The Biggest Takeaways from the 1st Month of the 2015-16 NHL Season

The first month of the NHL season has been fascinating for fans. In the Eastern Conference, it's very much business as usual, as the teams who made the playoffs a year ago look like good bets to do it again. In the Western Conference, there's a definite swing in power—the south is on the rise—and some offseason moves have contributed to the new order of things.

Rookies are impacting the game, special teams make a big difference and elite goaltending remains a major story—something that's been true for 100 years.

Here are the biggest takeaways from the first month of the 2015-16 NHL season.

7. Calgary Flames: What a Difference a Year Makes

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

The Lead Story: The Calgary Flames had a fabulous season in 2014-15 and added both Dougie Hamilton and Michael Frolik in the summer. The expectation was another strong year, but early-season results have Calgary near the bottom of the Western Conference.

How Did It Get This Way? The Flames were a poor possession team last year, but were exceptional and lucky counterpunchers. HockeyAnalysis.com shows us the possession numbers are improved, but the counter opportunities aren't cashing, and the goaltending isn't there. 

Is There Sustain? Calgary has a promising young team, but last year's performance was beyond its reasonable expectations. This year, the pendulum may be swinging the other way, meaning it could be better than its overall record by season's end.

6. Injuries Having a Major Impact

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

The Lead Story: The NHL is suffering from a long list of injured stars, including Pavel Datsyuk, Carey Price, Zach Parise and rookie phenom Connor McDavid. TSN's list of players who are on injured reserve contains a large number of quality NHL players. 

How Did It Get This Way? The speed of the modern game and knowledge of concussions and their impact is reflected in the number of players unavailable at any time. On the other hand, new icing rules save severe injuries—mostly to defensemen—and teams benefit in that area. 

Is There Sustain? The long-term injury to McDavid will impact the Calder Trophy race, and the Red Wings have missed Datsyuk in a big way. With both conferences so tight this season, a major injury to a substantial player could mean the difference between making and missing the playoffs.

5. Anaheim Ducks: Season Saved Just in Time

Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

The Lead Story: The Anaheim Ducks were sinking like a stone at the beginning of the season. In fact, even after winning four in a row, the team is still low in the Western Conference standings. 

How Did It Get This Way? The Ducks were a good team—they were in the conversation for Stanley Cup hopefuls—but got off to a terrible start. Fans wondered if coach Bruce Boudreau would be replaced, and if the losing continued, that option would probably have been visited. 

Is There Sustain? Anaheim has five wins and an overtime loss in its last 10 games, so it has recovered to the point where there is no immediate danger. It's reasonable to expect a trade in the near future, likely a veteran defenseman added to the group that has been inconsistent so far this year.

4. Impact Rookies Having Their Say

Andrew Nelles/Associated Press

The Lead Story: This season fans are seeing an exciting crop of rookies across the NHL. Top picks from the 2015 draft like Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel have been joined by several 2013 and 2014 picks like Max Domi and Dylan Larkin.

How Did It Get This Way? The combination of a strong 2015 draft—five picks went right to the NHL—and large numbers of quality graduates from the previous two drafts has had a major impact. Added to impressive performances from Artemi Panarin of the Chicago Blackhawks, Colton Parayko of the St. Louis Blues and Oscar Lindberg of the New York Rangers, this could be one of the finest rookie crops of the century.

Is There Sustain? Generational talents McDavid and Eichel ensure this will be a memorable year for rookies. If the longer players like Panarin and Parayko can stay among the scoring leaders, we could see a lot of rookies at the top of the scoring leaderboard.

3. New York Rangers Dominate Defensively

Kathy Kmonicek/Associated Press

The Lead Story: The New York Rangers have been a strong contender for the Stanley Cup for several years now, making the finals in 2014.

How Did It Get This Way? The Rangers did a splendid job turning over the roster this summer. Cap pressures forced the team to send away players like Carl Hagelin and replace retiring Martin St. Louis with less expensive options. There's some evidence this incarnation of the Rangers may be a better defensive group. 

Is There Sustain? The club is relying on some younger players in feature roles, including Oscar Lindberg and Kevin Hayes. The team's overall record and disciplined style should give it an advantage come playoff time.

2. Dallas Stars: Ready to Contend

Michael Dwyer/Associated Press

The Lead Story: The Dallas Stars turned around their fortunes in a big way this season. In 2014-15, they finished No. 10 in the Western Conference, scoring one more goal than they allowed. So far this year, Dallas is No. 1 in the entire conference and are plus-12 in goal differential.

How Did It Get This Way? A series of moves by general manager Jim Nill, including the acquisitions of Johnny Oduya, Patrick Sharp and Antti Niemi, were central to the spike in the standings. Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin are scoring at will, and the defense has more structure and mobility.

Is There Sustain? The Stars' improvement appears to come from an infusion of veterans who are offering complementary help and allowing head coach Lindy Ruff to build on what is already here. Dallas has some solid pieces and should be one of the NHL's 16 playoff teams when April comes.

1. Montreal Canadiens: They Appear Unstoppable

Gary Wiepert/Associated Press

The Lead Story: The Montreal Canadiens have a goal differential of plus-30 through 16 games, a total that towers over the rest of the NHL. They are the league's dominant team at this time. 

How Did It Get This Way? The Canadiens have a top-flight talent base, led by Carey Price and P.K. Subban. Astute additions like Jeff Petry give Montreal the kind of depth that is extremely hard to maintain in a cap world.

Is There Sustain? An example of the Canadiens' sustain comes from goalie Mike Condon. Losing Carey Price would have been catastrophic in previous seasons, but the team has an answer for every question this year. Price will need to be back for the heart of the season and the playoffs, but Montreal is a strong candidate to win the Stanley Cup in 2016.