Every year, some teams perform better than expected while others simply dominate.

Here are my top three candidates in each category for the NHL’s first month, prefaced by a quote from ESPN The Magazine’s preview issue.

Surprises:

#3 Minnesota
ESPN Preview: The Wild have “several promising youngsters in the system”
The reality: While the magazine picked the Wild to place fourth in their division, it also noted that they had a reasonable chance to make the postseason. Manny Fernandez and Dwayne Roloson are likely the finest goaltending tandem in the league, and the club’s defense is also among the best in hockey.

#2 Carolina
ESPN Preview: Offensive acquisitions mean “at least some cause for optimism.”
The reality: Center Rod Brind’Amour is having a nice run and the ‘Canes have a staggering ten wins in just thirteen contests. It remains to be seen whether Carolina can challenge for the division title down the road, but Eric Staal will lead the way if his 26 points and 8 plus/minus are any indication.

#1 NY Rangers
ESPN Preview: “Sadly, (depth at goaltender) may be the most competitive thing about this team.”
The reality: A radio interview with a Rangers beat writer said it all: the youth movement has finally made this team relevant to begin the year. Of course, with inexperience comes patches of inconsistency; the power play has also trailed off in recent weeks. Practices are intense but focused, and the Czech presence on the team may have helped Jaromir Jagr become the powerhouse of old. Goalie Henrik Lundqvist has been spectacular in his rookie campaign, and C Martin Straka never stops collecting assists. The biggest problem so far for New York: allowing two-man advantages.

Consolation prizes: Los Angeles, Montreal, Edmonton

Predictable Top Dogs:

#3 Vancouver
ESPN Preview: Naslund, Morrison, and Bertuzzi “form the top line in hockey.”
The reality: As one of ESPN’s fantasy correspondents put it, “If you had an opportunity to pick Naslund, Morrison, or Bertuzzi, and passed, it will be a long season for you.” Bertuzzi has cooled off considerably, but defenseman Sami Salo has joined Ed Jovanovski in providing offensive help for the club. In goal, Dan Cloutier has split time down the middle with young Alexander Auld, but Auld is looking like the number one. Despite their 22 points, the Canucks have only six more goals then they’ve allowed, partly due to killing just 80% of penalties.

#2 Ottawa
ESPN Preview: Dany Heatley is “one of the most feared offensive players in the NHL.”
The reality: Perhaps the most exciting team in hockey right now, the Senators wowed the league by scoring 10 and 8 goals in consecutive matches. Hasek has returned to exceed all expectations in net, and he hasn’t had to be so excellent on most nights. Winger Daniel Alfredsson never lost his all-star talent, while Heatley and phenom Jason Spezza are right on his heels. The team also boasts six players with a plus minus in double figures. Better yet, Ottawa is in prime position to retain defensemen Zdeno Chara and Wade Redden at year’s end.

#1 Detroit
ESPN Preview: “This year, Wings fans, used to greatness, will just have to settle for good.”
The reality: So far, the octopus-throwing faithful haven't needed to deal with being merely above-average. With a goal differential of positive 30, almost everything is clicking with both the newcomers and renowned veterans. Jason Williams already has met his career high in points thanks to 14 helpers, and fellow centerman Pavol Datsyuk is showing the same form that netted him 30 goals in 2003-04. As predicted, Nicklas Lidstrom is a workhorse on defense, logging 27 minutes a game. The best bonus for the team from Michigan: Manny Legace’s 1.77 goals-against average in a dozen games.

Consolation prizes: Nashville, Philadelphia, Dallas

hockey