3 most disappointing NHL teams after 6 weeks
· Yahoo Sports
The NHL season has provided thrilling moments so far. The Boston Bruins have been very impressive and equally surprising. Meanwhile, teams in Pennsylvania are striving to ignite their potential.
While some franchises are making strides, others are in need of a turnaround. With a lengthy season still ahead, let’s examine three teams that have underperformed thus far after six weeks.
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San Jose Sharks
Oct 1, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) skates during the second period against the Florida Panthers at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)The Sharks entered the season with high hopes due to their new roster additions, but they are currently facing challenges in securing victories and have lingering concerns regarding team cohesion. While there is still ample time to turn things around, the team must quickly find its rhythm to meet expectations.
There could be a disagreement between the players and coaches because they don’t seem to be on the same page right now. Could a change be coming for San Jose?
Pittsburgh Penguins
Oct 19, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) looks on after the game against the Utah Mammoth at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)The core four with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Erik Karlsson juice may be coming to an end. So many seasons have these four been heavily relied on, and they need more out of their young players if they want to improve their season.
Regression with the older players is finally settling in, and General Manager Kyle Dubas has some interesting decisions to make about how this season can go. Right now, the team is only ahead of the Philadelphia Flyers in the Metropolitan Division.
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Washington Capitals
Oct 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)The Capitals made plenty of improvements to their roster, but right now they sit in the middle of the Metropolitan Division. Their best hockey is ahead of them, and if they can get production from some of their young forwards, that can be beneficial.
Right now, their goaltending is where their issues are. Both Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren have posted below a .900 SV%. That needs to be better if they want to be an elite team. Jordyn Kyrou has lived up to his name and is a point-per-game player. The team can’t expect Alex Ovechkin to be putting up insane numbers at his age, either.
These three teams have had their ups and downs so far, and it’s better to do it early in the season rather than later in the season when games mean a little more. The Penguins need their youth to get going; the team could potentially call up some players from the AHL; the Sharks have a culture issue, and the Capitals just need their goalies to get some saves.
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