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Who's making the grade, and who's failing at the NHL quarter mark? Grades for all 32 teams
Who's making the grade, and who's failing at the NHL quarter mark? Grades for all 32 teams
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ESPN NHL
Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by ESPN NHL. Read the full original article here →
As the NHL approaches the quarter mark of the 2025-26 season, teams are beginning to reveal their true colors. The season has so far been characterized by standout performances and unexpected struggles. The Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning sit atop the standings, showcasing their depth and talent, with Nathan MacKinnon and Nikita Kucherov leading the charge. Meanwhile, teams like the Chicago Blackhawks are experiencing a rough patch, despite the efforts of players like Patrick Kane.
In the East, the Boston Bruins continue to impress with their robust defense and the stellar play of goaltender Linus Ullmark, while the New Jersey Devils look poised for a playoff run led by Jack Hughes. As for the Atlantic Division, the Toronto Maple Leafs remain a dynamic force but need more consistency from their stars, including Auston Matthews.
Looking at the Pacific Division, the Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers have both shown resilience, with Connor McDavid's brilliance continuing to shine. The league is buzzing with excitement as rivalries deepen, and teams jockey for better playoff positions. The season is still in its early stages, but every game now matters more than ever for fan-favorite teams and players alike.
With impressive rookie performances, like those from players on the Minnesota Wild, the future of the NHL appears bright. As the league navigates through its ups and downs, hockey fans are in for a thrilling ride this season as they cheer on their teams and watch the playoff picture unfold.
In the East, the Boston Bruins continue to impress with their robust defense and the stellar play of goaltender Linus Ullmark, while the New Jersey Devils look poised for a playoff run led by Jack Hughes. As for the Atlantic Division, the Toronto Maple Leafs remain a dynamic force but need more consistency from their stars, including Auston Matthews.
Looking at the Pacific Division, the Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers have both shown resilience, with Connor McDavid's brilliance continuing to shine. The league is buzzing with excitement as rivalries deepen, and teams jockey for better playoff positions. The season is still in its early stages, but every game now matters more than ever for fan-favorite teams and players alike.
With impressive rookie performances, like those from players on the Minnesota Wild, the future of the NHL appears bright. As the league navigates through its ups and downs, hockey fans are in for a thrilling ride this season as they cheer on their teams and watch the playoff picture unfold.