Halloween has arrived at last. This is an excellent moment to advise everyone to slow down a little — just as stores ought to refrain from an all-out holiday decoration spree on November 1.
published Oct. 24. Points percentages are current through Thursday’s matches; other statistics are accurate through Wednesday’s matches, unless otherwise noted.
Scott Wedgewood has had an outstanding beginning to the season, Nathan MacKinnon boasts 17 points from 11 games, Cale Makar heads all NHL defensemen with 15 … are you surprised at all?
Additionally, a Kit Kat bar is precisely the kind of treat MacKinnon wouldn’t indulge in, which adds extra points to this costume choice.
Next seven days: @ VGK (Oct. 31), @SJ (Nov. 1), vs. TB (Nov. 4)
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 72.7%
Costume: Police officers
Nico Hischier has been exceptional at neutralizing star players thus far this season; other than a few games, he has succeeded in containing Nikita Kucherov, Sam Reinhart, Leon Draisaitl, and Auston Matthews from scoring when faced with the Devils.
Next seven days: @ LA (Nov. 1), @ ANA (Nov. 2), vs. MTL (Nov. 6)
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 75%
Costume: Double-sided coin
The VGK and their supporters have enjoyed a fortunate existence, claiming four Pacific Division titles, two Stanley Cup Final appearances, and securing one Cup in the franchise’s history.
With a 6-1-3 start and Jack Eichel already the early favorite for the Hart Trophy (leading the league in scoring), everything is lining up perfectly for the Golden Knights.
Next seven days: vs. COL (Oct. 31), vs. DET (Nov. 4), vs. TB (Nov. 6)
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 72.7%
Costume: A wagon
Because they officially are one. Also, should there be a banner raised at the Delta Center for Tusky, given the Mammoth’s strong start during his time?
Next seven days: vs. TB (Nov. 2), @ BUF (Nov. 4), @ TOR (Nov. 5)
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 72.7%
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Costume: Kelleran Beq
The Jedi represented by actor Ahmed Best — who also played the now rightfully redeemed Jar Jar Binks — saved one of the most iconic characters in Star Wars. In «The Mandalorian,» our beloved Grogu («Baby Yoda» for some) was in danger during Order 66 (a moment when all clone troopers turned on the Jedi and obliterated almost all … think of it as the 1970 Dynasty Habs winning four consecutive Cups and dominating every team in their path). Grogu would have also perished if not for Kelleran Beq, who rescued him like a windmill glove at the last moment, leading him to safety.
That was a critical performance … just like Cole «Goal» Caulfield, who has three overtime game-winning goals through 11 games this season. He also shattered the record for most career overtime goals in a Canadiens uniform (11).
Next seven days: vs. OTT (Nov. 1), vs. PHI (Nov. 4), @ NJ (Nov. 6)
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 72.7%
Costume: Steve Buscemi in «30 Rock»
How’s it going, fellow kids? The Jets are the oldest team in the league, boasting an average age of 30.7 (the only team with an average age exceeding 30).
However, the «Winnip-unc» Jets are demonstrating that age is merely a number, opening the season with a 7-3-0 record, and a perfect 4-0-0 on the road.
Next seven days: vs. PIT (Nov. 1), @ LA (Nov. 4)
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 75%
Costume: Benjamin Button
What year are we in? I was under the impression the Penguins were destined to miss the playoffs and find themselves near the bottom of the standings, which would lead to them obtaining the No. 1 pick to select Gavin McKenna?
The Penguins began the season (checks notes) at 7-2-2? How can this be? Well, contract year Evgeni Malkin may be 39 years old, but he has 16 points, Sidney Crosby has 15, and Justin Brazeau is racking up points at a game pace. Moreover, the Pens are benefiting from solid goaltending from Arturs Silovs and Tristan Jarry.
While some expected Crosby to wrap up the season wearing a Habs or Avs jersey, instead the Pens appear to have reversed the aging process. The hockey world might witness No. 87 lifting the Stanley Cup in a Pittsburgh uniform once more.
Next seven days: @ WPG (Nov. 1), @ TOR (Nov. 3), vs. WSH (Nov. 6)
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 72.7%
Costume: Dexter Morgan
The first four seasons of the original «Dexter» series are among the best in recent television history. The show declined afterward, but many viewers continued watching, hoping for an improvement. It never came. The series finale infuriated fans after they had invested so much time into it.
Then, new series within the Dexter universe emerged … which weren’t too bad, rekindling excitement among old fans about Dexter. They introduced new actors who were a refreshing addition; Peter Dinklage was fantastic, and even Neil Patrick Harris made an appearance!
The Red Wings have not participated in the playoffs for many years (2016 was their last showing), but they’re off to a terrific start. Could this finally be the year when the Yzerplan flourishes and Hockeytown hosts another playoff encounter?
Next seven days: @ ANA (Oct. 31), @ SJ (Nov. 2), @ VGK (Nov. 4)
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 70%
Costume: LA Knight
YEAH! The scenario with WWE superstar LA Knight is as follows: he’s popular, talented, and could easily be believable as a world champion. However, he just can’t seem to ascend to that level. He invariably appears to be one victory away from breaking through.
Carolina, in general, has been a team facing a similar situation for several seasons. In 2025-26, Nikolaj Ehlers particularly needs to step up. After signing a free agent contract this offseason to address the Canes’ scoring issues, he has yet to find the back of the net and has three assists in nine games.
Next seven days: @ BOS (Nov. 1), @ NYR (Nov. 4), vs. MIN (Nov. 6)
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 60%
Costume: Rapper Ovi
Honestly, I could have crafted something more ingenious here, but the Caps executed a fantastic job with arrival outfits for Alex Ovechkin’s 1,500th game, so let’s maintain that momentum.
Ovi donned a rapper outfit for a brief moment approximately 13 years ago, and his teammates revived the look. This concept triumphs by 899 miles — let’s blame the Stars for denying us of Ovi’s 900th career goal on Frozen Frenzy night!
Next seven days: vs. NYI (Oct. 31), @ BUF (Nov. 1), vs. STL (Nov. 5), @ PIT (Nov. 6)
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 63.6%
Costume: A biker gang
Thomas Harley recently signed an eight-year, $10.587 million per year contract extension with the Stars, ensuring the young defenseman remains part of one of the NHL’s most fearsome core groups for the long haul.
This season, the 24-year-old has been averaging just over 23 minutes per game, contributing eight points in 10 games.
Next seven days: @ FLA (Nov. 1), vs. EDM (Nov. 4), vs. ANA (Nov. 6)
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 65%
Costume: Nirvana from Sept. 1991
«Nevermind» was Nirvana’s sophomore album. Their first effort, «Bleach,» didn’t attract much attention, but once «Smells Like Teen Spirit» penetrated the airwaves, music underwent a transformation forever. Grunge epitomized the ’90s. Flannel shirts were ubiquitous — and fashionable!
The Kraken are launching this season like a wild Kurt Cobain riff, starting strong at 5-2-3 and sitting second in the Pacific. They have yet to lose a game in regulation at home in the Emerald City. Could this signify the birth of something significant in Seattle?
Next seven days: vs. NYR (Nov. 1), vs. CHI (Nov. 3), vs. SJ (Nov. 5)
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 54.2%
Costume: Doctor
Zach Hyman is getting close to rejoining the lineup after a wrist injury sustained during the Western Conference finals last spring. Unfortunately, the timeline has been pushed back by a week, leaving us waiting for a key offensive asset for the Oilers.
Connor McDavid has had a sluggish start (by his own standards), netting his first goal in his seventh game and only scoring one goal until Oct. 28, when he added two. Getting his familiar wingman back should provide a lift.
Next seven days: vs. CHI (Nov. 1), @ STL (Nov. 3), @ DAL (Nov. 4)
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 54.5%
Costume: the Undertaker
Connor Bedard has exploded onto the scene this season, tallying 12 points in 10 games — he and Frank Nazar have been an excellent one-two punch.
Following a somewhat disappointing sophomore season in 2024-25, Bedard has risen like the Undertaker after being knocked down (or tossed into a casket).
Next seven days: @ EDM (Nov. 1), @ SEA (Nov. 3), @ VAN (Nov. 5)
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 50%
Costume: A physical copy of «Grand Theft Auto VI»
We saw Twitter transition to X before GTA 6 hit the market. Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift became engaged prior to GTA 6. We even had «67» causing a stir before GTA 6 (7).
And, unless the NHL opts to speed up the regular season and playoffs back to the early-1990s schedule — when the Stanley Cup was awarded on May 25 — we will see GTA 6 available to the public before the Leafs secure another Cup.
Next seven days: @ PHI (Nov. 1), vs. PIT (Nov. 3), vs. UTA (Nov. 5)
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 65%
Costume: Gandalf
Trevor Zegras remains an absolute wizard in the shootout, consistently defying goalies from claiming, «You shall not pass!»
Zegras owns the second-best shootout goal percentage in NHL history (minimum 10 attempts) at 63.6% (14-for-22). If your guess for the highest rate was Petteri Nummelin (8-for-10), then you’ve already traded in your grey robe for a white one.
Next seven days: vs. TOR (Nov. 1), vs. CGY (Nov. 2), @ MTL (Nov. 4), @ NSH (Nov. 6)
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 50%
Costume: Syndrome
In essence, the primary antagonist of «The Incredibles» just yearned for affection. Why was he underappreciated? Why was he cast aside as though he weren’t worthy of reaching the playoffs merely because he might lack his essential 200-foot center and heartbeat of the team? It doesn’t imply he lacks considerable depth to offer. Stop dismissing Syndrome, and stop doubting the Florida Panthers’ chances of making the playoffs.
Next seven days: vs. DAL (Nov. 1), @ ANA (Nov. 4), @ LA (Nov. 6)
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 58.3%
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Costume: Ketchup bottle
If the playoffs began today — there’s still plenty of time left, folks — the Kings would face the Kraken. However, the Kings’ longtime adversary — Connor McDavid and the Oilers — are only one point behind.
Could it be that L.A. and Edmonton are on course to meet for a fifth consecutive year in the first round? So far, the series results have gone 4-3, 4-2, 4-1, and 4-2, all favoring Edmonton. From a symmetry perspective, another 4-3 series would round out the cycle. Perhaps if the Kings all dressed up as ketchup bottles — given McDavid’s well-known aversion to the condiment — it might aid their chances.
Next seven days: vs. NJ (Nov. 1), vs. WPG (Nov. 4), vs. FLA (Nov. 6)
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 60%
Costume: Wolverine
It’s wonderful for the Blue Jackets to have a roster that’s largely healthy, especially compared to the injury-laden 2024-25 season.
Boone Jenner, Sean Monahan, and Yegor Chinakhov all endured notable absences last season due to various injuries. If only hockey players could have adamantium for bones as well!
Next seven days: vs. STL (Nov. 1), @ NYI (Nov. 2), @ CGY (Nov. 5)
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 61.1%
Costume: Lightning McQueen
I’m going to need Roger McQueen to take a quick break from Providence College and don red with a lightning bolt.
One of the most entertaining moments we witnessed in hockey this year was McQueen being selected 10th overall by the Ducks, only to be immediately whisked away by helicopter to Disneyland, where he posed with his nonbiological brother Lightning McQueen. The fact that he chose to wear No. 95 as his uniform number makes it even more delightful.
Next seven days: vs. DET (Oct. 31), vs. NJ (Nov. 2), vs. FLA (Nov. 4), @ DAL (Nov. 6)
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 54.5%
Costume: Bud Light cans
On Saturday, Nikita Kucherov achieved 1,000 career points with the Bolts, which includes two Stanley Cups and memorable «Big Superstar Energy» moments following those victories.
Next seven days: @ UTA (Nov. 2), @ COL (Nov. 4), @ VGK (Nov. 6)
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 54.2%
Costume: Sens Deadpool
This mainly comes from my lingering thoughts regarding what might have been had the potential ownership group involving Ryan Reynolds acquired this team.
Next seven days: @ MTL (Nov. 1), @ BOS (Nov. 6)
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 50%
Costume: Sadness
Fans of the Broadway Blueshirts are experiencing feelings akin to the gloomy character from «Inside Out.»
The Rangers commenced with a record of 4-5-2 — and winless at home — after obtaining the dubious NHL record of being the first team ever shut out in their first three home games to start a season.
Next seven days: @ SEA (Nov. 1), vs. CAR (Nov. 4)
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 50%
Costume: Stop sign
Have the Sabres managed to address their goaltending issues? In Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s absence at the start of the season, Alex Lyon has been outstanding with a .919 save percentage over eight games. Colten Ellis celebrated his first victory in his inaugural NHL start. Devon Levi remains developing in Rochester.
This presents a significant positive for a fan base that truly needs (and deserves) some optimism after 14 years out of the postseason.
Next seven days: vs. WSH (Nov. 1), vs. UTA (Nov. 4), vs. STL (Nov. 6)
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 50%
Costume: Earthquake
Remember Earthquake, the colossal WWE wrestler from the ’90s? His real name was John Tenta, and he hailed from Vancouver. The Canucks could benefit from a shake-up from Earthquake’s tremors right now. Perhaps that would awaken them.
Through 11 games, Evander Kane has yet to score, Jake DeBrusk has netted two, and Elias Pettersson has three. One might have expected the Canucks to be particularly motivated during Frozen Frenzy night, which marked J.T. Miller’s return to Vancouver as a New York Ranger. Instead, they were shut out on home ice.
Next seven days: @ MIN (Nov. 1), @ NSH (Nov. 3), vs. CHI (Nov. 5)
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 41.7%
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Costume: Sledgehammer and car
What is happening with the Preds’ star free agents from the summer of 2024? Steven Stamkos has managed one goal and one assist through 11 games. Jonathan Marchessault has clocked in with three goals and two assists, respectively.
What’s troubling for Stammer is that if he continues at this pace, the 35-year-old could very well be omitted from Canada’s roster for the Olympics. Due to multiple factors — including NHL players not competing in 2018 and 2022 — Stamkos has yet to play for Team Canada in the Olympics (he was a reserve in 2010). That hardly seems right.
Should the duo draw inspiration from one of Smashville’s beloved traditions?
Next seven days: vs. CGY (Nov. 1), vs. VAN (Nov. 3), @ MIN (Nov. 4), vs. PHI (Nov. 6)
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 45%
Costume: Happy Gilmore
Did you know that Matthew Schaefer’s all-time favorite movie is «Happy Gilmore» (the original, as he has stated)?
If you didn’t, then the price is wrong for you! It’s a fitting costume for a hockey player who just turned 18 but seems like he’s been around in the league for several years. He’s already breaking NHL records and earning praise from all corners of the hockey landscape.
Next seven days: @ WSH (Oct. 31), vs. CBJ (Nov. 2), vs. BOS (Nov. 4)
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 36.4%
Costume: Their current jerseys
They are stunning. The colors are vibrant and truly stand out on the ice. It’s a ten out of ten, no notes.
Next seven days: @ CBJ (Nov. 1), vs. EDM (Nov. 3), @ WSH (Nov. 5), @ BUF (Nov. 6)
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 46.2%
Costume: Box of tissues
Brad Marchand’s homecoming to Boston as a Florida Panther was poignant. It was intensely emotional, and the video tribute had an impact on Marchand, who was visibly moved on the bench.
Later during the match, Bruins fans proceeded to boo Marchand, as you might expect Boston sports fans to do in such a situation against a division rival.
Next seven days: vs. CAR (Nov. 1), @ NYI (Nov. 4), vs. OTT (Nov. 6)
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 37.5%
Costume: Scrooge McDuck
Beginning next season, Kirill Kaprizov will be skating on the richest contract in NHL history, having signed an eight-year, $17 million per year deal this fall.
Unlike Scrooge, Kaprizov hasn’t been stingy since signing the deal, recording 15 points in 11 games.
Next seven days: vs. VAN (Nov. 1), vs. NSH (Nov. 4), @ CAR (Nov. 6)
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 36.4%
Costume: Step Brothers
The Macklin Celebrini-Will Smith partnership continues. Celebrini has accumulated 16 points across 10 games, while Smith boasts nine in the same timeframe. They have been sharing a ton of fun content, even dressing as Harry and Lloyd from «Dumb and Dumber» for Halloween. Therefore, we’ll choose another iconic movie duo as the team costume here.
Next seven days: vs. COL (Nov. 1), vs. DET (Nov. 2), @ SEA (Nov. 5)
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 25%
Costume: Stormtroopers
The Flames possess the lowest goals per game rate in the NHL and have surrendered the eighth-most goals per game.
It’s not as if they aren’t shooting the puck — they rank 17th in the league, averaging 27.9 shots per game. Unfortunately, they resemble Stormtroopers from Star Wars, whose unofficial motto is, «You miss 100 percent of the shots you take.»
Next seven days: @ NSH (Nov. 1), @ PHI (Nov. 2), vs. CBJ (Nov. 5)
