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Early NHL Divide: Leafs, Capitals Stumble as Ducks, Avalanche Surge

A month into the schedule, small-sample volatility on special teams is dictating results.

Overview

  • Toronto has slid into inconsistency, leading the league in giveaways with a power play down to 17.1 percent, and coach Craig Berube cited repeated turnovers and an overworked Anthony Stolarz after weekend losses to Boston and Carolina.
  • Washington sits 7-7-1 near the Metropolitan basement with a 15.2 percent power play and thin center depth after Pierre‑Luc Dubois underwent abdominal and adductor surgery that is expected to sideline him for roughly three months.
  • Anaheim is 11-3-1 with a seven-game winning streak, driven by Leo Carlsson’s 25 points in 15 games, Cutter Gauthier’s 11 goals, a revitalized power play near 23.7 percent, and strong goaltending from Lukáš Dostál.
  • Colorado tops the NHL with 25 points through 16 games as Nathan MacKinnon leads the league with 29 points during a nine-game streak, and Jared Bednar recorded his 400th win behind the Avalanche bench.
  • Carolina’s four-game run included a 5-4 comeback in Toronto, and Tuesday features key barometers with Bruins‑Leafs in Boston, Capitals at Hurricanes, and Ducks visiting the Avalanche.