from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,

- My early coach of the year favourite: Claude Julien in Montreal. That team plays hard, fast and with purpose. Reminds me of Vegas from a year ago.

- Late bloomer Yanni Gourde, who scored more goals and more points last season than Nylander, just signed with Tampa for six years and $5.1 million per year. He may be four-and-a-half years older than Nylander but that’s a value deal for the Lightning. Gourde has 12 points in 12 games this season.

- Barry Trotz’s New York Islanders have more points, early season, than Trotz’s former team, the Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals

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