Ten happenings that surprised us in this 2021-22 NHL season: Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman scoring 34 goals: He has always been a hard-nosed, dependable bottom six forward. He had never previously scored more than 19 goals. Hartman is on his fourth NHL team. He's mostly been a 10-12 goal guy. He's 27. This season, he boasts 63 points. Apparently, leopards do change their spots. The New York Islanders missing the playoffs: Believed they had a chance to win the Metropolitan Division this season. I was wrong. Very wrong. That was not a far-fetched projection. They had reached the conference finals the two previous seasons. Instead of competing for the Metro top spot, they won't be participating in the playoffs. Coach Paul Maurice quitting in Winnipeg: Maurice doesn't quit. There must be something fundamentally wrong with that Winnipeg group. How soon before Maurice ends up back in the NHL?
Patrice Bergeron still not signed in Boston: What's going on there? Bergeron is a Bruin like Bobby Orr is a Bruin. Let's get this deal done, he can finish his Boston career, and then we will hang his jersey from the rafters.
Calgary's Johnny Gaudreau leading in NHL in even-strength points: He's not only leading with 88 points, but he's leading by 11 points over Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews. Very impressive season for Johnny Hockey.
Gaudreau leading the NHL with a plus-minus of +63: It's not the 1980s anymore. Plus-minus doesn't always mean much, but it's noteworthy that Gaudreau's plus-minus is the best in 36 years.
Marc Bergevin's fall from grace in Montreal: He's general manager of a team that goes to the Stanley Cup Final and then he's ousted during the next season. Not many more challenging hockey gigs than working for the Habs. Montreal jobs come with extra helpings of pressure and a higher degree of expectations.
Florida Panthers averaging 4.14 goals per game: What a powerful offense. The Panthers' offensive might is one of several reasons why the NHL is enjoying its best scoring numbers in 26 years. NHL teams are averaging 3.14 goals per game.
Sidney Crosby with his 17th consecutive season averaging better than a point per game: Time stands still for him. Is he aging? Only Wayne Gretzky can match that Crosby accomplishment. In the recently-released NHL Players Association poll, Crosby's peers voted him the best all-around player and best role model. His blend of excellence and consistency are remarkable.
Temporary End of NHL Parity: The NHL has 13 teams with 100 or more points. And as you would expect, there are eight teams with 72 or fewer points. The flat salary cap and COVID may be to blame. However, there is parity at the top of the standings. If you say you are sure you know who will win the Stanley Cup, you are lying.