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14 disapointing teams since the start of the season

Marc-Olivier Cook

2025-11-05 20:01:46

Credit: Getty Images

Calgary Flames (3-9-2)

Calgary remains one of the NHL’s biggest disappointments. The offense has gone cold, and the team lacks an identity under its new leadership.

Veterans like Huberdeau and Kadri haven’t delivered, while the defense looks unorganized. Poor special teams and inconsistent goaltending have only made things worse. The Flames’ rebuild seems inevitable as they struggle to stay competitive in a tough Western Conference.

Vancouver Canucks (7-7-0)

After last season’s surprising rise, expectations were high—but Vancouver hasn’t lived up to the hype. The team’s defensive structure has regressed, Thatcher Demko has been overworked, and secondary scoring has vanished.

While Pettersson and Hughes continue to perform, the supporting cast hasn’t followed suit. The Canucks’ inconsistency and lack of physical edge have made them an easy target for stronger, hungrier opponents.

San Jose Sharks (4-6-3)

The Sharks remain mired in mediocrity. Rebuilding pains are obvious, as their lineup lacks scoring talent and defensive stability. Goaltending has been inconsistent, and young players haven’t developed as quickly as hoped.

San Jose’s struggles in transition and inability to generate sustained offense make them one of the league’s weakest teams yet again, with little sign of progress toward a meaningful turnaround.

Nashville Predators (5-6-4)

The Predators’ offense continues to sputter, with too much pressure on Filip Forsberg to carry the load. Their defense, once elite, has shown cracks, and Juuse Saros hasn’t been able to mask the team’s flaws.

Nashville’s lack of creativity and slow pace have made them predictable. The transition to a younger core is proving difficult, leaving the team caught between rebuilding and contending.

Minnesota Wild (5-6-3)

The Wild have taken a big step back. Injuries, defensive breakdowns, and shaky goaltending have derailed their consistency. Kirill Kaprizov hasn’t been as explosive, and the power play has been ineffective.

Minnesota’s defensive structure—a strength in past seasons—has collapsed under pressure. The team looks slow and uninspired, leaving fans wondering if this roster has already peaked.

St. Louis Blues (4-7-2)

The Blues’ identity crisis continues. Their veteran core looks tired, and the team lacks a clear offensive system. Defensive breakdowns are frequent, and Jordan Binnington’s play has been erratic. While some young players show promise, the overall lack of direction and accountability is glaring.

St. Louis simply hasn’t adapted to the league’s faster pace, and their inconsistency has cost them valuable ground.

Washington Capitals (6-5-1)

The Capitals’ aging core is showing its limitations. Ovechkin’s scoring pace has slowed, and the supporting cast hasn’t stepped up. The team struggles to maintain tempo and has been outshot regularly.

Defensive lapses and unreliable goaltending have further exposed their decline. Washington’s mix of veterans and unproven youth hasn’t clicked, making it clear that the team is nearing the end of its competitive window.

New York Islanders (6-5-2)

The Islanders’ defensive-first identity isn’t working anymore. Their structure looks outdated, and scoring remains a major issue. Ilya Sorokin has been left to bail out an overworked defense, while the offense generates few quality chances.

Despite veteran leadership, the energy and urgency just aren’t there. Without a spark or system change, the Islanders risk falling completely out of playoff contention.

New York Rangers (6-6-2)

The Rangers were expected to contend for the Stanley Cup but have looked disjointed. Their stars have struggled with consistency, and the power play—once lethal—has gone cold.

Defensive lapses and questionable coaching adjustments have cost them momentum. Igor Shesterkin can only do so much behind a team that looks unfocused and complacent. The Rangers’ lack of urgency is alarming for a contender.

Tampa Bay Lightning (6-5-2)

The Lightning’s dominant era seems to be fading. Their depth has eroded, the defense struggles to contain speed, and Andrei Vasilevskiy hasn’t been his usual game-saving self.

Despite star power from Point and Kucherov, inconsistency and an aging core have prevented Tampa from finding its trademark intensity. Special teams remain strong, but 5-on-5 play and overall urgency are major concerns early in the season.

Toronto Maple Leafs (7-5-1)

Despite boasting elite talent in Matthews, Knies, and Nylander, the Maple Leafs continue to frustrate. Defensive lapses and inconsistent goaltending have cost them crucial points.

Their secondary scoring has been underwhelming, and team chemistry appears off. Toronto’s stars are producing, but the collective intensity and structure aren’t matching their talent level, leading to growing doubts about the team’s mental toughness and coaching direction.

Buffalo Sabres (5-4-4)

The Sabres have regressed badly… again. Their young core hasn’t taken the expected step forward, and goaltending remains unreliable.

Defensive coverage is chaotic, and offensive creativity has dried up. Despite flashes of brilliance from players like Dahlin and Thompson, Buffalo lacks consistency, leadership, and poise in close games. Their playoff hopes are already slipping away.

Florida Panthers (6-6-1)

After last year’s Stanley Cup run, expectations were sky-high—but Florida hasn’t found the same fire. Injuries and a slow start from key players like Barkov and Tkachuk have hurt the offense.

The defense, once a strength, has been porous, and goaltending has lacked stability. The Panthers’ inability to close out tight games has them looking more ordinary than the powerhouse many predicted.

Edmonton Oilers (6-5-4)

The Oilers’ struggles are shocking given their star power. McDavid and Draisaitl continue to produce, but the rest of the team has been disappointing. Defensive breakdowns, poor goaltending, and a lack of depth scoring have plagued them.

Edmonton’s overreliance on its top two forwards exposes systemic issues—especially in net and on the penalty kill. Once again, expectations far exceed results.