The United States government is set to release cryptocurrency regulations in the coming weeks, with a focus on ICOs and token sales. The SEC has been tasked as overseeing this process, while lawmakers have launched their own initiatives intended to balance innovation with investor protection.
As of Wednesday, 20 of the NHL’s 32 clubs have reached the 41-game threshold, making it the ideal moment to assess their performance in comparison to preseason expectations. We compared each team’s current point pace to their preseason over-under at Caesars Sportsbook to help convey the story.
Who is ahead of schedule, who is lagging behind, and who is on schedule? Here’s how to find out.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey pundits, analysts, reporters, and editors rank teams against one another based on game results, injuries, and the upcoming schedule, and the results are collated to generate the list seen above.
Note: For each team, the previous rating corresponds to the most recent edition, which was released on January 19. The following are the point totals for Tuesday’s games.
Previous position: 2 against. BOS (Jan. 26), At CHI (Jan. 28), vs. BUF (Jan. 30), vs. ARI (Jan. 31). (Feb. 1) O/U during the preseason: 111.5 points 125 points per hour is the current pace.
It’s possible that the Avalanche won’t win every night. However, it seems that they may be able to. Colorado’s overall game is so good, steady, and dynamic that it has managed to be even better than predicted, despite some terrible goaltending.
1st place previously The following games are scheduled for the next seven days: vs. VGK (Jan. 27), vs. SJ (Jan. 29), At CBJ (Jan. 31), and @ NYR (Feb. 1) 98.5 point over/under in preseason At the moment, I’m at 120 points.
Even the bookies couldn’t have predicted such supremacy. Florida jumped out to an early lead and hasn’t looked back since, thanks to stellar performances from Jonathan Huberdeau, Aaron Ekblad, and Aleksander Barkov. The Panthers’ depth, on the other hand, may be the deciding factor. They may injure you in a variety of ways.
3rd place before. Next seven days: against. NJ (Jan. 29), vs. SJ (Jan. 27), vs. OTT (Jan. 27). (Jan. 30) 95.5 point over/under in preseason 122 points per hour is the current pace.
Consider Carolina to be a group of overachievers. The Hurricanes are winning on all fronts, displaying a level of consistency and balance that few opponents can match.
2 Related
Previous position: 4 vs. NJ (Jan. 27), against. VGK (Jan. 29), vs. SJ (Jan. 30). (Feb. 1) O/U during the preseason: 107.5 points 116 points per hour is the current pace.
Is it possible for the two-time reigning Cup champs to shock anyone? Apparently! Tampa is like that buddy that never seems to get any older. In a league where youth is king, the Lightning’s top four scorers are all 30 or older. How are you going to compete with that?
Previous position: 8 The following games are scheduled for the next seven days: @ CBJ (Jan. 27), vs. MIN (Jan. 28), vs. SEA (Jan. 30), vs. FLA (Jan. 31). (Feb. 1) 95.5 point over/under in preseason 114 points per hour is the current pace.
So no one spotted Igor Shesterkin approaching? Or that Chris Kreider would score 30 goals at the half-way point? The Rangers have shocked in a number of ways, but is their success sustainable? It’s a question that some have begun to ponder. New York will undoubtedly reply.
Previous position: 11 The following games are scheduled for the next seven days: vs. SEA (Jan. 27), vs. DET (Jan. 28), vs. LA (Jan. 30), and vs. WSH (Jan. 31). (Feb. 1) 96.5 point over/under in preseason 115 points per hour is the current pace.
One of the most amazing things about Pittsburgh this season is that the team’s success isn’t being driven by Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, or even Kris Letang. Tristan Jarry, Jake Guentzel, and Evan Rodrigues are among the players who have helped Pittsburgh stand apart. The Penguins can go a long way if they work together like this.
Previous position: 5 vs. ANA (Jan. 26), @ DET (Jan. 29), against. NJ (Jan. 31), At NJ (Feb. 1) (Feb. 1) O/U during the preseason: 105.5 points 114 points per hour is the current pace.
What is the worth of a Vezina Trophy-caliber goaltender? Because, at the very least, Jack Campbell has to be worth a couple more victories for Toronto. Auston Matthews’ ability to overcome a sluggish scoring start is certainly a plus, as is Morgan Rielly’s finest hockey in years. And to think, despite their recent poor habit of coughing up leads, the Leafs are still in such fantastic shape.
Previous position: 6 Next seven days: vs. SEA (Jan. 26), vs. ARI (Jan. 28), vs. DAL (Jan. 30), vs. COL (Jan. 26), vs. ARI (Jan. 28), vs. DAL (Jan. 30). (Feb. 1) O/U during the preseason: 102.5 points 105 points per hour is the current pace.
The Bruins’ overall performance hasn’t been harmed by a sluggish start. After averting a long-term injury to Brad Marchand last week, Boston is expected to continue humming along in 2022, with a top-three points % in the league since that year’s calendar turn.
The NHL All-Star Weekend begins with the Skills Competition on Friday, Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. The All-Star Game will be broadcast live on Saturday, Feb. 5 on ABC and ESPN+, beginning at 3 p.m. ET.
• More on All-Star Game • Sign up for ESPN+
Previous position: 7 Next seven days: vs. BUF (Jan. 27), At FLA (Jan. 29), @ TB (Jan. 30). (Feb. 1) O/U during the preseason: 107.5 points Currently, I’m at 101 points.
Put your money on Vegas to outscore its current point pace by a few points. This season, the Golden Knights have been a great road club and a middling home team, and they’ll be playing a lot of away games the rest of the way until spring.
Preseason O/U: 92.5 points Current pace: 107 points Previous ranking: 12 Next seven days: vs. CGY (Jan. 27), vs. WPG (Jan. 29) Preseason O/U: 92.5 points Preseason O/U: 92.5 points
Maybe it was Colorado’s first-round sweep last spring that made some question the Blues. They should not have done so. St. Louis fought back with a one-two punch on the front of the net from Jordan Kyrou and Vladimir Tarasenko, as well as some heavy-hitters in Pavel Buchnevich, Torey Krug, and Jordan Binnington.
Previous position: 9 Next seven days: @ NYR (Jan. 28), @ NYI (Jan. 29), @ NYR (Jan. 30), @ NYI (Jan. 31 (Jan. 30) 96.5 point over/under in preseason 114 points per hour is the current pace.
Minnesota was an obvious target for skepticism. GM Bill Guerin offloaded the contracts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter last summer, but he didn’t pursue any spectacular free-agent replacements. The Wild, it turns out, didn’t need them. They did, however, need, and eventually received, a cohesive bunch that played to its strengths, with a mix of old-guard stalwarts and up-and-coming dynamos.
Previous position: 10 The following games are scheduled for the next seven days: vs. SJ (Jan. 26), At DAL (Jan. 28), and @ PIT (Jan. 29). (Feb. 1) 96.5 point over/under in preseason 105 points per hour is the current pace.
The Capitals are a constant competitor in the Metropolitan Division, and with Alexander Ovechkin on the verge of making history, there was no reason to think otherwise this season. Washington, on the other hand, enjoys a bad loss, leading the league in overtime and shootout defeats (9). It’s better to have one point than none, right?
This season will include 103 exclusive regular-season games across ESPN, ESPN+, Hulu and ABC, and more than 1,000 out-of-market games will be available on ESPN+. • How to watch • Subscribe to ESPN+ • Stream the NHL on ESPN
Previous position: 13 Next seven days: vs. VAN (Jan. 27), @ EDM (Jan. 27). (Feb. 1) 83.5 point over/under in preseason 106 points per hour is the current pace.
For a variety of reasons, the Predators have been punching up a weight class. Matt Duchene and Filip Forsberg have spearheaded a resurgent offensive assault, Juuse Saros is an underappreciated goaltender, and Nashville’s squad receives consistent contributions on both sides of the puck. That has amounted to a significant sum.
Previous position: 17 Next seven days: Jan. 26 vs. TOR, Jan. 27 vs. MTL, Jan. 28 vs. OTT, Jan. 29 vs. DET (Jan. 31) 72.5 point over/under in preseason 91 points per hour is the current pace.
The Ducks haven’t allowed the fact that they’re rebuilding keep them from pushing for a playoff place. Troy Terry’s surprise great start, Trevor Zegras’ growth, John Gibson’s game-changing goaltending, and Ryan Getzlaf’s sustained leadership have all combined to put Anaheim ahead of the curve.
Previous position: 19 vs. WSH (Jan. 28), against. BOS (Jan. 30), vs. CGY (Jan. 31). (Feb. 1) 97.5 point over/under in preseason 94 points per hour is the current pace.
In Dallas, there was a lot to unpack. Early on, Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin’s lack high-end scoring output was an issue. The blue line of the Stars has also been in chaos. Injuries and the absence of COVID-19 had an impact, but Braden Holtby and rookie Jake Oettinger have provided solid goaltending.
14th place before. The following games are scheduled for the next seven days: At NYI (Jan. 27), @ PHI (Jan. 29), and @ PIT (Jan. 30). (Jan. 30) 84.5 point over/under in preseason 92 points per hour is the current pace.
Of course, Jonathan Quick isn’t exclusively to blame for Los Angeles’ hotter-than-expected start. He has, however, played a significant role. The Kings’ core, which includes a fantastic Adrian Kempe, a locked-in Anze Kopitar, and the ever-reliable Drew Doughty, is led by the 37-year-old veteran.
Previous position: 18 The following games are scheduled for the next seven days: vs. VAN (Jan. 27), At STL (Jan. 29), and @ PHI (Jan. 30). (Feb. 1) 91.5 point over/under in preseason 86 points per hour is the current pace.
Winnipeg has its ups and downs. There are stretches throughout the season when it performs really well, followed by lulls when it is out of rhythm. Former coach Paul Maurice quit because he believed Winnipeg could achieve more than he could. The Jets are still demonstrating whether or not that is correct.
15th place before. Next seven days: vs. VAN (Jan. 29), At CBJ (Jan. 26), @ STL (Jan. 27), @ DAL (Jan. 29). (Feb. 1) Preseason Over/Under: 90.5 98 points per hour is the current pace.
There’s plenty of praise to go around for Calgary’s early outperformance. There was buy-in to coach Darryl Sutter’s system, as Andrew Mangiapane, Elias Lindholm, Johnny Gaudreau, and Jacob Markstrom all had big games. The Flames, on the other hand, haven’t been as hot since returning from COVID-19.
Previous position: 21 The following games are scheduled for the next seven days: vs. NSH (Jan. 27), At MTL (Jan. 29), and @ OTT (Jan. 31) 98.5 point over/under in preseason 91 points per hour is the current pace.
The weight of expectations, oh, the weight of expectations. For Edmonton, this hasn’t worked out so well. Those predicted totals may have been blown out of the water if the Oilers had continued their early-season dominance. Such is the problem for an institution that, at the very least, never becomes dull.
Previous position: 20 The following games are scheduled for the next seven days: at WPG (Jan. 27), CGY (Jan. 29), CHI (Jan. 31), and NSH (Jan. 31). (Feb. 1) 88.5 point over/under in preseason 80 points per minute is the current pace.
Let’s face it, things in Vancouver might (and have!) been a lot worse. The coaching change was unavoidable, and Bruce Boudreau’s appointment has been a success so far. It’s great to see Quinn Hughes stand out. J.T. Miller chose an ideal moment to have a successful season. Thatcher Demko has been a tremendous asset. A successful second half would provide a solid foundation for the next season.
2 Related
Previous position: 23 against. LA (Jan. 27), vs. SEA (Jan. 29), vs. MIN (Jan. 30), vs. OTT (Jan. 31). (Feb. 1) 99.5 point over/under in preseason 84 points per minute is the current pace.
It turns out that being on the road for 13 games and then attempting to break into a new venue is more difficult than it seems. The Islanders won just five of their first 20 games and were hampered by a lengthy COVID-19 outage. New York is a long way from where it should be, but the squad still has a lot of hockey left until the season is finished.
Previous position: 16 The following games are scheduled for the next seven days: At WSH (Jan. 26), @ FLA (Jan. 29), @ CAR (Jan. 30), @ TB (Jan. 31). (Feb. 1) Preseason Over/Under: 80.5 86 points per hour is the current pace.
The Sharks aren’t spectacular (save for Timo Meier), but they’re dependable. They don’t give up. The cliché of “not too high, nor too low” is shown here. San Jose’s philosophy has worked so far, and its talents provide just enough energy for the Sharks to be shockingly excellent. But, without Erik Karlsson, who is out until March due to injury, will they be able to keep up?
Previous position: 26 vs. CGY (Jan. 26), against. NYR (Jan. 27), @ MTL (Jan. 30), vs. FLA (Jan. 31). (Jan. 31) 76.5 point over/under in preseason 78 points per hour is the current pace.
It seemed inevitable that the Blue Jackets would suffer as a result of the loss of Seth Jones. It doesn’t help that Patrik Laine has been up and down. However, the Cam Atkinson-Jakub Voracek switch has worked out well. As predicted, Elvis Merzlikins is doing an excellent job in net. The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, are exactly where we anticipated them to be.
against. CHI (Jan. 26), @ PIT (Jan. 28), vs. TOR (Jan. 29), vs. ANA (Jan. 31) Previous ranking: 22 Next seven days: vs. CHI (Jan. 26), @ PIT (Jan. 28), vs. TOR (Jan. 29), vs. ANA (Jan. 31) Preseason O/U: 78.5 points Current pace: 82 points
It’s incredible what an influx of fresh talent can do for a team’s chances. From Lucas Raymond to Moritz Seider to Alex Nedeljkovic, the Calder Trophy competition this season is flooded with Red Wings prospects. Detroit has been slogging its way through its reconstruction and must be happy with the foundation that has been laid.
Hosts Linda Cohn and Emily Kaplan bring their hockey expertise and passion for the sport, discussing the latest news around the league as well as interviewing the biggest names both on and off the ice. Listen here »
Previous position: 24 Next seven days: vs. TOR (Jan. 31), At TB (Jan. 27), @ CAR (Jan. 29), @ TB (Jan. 28). (Feb. 1) 88.5 point over/under in preseason 70 points per hour is the current pace.
New Jersey has endured a string of injuries, including the loss of Jack Hughes early in the season, Jonathan Bernier for the season, and Dougie Hamilton recently. The Devils also don’t score a lot of goals, and their defense can’t make up for it. It’s a difficult combo to beat.
Previous position: 25 The following games are scheduled over the next seven days: against. LA (Jan. 29), vs. WPG (Jan. 30). (Feb. 1) 92.5 point over/under in preseason 65 points per hour is the current pace.
Yikes. We knew things were horrible in Philadelphia. However, the gap between preseason and current pace is really narrow. The struggling Flyers don’t have many alternatives left to save the season, and a trade deadline looms that may send them down an entirely other route.
Previous position: 29 The following games are scheduled for the next seven days: At PIT (Jan. 27), @ NYI (Jan. 29), @ NYR (Jan. 30), and @ BOS (Jan. 31). (Feb. 1) Preseason Over/Under: 90.5 59 points per hour is the current pace.
Another example of how no one knows what to anticipate from the Kraken. Including, very likely, themselves.
30th in the previous ranking The following games are scheduled for the next seven days: At ARI (Jan. 29), @ COL (Jan. 30), @ VGK (Jan. 31). (Feb. 1) O/U during the preseason: 67.5 points 64 points is the current pace.
The Sabres have been exactly what we expected them to be: a club adjusting to life without superstar Jack Eichel. Buffalo, on the other hand, was aware of the impending deal, and the emergence of Tage Thompson, the arrivals of Alex Tuch and Peyton Krebs, as well as a strong first half from Rasmus Dahlin, have saved the Sabres from falling farther behind.
Previous position: 28 Next seven days: against. COL (Jan. 28), vs. VAN (Jan. 26), @ DET (Jan. 26), vs. VAN (Jan. 28). (Jan. 31) 89.5 point over/under in preseason 72 points per minute
This season, Chicago was not expected to contend for the Stanley Cup. Even by preseason estimates, they are off course after a disastrous start that cost coach Jeremy Colliton his job. Is it possible that the Blackhawks may trade a key player (or players) before the deadline?
vs. CAR (Jan. 27), vs. ANA (Jan. 29), vs. EDM (Jan. 31), @ NYI (Feb. 1) Previous ranking: 27 Next seven days: against. CAR (Jan. 27), vs. ANA (Jan. 29), vs. EDM (Jan. 31), @ NYI (Feb. 1) Preseason O/U: 75.5 points Current pace: 66 points
The Senators were favored by the bookies. However, some ideas, like Ottawa’s reliance in Matt Murray to handle the weight in goal, do not play out. However, the Senators have cause to be optimistic, thanks to the development of Thomas Chabot, Drake Batherson, and Tim Stutzle.
Previous position: 31 The following games are scheduled for the next seven days: against. BOS (Jan. 28), vs. BUF (Jan. 29), and At COL (Feb. 1) O/U during the preseason: 69.5 points Currently, 48 points are being scored.
Last season’s pandemic-shortened campaign saw Arizona finish near.500. This season, though, such will not be the case. The greatest option for the Coyotes seemed to be to win the NHL draft lottery, but even there, Arizona is losing pace to Montreal. A Phil Kessel deal might be the team’s next major move.
32nd in the previous ranking The following games are scheduled over the next seven days: vs. ANA (Jan. 27), vs. EDM (Jan. 29), and vs. CBJ (Jan. 30) 89.5 point over/under in preseason The current speed is 46 points per minute.
Montreal, as unbelievable as it may sound today, came into this season fresh off a Stanley Cup Final trip. The Canadiens are more likely to be coming off a draft lottery victory in 2022-23.
