Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros makes a save on Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand. Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Several NHL teams have surprised us with their performances nearly 20 games into the NHL's 2024-25 schedule.
Some, like the Winnipeg Jets, Minnesota Wild, and Washington Capitals, have exceeded expectations with their strong play thus far. Meanwhile, several clubs aren't playing up to the level that was expected of them when the season began.
One is a Western Conference club that made some big splashes in the offseason free-agent market. Another is an Eastern Conference team that usually finishes near the top of the standings.
We're looking at five teams underperforming expectations and players on those clubs whose play isn't at their usual high level. Teams with rosters decimated by injuries like the Colorado Avalanche and sidelined players like Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews have been excluded from this listing.
Do you agree or disagree with our listing? Let us know in the app comments below.