Early season results and pre-season projections show most NHL clubs positioned well above the 80-point threshold in the expanded 84-game schedule, driven by strong rosters among contenders like the Carolina Hurricanes, Edmonton Oilers, and Vegas Golden Knights, who sit atop current standings with paces exceeding 110 points. Rebuilding sides such as the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, and Chicago Blackhawks face steeper climbs due to poor starts and projected totals in the low 80s or below. Roster depth, goaltending stability, and injury management remain pivotal, as do schedule difficulty and the ability to accumulate points in overtime losses. Recent form from the first two weeks underscores how quickly momentum can shift trajectories for borderline teams.