Goal differential is usually indication of how successful a team is in the NHL. However, there are a few exceptions this season. The Anaheim Ducks are in the negative, yet they are among the top-4 in the Western Conference. The Chicago Blackhawks are on the plus side, but 25th overall.
NHL Teams ranked by Goal Difference
| Detroit +59 | Vancouver +5 | St. Louis -11 |
| Dallas +33 | NY Rangers +3 | Columbus -11 |
| Ottawa +26 | Colorado +3 | Carolina -13 |
| Montreal +19 | Chicago +1 | Washington -14 |
| Pittsburgh +15 | Phoenix E | Edmonton -18 |
| Philadelphia +13 | Anaheim -1 | Tampa Bay -22 |
| San Jose +9 | Calgary -4 | NY Islanders -25 |
| Nashville +8 | Boston -6 | Los Angeles -25 |
| Buffalo +7 | New Jersey -6 | Toronto -28 |
| Minnesota +6 | Florida -8 | Atlanta -30 |