As part of TSN's NHL30: Mid-season report, TSN Hockey Insider Craig Button has compiled his report card for how the league's 30 clubs have fared so far in 2013.
To no surprise, it's the Chicago Blackhawks that earn the highest marks, having gone more than half the truncated season with just two regulation losses. Close behind them, however, are the Anaheim Ducks - who have benefitted from standout goaltending to complement their usual burst of offensive firepower.
For Canada's teams the results have been varied.
The Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs all earned Button's praise for outperforming preseason expectations and for making the most out of roster facelifts.
Under new general manager Marc Bergevin, the Habs earned the highest grade of any Canadian franchise with an A. With a much-improved defence and goaltending under Randy Carlyle, the Toronto Maple Leafs got a B+, while Paul MacLean's Senators got an A- despite missing cornerstones Jason Spezza, Erik Karlsson and Craig Anderson.
The disappointments start to mount as you head West, with the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets all struggling to meet their varying levels of expectation.
With struggles in goal and on special teams, the Vancouver Canucks earned a C+, while Alberta's teams took home D+ grades. The Jets, meanwhile, appear to have the least to correct of the four and rated a B-.
Check out Button's full list to find out your team's grade and what they have done so far to deserve it.
