5 Huge October Surprises in the NHL

5 Huge October Surprises in the NHL

The first month of the NHL regular season brought numerous unexpected storylines. With all 32 teams starting equally in the standings, some surprises—both positive and negative—were inevitable.

Teams predicted to struggle performed impressively, while others expected to thrive fell short. Several surprising names either greatly exceeded or missed expectations.

Top Surprise: The Pittsburgh Penguins

Leading the NHL standings at the end of October was a team few expected to be playoff contenders. The Pittsburgh Penguins closed the month with an 8-2-2 record, largely fueled by Evgeni Malkin's remarkable comeback.

"With three goals and 17 points in October, Malkin reminded everyone just how talented he still is."

The team’s unexpectedly strong defense also contributed to their success. This promising start allows fans to enjoy the legacy of stars like Sidney Crosby and Malkin, while the organization prepares for a future transition.

Additional notable performances include Justin Brazeau and Anthony Mantha, who combined for 23 points, and rookie Ben Kindel, who surpassed early expectations. It's been an exciting and hopeful beginning for the Penguins, though challenges may lie ahead.

Author’s summary: The NHL’s October delivered major surprises, headlined by the Penguins’ strong start powered by Malkin’s resurgence and unexpected contributions from new and young players.

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Substack Substack — 2025-11-03

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