NHL Quarter Mark Shockers: Which Teams Are Surpassing Expectations—and Which Are Crashing Hard?
Carolina Hurricanes: A-
The Hurricanes have been without arguably their best player, defenseman Jaccob Slavin, for all but 37 minutes, riddled with other injuries, and have the league’s 29th-best power play and No. 21 penalty kill. Carolina still sits near the top of the Eastern Conference — with room to improve. The fact that the Hurricanes also have significant cap space to make additions should scare the rest of the league. — Cory Lavalette
Strong starts by Connor Bedard and Spencer Knight have given the Blackhawks an early boost. (Michael Reaves / Getty Images)
Chicago Blackhawks: A-
The Blackhawks have been one of the most surprising teams through the opening quarter. From Connor Bedard’s third-year jump to Spencer Knight’s high level of consistency to Jeff Blashill’s influence in his first year as coach, the Blackhawks have had a lot of “ifs” go their way and have fared much better than anyone expected. The preseason assumption was that they would be competing for the bottom. Twenty-some games isn’t a season and the Blackhawks might go through some growing pains being as young as they are, but their start should give fans some optimism for the present and future. — Scott Powers
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