As the NHL season moves into its second quarter we have already seen surprises, both mild and marvellous.
Phil Kessel is scoring so much in Toronto that he has been mentioned as an early MVP candidate, but the break-out play - and continued good health - of Joffrey Lupul, his linemate, might be the real shocker.
Or should we be more stunned that the Leafs are near the top of the Eastern Conference standings despite the absence of their starting goalie, James Reimer, one of last season's second-half surprises, who has been out since mid-October with a concussion?
Jonas Gustavsson, Reimer's much-maligned back-up, and young Ben Scrivens, who was toiling in the low minors at this time last year, have run hot and cold, but they have been good enough.
It has helped that Toronto's offence has exploded a few times, scoring seven against the Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning in the past week.
There were other teams that got off to better-than-expected starts, but the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers fell back to earth a bit after battling for first place in the West throughout October.
The Minnesota Wild continue to perform at a pace that few thought possible.
The Wild sit top of the Western Conference even though Dany Heatley and Devin Setoguchi, their supposed gunners, have managed just six goals apiece, and Niklas Backstrom, the longtime franchise goalie, has battled injuries and been in and out of the line-up.
A big reason for Minnesota's success is the fact Josh Harding, Backstrom's longtime backup, has been sensational, and the Wild has returned to their defensive roots. It is easier to play that style when you are winning - and right now, everything is looking pretty easy in Minnesota.
That was not the case for the Boston Bruins in the early going, as the defending Stanley Cup champions endured an awful October that had them in line to be the biggest disappointment of the first quarter.
But when the calendar flipped to November, the Bruins flipped the switch and reeled off 10 consecutive victories, most of which were lop-sided decisions.
The solution, it turns out, was tinkering with a few lines.
Once Claude Julien, the coach, teamed youngsters Tyler Seguin and Brad Marchand with two-way star Patrice Bergeron, the Bruins took off with championship flair.
And, yes, it helps that Tuukka Rask spelled Tim Thomas while the veteran goalie slowly got going.
Thomas is rolling now, and that is trouble for the NHL's other 29 teams. Of course, Boston's recovery and return to dominance is one thing that should not come as a surprise.
