1-32 poll, plus early takeaways for every team

We’re two weeks into the 2021-22 NHL season, and there have been many surprises in the early going — both positive and negative.

Here is our updated ranking of all 32 clubs, plus the key takeaways that stand out most for each.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors rates teams against one another — taking into account game results, injuries and upcoming schedule — and those results are tabulated to produce the list featured here.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to our preseason rankings, published on Oct. 8. Points percentages are through the games of Oct. 26.

Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 1.000
Upcoming schedule: vs. BOS (Oct. 27), @ DET (Oct. 29), @ BOS (Oct. 30)

There are a lot of reasons why the Panthers are 6-0 thus far, none bigger than the razor-sharp goaltending of Sergei Bobrovsky and Spencer Knight. While they’ve been securing the fort, Aleksander Barkov and Sam Bennett are blowing things open at the other end. It’s early still, but Joel Quenneville’s group looks like a top Stanley Cup contender.

Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 1.000
Upcoming schedule: vs. BOS (Oct. 28), vs. CHI (Oct. 29), vs. ARI (Oct. 31)

Forward depth? Check. Smothering defense? Check. Outstanding goaltender? Check. Coach pushing the right buttons? Check. Most talked-about social media post of the season? Yes, that too. Carolina jumped out to a 6-0-0 record and has all the pieces in place for a special run.

Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 1.000
Upcoming schedule: vs. PHI (Oct. 27), @ VAN (Oct. 30), vs. SEA (Nov. 1)

The Oilers are one of the last four undefeated teams, and it’s not just because of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The addition of Zach Hyman has been a perfect fit up front. Mike Smith and Mikko Koskinen are a solid tandem in net. And there’s the power play, which is clicking at an incredible league-high 47.1% to start the season.

Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 1.000
Upcoming schedule:…