Hard?
Pittsburgh Penguins: B+
October was an A-plus. November, not so much. Still, the Penguins entered the season with bottom-five expectations around the league and find themselves in a battle for playoff position despite a rash of injuries. Job well done so far by Dan Muse and his team. — Josh Yohe
Macklin Celebrini is helping propel the Sharks to a decent start to the season. (Bob Kupbens / Imagn Images)
San Jose Sharks: A+
The goal for the Sharks this season was to be better. Sitting just outside playoff position after starting with a 0-4-2 record didn’t seem realistic, but here they are. Second-year coach Ryan Warsofsky has pushed and prodded a receptive group that’s become appointment viewing due to the ascendant 19-year-old superstar Macklin Celebrini. He isn’t alone. Will Smith hits the scoresheet often as a blossoming running mate and Yaroslav Askarov is excelling in goal after a shaky start. — Eric Stephens
Post Comment