Early NHL Season Trends: Crosby, MacKinnon, Ullmark, and Podkolzin Stand Out

The NHL season is just under three weeks old, and early trends are beginning to surface, prompting discussions about potential anomalies that could develop into lasting patterns.

Sidney Crosby has started the season with only four points in his first seven games, including a rare four-game stretch without a point. Despite this slow start, he has a history of bouncing back, having previously scored over 90 points in three consecutive seasons.

Nathan MacKinnon has matched his points total with penalty minutes this season, accumulating 12 of each. Known for his scoring, MacKinnon has engaged in two fights, a significant increase from his previous career total. Meanwhile, Linus Ullmark leads the league in goals saved above expected and has a perfect 6-0-0 record, showcasing a remarkable turnaround from last season.

Vasily Podkolzin is also making headlines with seven goals in his first seven games, a significant increase compared to his career total. However, his high shooting percentage raises questions about sustainability. Lastly, the Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers are struggling without a win, with both teams facing challenges in scoring and defense.