5 Huge October Surprises in the NHL

The first month of the NHL regular season brought many unexpected storylines. With all 32 teams starting evenly in the standings, some teams outperformed expectations while others fell short.

Top Team Nobody Expected

The biggest surprise was the team that finished October leading the NHL standings—a team few predicted would be playoff contenders. However, with stars like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, success was always possible. Their strong 8-2-2 record was largely driven by Malkin’s impressive comeback.

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

In addition, a better-than-expected defense has been a key factor. The Penguins have enjoyed a dream start, with contributions from Justin Brazeau and Anthony Mantha combining for 23 points, and rookie Ben Kindel surpassing early expectations.

Looking Ahead

This strong start gives Penguins fans hope to enjoy their veteran stars while the team gradually transitions to a new generation of players. Yet, there remains a concern that this success might not last.

“This start by the Penguins gives their fans a chance to still see their older talent while trying to transition to a new era once those stars are finally done.”

October’s NHL surprises highlight the unpredictable nature of the league, proving that preseason predictions often miss the mark.

Author’s summary: October in the NHL revealed unexpected leaders and standout performances, with the Pittsburgh Penguins’ resurgence as the biggest surprise, showcasing both seasoned stars and emerging talent.

Substack — 2025-11-03