NHL report cards: Grading every team at the halfway mark of the season
Emotional Statement: The NHL season has reached its midpoint, and the teams' performances are as diverse as the league itself. Some are soaring high, while others are struggling to find their footing.
Controversial Point: The Columbus Blue Jackets' decision to fire their coach, Dean Evason, and replace him with Rick Bowness, has sparked debate. Some argue that this move was necessary to turn things around, while others believe it might have disrupted the team's momentum.
Team Grades:
Anaheim Ducks: C+
- The Ducks' early excitement faded as opponents adapted, but their young players are still growing. A recent losing streak raises concerns about their readiness for the playoffs.
Boston Bruins: B+
- The Bruins are hanging in there, but their performance has declined. Jeremy Swayman's return and a few standout players keep them in the playoff hunt.
Buffalo Sabres: B
- A slow start due to injuries and inconsistency, but a winning streak has brought them back into the mix. This team is deeper and more defensively sound than in previous years.
Calgary Flames: D
- The Flames' offense lags behind the rest of the league, and their future was uncertain after confusing comments about a retool and rebuild. Their youth needs more time and opportunity.
Carolina Hurricanes: B+
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Chicago Blackhawks: B
- The Blackhawks have exceeded expectations, thanks to Connor Bedard and a strong team performance. Even with Bedard's recent absence, they've remained competitive.
Colorado Avalanche: A+
- The Avalanche are on pace for the best regular-season record in NHL history. Their goal differential and individual accolades make this grade exemplary.
Columbus Blue Jackets: D
- The Blue Jackets' poor performance and coaching change have left them in a challenging position. Their points percentage is not what they expected after a strong previous season.
Dallas Stars: B+
- The Stars are third in the league, with strong performances from their stars. A brilliant power play has propped them up, but they've faced a losing streak.
Detroit Red Wings: B+
- The Red Wings have exceeded preseason expectations, battling for the top spot. Good depth contributions and strong goaltending have helped them stay competitive.
Edmonton Oilers: B+
- The Oilers have a championship ceiling with their stars. Their depth positions are gaining traction, but the first half has been a bit of a rollercoaster.
Florida Panthers: B
- The Panthers struggled early but have improved. Their 93-point pace puts them in wild-card territory, which is a solid position for the postseason.
Los Angeles Kings: D
- The Kings' replacements for key departures have been inadequate. Only Darcy Kuemper and Brandt Clarke have excelled, and the team has traded wins and losses throughout the season.
Minnesota Wild: A
- The Wild have defied expectations, with the third-most points in the NHL. They have a great blue line, goaltending tandem, and star power, making them a true contender.
Montreal Canadiens: A
- The Canadiens are in the thick of the Atlantic Division race, despite being the NHL's youngest team. Their young talents are driving the bus, and they're ahead of schedule.
Nashville Predators: C
- The Predators are in playoff contention, but they've faced tremendous outside negativity. Roman Josi, Filip Forsberg, and Steven Stamkos are fighting and leading the team.
New Jersey Devils: D
- The Devils' fall has been startling after a strong start. Injuries and a significant drop in playoff odds speak to their struggles.
New York Islanders: B+
- The Islanders are exceeding expectations, despite shaky defense and a heavy reliance on goaltending. The team's vibes and on-ice product are trending up.
New York Rangers: F
- The Rangers are the only team in the Eastern Conference under .500. A 10-2 loss and a blown two-goal lead have left them in a challenging position.
Ottawa Senators: D+
- The Senators' underlying metrics are strong, but goaltending has been a weakness. They risk slipping in their growth trajectory with this core.
Philadelphia Flyers: B+
- The Flyers' success can be attributed to their offseason additions. Dan Vladar has been outstanding in net, and Trevor Zegras has paced the offense.
Pittsburgh Penguins: A-
- The Penguins are fighting for a playoff spot, exceeding expectations. However, they've blown leads, which prevents them from receiving a higher grade.
San Jose Sharks: A+
- The Sharks' improvement is notable, having an NHL-low 52 points last season. They're now in a wild-card position, with Macklin Celebrini leading the charge.
Seattle Kraken: B
- The Kraken's goaltending has been sensational, carrying them through five-on-five struggles. They're in the playoff race and have become a formidable defensive side.
St. Louis Blues: F
- The Blues' poor performance is evident in their goal differential and goals per game. It's an all-around epic disaster.
Tampa Bay Lightning: A-
- The Lightning have been streaky, but they remain strong contenders. Their elite core and development system have contributed to their success.
Toronto Maple Leafs: C
- The Leafs' recent turnaround is impressive, but their earlier struggles can't be ignored. Auston Matthews' resurgence and a connected brand of hockey have helped them turn things around.
Utah Mammoth: C+
- The Mammoth were expected to break out in 2025-26, but they're on pace for 89 points. Their young players haven't reached superstar status yet, and the power play needs improvement.
Vancouver Canucks: F
- The Canucks' losing streak and uninspired play have led to a challenging season. They've traded franchise players and are struggling with injuries.
Vegas Golden Knights: B-
- The Golden Knights' performance has been middling, but they remain atop the Pacific Division, which justifies their grade bump from C to B-minus.
