With a little more than two weeks of the season in the books, some early problems have emerged for each club.
In this week's edition of the NHL Power Rankings, we identify the biggest causes for concern — whether it's a player, group, unit or something else entirely.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors each send in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list here.
Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the preseason edition, published Oct. 9. Points percentages are through Thursday's games.
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 100.0%
Next seven days: vs. CHI (Oct. 27), @ LA (Oct. 28), vs. MTL (Oct. 30), vs. WPG (Nov. 2)
Vegas opened its season on a historic 6-0-0 run (the best ever by a reigning Stanley Cup champion). But is all going a little too well? The Golden Knights, perennial plagued by injuries, are healthy and thriving. Their overall numbers across the board are strong. So, is the other shoe just waiting to drop? Is Vegas too good to be true?
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 85.7%
Next seven days: @ BUF (Oct. 29), vs. STL (Nov. 1)
Colorado's dominance in every statistical category — including a record-setting string of road victories — makes it hard to poke holes in the team's start. One potential point of concern is the backup goalie situation. Alexandar Georgiev is the only netminder Colorado has used (and he's been fantastic), but with Pavel Francouz out indefinitely due to a groin injury, eventually the Avalanche will have to tap Ivan Prosvetov (veteran of 13 NHL games to date) for a start or two. Prosvetov's results will indicate whether Colorado has a percolating problem. Prosvetov did make five saves on five
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Pavel Francouz