NHL's first two weeks: Rangers roll without Shesterkin, Flyers still winless
Surprise starts in New York, Seattle and Ottawa share the spotlight with trade demands and Ovechkin's farewell season.
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Two weeks into the 2026-27 season, the early NHL standings have some surprises, and several of the league's biggest stories are happening away from the ice.
Early standouts and strugglers
NHL.com's Dan Rosen, writing Oct. 14, pointed to these clubs:
| Team | Record | Note |
|---|---|---|
| N.Y. Rangers | 6-2-0 | 5-0-0 at home |
| Seattle | 5-2-0 | 4.00 goals per game |
| Ottawa | 5-2-0 | Linus Ullmark 5-0-0 |
| Winnipeg | 4-1-1 | Winning without Hellebuyck |
| Philadelphia | 0-5-3 | Only winless East team |
The Rangers have kept winning even though goaltender Igor Shesterkin is out for the season with a lower-body injury. Rookie Dylan Garand has stepped in. Seattle is scoring at a high rate but is being outshot, which suggests regression could come. Philadelphia has been outscored 30-10.
The Hockey News' Adam Proteau also flagged Utah's fast start and Philadelphia's struggles in his Oct. 7 look at what's real and what isn't.
Off-ice drama
In Winnipeg, Connor Hellebuyck is suspended after he asked for a trade and skipped training camp, according to NHL.com. The Deseret News reported that Detroit captain Dylan Larkin has also asked to be traded.
The season is also a farewell tour. Alex Ovechkin, who passed Wayne Gretzky for the career goals record in 2025, has said this will be his last NHL season, the Deseret News reported.
In Edmonton, Devon Levi, picked up from Buffalo for two 2028 draft picks, is 3-0 since a rough first start.
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