For the first time in two years, the NHL has returned for a full 82-game slate. No protective bubbles. No insulated intra-divisional play. And the league hasn’t taken time to slow down since the puck dropped on opening night.
Jack Eichel has a new home in Vegas. Connor McDavid has, surprise, reminded everyone that he is really, really good at this game. The Avalanche, a Stanley Cup favorite, have sputtered early while the Ducks and Kings have rattled off unexpected winning streaks of five-plus games.
Here are some takeaways from the first month of the season.