The 2025-26 NHL season is already off to a flying start. As of this writing, everyone has played at least three games. Even in the early going, some interesting trends have developed.
Only two teams haven’t lost a game yet. Those being the Dallas Stars and Carolina Hurricanes. That won’t surprise anyone. Most had these teams as Stanley Cup contenders.
Then there’s the situation with the Buffalo Sabres. They along with the New York Islanders have lost their first three games of the season. But unlike the Islanders, the Sabres are already feeling the heat thanks to their long playoff drought.
Then there are some teams who are off to intriguing starts for one reason or another. The Boston Bruins are 3-1-0 at the outset. The New York Rangers have a pair of wins and have allowed only seven goals against in their first five games. But they became the first team in NHL history to be shutout on home ice in their first three games of the season.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have just one win in their first four games while struggling mightily on their power play. Seattle is off to a 2-0-1 start. Anaheim is one of the more fun teams in the early going.
There’s the key word. It’s early. The first couple of weeks will see some fluctuation from what’s expected. While many things will normalize over time, some things could buck the expected trend.
That’s the question we are going to consider today. At what point do teams start to really get a handle on what their team is going to be? Specifically, do teams utilize any kind of checkpoint in terms of their progress?
The Hockey Writers was able to ask this exact question to New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe this week. He gave an interesting answer.
Teams will handle business in their own way. Some will utilize five or even 10-game segments to measure their team’s performance. Others won’t use a specific method but will consistently monitor things game-by-game.
While judging too early is usually not wise given the number of factors in play, U.S. Thanksgiving is not that far away. That is seen as an important benchmark for the chances of making the playoffs. Ultimately, teams want to get into the groove as quickly as possible to ensure they’re ready to go once the playoffs get underway.
Teams have to work through a multitude of issues when the new season begins. They want to get their legs under them coming out of training camp. They may have some new tweaks or wrinkles in their systems they’re implementing which will come with an adjustment period.
There is also the adjustment of new players, whether they’re in from another team or a rookie just starting in the NHL. Where do they fit in the lineup? How will they impact the overall game the team wants to play?
Then there’s the issue with the schedule. In 2025-26, the schedule will present a unique challenge to teams thanks to the Olympics. There will be more back-to-back games for teams to play. They’ll also have to deal with a staggered schedule especially in the beginning. That can affect when they get into a rhythm.
Keefe has been around the NHL long enough to have an understanding of what’ he’s looking for. He helped the Toronto Maple Leafs to years of consecutive playoff appearances. He’s looking to do the same with the Devils.
While last year’s Devils made the playoffs, they want more. It’s a new season so they have to deal with a different set of circumstances than last season including getting Jack Hughes back up to speed.
For Keefe, there’s one important thing he considers when measuring the progress of his team.
“I don’t know that’s there’s any real checkpoint,” Keefe said. “I think you just want to get into a groove and get going.”
Keefe then went into detail about how and why this season is already different. Some of what the Devils had to deal with last season are not a factor this season.
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