Kristen Shilton
Ryan S. Clark
With most NHL teams having played 41 games this season, it’s time for another round of report cards.
Some teams have far outpaced their preseason expectations — the Minnesota Wild and Washington Capitals among them — while others have fallen well short — looking at you, New York Rangers and Nashville Predators.
In addition to an overall grade for each club at the midway point, we’ve also identified each team’s class president and a player in danger of failing.
Note: Teams are arrayed alphabetically by letter grade. Ryan S. Clark graded the Pacific and Central Division teams, and Kristen Shilton graded the Metropolitan and Atlantic Division teams. Stats are through the games of Jan. 11. Preseason over/unders are courtesy of ESPN BET sportsbook.
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: 27-13-4
Preseason over/under: 93.5
Current points pace: 108.1
Class president: Kirill Kaprizov. Being on pace for a 50-goal and 100-point season only adds to the reality Kaprizov is one of the game’s most dangerous players. There’s also an argument to be had about him being one of the most valuable. The Wild aren’t like other teams that have balanced scoring throughout their lineup. They have four players who have scored more than 50% of their goals and Kaprizov is among that quartet. His 23 goals and 27 assists — with 15 of them being primary — means he has played a role in being responsible for more than 40% of the Wild’s goals.
In danger of failing: Yakov Trenin. Pointing the proverbial finger at Trenin is a bit repetitive, but it’s that way because of the Wild’s salary cap implications. The combined Zach Parise and Ryan Suter buyouts mean the club must spend judiciously. Signing Trenin to a four-year deal worth $3.5 million annually meant the Wild were getting a player who could provide them with another double-digit goal scorer. Trenin had three goals through 37 games and is projected to score six goals after three straight seasons of more than 12 goals.
Grade: A+ (first-quarter grade: A+). Kaprizov is having the type of season that has him in the Hart Trophy discussion. Filip Gustavsson could end up being a Vezina Trophy finalist and Matt Boldy, Brock Faber and Marco Rossi continue to show why they’re an important part of the Wild’s present and future plans. It’s enough to keep them in the race for the Central entering January. But will it be enough in the postseason?
Record: 29-11-3
Preseason over/under: 97.5
Current points pace: 116.3
Class president: Jack Eichel. There’s more to what Eichel has done this season beyond the fact he could reach 100 points for the first time. Eichel is proving to be one of the more well-rounded forwards in the NHL. He leads Golden Knights forwards in 5-on-5 ice time, power-play ice time and short-handed ice time. Eichel’s contributions have made him Vegas’ most valuable player and his performance could see him carve a place in the Hart Trophy discussion.
In danger of failing: Alexander Holtz. Being a top-10 pick comes with certain expectations and that has been the prism through which most view Holtz. It was thought that going to the Golden Knights could allow him to tap more into the potential that made him the No. 7 overall pick by the Devils in 2020. And perhaps it still could. But for now? Holtz is on pace for six goals and 20 points a season after finishing with 16 goals and 28 points.
Grade: A+ (first-quarter grade: A). There was a time in which the narrative around the Golden Knights was how they would manage after an offseason that saw them lose eight players from a group that also included Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson. Instead, they have remained in a championship window. A top-five team in goals per game that’s a top-10 team in fewest goals allowed is a formula that has powered the Golden Knights into position to finish with the NHL’s best record and possibly more.
Record: 28-10-5
Preseason over/under: 89.5
Current points pace: 116.3
Class president: Dylan Strome. Don’t let a recent dip in production fool you. Strome has been a beacon of consistency for much of this Capitals’ season and will be back on his game again. Strome has carried Washington offensively, with 12 goals and 45 points in a top-line role, and he helped the Capitals stay on track when Alex Ovechkin was out because of an injury. The way Strome can take over key responsibilities at 5-on-5 and the power play has been a game-changer over not only this season but also last season. Coach Spencer Carbery has trusted Strome to be a leader and Strome has consistently delivered.
In danger of failing: Charlie Lindgren. Washington’s goaltender has been mired in a few rough patches this season, and it’s odd to see him facing such hurdles; now, he’s out because of an upper-body injury. Last season, he was arguably the Capitals’ best player, but there has been a marked shift in his consistency. Lindgren is 10-8-2, with a .900 save percentage and 2.70 goals-against average, while slipping into more of a backup role behind Logan Thompson. Lindgren is now 1-3-2 since mid-December, with four straight losses and only one outing with an above-.900 SV%. He has the talent to turn things around, and a proven track record to boot. Washington will need a strong tandem to stay on pace as a top Eastern Conference contender.
Grade: A+ (first-quarter grade: A+). Washington is more than just a Cinderella story this season. Did anyone expect they’d be second in the the league offensively (3.63 goals per game) or pacing the entire Eastern Conference in points? The Capitals have exceeded expectations for a number of reasons (Thompson’s emergence being one of them), but it boils down to a full team effort putting them over the top. Everyone is invested in Ovechkin’s chase for Wayne Gretzky’s goals record, but it’s not a driving force in their success. What sets Washington apart is its depth, drive and ability to win battles when it counts. Granted, the Capitals have had their downturns (including a recent 5-2-3 stretch) but that feels like nitpicking. Washington has been as good as it gets this season — and the second half could prove even better for this group with a healthy Ovechkin.
Record: 29-12-3
Preseason over/under: 95.5
Current points pace: 113.7
Class president: Connor Hellebuyck. Last season, Hellebuyck won his second Vezina Trophy while having what might have been the strongest individual campaign of his career. Yet he could be even better this season. As of Jan. 11, Hellebuyck led the league in GAA and wins while ranking second in save percentage. Nobody has faced more shot attempts, has made more saves and has more shutouts than the two-time Vezina winner, who also leads the NHL with a 25.7 goals saved above average (GSAA).
In danger of failing: Eric Comrie. Hellebuyck is projected to play 64 games, which would give him his fourth straight season of more than 60 games. That hypothetically leaves Comrie with the remaining 18 games. Finding consistency could be key for Comrie who has lost six of his 10 starts this season while having a .904 save percentage. It could prove crucial for the Jets in the games when they rest Hellebuyck while still fighting for the top seed in the Western Conference.
Grade: A+ (first-quarter grade: A+). The Jets are receiving consistent scoring from three of their four lines. They have numerous defensemen who are projected to finish with more than 10 points while having arguably the best goaltender in the NHL. The Jets are among the teams that came into January challenging for the NHL’s best record and a top seed. Now, it’s a matter of determining if their regular-season success can lead to them advancing beyond the first round for the first time since the 2020-21 season.
Record: 27-15-2
Preseason over/under: 102.5
Current points pace: 104.4
Class president: Mitch Marner. Where would the Maple Leafs be if not for Marner’s stellar season? Toronto’s top winger has 59 points in 44 games, and is as formidable a defensive player as he is on offense. Marner’s ability to deliver on a nightly basis has kept the Leafs from falling off while Auston Matthews sat out considerable time because of an injury and the club struggled to find depth scoring (which remains an issue). Marner has made it look easy even without a potent power play on which to lean. He has been Toronto’s most consistent and arguably most important player. And he has done it all in a contract season, proving the uncertainty about his next deal is no distraction at all.
In danger of failing: Max Domi. This is a case of simply wanting — and expecting — more from a quality player who can be a greater factor in the Leafs’ offense. Domi has only three goals, and hasn’t found a groove in coach Craig Berube’s low-risk system. He has excelled with greater responsibility in past seasons, but that hasn’t been true in the role Berube assigned to him — which is carrying 14:37 of ice time per game in a third-line center slot. It’s not that Domi is failing, per se. It’s that Toronto needs its bottom six to contribute, and Domi is capable of leading the way there. He has ample runway to do so in the second half.
Grade: A (first-quarter grade: A-). Toronto could have taken a header when Anthony Stolarz — their other team MVP candidate after Marner — was sidelined for four to six weeks by an injury. Instead, the Leafs rallied and have stayed purposefully on track. Toronto isn’t as fun to watch offensively under Berube as in recent seasons, but Marner, John Tavares and William Nylander have all been strong, Matthew Knies is heating up and Matthews is trending back toward his usual high standard. Meanwhile, Joseph Woll is (mostly) standing tall in net and Chris Tanev has been an excellent addition to lead the Leafs’ back end. The Leafs are atop the Atlantic standings for a reason — they’re solid in all three phases and don’t let the slumps turn into long slides. An even stronger second half could be on tap, once Stolarz is back to split time with Woll.
Record: 26-15-3
Preseason over/under: 100.5
Current points pace: 102.5
Class president: Martin Necas. This is shaping up to be a career-best season for Necas. He got off to a hot start, notching 30 points in his first 17 games, including a 13-game point streak, and currently leads Carolina in scoring with 15 goals and 48 points. It’s not just how much Necas is contributing for the Hurricanes, but it’s how he does it — the 25-year-old is making timely, consistent contributions that have helped Carolina close out tight wins and masked some of the club’s overall issues generating chances at 5-on-5. He also plays a significant role on Carolina’s power play.
In danger of failing: Andrei Svechnikov. It has been a tough first half for Svechnikov. The third-line winger has struggled to produce offensively and, like some of his teammates, isn’t finding much success at 5-on-5. Svechnikov has only five even-strength goals, and his 29 points through 41 games fall below expectations. The 24-year-old has endured too many scoring droughts to be a reliable presence up front, and it seems Svechnikov is lacking the confidence to turn a corner. It’s not too late for him to snap out of his slump and establish himself as a threat again.
Grade: A- (first-quarter grade: A+). Carolina has stayed on track despite some recent setbacks, particularly with their goaltending and scoring. The Hurricanes got just four games out of Frederik Andersen before he was injured, and Pyotr Kochetkov has been expectedly solid — if unspectacular. The Hurricanes have persevered through their injury issues and found ways to remain an Eastern Conference contender, mainly via solid team defense (Carolina is giving up 2.74 goals per game) and excellent special teams (with the top-ranked penalty kill and 13th-best power play). The second half is where Carolina has to rediscover its offensive mojo outside the man advantage.
Record: 24-12-5
Preseason over/under: 96.5
Current points pace: 106.0
Class president: Vladislav Gavrikov. A season that was already filled with questions added another in the preseason when Drew Doughty injured his ankle and required a surgery that has kept him sidelined this season. That has seen Gavrikov emerge to lead the Kings in 5-on-5 ice time and short-handed minutes, while also averaging 23:51 per game and scoring 16 points in 39 games.
In danger of failing: Phillip Danault. On the whole, Danault is doing nearly everything that the Kings could expect from him. He’s creating for his teammates while logging the most ice time on the PK among Kings’ forwards. It’s just that he has had trouble consistently scoring goals, which is why he’s on pace to finish with six goals. Failing to reach double figures would end a three-year streak in which he has scored more than 17 goals in each season. That said, he is on pace for what would be a fourth straight season of more than 40 points.
Grade: A- (first-quarter grade: B+). So much of the Kings’ success to this point has been predicated on relying on the entire roster. They entered Jan. 11 with eight players who scored more than 20 points and 14 in total who have scored more than 10 points. Plus, they’ve continued to strike a balance with how they’ve used their goalie tandem of Darcy Kuemper and David Rittich. And with Doughty resuming skating, his eventual return could play a significant role in their chase for home-ice advantage.
Record: 26-15-4
Preseason over/under: 101.5
Current points pace: 102.0
Class president: Jesper Bratt. A star was born this season in New Jersey and his name is Bratt. Yes, Bratt had a strong 2023-24, but his former career-best numbers are set to be surpassed in another incredible season. He’s doing it all for the Devils, from even-strength dynamo to playing a dominant role on both the power play and penalty kill. Bratt is one behind Jack Hughes for New Jersey’s lead in points (51) and though he might not pull as many headlines as his counterparts, Bratt deserves ample praise for how seamlessly he has built on previous success and continues to elevate his game in new ways.
In danger of failing: Brenden Dillon. The Devils have a solid defense — one that would be improved by a second-half surge from Dillon. It’s not that Dillon has been bad; it’s that he stands out poorly among New Jersey’s other defenders having stronger seasons. Dillon is a physical player — he’s top 10 among defenders in hits — and his agitating presence is known to draw penalties. But the veteran is also prone to mistakes in his own end and doesn’t add much offensively (Dillon has only two goals and 11 points to date). New Jersey should expect more out of its top-pairing player as it pushes toward another playoff run this spring.
Grade: A- (first-quarter grade: B). New Jersey finally seems to be in a groove — outside of a recent seven-game hiccup (2-4-1). New coach Sheldon Keefe has put a system in place in which the Devils are beginning to thrive, and their offseason additions have (for the most part) transitioned well into the organization. Jacob Markstrom has been a particular bright spot, providing the consistent goaltending the team has lacked the past couple of seasons. The Devils are good in every facet, boasting exceptional special teams (including the league’s third-ranked power play and eighth-best penalty kill) to complement their even-strength prowess.
B grades
Record: 21-14-7
Preseason over/under: 81.5
Current points pace: 95.7
Class president: Dustin Wolf. One of the reasons why the Flames are challenging for a wild-card spot is how they’ve managed Wolf. The plan was to always use him in tandem with Dan Vladar, so the rookie could receive starts without feeling overworked throughout his first full season. So far, that plan has allowed Wolf to emerge as one of the stronger goalies in the NHL this season with a 7.5 GSAA, which ranked 15th among all goaltenders. His .914 save percentage is 11th among goalies with more than 15 games.
In danger of failing: Andrei Kuzmenko. He had a lot of success last season after arriving in a trade with the Canucks. He scored 14 goals and 25 points in 29 games for the Flames, providing them with another potential top-six option. This season, Kuzmenko has struggled by comparison. He has scored only once while having 10 points in 31 games and all of his production coming before he sustained a lower-body injury that kept him out of the lineup in late December.
Grade: B+ (first-quarter grade: A-). How the Flames perform over the next month could answer any question about their place in the wild-card race. There are the teams they’re trying to chase in addition to the ones below them in the standings they’re trying to fend off in an attempt to return to the postseason for the first time since 2021-22. Yet what might give them a potential edge is that according to PuckPedia the Flames have more than $18 million in cap space along with the necessary draft capital to make a move at the deadline.
Record: 26-17-1
Preseason over/under: 102.5
Current points pace: 98.8
Class president: Mackenzie Blackwood. Four games. That’s all the Avalanche needed before they signed Blackwood to a five-year extension worth $5.25 million annually. What made the Avs’ front office commit to Blackwood after a small sample size is the fact he provided more stability in net in his four games than they previously had all season. Their previous tandem of Justus Annunen and Alexandar Georgiev had a combined .873 save percentage that came at too high a cost. And that’s with Nathan MacKinnon leading the NHL in points. Enter Blackwood. Through 10 games, he was already tied for the team lead in wins while posting a .940 save percentage and having a 15.6 GSAA that’s in the top five in the NHL among goalies with 15 games.
In danger of failing: Sam Malinski. Having facilitators on the back end has been part of the Avs’ formula the past few seasons. It’s why their defensemen entered Jan. 6 with the most points of any blue line in the NHL. Malinski is another puck-moving option who has struggled to replicate what he did in 2023-24. Last season saw Malinski finish with three goals and 10 points in 23 games in addition to the 27 points in 46 games he had in the AHL. He has started the season with only one goal and five points through 40 games.
Grade: B+ (first-quarter grade: B-). A team that once looked as if it could be in for a wild-card fight now looks like one that could challenge for the Central Division title. The performances the Avs have received from Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood since acquiring them in separate trades have made them a different team. It’s a team that has become even more formidable now that it is starting to gradually get players back from injuries.
Record: 20-17-6
Preseason over/under: 69.5
Current points pace: 87.7
Class president: Zach Werenski. The Blue Jackets’ top defenseman is not only his team’s best player, but one of the league’s best blueliners. Werenski leads Columbus with 13 goals and 48 points, under a heavy workload that includes carrying his club at 5-on-5, on the power play and penalty kill. The 27-year-old is decidedly potent on both ends of the ice and is unfazed by any assignment or role doled out by coach Dean Evason. So it was hardly hyperbole when Evanson said Werenski has been “everything” for the team this season. And as an extra feather in Werenski’s cap, he’s closing in on Rick Nash’s record for most assists (258) in franchise history.
In danger of failing: Elvis Merzlikins. Columbus’ goaltending has been an issue in recent seasons, and this one is no exception. Merzlikins’ .887 save percentage and 3.17 goals-against average are the type of middling results that have put the Blue Jackets second overall in goals against (averaging 3.51 per game) despite holding opponents to fewer than 30 shots on net per game. Merzlikins used his offseason for a mental reset after last season’s similarly underwhelming performance, but the veteran hasn’t been a difference-maker — in fact, it’s the Blue Jackets frequently outscoring their goalie problems. That trend can’t continue in 2025 if Columbus wishes to stay in the playoff mix.
Grade: B+ (first-quarter grade: B-). The Blue Jackets are fun. And feisty. And — as of late — a verifiable postseason contender. Yes, Columbus recently slid into a wild-card spot thanks in large part to a contingent of young skaters — namely Kirill Marchenko, Kent Johnson and Dmitri Voronkov — driving the offense. Couple that with Werenski’s magnificence anchoring the blue line, and seemingly full-team buy-in to Evanson’s messaging, and Columbus is tracking for one of its most positive seasons in years. The trick now is to stay on course. This is one of the NHL’s worst teams on the road (with only six wins away from home) and it’s those details that can make or break a club’s outcome.
Record: 27-14-1
Preseason over/under: 103.5
Current points pace: 107.4
Class president: Matt Duchene. If he’s not leading one of the NHL’s best teams in an offensive category, he’s in the top three. What Duchene has done to this point has him on pace to finish with what would be just his second 80-point season. And the fact he’s doing this while in the last year of his contract for a team that’s seeking a third consecutive trip to the Western Conference finals? It could lead to another major decision for a Stars’ front office that already has a number of them to make this offseason.
In danger of failing: Matt Dumba. An injury-riddled first season in Dallas has been compounded by other factors. For his career, Dumba has averaged more than 20 minutes yet this season has led to him averaging 15:36 in ice time. That’s the lowest he has averaged since his rookie season. And though he has only two points in 23 games, he also has been limited in short-handed minutes. Last season, Dumba logged more than 200 minutes on the penalty kill and was limited to 15:22 through his first 21 games with the Stars.
Grade: B+ (first-quarter grade: B+). Balance is essentially the detail that has reinforced why the Stars are in a championship window. They possess the sort of balanced scoring that has them in the top 10 in goals per game. But there is also a consistency they have with their defensive structure and goaltending that explains why they’re in the top three in fewest goals allowed per game while also having the NHL’s top penalty kill on Jan. 11. Now it’s a matter of determining how they can parlay that approach in the second half of the season and eventually the playoffs.
Record: 27-13-3
Preseason over/under: 108.5
Current points pace: 108.7
Class president: Leon Draisaitl. Both Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are in a position to pass 100 points again. Draisaitl is aiming for his fourth consecutive century mark and his sixth in the past seven years while McDavid is looking to extend his streak to five in a row. But what Draisaitl is on pace to do is finish with his first 60-goal season after scoring 50 or more three times.
In danger of failing: Jeff Skinner. Signing Skinner to a one-year deal worth $3 million was intended to give the Oilers a reliable secondary scorer at a cut-rate price. That plan hasn’t worked out as expected as Skinner, a 10-time 20-goal scorer, is on pace to finish with 14 goals and 30 points. If those numbers hold, it would be his lowest total since he had seven goals and 14 points in 53 games during the truncated 2020-21 season.
Grade: B+ (first-quarter grade: C+). Winning nine of their 13 games in December allowed the Oilers to climb the standings and enter January in a stronger position to challenge for a division crown. Between Dec. 1 and Jan. 11, there have been only three teams that have won more games than the Oilers. And while they were in the top five in goals per game during that stretch, they also allowed the eighth-fewest goals per game.
Record: 25-16-3
Preseason over/under: 102.5
Current points pace: 98.8
Class president: Sam Reinhart. There were doubts about whether Reinhart could match last season’s career-best 57 goals and 94 points that earned him an eight-year, $69 million contract extension. It turns out Reinhart might be even better than before. The Panthers’ leading scorer has already pocketed 25 goals and 49 points, and continues to drive Florida offensively, both at 5-on-5 and on special teams. Reinhart’s elite shot and competitive fire burn nightly, and when the Panthers need a pick-me-up, he’s there to provide it. Any notion of Reinhart being “the great regressor” has been resoundingly put to bed.
In danger of failing: Carter Verhaeghe. This is not the player Florida has been used to the past two seasons. Instead of consistently lighting the lamp, Verhaeghe has been all sorts of snakebit — he has scored only 10 goals and 30 points through 41 games, and endured long stretches (up to eight consecutive games) without finding the net. Coach Paul Maurice has moved Verhaeghe down the lineup accordingly, putting him in a third-line spot next to Anton Lundell. Maurice claims to be unconcerned with Verhaeghe’s lack of production from that spot. Time will tell if Verhaeghe can rebound and provide some much-needed scoring depth for Florida.
Grade: B+ (first-quarter grade: A). The Panthers have been so good that even their average game is better than most. Florida just hasn’t been consistently dominating the competition. The Panthers’ top performers — including Matthew Tkachuk — have been hit or miss, and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky also struggled through mediocre spells. When the Panthers are excelling, it’s through a full-team defensive effort. And despite a dearth of secondary scoring, Florida’s offense still ranks in the top 10 — proof that the Panthers, even outside their prime, have potential to pounce at any moment. Expect a strong second half from this group.
Record: 20-18-4
Preseason over/under: 76.5
Current points pace: 85.9
Class president: Lane Hutson. Perhaps there’s a twinge of recency bias here. But the Canadiens’ rookie defenseman has been so good of late, it’s hard to argue he’s not worthy of distinction (and well-deserved Calder Trophy buzz). After all, Hutson paces all NHL rookies in points with 32 — impressive for any skater, let alone a blueliner. Hutson can take over a game, and he helped boost Montreal’s playoff chances entering 2025. There’s no denying Hutson’s impact and the way he has been a genuine game-changer.
In danger of failing: Kirby Dach. In fairness to Dach, coming back from the ACL and MCL tears that cost him nearly all of last season wouldn’t be easy on any player. Still, Dach needs to find his confidence in the second half. He has managed only six goals and 14 points, and is an abysmal minus-25. Coach Martin St. Louis has credited Dach for doing the extra work while also acknowledging his forward has markedly regressed. Dach has had a particularly hard time against fast-paced teams (which, let’s face it, is most of them) and the lack of rhythm to his game is noticeable. Montreal has to hope that improving health will ultimately spawn better play from Dach in the coming weeks and months.
Grade: B+ (first-quarter grade: C-). Montreal is one of the league’s potential Cinderella stories — if it can continue tracking forward like it did to end 2024. The Canadiens won six of their final seven before the calendar turned, and earned points in four of their first five in 2025. Montreal ranks fourth overall offensively (averaging 3.58 goals per game) since mid-December, and it has done a better job limiting chances (sitting a respective 15th defensively). It’s even good news for the Canadiens that production from their best players — including Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield — can even be improved. Montreal is in the mix for the second wild-card spot, and if its upward trajectory continues there will be spring hockey in La Belle Province.
Record: 23-15-3
Preseason over/under: 98.5
Current points pace: 98.0
Class president: Victor Hedman. Sure, it’s Nikita Kucherov leading the Lightning in scoring — what else is new? But it’s Hedman who has elevated every facet of Tampa Bay’s game. The captain has been one of the league’s best defensemen this season, with typically superb details at both ends of the ice. Hedman’s 31 points in 38 games while managing a team-high 23:19 of ice time per game is impressive. The way Hedman can control pace and manage the puck at 5-on-5 has kept the Lightning humming along this season, and allowed stars such as Kucherov to do what they do best. He’s the undeniable leader in every sense of the word.
In danger of failing: Erik Cernak. Really, Cernak should be trending better given that he’s paired with Ryan McDonagh (who has slid comfortably back into a role with the Lightning since being reacquired). And skating alongside McDonagh has helped Cernak improve this season over his previous two. Still, the lack of offensive production (he has zero goals and only nine points this season) is concerning, and that is all the more apparent during games he’s not with McDonagh. Cernak is just not contributing enough in a meaningful way for the Lightning; Hedman, McDonagh and the rest of the blue line could use a bit more help.
Grade: B+ (first-quarter grade: B+). This is a good team that can be even better. And that’s not a bad thing. The Lightning are leading the NHL in offense (3.65 goals per game), and are aided significantly by their fourth-ranked power play (25.8%). But there’s room to improve on the defensive side (Tampa Bay gives up nearly 30 shots against per game), and Andrei Vasilevskiy probably hasn’t delivered his best yet either. The Lightning are leaning on top scorers to produce offensively, and that’s always a dangerous position to be in come playoff time. Tapping into secondary scoring in the second half will help the Lightning avoid being one-dimensional down the stretch — and into spring.
Record: 18-20-5
Preseason over/under: 72.5
Current points pace: 78.2
Class president: Lukas Dostal. The 24-year-old showed last season that he could handle what comes with being in a goalie tandem. What he has done this season has allowed him to emerge as one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. No, really. Only Mackenzie Blackwood, Connor Hellebuyck and Logan Thompson have a better GSAA than Dostal as of Jan. 11. The Ducks’ rebuild has seen them stockpile defensemen and forwards with the belief they could find someone who could emerge as their goalie of the future. It appears Dostal might be the answer.
In danger of failing: Mason McTavish. A rookie season that saw him score 17 goals and 43 points over a full 82-game season was amplified by second season with 19 goals and 42 points in 64 games in 2023-24. Averaging 0.66 points per game created expectations for McTavish. But he came into Jan. 11 averaging 0.49 points per game this season.
Grade: B- (first-quarter grade: B-). Are they closer to a wild-card spot than they are another high pick in the draft lottery? Or is the draft lottery the more likely path for the Ducks? The idea that these questions are being asked speaks to how the Ducks could be better than they were last season. A year ago they finished with 59 points whereas this season has seen them pick up 39 points through their first 41 games.
Record: 20-18-4
Preseason over/under: 90.5
Current points pace: 85.9
Class president: Lucas Raymond. The Red Wings have a burgeoning star in Raymond. He’s Detroit’s leading scorer — with 16 goals and 41 points — but that’s not why he’s ahead of the pack. He’s been a jack-of-all-trades in Detroit, producing as a top-line performer and also trusted to be a second-line driver. Raymond’s potential as a two-way player seems to grow on a game-by-game basis, and that confidence has translated not only on the scoresheet but in Raymond’s overall leadership with the club. It’s exactly what Detroit should be getting from a player they signed to an eight-year, $64.6 million extension in September.
In danger of failing: Dylan Larkin. Detroit has been in a bind for scoring all season, and the captain could do more to help there. He’s averaging less than a point per game — with 16 goals and 33 points — and while those aren’t awful totals, it’s not nearly enough to be setting a standard for Detroit’s other forwards to follow. That said, Larkin could get on a heater at any time but needs to display a defensive effort to match. That’s how he — and Detroit — can get back on track.
Grade: B- (first-quarter grade: C+). The Red Wings’ poor start put coach Derek Lalonde out of a gig before midseason. That’s about as suboptimal as it gets, especially when they have more than enough talent to be a playoff contender. And could it be that the Red Wings are actually starting to play like it? They’re on a seven-game winning streak that has put them within striking distance of a playoff spot. The team will have to improve their offensive game at 5-on-5 (they’re 23rd overall averaging 2.86 goals per game) but its second-ranked power play is a true difference-maker. New coach Todd McLellan has Detroit turned in the right direction.
Record: 21-18-3
Preseason over/under: 90.5
Current points pace: 87.9
Class president: Tim Stutzle. Full disclosure: Linus Ullmark has a case for this mantle as much as Stutzle. But the Senators’ goaltender is currently out week-to-week because of an injury so Stutzle gets the nod. Ottawa’s top center is going to be relied upon more than ever as they chug along without Ullmark. Fortunately, Stutzle appears up to the task. He’s been carrying Ottawa’s offense this season with 13 goals and 42 points, and his growth on both ends of the ice is evident. Stutzle might not be close to his ceiling yet, and that’s excellent news for the Senators.
In danger of failing: Anton Forsberg. Ottawa is down one starting goaltender for the foreseeable future. It’s on Forsberg to pick up the slack — and his season to date doesn’t suggest he’s up to the challenge. He has posted a 4-8-1 record with an .883 save percentage and 3.10 goals-against average. Ottawa can’t stay in the playoff mix with low-end goaltending. Forsberg gave up at least three goals in his first six starts this season, and his relative inconsistency should rightfully make Ottawa nervous. Beyond Forsberg, the Sens’ options are promising: 22-year-old Leevi Merilainen or 24-year-old Mads Sogaard. Ideally though, it’s Forsberg who’s going to step up his game.
Grade: B- (first-quarter grade: D+). Ottawa would get a higher score here if not for a strikingly poor five-win November. The Senators have turned things around since then and positioned themselves to compete for an Eastern Conference wild-card spot. This would be the club’s first postseason berth since a conference finals appearance in 2017. And frankly, it’s about time. The Senators have a trifecta of surging forwards in Stutzle, Drake Batherson and Brady Tkachuk. Jake Sanderson is coming into his own on the blue line. And if Ullmark can return to form when he’s healthy, there’s plenty for Ottawa to look forward to in the second half.
Record: 13-26-6
Preseason over/under: 63.5
Current points pace: 58.3
Class president: Jake Walman. Before going on injured reserve, Wallman was proving to be arguably the most integral player in the lineup. He leads the Sharks in average ice time, he leads their defensemen in power-play minutes and he’s one of the significant pieces of their PK. Walman emerged last season when he scored 12 goals and 21 points in 63 games with the Red Wings. He already has surpassed his point total from last season with 26 points in 32 games in the first year of a two-year contract he signed in the offseason.
In danger of failing: Alexandar Georgiev. His struggles with the Avalanche have also followed him to the Sharks. Georgiev had a .874 save percentage through 18 games with the Avs before going to the Sharks, where he has a .869 save percentage in his first five games. Furthermore, his time with the Sharks has seen him lose four of his first five starts with a 4.08 GAA in the final year of his contract.
Grade: B- (first-quarter grade: B-). For the Sharks, progress is the goal and it’s something they’ve made since last season. They went from being a 19-win team with the NHL’s worst record to entering Jan. 11 just seven wins away from passing that mark. They’re watching their homegrown core of the future in Macklin Celebrini, William Eklund, Mario Ferraro and Will Smith provide promising results while the newest members of that core, Yaroslav Askarov and Nikolai Kovalenko, continue showing they’re also central to what lies ahead.
Record: 19-13-10
Preseason over/under: 99.5
Current points pace: 93.7
Class president: Quinn Hughes. Last season’s Norris Trophy winner is having the sort of season that could make him a repeat winner. The Canucks’ captain leads his team in assists, points, power-play points, average ice time, 5-on-5 ice time and power-play ice time. And even though he has sat out four games, Hughes still remains on pace for what would be his second straight season of more than 90 points.
In danger of failing: Nils Hoglander. The Canucks were one of the biggest surprises of the NHL last season in part because of their supporting cast. Hoglander broke out for 24 goals and established an expectation that he could help lessen the scoring burden on some of the Canucks’ stars. So far, Hoglander has scored twice in 38 games — on pace for four goals a year before his $3 million extension takes effect.
Grade: B- (first-quarter grade: B). There’s what’s going on — or not going on — with J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson. There’s the injuries. There’s the fact that Thatcher Demko is gradually playing more games. But it all amounts to the Canucks needing to answer one major question: Can they work past these or any other challenges to show they’re a perennial playoff team and not a roster that had one great season in 2023-24?
C grades
Record: 20-20-4
Preseason over/under: 86.5
Current points pace: 82.0
Class president: Dylan Holloway. Nobody quite knew exactly what to expect from Holloway in his first year away from the Oilers. But there was a belief that going to the Blues could lead to a larger role, more minutes and potentially more production. The decision to sign him to an offer sheet has seen him emerge in St. Louis into a top-six option who is on pace for 29 goals. It’s a contrast compared to his first two seasons with Edmonton when he split time between the NHL and AHL, scoring nine goals and 18 points in his first 89 games.
In danger of failing: Mathieu Joseph. Signing Joseph in free agency was supposed to give the Blues another bottom-six scorer whose two-way presence could be vital for a team that struggled with defensive consistency. Injuries have played a role in interrupting his season, but Joseph entered Jan. 6 on a 17-game pointless streak that dated to Oct. 26.
Grade: C+ (first-quarter grade: D). It’s possible that in-season adjustments could be the reason the Blues remain in the wild-card chase. Firing coach Drew Bannister and hiring Jim Montgomery is a decision that has seemingly paid dividends. Look at how the Blues’ performed through Montgomery’s first 19 games. They’ve given up the eighth-fewest goals per game while scoring the 10th most in that time. Then there’s the trade for Cam Fowler, with the former Ducks defenseman recording 10 points in his first 12 games with St. Louis while averaging almost 23 minutes.
Record: 18-17-7
Preseason over/under: 87.5
Current points pace: 84.0
Class president: Mikhail Sergachev. Only one player in the NHL is ahead of him in average ice time. There’s only one player who has logged more shifts, and as of Jan. 11, nobody has played more short-handed minutes than Sergachev. And he’s on pace for the second-most points in his career. Utah’s plan when it traded for Sergachev was that he could be its No. 1 defenseman. The two-time Stanley Cup champion has done just that in a season that has seen Sean Durzi play only four games because of an injury and John Marino not play at all.
In danger of failing: Lawson Crouse. Utah has four players who are responsible for a high percentage of its goals. Crouse is not among those players, which has proved to be a challenge for a team that was already on the cusp of being in the bottom 10 of goals per game. Crouse came into 2024-25 with three straight 20-goal seasons but now finds himself on pace to finish with 20 total points in 82 games.
Grade: C+ (first-quarter grade: C-). It was around this time last season when the Arizona Coyotes were in the wild-card chase only to lose 14 straight games. Utah GM Bill Armstrong said that experience left scar tissue and he was “excited to see what we do with that scar tissue.” Utah lost its final five games in December and had lost six of seven before Jan. 6. Could this season be different or will Utah potentially face a repeat of last season?
Record: 19-20-5
Preseason over/under: 95.5
Current points pace: 80.1
Class president: Travis Konecny. Auston Matthews recently called Konecny the league’s most underrated player, and Toronto’s captain isn’t far off in his assessment. Konecny is a cornerstone of the Flyers’ franchise and can be counted on to consistently produce. He leads Philadelphia with 20 goals and 50 points this season, and is at his best against the toughest competition; he scored both Flyers goals in their 3-2 loss to Matthews’ Leafs. Konecny sets a tone with his energy and efficiency, and it’s clear he’s still evolving given how refined his habits have been at both ends of the ice. He makes good decisions and is a capable playmaker.
In danger of failing: Samuel Ersson. The Flyers’ starting goalie job was Ersson’s to lose, but he hasn’t done enough to secure that No. 1 billing. Injuries certainly haven’t helped, but when the netminder is available he’s often performing below expectations (with a 10-7-2 record, .888 save percentage and 2.86 goals-against average). There have been surges throughout the season — including right before he was sidelined by a lower-body issue earlier this month — but a lack of consistency keeps Ersson from being a top goalie.
Grade: C (first-quarter grade: C). Philadelphia is taking the low-and-slow approach to rebuilding, and that comes with all manner of growing pains. But the Flyers have embraced their youth — namely Matvei Michkov. The Calder Trophy contender has been genuinely good (with 13 goals and 30 points) and has infused some fun into the season. The team needs more skaters like him, but the likes of Owen Tippett and Jamie Drysdale haven’t been showing up often enough on the scoresheet. Philadelphia is outside playoff contention as a result of its various struggles, chief among them having the league’s third-worst defense (giving up 3.47 goals per game) and 28th-ranked power play (15.8%).
Record: 21-19-5
Preseason over/under: 99.5
Current points pace: 85.6
Class president: Brad Marchand. The Bruins’ captain could be faulted for a slow start — multiple offseason surgeries will do that — but Marchand still sets the tone for Boston. He rarely fails to deliver a complete effort, and his output has improved throughout the season; he has scored 10 goals and 18 points in the past 21 games and, at 36, is playing nearly 19 minutes per game. Marchand is (rightfully) the Bruins’ heartbeat, and in a season of turmoil that has included a coaching change, his consistency as a leader can’t be undervalued.
In danger of failing: Jeremy Swayman. This was not the Swayman anyone expected to see following his standoff with the Bruins in pursuit of the eight-year, $66 million contract he signed in October. Swayman’s first half has been average at best — and dreadful at worst — with an uncharacteristic lack of detail to his game. Swayman’s sub-.900 save percentage hardly reflects what Boston deserves out of him. The Bruins must hope Swayman’s slight uptick recently — producing of late a 3-5-0 record with .918 SV% — is a sign his second half will generate more promising results.
Grade: C- (first-quarter grade: D). Boston has toppled from third place in the Atlantic into a (highly contested) wild-card spot. And it’s no wonder given the Bruins clear deficiencies — many of which were on display in their recent 0-5-1 skid. Boston has struggled all season for secondary scoring, the goaltending has been subpar, special teams aren’t firing (the power play is 31st in the NHL and the penalty kill is 25th) and the team’s collective malaise essentially cost Jim Montgomery his job. Also troubling is how Boston’s stars (i.e. David Pastrnak) have failed to find a groove — although, like Swayman, Pastrnak has taken a positive turn in 2025. Boston still needs more from everyone if it expects to stay in the postseason field.
Record: 18-19-8
Preseason over/under: 90.5
Current points pace: 80.2
Class president: Sidney Crosby. Pittsburgh’s top forward didn’t let a slow start weigh him down. Crosby has kickstarted his game offensively of late, and it was helping the Penguins look as if they, too, were finding a rhythm. Crosby leads the team with 12 goals and 47 points, all the while providing leadership Pittsburgh has needed to get on track for various stretches. It has been tough sledding for the Penguins, and Crosby’s steadiness is one reliable thing they’ve been able to embrace. Where Pittsburgh goes from here will be largely dictated by what Crosby can do.
In danger of failing: Tristan Jarry. Let’s caveat this selection by acknowledging Pittsburgh’s turnstile defense is utterly appalling at times, and would be a hurdle for any goaltender to overcome. But Jarry deserves to shoulder responsibility for the Penguins’ lack of goal-suppression prowess. He’s 8-6-4 this season, with an .890 save percentage and 3.33 goals-against average, and is more often a liability than difference-maker. It’s tough to justify Jarry’s continued issues at this stage, and backup Alex Nedeljkovic is no better option. Pittsburgh’s goaltending is just one more problem it has been tasked with overcoming.
Grade: C- (first-quarter grade: D-). Pittsburgh gets a slight midseason grade bump because it is technically better off now than a few weeks ago — but a recent four-game winless streak (1-2-3) hasn’t helped its (meager) playoff ambitions. Pittsburgh has the league’s worst defense (giving up 3.62 goals per game) and unless that changes in a hurry there will be no spring hockey yet again for the once-perennial contenders. The Penguins have a strong power play (fifth best, at 25.6%) and some solid scorers (Crosby, Rickard Rakell and Evgeni Malkin), but that won’t be enough to make up for their putrid back end and often brutal goaltending. Pittsburgh has given up two or fewer goals in only four games since Dec. 1. There’s no way that translates into any form of success from here.
Record: 18-23-3
Preseason over/under: 87.5
Current points pace: 72.7
Class president: A healthy Vince Dunn. The key word: healthy. Dunn’s arc with the Kraken is one that has been underlined by growth while simultaneously being somewhat hindered by injuries. Look no further than this season. When healthy, Dunn is capable of averaging more than 21 minutes a game while providing a puck-moving element for a roster that’s in the bottom third of goals per contest. When injured, Dunn’s eight goals and 18 points in 22 games are a level of production the Kraken have struggled to replicate in his absence.
In danger of failing: Andre Burakovsky. A few items make Burakovsky a complicated figure in that injuries have led to him never playing more than 49 games in a season since he signed with the Kraken three years ago. This season he has sat out only two games as of Jan. 11, but he has struggled to score goals. Burakovsky had three goals in his first 39 games for a projection of six goals over a 74-game season.
Grade: C- (first-quarter grade: C). Being as many points from the final wild-card spot as they are from the NHL’s worst record once again puts the Kraken at crossroads. Do they still believe they have enough time to make a turnaround? Or are they better off moving on from this season with an eye on the future? Especially when they could add draft capital knowing teams could be interested in a pair of pending UFAs in Yanni Gourde and Brandon Tanev.
D grades
Record: 16-22-5
Preseason over/under: 88.5
Current points pace: 70.6
Class president: Rasmus Dahlin. There’s probably too much on Dahlin’s shoulders at this point, mainly that he’s carrying Buffalo defensively. Dahlin has consistently lacked a partner to match his skill level, and opponents take advantage by trying to smother him, but Dahlin still comes through for the Sabres with quality performances. He leads Buffalo’s blueliners with 28 points through 32 games and paces the team in ice time (24:31 per game). Dahlin also wears the club’s captaincy well, and is willing to call out the Sabres publicly, as he did following their abysmal showing against Vegas earlier this month. Dahlin is the all-around head of the class for a reason.
In danger of failing: Dylan Cozens. To whom much is given, much is expected. Buffalo inked Cozens to a seven-year, $49.5 million contract two years ago, reflective of the 31-goal season he was putting together. Cozens is a shadow of that same player now. Without a decent power play to lean on — Cozens scored 18 of his 31 goals with the extra man in 2022-23 — he hasn’t come close to delivering a solid offensive output. Cozens is a woeful minus-12 on the season, and a frequent liability in the Sabres’ own end. It’s no wonder the 23-year-old is constantly mentioned in trade rumors. Whether the Sabres choose to give up on him remains to be seen, though they’d definitely be trading low on his value.
Grade: D (first-quarter grade: B-). Buffalo won’t be breaking that 13-year postseason drought this season — or anytime soon — if their current level of play continues. The Sabres have been free falling since the fall, going through a 13-game winless skid that punctuated an otherwise mostly abysmal first half. Every bright spot is swiftly darkened by another poor showing, and nothing GM Kevyn Adams has done off the ice, or new head coach Lindy Ruff has tried on it, is making much difference.
Record: 14-28-2
Preseason over/under: 73.5
Current points pace: 55.9
Class president: Connor Bedard. Since the Blackhawks fired Luke Richardson on Dec. 6, they’ve seen a more consistent version of Bedard. He’s averaging a little more than a point per game in the 16 games since the Blackhawks’ coaching change. He also entered Jan. 11 on a nine-game points streak. It’s a level of offensive consistency that now has Bedard on pace to finish with 74 points after producing 61 points last season.
In danger of failing: Philipp Kurashev. Scoring 18 goals and finishing with 54 points last season created the belief that the Blackhawks might have another young player for the future. How he has performed this season has led to questions about what has gone wrong. Kurashev had only three goals and five points in his first 30 games while his ice time has fallen from playing 19:01 last season to 15:05 this season.
Grade: D (first-quarter grade: D). The issues that were there before the Blackhawks hired Anders Sorensen are still a problem. Through Sorensen’s first 14 games, the Blackhawks were giving up the most goals per game while being in the bottom 10 in scoring. Although they were not expected to be in the playoff push, there was an expectation they could be better than they were last season after adding several veterans in free agency. Instead? They’re on pace to finish five points ahead of what they had last season.
Record: 17-18-7
Preseason over/under: 91.5
Current points pace: 80.0
Class president: Anders Lee. The Islanders’ captain is giving his all every night on a team that’s consistently lacking in offense. Lee paces the club in goals (18) and points (32) while providing the leadership it will need to make the most of its second-half prospects (which are not burning brightly). Lee and Bo Horvat have been leading the charge on attack, and it has provided some sense of hope the Islanders can rally toward better outcomes in a wide-open Eastern Conference wild-card field.
In danger of failing: Adam Pelech. It has been a rough go for Pelech this season coming off an injury, and he has yet to make a real impact since returning. Pelech is known to be a reliable force on the back end and that just hasn’t been seen often enough when he’s available. In recent seasons, it has been the Islanders’ defensive acumen saving them from a perennial absence of scoring output, and Pelech would normally be a primary contributor there. But his uncharacteristic mistakes have been contributing to a major sore spot. Seeing Pelech back in form will go a long way.
Grade: D (first-quarter grade: D+). The Islanders are fully adrift this season. New York has the league’s worst penalty kill and power play. Coach Patrick Roy has practically driven starter Ilya Sorokin into the ground — and Sorokin’s stats have plummeted as a result. And yes, the scoring volume is poor — seventh worst in the league. It’s little wonder the Islanders haven’t managed a winning streak longer than two games, and struggle to hold onto leads they do manage to build. If Roy has an answer for what ails the Islanders he best put it into effect — and fast.
F grades
Record: 13-22-7
Preseason over/under: 98.5
Current points pace: 64.4
Class president: Juuse Saros. All but nine of the games the Predators have played this season have had Saros in net. That’s how consistent he has been in a season that has been anything but for the Predators. If not for Connor Hellebuyck. Saros would be leading the NHL in shots faced, saves, minutes and shutouts.
In danger of failing: Tommy Novak. Finishing with consecutive 40-point seasons showed Novak could operate as a top-six option for the Predators. Adding Jonathan Marchessault and Steven Stamkos in the offseason came with the premise that Novak could operate on a line with two veterans and see his production increase in the process. But Novak has struggled for offensive consistency. He went pointless in November and is projected to finish with 10 goals and 18 points.
Grade: F (first-quarter grade: D). A slow start became even slower and what was once thought to be a playoff team now looks like one destined for the draft lottery. Several questions have been raised with arguably the most looming being: How much of an active seller will the Preds be ahead of the trade deadline if they go that route? Especially when they could be among the strongest contenders to win the lottery and earn the No. 1 pick.
Record: 20-20-2
Preseason over/under: 100.5
Current points pace: 82.0
Class president: Will Cuylle. The Rangers have a rising star in Cuylle and he has managed to provide the rapidly deteriorating Blueshirts with a feel-good story. Cuylle has earned a bigger role through consistently strong play (he has scored 11 goals and 24 points this season), and pushed his way onto the team’s second power-play unit to go along with some penalty-kill action as well. Cuylle isn’t a headliner in New York but deserves recognition for regularly producing positive gains for a squad short on depth players doing anywhere close to the same.
In danger of failing: Chris Kreider. Kreider landing on IR recently because of back issues is just the latest setback in what has been a decidedly down season. His 15 points to date puts him on pace to finish with less than half of what he did a season ago, and a lack of success on the power play is only exposing his poor 5-on-5 output. Kreider isn’t making the most of his opportunities with the puck and his zone entries also are noticeably off. Basically, the longest-tenured Ranger is a mess — an unfortunate reflection of the team at large.
Grade: F (first-quarter grade: B+). Oh, how the mighty have fallen. It’s nearly impossible to explain or remotely justify what has happened to the Rangers after winning the Presidents’ Trophy last season. They’ve taken a nosedive to sit 24th overall with only six (!) wins since mid-November (6-16-1). Jacob Trouba and Kaapo Kakko have been traded, and the team might not be done selling. The Rangers are averaging fewer than three goals, their power play is below average (21st overall) and they are 22nd in goals against (3.12) with an average-looking Igor Shesterkin manning the net. There’s all sorts of blame to be shared for this downturn. The question is whether the season can be salvaged.
