NHL season hits one month. Is it time for teams to panic?
Alex Ovechkin is among the NHL players or teams off to slow starts in the first month of the season.
The 2026-27 NHL season began on September 29 and has now entered its second month. While there are positive aspects such as Connor McDavid's impressive scoring, the trade of Connor Hellebuyck, and Jacob Fowler's debut as a Montreal Canadiens rookie goalie, there are also some concerning factors.
Alex Ovechkin, at 41 years old, is struggling with a slow start. After just 11 games, he has scored only one goal and provided three assists, which is his worst beginning in his career. Ovechkin's injury issues during training camp and his reduced playing time due to the Capitals' offseason moves have all contributed to his poor start.
His physical performance has also declined, with his hardest shot down 4 mph and his fastest skating speed down 2 mph compared to last season. Ovechkin is currently on pace for a career-low 122 shots.
The Colorado Avalanche have also had a slower start than their dominant 2025-26 season. After winning the Presidents Trophy the previous year, they are currently 6-5-1. While Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Martin Necas remain the core, they dealt away some depth players and signed free agent Jaden Schwartz, who has had a mixed start. The Avalanche need more scoring depth to maintain their competitive edge.
The Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins have also had disappointing starts. The Flyers, who ended last season's playoff drought, have struggled with a 0-6-3 start to their season. Similarly, the Penguins have missed time due to Andrei Kuzmenko's father's death and Ben Kindel's health issues. Philadelphia currently sits 14th in the Eastern Conference, while Pittsburgh is 16th.
Bowen Byram, the Blackhawks' new No. 1 defenseman, has also had a disappointing start. Despite being given a $12.5 million-a-year contract extension, Byram has only managed one point in six games and is currently a minus-7. The Blackhawks' initial roster moves, including sending Connor Bedard to the Buffalo Sabres and giving Byram a big contract, have not translated into immediate success for the young defender. His inconsistent performance has raised concerns about his readiness for the No. 1 defensive role.
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