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Ryan S. Clark
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Kristen Shilton
While the All-Star Weekend feels like the midpoint of the NHL regular season, in fact all teams will be well past their 41st game at that point. As teams hit that threshold this week, it’s time for our resident graders Ryan S. Clark and Kristen Shilton to serve up their thoughts on all 32 clubs.
Who’s at the head of the class? Who’s in danger of failing? Read on for our appraisals.
Note: Ryan S. Clark graded the Pacific and Central Division teams, while Kristen Shilton graded the Metropolitan and Atlantic Division teams. Preseason over/unders are courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook. Records and points paces are through the games of Jan. 10. Teams are sorted alphabetically within each grade.
Jump to:
ANA | ARI | BOS | BUF
CGY | CAR | CHI | COL
CBJ | DAL | DET | EDM
FLA | LA | MIN | MTL
NSH | NJ | NYI | NYR
OTT | PHI | PIT | SJ
SEA | STL | TB | TOR
VAN | VGS | WSH | WPG
A grades
Record: 32-4-4
Points pace: 139.4
Preseason over/under: 97
Class president: Linus Ullmark. Boston has had several high-profile performers (David Pastrnak and Hampus Lindholm among them), but Ullmark has earned top marks in Beantown and beyond. He leads the league in wins (21), save percentage (.939) and goals-against average (1.86), which combined to earn him his first All-Star Game nod. Impressive.
In danger of failing: A.J. Greer. The veteran winger enjoyed a surprisingly strong start to his first season in Boston, but has recently found himself in Jim Montgomery’s doghouse averaging around six minutes per game — when he actually plays. If Greer isn’t the Bruins’ answer in a fourth-line spot, they have younger guys within the organization just waiting to take his place.
Grade: A+. Boston is a top-to-bottom powerhouse, with superb goaltending, a depth of offensive talent and an excellent defense. There are so few holes in the Bruins’ game, and they’ll continue to be a top Stanley Cup favorite if they can stay healthy.
Record: 25-9-7
Points pace: 114
Preseason over/under: 103.5
Class president: Martin Necas. Carolina’s leading scorer is having a career season, already on pace (with 17 goals and 38 points through 40 games) to shatter all prior top marks. Necas is more than just offense, though. After previously resisting the Hurricanes’ defense-first system, Necas has a full 200-foot game on display that doesn’t compromise — but rather seems to further emphasize — his dynamic scoring ability. It’s a combination that has thrust Necas into elite territory.
In danger of failing: Teuvo Teravainen. It has been a challenging season production-wise for Teravainen, who managed just three goals and 12 points through 30 games. That pushed the winger down to a fourth-line role as Carolina welcomed healthy players like Max Pacioretty into the fold this month. Teravainen has perennially been a near-20-goal scorer, but the Hurricanes haven’t seen that side of him in the first half.
Grade: A. Carolina tapped into something special on its 17-game point streak from late November through early January. The play of rookie goalie Pyotr Kochetkov has been a revelation as well, and guarded the Hurricanes from a stumble in net when starter Frederik Andersen went down with an injury. Carolina’s been locked in everywhere though, through strong defensive buy-in to complement its balanced offensive attack.
Record: 25-11-6
Points pace: 109.3
Preseason over/under: 93.5
Class president: Jason Robertson. He might be the manifestation for everything that is going on with the Stars. Not only has he emerged into one of the league’s most dangerous players — and could score 50 goals and 100 points — but he’s also another example of how the Stars continue to hit on homegrown players.
In danger of failing: Luke Glendening. Someone had to serve as tribute. It’s not that Glendening is having a bad season. He leads them in short-handed minutes on what’s been one of the best penalty-killing units in the league. It’s just that Glendening’s offensive numbers have dipped a bit as he is on pace to score four goals after scoring nine last season.
Grade: A. They have 11 players who have scored more than 10 points, while fielding a defensive structure that gets results and are also keeping the top six healthy. Plus, they have a goaltender in Jake Oettinger who is more than capable of winning games when needed. It amounts to the Stars being one of the most formidable teams at the halfway point, one that could make a deep playoff run.
Record: 25-9-7
Points pace: 114
Preseason over/under: 107.5
Class president: Mark Giordano. Yes, Mitch Marner has had an unbelievable first half. But where would Toronto’s blue line — and overall defensive game and penalty kill — have crumbled to without Giordano? The 39-year-old has averaged nearly 20 minutes and has been a pillar of consistency and leadership while the Leafs cycled through one injury after another. Not all heroes wear capes (or put up the most points).
In danger of failing: Rasmus Sandin. The Leafs’ young defender suffered a tough neck injury that affected his vision, and Sandin hasn’t seemed fully like himself. Meanwhile, Timothy Liljegren — who’s been on a similar track to Sandin within Toronto’s organization — looks to be moving past him on the depth chart. To that end, the Leafs will be motivated to help Sandin get back in the flow, and continue to be an important piece of their blue-line rotation.
Grade: A. Toronto has thrived despite its blue-line injuries, and in a season where superstar Auston Matthews hasn’t produced multiple Herculean efforts to pull them through. The Leafs have instead enjoyed solid depth contributions — especially from David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok — and as their backend gets healthier and their goaltending stabilizes, Toronto should carry right on being an Atlantic force.
Record: 27-13-2
Points pace: 109.3
Preseason over/under: 97
Class president: Logan Thompson. Remember when the Golden Knights faced questions about their goaltending after it was announced Robin Lehner would miss this season? Thompson has emphatically answered those questions by emerging into a No. 1 goaltender who is among the league leaders in starts and wins while also being one of the main challengers for the Calder Trophy.
In danger of failing: Jake Leschyshyn. Vegas has a number of bottom-six forwards who have either reached double figures in points, or are on pace to get there. Leschyshyn, however, has yet to record a point in 22 games. It’s a bit of a jarring realization considering he had six points in 41 games with the Golden Knights last season while scoring 27 points in 34 games with their AHL affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights.
Grade: A. Having numerous options is what makes the Golden Knights so effective. When healthy, they can use Jack Eichel, Chandler Stephenson and William Karlsson to center their top three lines. They have eight players who have scored more than 20 points and 13 in total who have scored more than 10 points. They’ve allowed the third-fewest high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes, and are 10th in shots allowed, with a rookie goaltender who is an All-Star. And they have done this while having key players in and out of the lineup.
Record: 26-12-3
Points pace: 110
Preseason over/under: 89.5
Class president: Nico Hischier. This is the Hischier that New Jersey has been waiting for (ditto for Jack Hughes, who is also having a tremendous season). Hischier has rightfully garnered Selke Trophy buzz for his dialed-in, two-way game that’s equal parts reliable defense and top-end offense, clocking in at nearly a point-per-game pace (38 points in 39 games). Add to that Hischier’s potency on the power play and penalty kill, and his further maturation into the Devils’ captaincy role, making Hischier the total package.
In danger of failing: Brendan Smith. The veteran blueliner has struggled lately with defensive lapses and costly turnovers. He has also been ineffectual on the offensive side, producing zero goals and four assists in 39 games. Smith has primarily been used in a third-pairing slot this season and given those more protected minutes coupled with how much success New Jersey has had, Smith’s lack of consistent contributions begin standing out more frequently.
Grade: A-. New Jersey has arguably been this season’s Cinderella story. The Devils’ franchise-record, 13-game win streak was ridiculously fun to watch, and highlighted how many great players New Jersey can ice when the team is healthy. Their goaltending is much improved over last season — thanks to the addition of Vitek Vanecek — and the Devils have shown a resiliency that’s buoyed them through some recent tougher stretches.
Record: 23-12-7
Points pace: 103.5
Preseason over/under: 101
Class president: Adam Fox. New York’s top blueliner is a beacon of consistency. Fox is a bona fide iron man, playing almost 25 minutes per game, averages around a point per game (40 in 41 games), excels in every on-ice situation and has produced impressive underlying stats to boot. His value is on display in every game, whether deftly transitioning the Rangers from defense to offense, creating space for teammates or turning back the opponent’s attack.
In danger of failing: Alexis Lafreniere. It was the healthy scratch heard ’round the league when coach Gerard Gallant held Lafreniere out of the lineup against Tampa Bay on Dec. 29. Predictably, that move raised questions about the Rangers’ 2020 first overall pick, including whether New York was trying to trade him. That speculation appeared unfounded when Lafreniere quickly returned to the lineup, but offensive success has yet to follow. Lafreniere hasn’t produced a goal since Dec. 7, and shows only 18 points in 40 games to date. Lafreniere must continue improving.
Grade: A-. New York has weathered its ups and downs to land among the Metropolitan’s best at this halfway point. Igor Shesterkin (18-6-6, .916 save percentage) isn’t the all-encompassing savior he was a season ago, and that might actually have forced the Rangers to evolve into a more well-rounded team. New York is in the upper echelon in goals against (2.71 per game) and its offensive totals are on the upswing in recent weeks. That should be the case given the depth of talent — Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, etc. — upon which the Rangers should be comfortably relying.
Record: 25-13-1
Points pace: 107.2
Preseason over/under: 103.5
Class president: Nikita Kucherov. Tampa Bay’s perennial top performer is leading its offense again with 55 points in 38 games, including 32 at even strength. Kucherov is the Lightning’s spark plug, elevates every teammate he’s skating with and manages to frequently come up big when Tampa Bay needs it the most.
In danger of failing: Vladislav Namestnikov. The forward’s minutes have declined with his offensive production. This is Namestnikov’s second time around in Tampa Bay, and hopes were that he would be a solid depth piece to take some of the pressure off the Lightning’s stars, but Namestnikov was off the mark tossing in just eight points through those first 36 games.
Grade: A-. The Lightning have rebounded from a slow start and are once again among the Atlantic’s best teams. Tampa Bay is in the middle of a tough stretch now, opening 2023 with a heavy travel schedule, but those tests can often build character. And if the Lightning know anything, it’s that the real season doesn’t begin until spring — when they tend to really come alive.
B grades
Record: 20-17-2
Points pace: 88.3
Preseason over/under: 79
Class president: Tage Thompson. What hasn’t Thompson brought to Buffalo this season? The 25-year-old hit 30 goals in his first 36 tilts, averaged over 1.53 points per game, boasts a top-end shooting percentage (19%) and paces Sabres’ forwards in average ice time (19:06). Thompson is the real deal, a player around whom the Sabres can continue to build.
In danger of failing: Rasmus Asplund. The 25-year-old had a rough first half that included five consecutive games being scratched. Asplund admitted that details in his game were slipping, and while he has made an effort to improve on that, Buffalo is still waiting for results to show up on the scoresheet.
Grade: B+. Buffalo is an above-.500 team at the midway mark and that’s a true feather in the franchise’s cap. The Sabres might not make the playoffs, but they’ve exceeded expectations already with their consistency, work ethic and growing confidence.
Record: 24-14-6
Points pace: 100.6
Preseason over/under: 94
Class president: Pheonix Copley. The Kings’ defensive structure is designed to limit chances, but there was a constant disconnect with their goaltending. And while Copley’s sample size is just 12 games, it’s the kind of difference that has the Kings four points out of first place in the Pacific as of Jan. 10. Copley has a minus-0.5 GSVA, which is a contrast compared to Jonathan Quick and Cal Petersen. Quick’s GSVA is minus-10.6 while Petersen is minus-9.3, according to Money Puck.
In danger of failing: Jonathan Quick. He continues to face struggles in what has been one of the most difficult seasons of his illustrious career. What happened in December was reflective of his season as a whole. Quick went 1-5 with a 3.67 goals-against average and a .867 save percentage. Furthermore, he has lost his past five starts and has only one win in his past eight starts.
Grade: B+. Phillip Danault and Kevin Fiala are two of the six forwards who have scored more than 10 goals. Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar remain consistent presences. Mikey Anderson, Sean Durzi and Gabriel Vilardi are having the sort of seasons that show why the Kings are so optimistic about their development model. Several items are coming together for them. Is it possible that their goaltending is about to do the same?
Record: 22-14-4
Points pace: 98.4
Preseason over/under: 102.5
Class president: Joel Eriksson Ek. Yes, we know Kirill Kaprizov is him. But the Wild also need more than just Kaprizov to win games. Secondary scoring was a question entering the season and Eriksson Ek has done his part by averaging 0.78 points while giving the Wild a two-way forward who can play in every situation.
In danger of failing: Marcus Foligno. He’s another player who is not necessarily “failing” but he has not matched what he did last season. Foligno scored a career-high 24 goals last season and is on pace to score seven goals this season. He’s still averaging 0.42 points per game, which is slightly higher than his 0.37 career average. But it also comes with the context that the Wild rank 22nd in goals and have produced the third-fewest scoring chances per 60 minutes leaguewide.
Grade: B+. For all the questions about the lack of consistent scoring, the Wild have answered critics by becoming one of the most unforgiving defensive teams in the NHL. They have allowed the fewest high-danger scoring chances per 60, and the third-fewest scoring chances per 60 in 5-on-5 play. Knowing the Wild have found defensive success — something that has plagued other teams in the West — is why they remain among the playoff contenders while others around them struggle.
Record: 22-17-3
Points pace: 91.8
Preseason over/under: 90.5
Class president: Ilya Sorokin. New York’s starting goalie is a legitimate Vezina Trophy contender. Sorokin’s .924 save percentage and 2.35 goals-against average rank third and seventh respectively among goalies with at least 10 starts, and he has been the Islanders’ backbone even when the team has failed to provide him proper support. Sorokin’s own slumps have been few (a seven-game losing streak was his lowest note), but the Islanders have ample confidence in him carrying the load. Frankly, New York’s playoff hopes hinge on how tall Sorokin can continue to stand in a brutally tough division.
In danger of failing: Josh Bailey. The 33-year-old has earned precious little security in the lineup this season. He’s been a healthy scratch on multiple occasions, and seen his ice time diminish from where it was a year ago. Bailey’s contributions have been equally spotty, at six goals and 17 points over 37 games, numbers that lead to a player becoming expendable. Overall, the trouble Bailey has had retaining his place doesn’t reflect well on that $5 million cap hit, either.
Grade: B+. The Islanders are halfway through the season sitting midpack in the Metropolitan standings, and jockeying for a wild-card playoff berth. The second half could go either way. When New York has Sorokin atop his game and can execute that more stifling defensive system (which helped rank them a top-10 team in goals against this season), there’s a good chance they can win every night. It’s continuing to generate reliable offense and improving on special teams — particularly their 27th-ranked power play — that could ultimately make or break New York’s postseason aspirations.
Record: 24-12-4
Points pace: 106.6
Preseason over/under: 79.2
Class president: Vince Dunn. For all the people who’ve played a significant role in the Kraken’s turnaround, Dunn might be the most overlooked. He’s second on the team in 5-on-5 ice time, leads the team in power-play ice time and has helped the power play go from 29th last season to 17th this season. Dunn is averaging almost three additional minutes of ice time per game compared to 2021-22, and is projected to finish with what would be a career-high 13 goals and 56 points.
In danger of failing: Philipp Grubauer. Injuries to the netminder are why the Kraken had to lean so heavily on Martin Jones. But now that Grubauer has returned, he has yet to attain the sort of consistency required of a No. 1 goaltender. A year ago, he had the worst GSVA in the NHL at minus-33.7, whereas he’s minus-1.8 this season. So there’s been improvement, but Grubauer hasn’t won consecutive starts since early December, and has since lost six of his seven most recent starts.
Grade: B+. There is a feeling around the league the Kraken could have everything needed to be a playoff team in Year 2. Matty Beniers and Andre Burakovsky are among those who have given the Kraken a scoring punch they lacked last season. Dunn has emerged into what looks like a top-pairing defenseman while players like Will Borgen have taken on greater roles.
Record: 23-14-6
Points pace: 99.2
Preseason over/under: 96.5
Class president: Alex Ovechkin. Washington’s captain was captivating as he matched — and then passed — Gordie Howe for the second-most goals scored all time in league history. And Ovechkin hasn’t stopped there. The winger’s string of dominant performances also have him leading the Capitals’ offense, with 29 goals and 48 points in 42 games. Ovechkin is producing big time at 5-on-5 as well, registering the majority of his output (20 goals and 31 points) there. It’s easy to joke about Ovechkin’s predictability in certain aspects — he has an “office,” after all — but how good he can still be at 37 years old is no laughing matter.
In danger of failing: Anthony Mantha. The Capitals’ big winger is in a weird spot. Nicklas Backstrom and Tom Wilson have returned from injury and he was accordingly — and somewhat surprisingly — made a healthy scratch after spending a few games on Washington’s fourth line. At the same time, coach Peter Laviolette said he liked Mantha’s recent play. Perhaps just not enough. The $5.8 million man has nine goals and 23 points in 42 games while still slipping his way down the lineup, despite strong underlying possession totals that support positive analytic trends when he’s on the ice. Weird, right?
Grade: B+. Washington is right where it should be based on preseason projections, which was hardly a given during its sluggish start (where Washington was written off by some as too old to contend). Charlie Lindgren‘s emergence in net (11-5-2 with a .912 save percentage) kept the Capitals humming while Darcy Kuemper was unavailable, and the whole team seemed to relish rallying around Ovechkin’s quest for 800-plus goals. Now, the Capitals have settled into a more cohesive team game. Having Backstrom and Wilson back should make Washington more dangerous as well.
Record: 26-14-1
Points pace: 106
Preseason over/under: 88.5
Class president: Josh Morrissey. Kyle Connor and Connor Hellebuyck are also in the running to run the Jets’ student government association. It’s just that Morrissey has emerged into a Norris Trophy hopeful who is on pace to score more than 93 points — which is quite something, considering he has scored 89 points in the last three seasons combined.
In danger of failing: Jansen Harkins. The Jets have shuffled through bottom-six options with the hope Harkins could eventually find his place. He was given the opportunities and received more than 10 minutes of ice time per game — an increase from last season. The end result was Harkins being surpassed by other options with less NHL experience before he was sent to the AHL.
Grade: B+. They have a forward corps that just welcomed back Nikolaj Ehlers and Cole Perfetti from injuries. They have four defensemen who could score more than 20 points this season and a goalie who is making a case for Vezina Trophy consideration. And a top-five PK unit? It looks like the Jets could have everything needed to be one of the biggest threats in the West.
Record: 17-15-7
Points pace: 86.2
Preseason over/under: 83.5
Class president: Dylan Larkin. Detroit’s captain edges out goaltender Ville Husso, who has cooled recently from a hot start. Meanwhile, Larkin has been markedly consistent, leading the offense with nearly a point-per-game output. Larkin’s strong showing has not only bolstered Detroit through difficult patches but bodes well for him in a contract year, too.
In danger of failing: Moritz Seider. Granted, Seider set the bar high with an unbelievable rookie season that earned him a Calder Trophy. The dreaded sophomore slump then set in for Seider during Detroit’s first half; there’s hope that won’t continue far into 2023. Seider’s early-season play was plagued by uncharacteristic mistakes and a sharp decline in offensive production (he had just 12 points in 35 games). Detroit has to hope Seider can turn a corner, and fast.
Grade: B. Detroit has suffered from a lack of overall consistency. But when the Red Wings are rolling they can look impressive. Husso recovering his form is a priority. Lucas Raymond and Seider rebounding would be a bonus. And all those offseason acquisitions — Dominik Kubalik, David Perron, Andrew Copp, etc. — continuing to contribute nightly will go a long way.
Record: 21-13-6
Points pace: 98.4
Preseason over/under: 100.5
Class president: Sidney Crosby. It’s not just that Crosby paces the Penguins in goals (20) and points (45) through 38 games. Crosby is also the (expectedly) calming presence Pittsburgh has required during this recent rough patch. The Penguins’ captain has pushed the right buttons trying to galvanize a group that hasn’t won since Dec. 20. That’s energy Crosby brings on the ice too, elevating linemates, impressing in the faceoff dot and making the consistent offensive effort that should, in theory, help push the Penguins back into playoff contention.
In danger of failing: Brian Dumoulin. For years, Dumoulin was a key cog in the Penguins’ defense. This season hasn’t steered that way. The veteran’s struggles have led to one poor performance after another that’s hindering progress Pittsburgh desperately must make in order to keep its campaign on track. Dumoulin amassed just eight assists (and zero goals) in 38 games despite big minutes (19:44 per game) he might no longer be best-equipped to carry.
Grade: B. Pittsburgh’s streakiness has haunted them. The Penguins already endured a stretch of seven consecutive losses, and now they’re mired again in another lengthy downturn that has pushed them out of a playoff position in the Eastern Conference. Pittsburgh has struggled to close out opponents, to maximize its depth and to get the consistent goaltending required to compete in the ultracompetitive Metro. The Penguins have time, and certainly the personnel, to rebound. And those other stretches they’ve produced — including several multigame winning streaks — indicate Pittsburgh should be far from counted out.
Record: 20-16-3
Points pace: 90.4
Preseason over/under: 112.5
Class president: Cale Makar. The reigning Norris Trophy winner might not have the sterling offensive figures or the memorable individual displays like last season, but he might be having his most complete campaign as he leads the NHL in average ice time while also playing in every situation possible.
In danger of failing: Martin Kaut. Colorado’s injury situation means secondary and tertiary contributions are needed. Kaut, a former first-rounder who has yet to break through for the Avs, has struggled to provide that with three points in 23 games while averaging 9:31 in ice time.
Grade: B-. In some ways, their season has been defined more by who hasn’t played rather than by those who have. The Avalanche have found ways to win games but were also derailed by a five-game losing streak in early January that played a part in why they slid down the standings and into the wild-card fight. But for now? They must find ways to keep winning while trying to get healthy at the same time.
C grades
Record: 19-14-9
Points pace: 91.8
Preseason over/under: 103
Class president: Elias Lindholm. Lindholm has been among his team’s most consistent players in nearly every aspect of the game. His offensive contributions extend to him leading the Flames in assists and points, while leading the team’s forwards in power-play ice time. His profile as a two-way forward has also remained intact given he leads all Flames forwards in defensive zone faceoffs, defensive zone starts and short-handed minutes.
In danger of failing: MacKenzie Weegar. Weegar finally recorded his first goals of the season on New Year’s Eve in what has been a challenging first campaign with the Flames. His arrival in the trade with the Panthers (with Jonathan Huberdeau in exchange for Matthew Tkachuk) meant the Flames were getting a puck-moving defenseman who scored 44 points last season, and one who averaged 0.60 points per game in his final two seasons in South Florida. This season, he’s averaging 0.26 points.
Grade: C. They use a defensive structure that has played a part in why they are among the league’s best when it comes to limiting scoring chances per 60 minutes, and high-danger scoring chances per 60. But this also is a team that needs goals. They have scored the 11th fewest goals while also having only three players with more than 10. On Jan. 11 they are in a wild-card spot, but they are also one of five teams that are within four points of each other.
Record: 21-18-3
Points pace: 87.9
Preseason over/under: 103.5
Class president: Connor McDavid. Have you watched the Connor McDavid highlight clips this season? It might sound bizarre, but the argument could be made that McDavid is having the most dominant campaign of a career that has seen him already surpass the 100-point mark in five of his past seven seasons. McDavid leads the NHL in goals, assists and points, while also scoring on nearly 21% of his shots. It amounts to McDavid, who has never scored more than 44 goals in a season, on pace to hit the 60-goal mark while being projected to end up with a 152-point season.
In danger of failing: Jack Campbell. The Oilers allow the 11th most shots per 60 minutes, the 11th fewest high-danger chances per 60 and are 15th in scoring chances allowed. It’s what makes the need for consistent goaltending even more important. Maybe Campbell can find that consistency in the second half, but it has been a problem this season. Especially when he has a 3.69 goals-against average, a .878 save percentage and a minus-12.0 GSVA, which is the fourth worst in the NHL according to Money Puck.
Grade: C. What’s concerning is that the Oilers have the NHL’s top two points leaders, four players averaging more than a point per game while boasting one of the most prolific attacks in the league, but are clinging onto a wild-card spot as of Jan. 11. Those same four players are responsible for scoring 65% of their goals, which underscores how the Oilers need more from their supporting cast. They’re 9-12-1 when opponents score first, but have had troubles holding onto leads lately, having lost four games since mid-December after being up by two goals. It’s another reason why they are also 11 points out of first in the Pacific Division.
Record: 19-19-4
Points pace: 82
Preseason over/under: 106.5
Class president: Matthew Tkachuk. The feisty fan favorite has been the Panthers could have wanted since arriving via last summer’s blockbuster trade with Calgary. In what’s been a trying season for the Panthers, Tkachuk is a perennial bright spot, putting up points (48 in 37 games), clocking major minutes (over 20 per game) and proving his worth as a versatile performer.
In danger of failing: Sergei Bobrovsky. Florida’s projected No. 1 goalie has been fighting for that starting gig all season. The two-time Vezina Trophy winner has slipped far off his celebrated form, with a 9-12-1 record, .895 save percentage and 3.26 goals-against average through his first 23 starts. Spencer Knight hasn’t been the answer in net, and the onus remains on Bobrovsky to reset and reclaim his place atop Florida’s depth chart.
Grade: C. The Panthers have too much talent to barely be at .500. It’s hard to even diagnose exactly how and why they’ve underachieved. Special teams play is a part of it — the Panthers’ power play and penalty kill have both struggled to produce — and, as mentioned, goaltending has been a problem. But Florida has capable stars like Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov and Aaron Ekblad, too. What can they do to put the Panthers on track?
Record: 18-19-3
Points pace: 80
Preseason over/under: 84.5
Class president: Brady Tkachuk. The younger Tkachuk brother follows in his big brother’s footsteps as a bright light during his team’s darkest times. Tkachuk paces the Senators in points (39 in 38 games) and generally can drive his club’s offensive attack. There are strides for Tkachuk to make on the defensive side, but he’s a physical, fun presence on Ottawa’s top line with Tim Stutzle and Claude Giroux.
In danger of failing: Nikita Zaitsev. This has been a truly trying season for the veteran defenseman, who also happens to be the Senators’ second-highest paid blueliner (at $4.5 million per year). Zaitsev hasn’t performed as such. He was placed on waivers earlier this season, has shuffled in and out of the lineup since and failed to do much when called upon. The best-case scenario — for Ottawa and Zaitsev — would be to find the defender a new home before the trade deadline.
Grade: C. Ottawa made an effort to improve this offseason but while many of those acquisitions — including Giroux, Cam Talbot and Alex DeBrincat — have stepped up, their impact hasn’t been enough to make Ottawa a real contender. The Senators’ landslide of defensive injuries certainly didn’t help their prospects early on either. GM Pierre Dorion could be active near the trade deadline trying to remedy what’s gone wrong.
Record: 21-18-3
Points pace: 87.9
Preseason over/under: 94.5
Class president: Jordan Kyrou. The Greek God of Goals is just that. He overcame a slow start in October with three points — all goals — to now average a point per game while on pace to finish with what would be his first 40-goal season. Along with Pavel Buchnevich and Robert Thomas, Kyrou has provided offensive consistency in a season that has been anything but for the Blues.
In danger of failing: Ivan Barbashev. Breaking through to score 26 goals and 60 points a year ago was significant for several reasons, especially with the Blues losing David Perron, which left a hole in the lineup. This season has seen Barbashev take a step back, as he is on pace to finish with 13 goals and 38 points.
Grade: C. They’re hot. They’re cold. They’re yes. They’re no. They’re in. They’re out. They’re up. They’re down. The Blues are indeed an old Katy Perry lyric, which further illustrates how they came into Jan. 11 just a tiebreaker out of the final wild-card spot in a season in which extremes is apparently the norm.
Record: 16-22-3
Points pace: 70
Preseason over/under: 71.5
Class president: Cole Caufield. It’s tough to choose between Caufield and his linemate Nick Suzuki — because they’ve both been excellent for Montreal — but Caufield’s overall body of work gets the nod. Caufield has kept contributing offensively — even through the Canadiens’ recent slump — and has paced Montreal in goals (23 in 40 games) most of this season. He brings a youthful energy that can often spark something out of even a slumping Montreal club.
In danger of failing: Mike Hoffman. Montreal’s veteran forward put up just 12 points in 28 games and has been a healthy scratch lately during the Canadiens’ downturn. It’s a time when Hoffman should be part of the solution, not a player coach Martin St. Louis is moving out of the lineup. But Hoffman has popped in three goals over two months, and while the Canadiens’ young guys are thriving, Hoffman hasn’t been nearly so reliable. It’s a tough look for the $4.5 million-per-year man.
Grade: C-. Montreal surprised with a better start than expected based on preseason projections. The Canadiens have course-corrected since, and slid their way to the division’s basement. That’s no shock. Sean Monahan has been missed while sidelined with a lower-body injury, and now Brendan Gallagher and Kaiden Guhle are hurt, too. Those absences won’t help the Canadiens climb anywhere fast.
Record: 19-14-6
Points pace: 92.5
Preseason over/under: 98.5
Class president: Juuse Saros. His team allows the fourth most shots per 60 minutes, the fourth-most scoring chances per 60 and the seventh-most high-danger chances per 60. Saros’ workload is among the most demanding in the league and he continues to provide consistency. That was especially true in December, when he finished with a .923 save percentage. Never mind class president. Make this man the homecoming king and prom king, too.
In danger of failing: Tanner Jeannot. A number of Predators have not replicated what they did last season. Jeannot is one of them. Last season, he was a rookie 24-goal scorer, and was one of their most significant offensive contributors. This season? He has only three goals, tied for 13th on a team that’s scored the fifth-fewest goals in the NHL.
Grade: C-. A team that went from being above average in goals is now one of the lowest scoring in the league with a power play that is also near the bottom. Yet they came into Jan. 11 just one point out of the final wild-card spot in a conference in which the landscape is always changing. Do the Predators return to the playoffs for a ninth straight season or is it possible they are on the outside looking in?
D grades
Record: 13-22-5
Points pace: 63.6
Preseason over/under: 63.5
Class president: Clayton Keller. It’s no secret the Coyotes are placing an emphasis on their future. Keller is one of the faces, if not the face, of that youth movement. What he has done this season has strengthened his place as one of the organization’s most important players. Keller is projected to finish the season with what would be his first 30-goal and/or 80-point campaign. If that holds, it would be the first 80-point season by a Coyotes player in more than two decades.
In danger of failing: Barrett Hayton. Lately, his production has started to increase compared to earlier in the season. Hayton is still 22 years old but has yet to reach the heights of what comes with being a top-five pick — with the understanding there is still time. He’s on pace to score 24 points in 82 games, which is what he did last season … except he met that mark in 60 games.
Grade: D+. Keller’s strong season along with the rise of Matias Maccelli and J.J. Moser just adds to the Coyotes’ foundation. They’ve helped the Coyotes do slightly better than expected, but that could come at a cost. The Coyotes are still a lottery team. They’re just a lottery team that runs the risk of having lesser odds to grab the No. 1 pick compared to other teams in a similar position.
Record: 16-18-7
Points pace: 78
Preseason over/under: 73.5
Class president: Travis Konecny. He may not have been selected as Philadelphia’s initial All-Star, but Konecny has been the Flyers’ best, most consistent forward. He has already hit the 20-goal mark in just 33 games, and should swiftly surpass a previous career-high of 24 in 66 tilts. Konecny brings the potential for something for fans to cheer every night, and that goes a long way for Philadelphia in this trying season.
In danger of failing: Rasmus Ristolainen. Sure, the defenseman can deliver a thundering hit. But two points and a minus-six rating through 32 games while averaging over 18 minutes likely isn’t the return Philadelphia sought when signing Ristolainen to a five-year, $25.5 million deal last March. While Ristolainen has produced positive moments — and, as mentioned, a few memorable strikes on opponents — there’s more the Flyers should expect from a big piece of their blue-line group.
Grade: D+. Philadelphia was always tracking toward a down season. Yet the Flyers haven’t been all bad. Carter Hart‘s play has been admirable, and there’s been growth from some of the team’s youth, including Cam York, Morgan Frost and Owen Tippett. If Philadelphia has shied away from directly using the “rebuild” term, there is some proof that between players already in the lineup and ones in the farm system, the future could be rather bright (especially if Philadelphia plays its cards right at the trade deadline).
Record: 12-26-2
Points pace: 53.3
Preseason over/under: 81.5
Class president: Johnny Gaudreau. The winger has continuously performed as advertised for the Blue Jackets since making Columbus his surprise landing spot last summer. Gaudreau is scoring at a point-per-game pace, logs nearly 20 minutes per game (second among Blue Jackets’ forwards), and is a solid power-play contributor. Columbus’ season may have fallen off track, but Gaudreau offers hopeful potential in every shift he takes.
In danger of failing: Elvis Merzlikins. It’s tough to win when the saves aren’t there, and providing those has been an issue for Merzlikins. The veteran’s 4-9-0 record comes with an abysmal .861 save percentage and 4.78 goals-against average, stats both ranking him 65th out of 65 NHL goaltenders with at least 10 starts this season. Ouch. Columbus also allowing the second most shots on goal (35.5 per game) doesn’t help its goaltender succeed, but more was expected from Merzlikins individually and he has failed to show up for Columbus with any sort of regularity.
Grade: D. Columbus has had a nightmarish first half. Injuries have repeatedly taken key players from the lineup — including Patrik Laine twice — and made it seemingly impossible to find a rhythm. At the same time, Columbus has appeared to lack confidence and direction. So the only way the Blue Jackets have trended is down — to the bottom of the Metropolitan standings, and close to the basement of nearly all the league’s offensive and defensive categories. The good news? There’s nowhere to go but up from here in 2023.
Record: 13-21-8
Points pace: 66.4
Preseason over/under: 73
Class president: Erik Karlsson. Three points. That is all Karlsson would need this season to surpass the amount of points he scored in the past two seasons … combined. Karlsson has returned to being the player that made him a two-time Norris Trophy winner with the idea that this season could potentially see him add a third one, considering he is on pace to score 108 points.
In danger of failing: Kaapo Kahkonen. He was with the Sharks for 11 games last season and came away with a 2.86 goals-against average and a 916 save percentage. Kahkonen had similar numbers before he was traded from the Wild to the Sharks. This season, however, has been challenging given he has a 3.79 goals-against average, .869 save percentage and the second poorest GSVA in the NHL, at minus-17.6 per Money Puck.
Grade: D. Karlsson could have his most prolific season. Tomas Hertl and Timo Meier are averaging nearly a point per game while Logan Couture could score 30 goals. But the Sharks are still a team that lacks scoring depth while their goaltending has been inconsistent. Looking on the optimistic side, they currently have the fifth-best odds for the No. 1 pick.
Record: 17-20-3
Points pace: 75.9
Preseason over/under: 92.5
Class president: Elias Pettersson. The gifted Canucks center is having the type of season that comes with being one of the most talented forwards in the league. Pettersson is averaging more than a point per game, and is on pace to finish with 99 points in a campaign that has provided several challenges to a group that came into the season with playoff expectations. And while 2022-23 hasn’t gone to plan, Pettersson’s progress could play a part in changing their long-term fortunes going forward.
In danger of failing: Thatcher Demko. It’s been a season to forget for the former Boston College star who won 33 games last season. A year ago, he sported a 10.5 GSVA, only to see that slip to minus-11.2 this season. Now Demko is trying to recover from a lower-body injury in the latest chapter in what has become the collective multifaceted season from hell for the Canucks.
Grade: D. Barring an unforeseen turnaround, the reality for the Canucks is looking ahead to next season and beyond. They’ve had chances to climb the standings — such as when they were 16-15-3 on Dec. 27 — only to then lose four of their next five games and be eight points out of the final wild-card spot. It appears that the future may be the priority for the Canucks, considering they are in contention for a lottery spot while examining the next course of action for their captain and pending UFA Bo Horvat.
F grades
Record: 12-25-4
Points pace: 56
Preseason over/under: 80
Class president: Troy Terry. He has continued to make progress after breaking out last season, tapping into why there were high expectations for him coming out of the University of Denver. He’s on pace for a consecutive season of more than 66 points while averaging a career-high 20 minutes of ice time per game. A pending restricted free agent, Terry is also having the sort of the year that shows why he remains such a big part of the Ducks’ future plans.
In danger of failing: Maxime Comtois. Let’s stay with the Ducks’ future. Comtois scored 16 goals and 33 points in 55 games during the 2019-20 season. It was the sort of production that added more intrigue about what the Ducks could be going forward. Since then? He’s scored only 11 goals and 21 points in 81 games between this season and last season, while also seeing a decline in minutes since that 2019-20 campaign.
Grade: F. There are multiple examples of how this season has not gone to plan for the Ducks. But that does not mean it’s totally lost. The fact they have pending UFAs in John Klingberg and Kevin Shattenkirk means they could receive assets before or on trade deadline day. And their current trajectory could also see them land what will be only their second top-three pick since 2006.
Record: 10-25-4
Points pace: 44.3
Preseason over/under: 65.5
Class president: Max Domi. He is having one of his strongest individual campaigns, which has a chance to benefit everyone involved. For Domi, a pending unrestricted free agent, he could use this season to cash in on his next deal. As for the Blackhawks, it’s possible they could parlay Domi’s success into moving him at the trade deadline.
In danger of failing: Petr Mrazek. Goaltending is one of a few items that has remained an issue for the Blackhawks in the midst of a difficult season. What’s happened to Mrazek is at the heart of those problems. Mrazek has a 4.19 goals-against average, a .878 save percentage and a minus-12.1 goals-saved above expected, which is the third-poorest in the league among goals with at least 10 games, per Money Puck.
Grade: F. But that depends upon the perspective. On one hand, they are on pace for one of the lowest point totals by a team in the salary-cap era. At the same time, they have the strongest odds to land the No. 1 pick and have a few pending UFAs who could potentially move at the deadline for even more draft capital.