Nearly a quarter of the way through the season, Sidney Crosby leads the league in points, and Steven Stamkos is again among the top goal scorers. The two popular preseason picks to win the Hart Trophy have their teams off to strong starts as well.
Who Are The 5 Most Surprising 2014-15 NHL Teams?
Nobody is shocked to learn that Crosby, the reigning MVP, once again leads the league in points as his Pittsburgh Penguins sit atop the Metropolitan Division. However, Stamkos's Tampa Bay Lightning have surprised nearly everyone, netting 24 points so far this season, one shy of the best point total in the NHL. The two teams are playing as well as anyone right now, each earning 15 points in their last 10 games.
In the Western Conference, the Anaheim Ducks appear on track to contend for the President's Trophy once again. They lead the league in points with 25 points so far, putting them atop the viciously competitive West. Frederik Andersen has been a machine in goal, posting a .935 save percentage and a 1.77 goals against average, numbers that will surely leave him as the Vezina Trophy winner if he maintains such a torrid pace.
Who Are The 5 Most Disappointing 2014-15 NHL Teams?
A strong start by goalie Ryan Miller has the Vancouver Canucks surprisingly challenging the Ducks, as they sit just one point out of first in the Pacific Division. In the Central, the St. Louis Blues are leading the way thanks Vladimir Tarasenko's 21 points in 16 games, and they currently sit one point ahead of the Nashville Predators. Still, the best player in the Central Division plays in Dallas. Tyler Seguin is putting up MVP-caliber numbers; he is tied for the league lead in goals scored and is tied for second in total points. Sadly, only the Colorado Avalanche have fewer points in the division.
Somewhat surprisingly, the defending champion Los Angeles Kings are off to a middling start despite strong play from Jonathon Quick in goal. The Kings will not panic, however, as they are known for improving their level of play as the season wears on, and their suffocating defense gives them a chance in every contest.
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