5 Huge October Surprises in the NHL

5 Huge October Surprises in the NHL

The first month of the NHL regular season brought many unexpected storylines. With all 32 teams starting evenly in the standings, October was bound to deliver both pleasant and disappointing surprises. As usual, the NHL did not disappoint.

Some teams predicted to struggle performed very well, while others expected to excel fell short. Several names either greatly exceeded or failed to meet expectations. As November begins, here are five of the biggest surprises from October.

Penguins Lead the Standings Unexpectedly

The list starts with the team that finished October at the top of the NHL standings—a team few anticipated would be playoff contenders. The Penguins, led by stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, posted an impressive 8-2-2 record.

Malkin’s resurgence was a key factor. With three goals and 17 points in October, he reminded everyone of his enduring talent. The team’s stronger-than-expected defense also contributed significantly.

"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."

Contributions from Justin Brazeau and Anthony Mantha combining for 23 points, along with rookie Ben Kindel surpassing early expectations, have made this a dream start for Pittsburgh. Though challenges may arise later, the Penguins’ October performance was remarkable.

Author's summary: The NHL’s October season opener revealed surprising team performances, with the Penguins leading unexpectedly thanks to star player revivals and emerging talents.

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Substack Substack — 2025-11-03

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