As we skate past the one-month mark of the 2024/25 NHL season, the ice has been anything but predictable. Traditional powerhouses like Boston and Pittsburgh are finding the going tough, while underdogs such as Winnipeg and Washington are setting a blistering pace. Whether you’re a diehard fan or a casual spectator, NHL.TV is your front-row ticket to all the action, streaming every game live across the globe. With the season well underway, here’s our roundup of the Top 10 teams that are lighting up the league and are absolutely worth your viewing time.
Winnipeg Jets
Leading our list are the Winnipeg Jets, whose exceptional start to the season has seen them dominate opponents with a potent mix of sharp offense and stellar goaltending. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck, with a GAA (goals against average) of 2.14, is making a case for being one of the most underappreciated talents in the league. If you enjoy a high-scoring game paired with top-notch goaltending, the Jets’ home games are a must-watch, accompanied by an electrifying crowd that knows how to get under the skin of opposing teams.
New Jersey Devils
The Devils are thriving right now thanks to Sheldon Keefe, which is more than we can say for the Leafs, his old team. Two of the league's most exciting young forwards, Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes, guided New Jersey to a decisive 4-1 victory over the reigning champions on Tuesday, solidifying their place as a legitimate Cup contender. With NHL best bets acknowledging them as potential dark horses, the Devils have seen impressive returns from their offseason acquisition, Jacob Markstrom (2.58 GAA). The Devils are still worth seeing, especially in the matchups with the Hurricanes and Caps, after they won against the Panthers once again and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Washington Capitals
Spencer Carbery's Capitals are rewriting their story this season. With significant victories and a 13-4-1 record, they're a powerhouse in the making. Despite a lagging power play, their penalty kill, anchored by John Carlson and Martin Fehervary, has been formidable. As Alex Ovechkin continues his pursuit of Gretzky’s record, Washington's blend of history-making and dynamic play makes them one of the most thrilling teams to watch.
Ottawa Senators
The Senators may not be topping the charts, but their game is packed with drama and excitement. Their recent shutout against the Leafs, with Linus Ullmark saving all 41 shots, showcases their potential to upset leading teams. With Brady Tkachuk leading from the front, the Senators are building a reputation for being a gritty, hard-to-beat team, especially if they can bolster their away game.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild are emerging as serious contenders, with Kirill Kaprizov leading the charge for the Hart Trophy. Alongside him, Matt Boldy is on pace for a standout season. With some of the best defensive stats in the league and an increasingly confident offense, Minnesota's games are becoming must-watch events for any hockey enthusiast.
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers hired Kris Knoblauch as their head coach at this time last year after firing Jay Woodcroft. The rest is history, as we now know. With Jeff Skinner only scoring three goals to start the season and Connor McDavid only making his ice comeback last week, the Cup runner-ups have had a slow start. However, their victory over the Isles in overtime on Tuesday was more in line with what we've come to expect from this squad. Although Stuart Skinner's start in goal (3.28 GAA) hasn't helped, despite all of Edmonton's problems, the team is still tied for the Stanley Cup in NHL odds by FanDuel. To their credit, the Oilers have performed admirably, ranking in the top 10 in shots and hovering around .500. Edmonton is still worth your time, especially with their studs returning on the ice and several important road games after the losses in Toronto (4-3) and Montreal (3-0), and now Ottawa coming up.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins might not be the force they once were, but the trio of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang is worth tuning in for. While the team struggles might be frustrating for fans, the end of an era for these icons is something no hockey fan would want to miss.
Anaheim Ducks
Lukas Dostal, stepping in for John Gibson, has shown promising signs in the net with a 2.69 GAA across 13 starts. The Ducks’ season may not be filled with wins, but Dostal’s performances are a silver lining and worth watching for fans of underdog stories.
Philadelphia Flyers
For a glimpse of the future, look no further than the Flyers. Rookie Matvei Michkov, despite early setbacks, is proving his mettle and making each game an opportunity to witness the rise of a new star in the league.
Boston Bruins
Lastly, the Bruins make the list for all the wrong reasons. Their struggle at the start of the season has been surprising, given their history of success. Watching them fight to regain form is akin to watching a champion boxer trying to get back on their feet – painful yet compelling.
Conclusion
This season is already showing signs of being one of the most unpredictable and exhilarating in NHL history. For those who revel in the triumphs or the tough breaks, these top teams each bring something unique to the rink. Whether you're following the underdogs or the stalwarts, each game promises a mix of high skill, strategy, and sheer unpredictability that can only be found in professional hockey. So choose your favorites from this list, and prepare for a season full of unexpected twists and thrilling hockey action.
