5 Huge October Surprises in the NHL
The first month of the NHL regular season brought many unexpected developments. With all 32 teams starting fresh in the standings, October once again delivered surprises—both positive and negative. Some teams predicted to struggle performed exceptionally well, while others expected to compete fell short of expectations. Here is a look back at five of the biggest surprises from the month.
The Pittsburgh Penguins Lead the Pack
The most notable surprise is the team that topped the NHL standings by the end of October—an unexpected contender for many. The Penguins, led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, finished the month with an impressive 8-2-2 record. Malkin’s resurgence was key, scoring three goals and earning 17 points, proving his skill remains formidable.
A stronger-than-anticipated defense also contributed to the Penguins' success. The combination of Justin Brazeau and Anthony Mantha producing 23 points, along with rookie Ben Kindel surpassing expectations, has made this a dream start for Pittsburgh.
"If nothing else, this start by the Penguins gives their fans a chance to still see their older talent while trying to transition to a new era once those stars are finally done."
While there is hope for continued success, the team’s performance might face challenges as the season progresses.
Author’s summary: October's NHL season revealed surprising performances, with the Penguins standing out as a top contender sparked by veteran stars and emerging talents.