By: Andrew Utz ~Staff Writer~

The NHL season has been in swing for three weeks, and surprising trends have already sprung up across the league. The Montreal Canadiens are currently undefeated, knocking off Western Conference leader St. Louis on Tuesday night, winning 3-0. It was St. Louis’ second loss of the season. Locally, the Columbus Blue Jackets are dead last in the entire league, unable to convert a win across the seven games they have played. Their game against the defending champion Chicago Blackhawks had a disappointing 4-1 score line. Then, Columbus dropped its latest game against the Islanders Tuesday night, 4-0. This marks the first time they were shut out this season.

Elsewhere in the league, rookies Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel have been showing off why they were the top two draft picks this year. McDavid, who signed with the Edmonton Oilers, has registered three goals through six games. He currently leads the Oilers’ second line at center and has registered two assists. Eichel leads the Buffalo Sabre’s second line at the same position but has yet to convert an assist in the season so far. Instead, he has scored two goals in five games. The two have a long season ahead of them, but it is only a matter of time before fans see a huge breakout in their play.

Going from young to old, long-time NHL veteran Jaromir Jagr is still skating, signing another year-long contract with the Florida Panthers at the end of last season. The 43-year old is the oldest player in the league, with Dan Boyle being the next closest at 39. Already Jagr has registered four goals in five games and has added another three assists to his ledger. The right winger has also connected well in the first line with center Alexsander Barkov. 20-year old Barkov is having his own breakout season, registering three goals and three assists in the same number of games.

The puck has only just dropped, but an exciting season is already underway.