Read Btwn Recap: Last (Two) Weeks in the NHL, Nov. 2-15
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Breanna’s Western Conference Stars of the Week: Nathan MacKinnon (COL): 4G, 10A 14 PTS, +8, Connor McDavid (EDM): 6G, 7A, 13 PTS, +2, Darcy Kuemper (LAK): 4-0-0, 1.51 GAA, .935 SV%, 1 SO
Central Division
Colorado Avalanche (12-1-5)
The Avalanche have been streaking lately! Colorado has won their last five games, outscoring opponents by a whopping 27-11. In this stretch, the Avs have taken down the Lightning, Oilers (by a crazy score of 9-1), Canucks, Ducks and Sabres. The offense has been led by none other than Nathan MacKinnon, who has racked up an insane 14 points (4G, 10) over the five-game win streak, followed by Martin Necas (3G, 4A), Artturi Lehkonen (4G, 2A) and Cale Makar (2G, 4A). Gavin Brindley and Scott Wedgewood both signed contract extensions this past week and the Avs are showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Dallas Stars (12-4-3)
The Stars went 6-1-0 over the last two weeks, outscoring opponents 31-18 with a power play operating at a dangerous 36%. Jason Robertson has been lighting it up lately after a slow start to the season, posting six goals and seven assists over the last seven contests. Mikko Rantanen (12 PTS), Miro Heiskanen (12 PTS) and Wyatt Johnston (10 PTS) have all chipped in on the scoresheet to keep Dallas’ offense going at a crazy pace. The goaltending has also been showing up, helping the Stars secure plenty of wins.
Winnipeg Jets (11-7-0)
Winnipeg has faltered recently, going just 2-4-0 over their last six games. In that span, they’ve been outscored 20-14 and the penalty kill has struggled significantly, coming in at just 72.7%. The offense has seemingly dried up as no player has scored more than two goals over this recent stretch. Defenseman Josh Morrissey leads the team with eight points (2G, 6A) and the next closest player in Kyle Connor with five points (2G, 3A). The Jets have to get it back on track as they face some decently competitive opponents this upcoming week including the Blue Jackets, Hurricanes and Wild.
Chicago Blackhawks (9-5-4)
The Blackhawks have continued to defy expectations this season. Chicago went 4-1-1 over the last two weeks, scoring a total of 21 goals in that stretch. The wins were over the Canucks, Flames, Red Wings and Leafs, while the losses came against the Kraken and Devils. Connor Bedard is still having an incredible season as he’s collected 11 points over the last six games (4G, 7A) and is putting his name in the running to make Team Canada for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in February. The team will be without captain Nick Foligno for four weeks due to a hand injury and Tyler Bertuzzi didn’t play against the Leafs with an undisclosed injury so Chicago will have to navigate around those injuries.
Utah Mammoth (10-7-1)
After a hot start to the season, the Mammoth have cooled down. In their last seven games, Utah has posted a 2-4-1 record and own a struggling power play (1-for-19), although their penalty kill has been perfect (15-for-15). Both of the Mammoth’s two wins over the last two weeks have come against the Sabres (2-1 OTW on Nov. 4 and 5-2 W on Nov. 12) and they lost against the Lightning, Leafs, Canadiens, Senators and Islanders. The offense has also seemingly dried up for Utah out of nowhere, but Clayton Keller leads the team with six points (3G, 3A) over this seven-game stretch with Lawson Crouse following right behind with five points (3G, 2A). The goaltending needs to improve as both goaltenders have put up a below .900 save percentage and will be important on this upcoming stretch of games.
Minnesota Wild (8-7-4)
You win some and you lose some. That’s the motto for the Wild over the last two weeks. Minnesota went 4-1-1 over their last six games and while they got Mats Zuccarello back in the lineup, Vladimir Tarasenko has missed the last two games due to injury. Matt Boldy has been leading the way in goals (5) and points (7) over this stretch, followed closely by Kirill Kaprizov (3G, 3A) and Marcus Johansson (2G, 4A). Jesper Wallstedt has been lights out, going 3-0-0 with a 0.67 goals against average and .978 save percentage which has definitely played a major role in the team being successful lately.
St. Louis Blues (6-9-4)
The Blues are still the Blues. Over the last seven games, St. Louis has won just three games (3-2 W vs. EDM, 3-0 W at BUF, 3-2 win vs. CGY) and went just 3-2-2. Although they earned points in five of those seven games, the Blues still sit second to last in the Central Division and are 30th in the league overall. There was a report last week that the team is willing to trade players and Jordan Binnington has been one of the players in the conversation as he has underperformed so far this season. In the last seven games, Robert Thomas leads the team with six points (2G, 4A) followed by Justin Fault (2G, 3A), but the offense hasn’t been there to secure the much needed wins.
Nashville Predators (6-9-4)
The Predators lost five of their last six games and broke the losing streak with a 2-1 overtime win against the Penguins in the first game of the 2025 Global Series. The only bright spot for Nashville over this recent stretch has been rookie Matthew Wood who leads the team with four goals and is tied with Filip Forsberg for the team lead in points (6). Wood netted his first career hat trick in the Predators’ 6-3 loss to the Rangers on November 10 which was a fun moment, but that’s about it for Nashville. The goaltending has struggled significantly as both Juuse Saros (.856 SV%) and Justus Annunen (.846 SV%) have posted below .900 save percentages and have just one combined win over the last six contests. The Predators sit dead last in the Central and 31st in the league, just three points ahead of the Flames.
Pacific Division
Los Angeles Kings (10-5-4)
The Kings find themselves at the top of the Pacific Division and for good reason as they went 5-1-0 over their last six games. Los Angeles earned wins over Winnipeg, Pittsburgh, Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa with their only loss coming against the Panthers. During this stretch, everyone has been chipping in on the scoresheet but Quinton Byfield leads the team with seven points (2G, 5A) and Kevin Fiala scored five goals over the last six games. The real star has been Darcy Kuemper who posted a 4-0-0 record with a 1.51 GAA, .935 SV% and one shutout. The Kings finish out their six-game road trip this week with contests against the Capitals and Sharks.
Anaheim Ducks (11-6-1)
The Ducks played a whopping eight games over the last two weeks, going 5-3-0 and remain in the top three of the Pacific. Over the last eight games, Anaheim has outscored their opponents 30-25 and their power play is operating at an impressive 23.0%. The youngsters are still leading the way, particularly Cutter Gauthier (6G, 5A) and Leo Carlsson (6G, 5A) followed by Chris Kreider who has collected five goals and seven points in the last eight games. The Ducks return home this week to open a six-game homestand that will have them playing some tough opponents so we’ll see how they fare in the standings.
Seattle Kraken (9-4-5)
The Kraken are dealing with some injuries as of late. Most notably, they are still missing starting goaltender Joey Daccord (UBI), Jared McCann (LBI) and Matt Murray (LBI) was recently added to the injured list. Kaapo Kakko returned to the lineup but is now back on the IR with a lower-body injury as well. Despite all that, the Kraken have fared pretty well over the last two weeks as they went 4-2-1 in seven games played. Eeli Tolvanen (3G, 3A) and Matty Beniers (1G, 5A) both lead the team in points over this stretch and Philipp Grubauer has held it down in net well enough for the team to earn some big wins and important points for the standings which is why Seattle is third in the Pacific.
Edmonton Oilers (9-7-4)
The Oilers have struggled lately. In the last seven games they played, the team went 3-3-1 and have been outscored 29-21. All three of Edmonton’s wins over the last two weeks have come in overtime and they have suffered some bad losses, especially the 9-1 beatdown from the Avalanche on November 8. Connor McDavid is back to doing Connor McDavid things, but this team’s problems are haunting them once again. There’s no depth and the goaltending is a major reason why the team can’t secure wins they should be able to. The Oilers finish out their seven-game road trip this week so we’ll see how much of a boost Zach Hyman really gives the team as he just returned to the lineup.
Vegas Golden Knights (8-4-5)
Vegas has also been struggling recently, only winning two of their last seven games. The offense has seemingly dried up for the Golden Knights because while Ivan Barbashev (4G, 2A) and Mitch Marner (1G, 4A) led the team over this seven game stretch, no other players have more than three points. Goaltending has also been an issue as Adin Hill has now been placed on IR, Akira Schmid and rookie Carl Lindbom have been tasked with being steady in the net and it’s been a mixed bag in terms of results so far.
If you are struggling with the recent decision the Golden Knights have made, here are some resources to use and organizations to support.
https://www.raliance.org/rape-crisis-centers/
https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/
https://canadianwomen.org/the-facts/sexual-assault-harassment/
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/guide/how-to-support-lgbtq-survivors-of-sexual-violence/
San Jose Sharks (8-8-3)
San Jose went 4-2-1 over their last seven games and have narrowly outscored their opponents 16-13 in that span. The penalty kill (23-for-24) has been fantastic even as the power play continues to struggle a bit. The Sharks have also lost Michael Misa (undisclosed) and Jeff Skinner (LBI) to injuries over the last two weeks. But it’s the usual suspects leading the offense for this team. Macklin Celebrini posted nine points (3G, 6A) and Will Smith collected seven points (3G, 4A) in the last seven games. Plus, Yaroslav Askarov has been great in net, earning three wins and owning a 1.00 GAA and .970 SV%.
Vancouver Canucks (8-9-2)
The Canucks are still badly injured and have so many players entering and leaving the lineup so often due to injuries. Thatcher Demko returned to play recently, just to suffer another injury and end up on the IR again. Captain Quinn Hughes missed some game play due to a minor injury, but returned to the lineup and continued being the stellar defenseman we know. Conor Garland also left the Canucks last game with an injury so we’ll see how the team adjusts to that as well. Outside of the injuries, Vancouver is still struggling as they went just 3-2-2 over their last seven games. Brock Boeser (4G, 3A) and Elias Petterson (1G, 6A) have led the team in points over this stretch. With tough upcoming opponents, it might be a disappointing stretch for the Canucks.
Calgary Flames (5-12-3)
The Flames still remain at the bottom of the Pacific Division and league standings. Over the last two weeks, Calgary went 3-3-1 in seven games, but it’s clear this team struggles to score. The Flames scored more than three goals in only one of those last seven contests and the power play has scored just once (1-for-17). Blake Coleman, Jonathan Huberdeau and Matt Cornato lead the team with two goals apiece over this recent stretch, but with upcoming games against the Blackhawks, Sabres and Stars, the Flames will need to get something going on the offensive side to secure some wins.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Mackenzie’s Eastern Conference Stars of the Week: Bo Horvat (NYI): 5G, 6A, 11P, +6; David Pastrnak (BOS): 4G, 5A, 9P, +1; Brad Marchand (FLA): 6G, 3A, 9P, -1
Metropolitan Division
Pittsburgh Penguins (9-5-4)
The Pens only had five games over the last two weeks and only managed one win. That said, though, their shoot out loss to the Devils on November 8 truly could have gone either way. The game against the Leafs to start off saw an excessive number of chances but a severe lack of defense. The win against the Capitals was more balanced for the team, which was likely the cause for the win. The Pens ended their two weeks in Stockholm for the NHL’s global series, losing the first of two games to the Preds. Trista Jarry (LBI), Justin Brazeau (UBI), Noel Acciari (UBI), and Filip Hallander are all out.
Carolina Hurricanes (12-5-1)
The Canes won five of their seven games over the last two weeks. Somewhat shockingly, the team is struggling on the power play and penalty kill so far this season. In the pro column though, the team is at the top of the league in both goals for and shots per game. Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis lead the team in points, although neither is having a newsworthy season quite yet. Overall, the team is doing well but still has room for improvement. The team is struggling with a few key injuries though, with Jalen Chatfield (UBI), Jaccob Slavin (LBI), Charles Legault (UBI), and Jesperi Kotkaniemi (UBI) all out.
New York Rangers (10-7-2)
Do you believe in miracles? The Rangers finally managed to win at home after a month-long drought at the Garden. The team did win four of their six games in the last two weeks, though they still sit outside of a playoff spot at the moment. Vincent Trochek being back in the lineup has definitely helped the team, seemingly both on and off the ice. Both goaltenders are still doing well. Matt Rempe has been placed on LTIR.
New York Islanders (10-6-1)
I’m almost scared to speak on this team right now for fear of jinxing them, so read this if you dare. The Islanders are … good right now? The team won five out of their seven games in the last two weeks: starting their road trip with four wins in a row. The Islanders avoided handing the Rangers their first home win in their first meeting of the season and handed the Devils their first home loss. Bo Horvat is having a stunning start to the season, with 23 points and a +11 rating at the moment. Matthew Schaefer is second in points, with 15, and is certainly making his case for the Calder Trophy this season.
Columbus Blue Jackets (9-7-2)
The Blue Jackets still feel mid…not sure how else to put it. The team lost five out of seven over the last two weeks, but did manage to find points in two of those losses.Thankfully, the team is taking shots when they have the chance, but they are also allowing a lot of shots, sitting at third in the league for both stats. Kirill Marchenko and Zach Werenski lead the team in points.
Philadelphia Flyers (9-5-4)
The Flyers lost four of their seven games in the last two weeks. Two of those losses came in overtime to the Senators and the Oilers. Trevor Zegras still leads the team in points and doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. Each of the regulation losses were close, with the exception of the Stars loss. The Flyers did have quite a few blocked shots in that game though. The team has no new injuries and will look to improve over the next few weeks.
Washington Capitals (8-8-2)
The Capitals are not having a great time right now. They only won two of their games out of six. It’s not for a lack of trying though. The team is shooting, blocking, defending. Their special teams need a bit of work, with both squads underperforming at the moment. The team will look to bounce back over the next few weeks before Thanksgiving. Pierre-Luc Dubois is on injured reserve.
New Jersey Devils (13-4-1)
I’m sorry Devils fans, but the team had to lose at home at some point. After winning all seven home games, the Devils lost their first game at the Prudential Center against the Islanders, although they did pick up a point in the loss. The team still sits at the top of the Metro, having won four of their six games the last two weeks. The Devils are fifth on the power play and the penalty kill right now, keeping with their special teams performances of last season. The team is still plagued with injuries, having six players out at the moment. Zack MacEwen, Jack Hughes, Brett Pesce, Cody Glass, Evgenii Dadonov, and Dougie Hamilton are all out. This will be a good test for the Devils’ depth players and to see how their AHL players are developing.
Atlantic Division
Florida Panthers (9-8-1)
The Panthers split their last two weeks. The team is individually struggling a bit, with the exception of Brad Marchand, who leads the team in points with 23. The team is obviously hurting with the continued loss of some key players. Considering the strength of the Cats in the last two seasons, the team is likely disappointed in their performance early this season. Sam Bennett is also doing well, but is still underperforming compared to last season and with Olympic expectations high. The team needs to improve if they want a chance at three-peating.
Boston Bruins (12-8-0)
The Boston Bruins have had a fantastic last two weeks, jetting all the way to the top of the Atlantic. Out of six games, their only loss came in their second game of the month against the Ottawa Senators. The whole team has truly been making an effort over the last two weeks, but David Pastrnak, Jeremy Swayman, and Morgan Geekie have been showing out. Pastrnak currently has 11 goals and 15 assists and Geekie has 12 goals and six assists, both taking up the top two spots on the team in points. Swayman has a .902 save percentage at the moment, a bit lower than his career average, but certainly looking stronger than last season. Charlie McAvoy (UBI), Elias Lindholm (LBI), Jordan Harris (LBI), Casey Mittelstadt (LBI), and Viktor Arvidsson (LBI) are all currently out for the Bruins. If the team can make it through these injuries and show their depth, they are likely in a good place.
Toronto Maple Leafs (8-9-2)
The Leafs aren’t looking too hot right now. They had a five game losing streak to end their last two weeks. William Nylander and John Tavares are tied for the point lead right now. Joseph Woll is back with the team and won one of his games. Their special teams are not making a significant difference at the moment either. A slew of injuries is plaguing the team, with Brandon Carlo (LBI), Chris Tanev (UBI), Anthony Stolarz (UBI), Nicholas Roy, Auston Matthews (LBI), and Matthew Knies all out right now.
Ottawa Senators (9-6-4)
The Senators split their last two weeks: winning three games and losing three. Two of their losses ended with a point though, so they are not in bad shape per se. The Sens are headed on a seven game road trip that will take them into December. Even in losses, the team appears solid on defense, tallying quite a few hits and blocks throughout. Thankfully for the team, captain Brady Tkachuk is joining the team on their road trip and has resumed skating. Thomas Chabot is out.
Montreal Canadiens (10-6-2)
The Canadiens only won one of their six games over the last two weeks. They have slid to third in the division. The goal differentials in the games have been a bit painful. The team allowed 26 goals over the six games and only scored 16. Most notably was a 7-0 loss to the Stars in Montreal. The usual suspects are still leading the team, but Sam Montembault seems to be struggling a bit on net. Kaiden Guhle, Patrik Laine, Alex Newhook, and Kirby Dach are all out with lower body injuries.
Tampa Bay Lightning (9-6-2)
Tampa won four of their six games over the last two weeks. The team that everyone expected to come out of the gate swinging is finally looking like themselves. Despite Ryan McDonagh and Pontus Holmberg’s injuries, the team has looked more solid recently than they have for most of the season. They sit in a playoff spot as of publishing and are looking to maintain their position, or improve it, before the holiday. The team has the third best penalty kill and overall their defense and goaltending looks solid. The team is certainly ready for a push.
Detroit Red Wings (10-7-1)
The Wings didn’t have the best two weeks, but still sit at second in the division. The team only won two of their six games, winning against the Sharks and Ducks. The Red Wings sit in the middle of the road on most statistics, not really wowing anyone either way. Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, and Lucas Raymond lead the team in points (par for the course). Patrick Kane returned to the lineup on November 7, but only started showing up on the score sheet on the 13th. The team is healthy right now and has a chance to push forward and earn some more points to stay at the top.
Buffalo Sabres (6-8-4)
The Sabres only managed to win one game in the last two weeks. Their losses haven’t been complete blowouts though. Alex Lyon has looked strong in net to start the season with the absence of Ukko-Pekka Luukonen. He sits 16th in save percentage. The team has the best penalty kill in the league at the moment, so at least that’s something. Jiri Kulich (UBI), Josh Norris (UBI), Michael Kesselring, and Zach Benson (LBI) are all out at the moment.