Every season, we are taken off guard by some of the early returns, and then things tend to correct themselves as the season goes on.
Through the first month of the NHL season, which surprising results will sustain through the rest of the campaign? Which will go back to just how we expected them?
Let's have a look at each team's biggest surprise, and project what's to come:
Atlantic Division
Tampa Bay Lightning
Biggest surprise: Secondary scoring
It isn't too stunning that Steven Stamkos (25 points in 15 games) and Nikita Kucherov (23 points in 15 games) have been beneficiaries of an uptick in scoring league-wide, but the major difference in Tampa Bay's attack from 2016-17 to this season is the goal support up and down the lineup. Six other players have four goals or more, including rookie defenseman Mikhail Sergachev, who the Lightning acquired from Montreal prior to the season. Young center Brayden Point has also taken a step forward, with 16 points in 15 games. With Tampa Bay's star power and depth, they are making an early case for being the NHL's best team, and it's easy to see this continuing (though maybe not entirely to the same degree).
Toronto Maple Leafs
Biggest surprise: Mitch Marner's point total
The Leafs' offense has been every bit as dangerous as expected, ranking second in the NHL in goals scored. Toronto's top pick in 2015 has not been in on the party thus far, scoring just one goal in the team's first 15 games. Marner's lack of production is startling after a 61-point rookie campaign. It's clear head coach Mike Babcock isn't pleased with his young forward since Marner's ice time has dropped by nearly two minutes, but luck may be a factor considering he's scored on just one of 28 shots. There's still plenty of time for Marner to turn his season around.
Ottawa Senators
Biggest surprise: Success despite poor goaltending
Last season, the Senators reached the Eastern Conference Final in large part because of their goaltender Craig Anderson. They finished 2016-17 as the 10th best team in the NHL in 5-on-5 save percentage. Ottawa sits in 24th place so far this season, but has still managed to work their way into third in the Atlantic. With Matt Duchene added to the mix, the Sens could be dangerous if their goalies get hot, and given Anderson's career marks, it's hard to believe he won't turn it around soon.
Detroit Red Wings
Biggest surprise: Great goaltending
Detroit goalies Jimmy Howard and Petr Mrazek have had their ups and downs over the last few seasons. Howard lost his starting gig in 2015-16 when he posted a .906 save percentage, then he took the job back last season when Mrazek managed only a .901 mark. This season, the two are splitting the starts and both are playing at a high level. Howard has a .927 save percentage and Mrazek is close behind, at .924. They will each have to keep it up to help the Red Wings stay alive in the Atlantic. Given what Howard's turnaround last season -- and strong play earlier in his career -- it's not outside the realm of possibility that this trend will continue.
Boston Bruins
Biggest surprise: Strong special teams
Despite a dinged-up lineup, Boston has remained competitive on the back of their special teams. The B's rank fourth on the power play and have the fourth-best penalty kill percentage. Young winger David Pastrnak has led the way with three goals and three assists at 5-on-4, and rookie Charlie McAvoy has added three assists. Since returning to the lineup after missing the first six games, star center Patrice Bergeron has been a driver of success in both areas. Last season, Boston made the postseason in part because they finished seventh in power-play percentage and first on the penalty kill, so it's reasonable that these trends continue. And since they haven't been one of the better 5-on-5 teams (26th in even-strength goals), the B's will have to maintain strong special teams to make the playoffs again.
Montreal Canadiens
Biggest surprise: Carey Price's struggles
The Habs could have never predicted their star goaltender would open the season 3-7-1, with a 3.77 goals-against average and .877 save percentage. In his last three full seasons, Price has put up save percentages of .927, .933 and .923, putting him at the top of the list among NHL goalies. This week, Montreal listed Price as day-to-day with a lower-body injury, which could explain his struggles. Recent history suggests we will see a quick bounce back from Price when he returns.
Florida Panthers
Biggest surprise: Fourth in the NHL in goals per game (and still at the bottom of the division)
With Jonathan Huberdeau back at the top of his game and the addition of Evgenii Dadonov, the Panthers' offensive prowess has taken a huge leap forward this season; last season, they finished 23rd in goals scored. But the Cats can't seem to get a save. Between Roberto Luongo, James Reimer and Antti Niemi, they have a .893 save percentage. At 38, it's not a sure thing that Luongo will bounce back like he would have in the old days. There is a silver lining for fans: The Panthers have had one of the most entertaining products in the NHL, with 7.8 total goals being scored per game.
Buffalo Sabres
Biggest surprise: They aren't better
New general manager Jason Botterill made positive changes to the Sabres' roster in the offseason, adding quality defenseman Marco Scandella and veteran wingers Jason Pominville -- in a trade with the Wild -- and Benoit Pouliot in free agency. Yet, the overall results have not changed from last season. The Sabres are still in the basement of the division, and the numbers suggest they are going to stay there. Buffalo ranks 23rd in Corsi for percentage, and 29th in goals for percentage at even strength.
Metropolitan Division
New Jersey Devils
Biggest surprise: First place
The rebuild in New Jersey appears to be a year or so ahead of schedule, and largely because the team is no longer playing "Devils hockey." They rank fourth in the NHL in goals per game, playing much more wide open behind the speed and skill of leading scorer Taylor Hall. The addition of top NCAA free agent defenseman Will Butcher (12 points in 13 games) and No. 1 overall pick Nico Hischier (10 points in 13 games) has also changed the look of the Devils. However, they have been out-shot 325 to 277 so far this season, which might point toward some regression on the way.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Biggest surprise: Second in the Metro despite the 31st-ranked power play
Buy stock in the Blue Jackets. While their power play hasn't yet gotten hot, Columbus is flat-out dominating even-strength play. They are fourth in Corsi for percentage, second in goals for percentage and fourth in high-danger shot attempts. With a dominant top defensive pairing of Zach Werenski and Seth Jones, the Jackets are controlling play and winning without help from special teams. Once the power play gets rolling -- and it should, given that they finished 12th last season -- they may elevate to the top of the East.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Biggest surprise: Struggles on defense
Considering the wild success goalie Matt Murray has had to start his career, you wouldn't have expected him to have a .902 save percentage through 13 games. The Penguins' defense at even strength has been the worst in the NHL, allowing 43 5-on-5 goals in 16 games, which is dead last in the NHL. Defenseman Kris Letang has had a particularly rough time. He's been on ice for 25 of the 43 goals against and only seven goals for. Penguins fans might be concerned, but Letang and Murray are too talented to continue to play this poorly for much longer.
New York Islanders
Biggest surprise: Turned back to Jaroslav Halak in net
It wasn't so long ago that Halak found himself in net for the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The veteran netminder was waived midway through last season, but performed well when he was called back up at the end of the campaign. He appears to have won the starting job for good from Thomas Greiss by taking home victories in four of his last five games. However, Halak is still only sporting a .906 save percentage. As the Isles put up big goal totals behind a blazing hot start from John Tavares, things are still uncertain in net for the umpteenth year in a row.
Philadelphia Flyers
Biggest surprise: Sean Couturier's offensive outburst
The Flyers' top center might top his career point mark by January. Couturier's previous best scoring total was 39 points in both 2015-16 and 2013-14. This year he has nine goals and nine assists in 15 games. The main reason: He's playing alongside supremely skilled forward Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek. The trio has outscored opponents 14-8 and has a 54.9% Corsi Percentage. Couturier's defensive mindset with the setup abilities of Giroux and Voracek appear to be a perfect mix that will continue to be a major challenge for Flyers' opponents.
Washington Capitals
Biggest surprise: They are sixth in the Metro
It's been a long time since the Capitals were in danger of falling behind in the division race, but losing Jason Williams to free agency, Nate Schmidt to the expansion draft and Marcus Johansson to a cap-related trade appears to be taking its toll. The Caps have also seen young winger Andre Burakovsky and top blueliner Matt Niskanen lost to injury. More than ever, Washington will need their top line and goaltending to carry them back to relevance in the East.
New York Rangers
Biggest surprise: Henrik Lundqvist hasn't bounced back from last season
Historically speaking, Lundqvist has reached the part of his career where many goalies fall off, but King Henrik isn't any regular goalie. Many expected him to find his form after managing just a .910 save percentage last season. Instead, things have gone the other way, as Lundqvist has just a .902 save percentage. Most of his struggles have come at even strength (including a .905 5-on-5 save percentage), which is not a good sign for Lundqvist finding his groove again.
Carolina Hurricanes
Biggest surprise: They keep doing the same things over and over with the same results
In the past three seasons, the Canes have ranked first, sixth and 11th in Corsi for percentage, but they have remained in the basement of the Eastern Conference. Something isn't working. They rank 24th in goals scored, and 21st in 5-on-5 save percentage through 12 games despite adding goalie Scott Darling and improving their lineup. The club's continued struggles could put head coach Bill Peters in hot water soon.
Central Division
St. Louis Blues
Biggest surprise: Alex Pietrangelo's offensive production
A two-goal performance against Toronto on Saturday pushed the Blues' top defenseman up to 15 points in 15 games -- a torrid pace for a blueliner whose career high in points is 51. With Kevin Shattenkirk gone, Pietrangelo is playing a big role on the power play, which might explain some of his scoring prowess. The Blues also have a 10.8 percent shooting percentage with their No. 1 D-man on ice, the highest mark of his career. While there will likely be some regression, St. Louis appears to be an excellent team. Pietrangelo is both driving early success and benefiting from his club's talent.
Winnipeg Jets
Biggest surprise: Connor Hellebuyck's .932 save percentage
Finally, the Winnipeg Jets are receiving good goaltending. After a short stint of strong play from the youngster in 2015-16, the Jets thought they'd found their top goalie, but Hellebuyck sputtered to a .907 save percentage in 53 starts last season. Winnipeg signed Steve Mason anticipating he would be the top dog, but Hellebuyck has come back strong and taken the No. 1 job. Given his inconsistency last season, it's hard to project that he can sustain this. But if his top-notch play continues, watch out for the Jets.
Dallas Stars
Biggest surprise: Jason Spezza's steep decline
The second Ken Hitchcock era in Dallas has gotten off to a strong start for stars Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn, Alexander Radulov and John Klingberg -- and not so much for Spezza, who has zero goals and five assists in 14 games. He's been a victim of puck luck to an extent, putting 31 shots on goal without a good bounce, but Hitchcock has also cut his ice time way down to a career-low 12:59 per game. It appears he will be nothing more than a role player under the new bench boss.
Colorado Avalanche
Biggest surprise: They finally traded Matt Duchene
Seemingly years in the making, the Avs moved the No. 3 overall pick from 2009, leaving a big hole in a lineup that has overachieved this season. Colorado got back quite a haul in future pieces, but nothing that will help them be a top contender in the Central. The Avs will need young players like Mikko Rantanen and Alexander Kerfoot to keep producing if they are going to hang around in the race.
Nashville Predators
Biggest surprise: 25th in goals per game
The Predators' offensive attack will get a boost from center Kyle Turris, who they received in a three-way trade with the Avalanche and Senators. Nashville is currently 30th in even-strength goals, oddly enough, ranking ahead of only the Penguins. Only Filip Forsberg and P.K. Subban have double-digit points thus far. With Turris in the lineup, Nashville should see its goal scoring take a step forward, but they will still be weakened by the absence of defenseman Ryan Ellis, who isn't expected back until January.
Chicago Blackhawks
Biggest surprise: Sixth in the Central despite great goaltending
It's a new world for the Blackhawks when goalie Corey Crawford has a .945 save percentage and he's only won seven of 12 starts. Patrick Kane, Ryan Hartman and Jonathan Toews are the only Chicago players with more than 10 points, while veterans Patrick Sharp and Artem Anisimov have shown their age. If the Hawks don't find depth scoring soon, it could be a long season in Chicago, because Crawford will not be able to sustain a .945 save percentage.
Minnesota Wild
Biggest surprise: Bruce Boudreau doesn't have them rolling
Wherever the Wild's head coach has gone, he's gotten the most out of his teams -- at least in the regular season. But so far, Minnesota has been in the basement. They're playing without Zach Parise or Charlie Coyle and missed Nino Niederreiter and Mikael Granlund at times, too. The Wild should get back in the race once everyone is healthy, but the early returns have not been promising in a tough division.
Pacific Division
Los Angeles Kings
Biggest surprise: Dustin Brown's 13 points in 14 games
In Brown's past four seasons, he's produced only 118 points in 323 games, and scored on 6.6 percent of his shots. This season, he is back to 2011-12 form under a new coach, producing nearly a point per game at a 13.3 percent shooting percentage. Regression for Brown is not a lock, since the system may be playing a role in his bounce-back campaign.
Vegas Golden Knights
Biggest surprise: Winning
Considering Vegas ranks 25th in Corsi for percentage and sixth in on-ice shooting percentage, it appears inevitable that they will come crashing back to earth soon. But for now, the Golden Knights have been one of the best stories of the opening month or so. Enjoy it while it lasts!
San Jose Sharks
Biggest surprise: Martin Jones is keeping the Sharks afloat
Jones has shown flashes of excellence in the first five seasons of his career, but hasn't been anything more than average since becoming a full-time starter in San Jose. But, his game may be taking the next step this season as he enters what are usually the prime years for netminders. With a .930 save percentage in 10 starts, Jones ranks fifth in the NHL in that category. San Jose will need him to keep up his strong play, as they have scored the third fewest even-strength goals in the NHL.
Vancouver Canucks
Biggest surprise: The Sedins aren't producing
Vancouver has been competitive to start the season, and appears to be taking a step forward, but Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin are falling back at a rapid rate. They have combined for only eight points -- the same number as grinder Derek Dorsett has produced. In the final year of their identical deals, it's worth wondering (again) if this is the year they get moved to a veteran team making a Stanley Cup push (a deal they'd have to drive given their no-move clauses).
Calgary Flames
Biggest surprise: 30th in goals per game
Outside of Johnny Gaudreau's 18 points in 14 games and Sean Monahan's eight goals, the Flames' scoring production has lacked spark. The veteran forwards they have added in the past few seasons -- Michael Frolik, Kris Versteeg, Troy Brouwer and Jaromir Jagr -- have combined for four goals so far this season. A turnaround seems likely with Calgary's excellent blue line and top-end talent, but scoring depth will likely continue to be an issue.
Anaheim Ducks
Biggest surprise: Injuries have sunk them
Maybe it isn't a huge surprise that a team who lost both their No. 1 and No. 2 centers and a top-four defenseman would be struggling, but the Ducks appeared to be a team that had enough depth to sustain their winning ways through injuries to Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Kesler and Sami Vatanen. If they continue to sputter, Anaheim will need spectacular goaltending to keep their head above water.
Edmonton Oilers
Biggest surprise: A massive drop from last season
The Oilers were a trendy pick for Cup champion this preseason. Now they will have to clear a massive hurdle to even be a contender in the Pacific. Connor McDavid is still playing fantastic hockey, with 16 points in 13 games, but the rest of the Oilers have been a mess. Following a solid start to his career in Edmonton, Cam Talbot has been a bottom-tier goalie this season, with a .903 save percentage thus far.
Arizona Coyotes
Biggest surprise: Offseason acquisitions haven't made a difference
It's hard to believe that a team that picked up Derek Stepan and Niklas Hjalmarsson in the offseason could win two of its first 15 games; like the Sabres, it appears that the results are the same even with some different faces involved. It appears the Yotes still have a long way to go in their rebuild, but they do have quite a player in 2016 first-rounder Clayton Keller, who is fourth in the NHL with 11 goals..