The NHL season is heading into the back stretch of November and here are some things to know around the hockey world, including some news on the new NHL All-Star game format. The Montreal Canadiens, NY Rangers and Dallas Stars are leading the league in points, while Blackhawks star Patrick Kane has opened up as the leading scorer in the league.
Here is a look at 5 Things to Know for the NHL season so far:
The Canadiens, Rangers and Stars are the top teams in the standings
The Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers and Dallas Stars are leading the NHL in points with 30 heading into the Wednesday, November 18 schedule. The Canadiens opened the season hot, while the Rangers have been the hottest team in the league over the past two weeks, winning nine games in a row. The team has gone 9-0-1 in their last 10 games and now the team is leading the Metro division with 30 points and 14 wins. The Canadiens also have 14 wins and 30 points to lead the Atlantic, while the Stars have 15 wins 30 points to lead the Central.
Patrick Kane leads the league in scoring
Kane came into the season dealing with off the ice issues, but that has not affected his play this year for the Blackhawks. Kane is currently leading the league in scoring with 28 points, 13 goals and a 14 plus-minus coming into Wednesday. Kane has been hot lately, recording at least one point in 13 straight games and scoring a goal in seven straight for Chicago. Kane has 15 assists to go along with his 13 goals in 18 games played this season and he also scored the game winning goal for the Blackhawks against the Blues on Sunday.
Jack Eichel is the top rookie with Connor McDavid injured
The NHL 2015-16 rookie class is a strong one and coming into the season many predicted that either Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel would end up winning the Calder Memorial Trophy. McDavid was the top overall pick ahead of Eichel, but McDavid ended up getting injured for the Oilers and is going to be out for a long stretch. Eichel comes in with six goals and nine points in 18 games played for the Sabres and he will continue to get chances to put up numbers this season. Eichel has not totally blown away the competition yet, as players like Max Domi, Artemi Panarin, Oscar Lindberg and Colton Parayko have played well, but Eichel has a great chance to win with McDavid out.
Rangers are streaking and Henrik Lundqvist is putting up an MVP performance this year
The Rangers have started the year playing very well after a disappointing finish in the playoffs last season and Henrik Lundqvist is one of the main reasons why. Lundqvist is leading the NHL in save percentage and goals against average and he is tied for the lead in wins with 10. Carey Price won the award last season and this year those two players could go head to head for the MVP and the Vezina Trophy if the Rangers and Canadiens keep playing well. The Rangers have won nine in a row and they are really on a mission to win the Stanley Cup this season.
New All-Star game format announced, 3-on-3 tournament here we come!
The NHL All-Star game is getting a makeover for this year, as Yahoo Sports reports that the league is going to a 3-on-3 format. The fantasy draft will be scrapped for this year and instead the league will split players into four "divisional teams" and will have a tournament with 20-minute mini-games. Yahoo Sports reports on the rules, writing: "Instead, there will be four divisional teams - nine or 10 skaters apiece, a couple of goaltenders. The two teams in the Eastern Conference would play a 20-minute mini-game. The two teams in the Western Conference would play a 20-minute mini-game. And then you would have the two winners play a 20-minute mini-game." Check here for the new All-star game format and rules.