NHL Power Rankings: Oilers and Maple Leafs rising, Blues on top

So far, the New Jersey Devils still look like the Devils team everyone is familiar with. Despite the addition of Taylor Hall, one of the NHL’s top wings, their offense is still stagnant. This is not Hall’s fault at all, though. The blame for it lies in their inexperienced, suboptimal blue line. New Jersey has to play conservative to stay in games because of their defense.

Optimistically, their two losses have come by a combined two goals. However, they couldn’t hang on to a 2-0 lead against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Cory Schneider is a darn good goalie, but he can only do so much. While the Hall trade is one they should happily do every time, it’s undeniable they miss Adam Larsson. He meant a lot to their blue line and it’s showing.

The Carolina Hurricanes offense has been as good as advertised. They’ve added quite a bit of skill to their NHL roster and it’s showing. Carolina has scored seven goals in their first two games. However, they have also allowed nine goals in their first two games. This is mostly on their defense and goaltending. Carolina’s goaltending didn’t get addressed in the offseason, and even though it’s just the first two games of the season, they’re paying for it.

What’s more concerning, though, is they aren’t holding leads. When you get a huge lead, you have to be able to hang onto it. The Hurricanes have blown leads in each of their first two games. That can’t keep on happening. Blowing leads suggests there might be more to the Hurricanes woes than bad goaltending.