Knee-jerk reactions to first two weeks of NHL season

The NHL season is just two weeks old and about a month away from Thanksgiving, a key benchmark date in the league, as nearly 80 percent of teams in a playoff position go on to make the postseason.

As teams begin to settle in, some have started hot, while others have faltered. Several players, too, have set themselves apart from the pack. Although it's only been two weeks, reactions to this first handful of games are plenty. Let's take a look at some knee-jerk reactions to the beginning of the season.

The Detroit Red Wings are playoff contenders

Going into the season, many predicted the Red Wings to finish just outside the playoffs after a quiet offseason from general manager Steve Yzerman.

Thanks to head coach Todd McLellan, who took over last season on Dec. 26, an electric trio of rookies in Emmitt Finnie, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Axel Sandin-Pellikka and a red-hot start from captain Dylan Larkin, Detroit has won five in a row and sits third overall in the league.

After a poor opener against Montreal, McLellan called out his team's effort. If McLellan can keep motivating them, there's no reason they won't break their nine-season playoff drought.

Jack Eichel is on his way to his first Hart Trophy

The Vegas Golden Knights' top center has gotten off to a fantastic start this season, leading the league with 15 points in six games. After signing an eight-year, $108 million extension, Eichel clearly is still motivated, looking to add to a Hart Trophy to his resume.

While Eichel won't be hitting his projected 205 points, he may end the season as the league's leading scorer, especially if his teammates Pavel Dorofeyev (six goals in six games) and Mitch Marner (eight points in six games) continue their hot start.

According to FanDuel, Eichel is currently tied for the third best odds to win the Hart Trophy at +800, but don't be surprised if he continues to move up the ladder.

The Calgary Flames are primed for a bottom-five finish

The Calgary Flames are currently sitting at the bottom of the league with a 1-5-0 record and a goal differential of -14. Goaltender Dustin Wolf, who finished second in the Calder Trophy race last season and was a big reason for their 96-point finish, has a .854 save percentage and 4.30 goals-against-average.

The Flames are also last in the league in goals for per game (1.97), something they also struggled with last season (2.68, 29th).

If they can't fix their scoring and Wolf's struggles continue, they could be on track for a bottom-five finish. Luckily for Calgary Fans, with elite 2026 draft talent led by forward Gavin McKenna, high lottery odds may help land the team an elite player.

Igor Shesterkin will have to carry the New York Rangers to the playoffs

After missing the playoffs last season, the Rangers fired head coach Peter Laviolette and brought in veteran and two-time Stanley Cup champion Mike Sullivan.

So far, New York's start to the season has been a mix of good and bad. While they have managed a .500 record (3-3-1), they have yet to score a goal at home in three games. They also took a hit to their forward depth after top six center Vincent Trocheck was announced as out week-to-week with an upper body injury.

One bright spot? Goaltender Igor Shesterkin. The Russian netminder currently leads the league with a 1.00 goals-against-average and .962 save percentage. If they Rangers want to get back to the playoffs, Shesterkin will need to have an MVP-level season.