With the first quarter of the 2025-26 NHL season behind us, some teams that were hoping for playoff success are already facing challenges. We’ve created a Panic Meter to gauge just how concerned each team should be based on their current performance, examining whether their struggles are likely to continue or if there’s hope for improvement.
Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers expected to be playoff contenders, but neither is currently in a playoff spot as the key date of America’s Thanksgiving nears—a point after which historically, three-quarters of teams outside the playoffs end up missing the postseason altogether. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers haven’t been poor but have remained stuck in neutral, with the fiercely competitive Eastern Conference pressing hard to leave them behind if they don’t pick up their pace soon.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the six teams on the Panic Meter with about 62 games left:
Toronto Maple Leafs: The absence of Mitch Marner has left a noticeable hole, especially since the team re-signed him at the cost of other roster moves. The defense is aging and struggling, particularly with Christopher Tanev’s health concerns and decline. Goaltending hasn’t been reliable either, with a high goals-against average from backups Anthony Stolarz and Caden Primeau, though Joseph Woll’s return may help. Despite the talent at the top, their overall play so far looks average and below championship level. Panic Level: 7.5/10
Edmonton Oilers: The Oilers have experienced similar slow starts before Thanksgiving in recent years but then surged. However, this year’s team has been subpar at 5-on-5 play and struggles to generate offense beyond their top stars. Goaltending is a glaring weakness, and the team lacks sufficient scoring depth and defensive support. While stars like McDavid and Draisaitl remain strong, there are significant red flags needing attention. Panic Level: 6/10
New York Rangers: The Rangers have an odd split between home and road performance, excelling on the road but struggling at Madison Square Garden. Their solid 5-on-5 stats and strong away record indicate they’re a good team, but their poor shooting percentage at home is unlikely to persist. This unusual start is likely a statistical blip, and they are expected to compete well in the Metro Division moving forward. Panic Level: 2.5/10
Florida Panthers: Missing stars Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk early in the season predicted a tough ride, with the team heavily reliant on Brad Marchand and Sam Reinhart for scoring. Depth players like Carter Verhaeghe have been disappointing, and goaltending, led by Sergei Bobrovsky, remains a concern. Still, the Panthers have shown resilience and could recover once key players return, aiming for a third straight Stanley Cup Final appearance. Panic Level: 2/10
St. Louis Blues: The Blues have a strong defensive system established under coach Jim Montgomery, yet this hasn’t translated into wins. Poor goaltending by Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer has been a major issue, making it difficult for the team to compete seriously in the Western Conference. Some players have also started the season slowly, adding to concerns. Overall, it’s uncertain if the Blues can regain their form soon. Panic Level: 6.5/10
Fan Take: This mid-season evaluation highlights how crucial it is for teams to adjust early in a competitive NHL season. For fans, these insights not only spur hope or worry but also emphasize that goalie performance and depth scoring remain key factors that can make or break a team’s playoff aspirations, shaping the excitement around hockey’s race to the Stanley Cup.
