NHL Power Rankings – 1-32 poll, points pace vs. expectation

After a month of the 2022-23 NHL season, some teams are clearly surpassing preseason expectations while others have stumbled badly at the start.

In this week’s power rankings, we take a look at the preseason point total over/unders established by Caesars Sportsbook, and how far teams are beyond or below that mark based on their point projections.

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 the previous edition, published Nov. 4. Points paces are through Thursday’s games.

Previous ranking: 2
Preseason O/U: 97
Points pace: 142
Next seven days: vs. STL (Nov. 12), vs. SJ (Nov. 15), vs. ARI (Nov. 17)

Coach Bruce Cassidy has the Golden Knights exceeding their preseason over/under by the greatest number of points, thanks to a defense that’s the best in the NHL in front of steadier-than-expected goaltending.

Previous ranking: 1
Preseason O/U: 97
Points pace: 141
Next seven days: @ BUF (Nov. 12), vs. VAN (Nov. 13), vs. PHI (Nov. 17)

While the rest of the NHL was wondering if their championship window was still open, the Bruins started the season by taking a wrecking ball, knocking down the entire wall and saying, “Here’s your window.” And they did it without Charlie McAvoy, who returned to the ice this week.

Previous ranking: 8
Preseason O/U: 89.5
Points pace: 129
Next seven days: vs. ARI (Nov. 12), @ MTL (Nov. 15), @ TOR (Nov. 17)

The Devils’ current pace would more than double their standings point total from last season (63). Amazing what a healthy core and some occasional saves can do.

Previous ranking: 11
Preseason O/U: 93.5
Points pace: 107
Next seven days: vs. SJ (Nov. 11), @ PHI (Nov. 13), @ TB (Nov. 15), @ FLA (Nov. 17)

The Pete DeBoer Effect is in full swing in Dallas, as the veteran coach averages a 103.5-point pace in his first…