Around the NHL: Franchise first, slow starts and more

The most storied franchise in NHL history has done something it never has before. For the first time in 106 years, the Montreal Canadiens are 5-0-0. More impressively, they have won four of those five on the road. 

Carey Price out dueled Henrik Lundqvist 3-0 on Thursday night to earn the fifth victory. Price made 25 saves picking up his 35th career shutout and seventh against the Rangers. The reigning MVP is picking up right where he left off.

Montreal has started 4-0-0 on three occasions. Each time they went on to win the Stanley Cup. 

Stanley Cup Hangover ?

It is just five games into the season for the Chicago Blackhawks but they find themselves in a position they are not accustomed to, below .500. The defending champs dropped the season opener to the Rangers, won their next two before losing to both Philadelphia and Washington.

At 2-3-0 it is no time to panic. Chicago is too good a team. One may wonder is it the Stanley Cup hangover, the Patrick Kane saga hanging over their head, the roster turnover or possibly just tired players? The Hawks have played a lot of hockey over the past six seasons.

Even Slower Starts

There are currently seven NHL teams that do not have a win. Toronto, Carolina, New Jersey, Columbus, Los Angeles, Edmonton and perhaps most surprising, Anaheim.

The Ducks are a popular pick to win the Western Conference and the Stanley Cup this season. Granted it is still very early and Anaheim has played just three games so far. It's not even their 0-2-1 mark in those games that is cause for concern either.

Where Anaheim and their fans should be concerned is the eight to one goal differential in those games. That's right, Anaheim has scored just one goal through three games. Surprising considering the Ducks have Getzlaf, Perry and Kesler on their roster.

Like Chicago, the Ducks have plenty of time to right the ship but in order to do so they will need to find the offense.

League Leaders

Goals – Parise (5)

Assists – Karlsson, Hanzal (7)

Points – Zetterberg, Karlsson, Hanzal (7)

Plus/Minus – Markov (+8)

Wins – Price (4)

Bill Minchin is a contributing writer for Flyerdelphia. Follow Bill on Twitter @wtfd103074