The Seattle Kraken, the newest team to join the NHL this year, entered with high expectations, but have had a rough start with a record of 4-9-1. The Colorado Avalanche began the season as the Stanley Cup favorite but sputtered early with injury problems and a record of 5-5-1. They have landed themselves fifth out of eight in the Central Division. The Tampa Bay Lightning, the reigning Stanley Cup Champions, have struggled to retain their position as the top team, having lost their third line due to players’ injuries, retirements, suspensions and trades.

The Florida Panthers’ coach Joel Quenneville resigned October 28 amid sexual assault allegations. Quenneville had the second-most wins of any coach in NHL history, and still had three years and $15 million left in his contract with the Panthers. The Panthers had a successful start to the season with an eight-game win streak, but soon after Quenneville resigned, they suffered their first loss against the Boston Bruins. They still remain the top team in the league in terms of points with 22.

The local team, the Los Angeles Kings, had a difficult time at the beginning of the season with a six-game losing streak and lost their star defenseman Drew Doughty to a knee injury. However, they have had a major comeback with a seven-game win streak, rising from the bottom of the Pacific Division standings to the middle of the pack. If they continue their success, they will clench a playoff spot for the first time in four years.