October 15, 2025
Signal or Noise? First Impressions from the NHL’s Wild Opening Week
It’s the refrain hockey fans and analysts chant every October: “It’s early.” And while it’s a necessary caution against crowning champions or writing off contenders after a handful of games, the opening stanza of the 2025-26 NHL season has already provided a feast of compelling storylines, dominant performances, and worrying trends. With most teams having played just two or three games in a condensed start to the schedule, we’re dealing with the smallest of sample sizes. Yet, it’s impossible to ignore the signals—and the noise—emanating from rinks across the league. Let’s break down the early returns. The Elite Are Already