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Six weeks into the season, are the New York Islanders this year’s version of the Vegas Golden Knights?

With the third-best record in the Metropolitan Division, they just might be. Then again, I’d feel much better about their playoff chances if the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals weren’t breathing down New York’s neck, just one point back in the standings — or if the Islanders weren’t in the midst of a three-game losing streak after previously winning five straight.

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That being said, the team that lost John Tavares in the summer is performing better than anyone expected. And they are far from alone.

From the Pacific Division-leading Vancouver Canucks to the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres, who are holding down unlikely wild card spots in the Eastern Conference, we could be in store for another season of surprises — and subsequent disappointments.

In my mind, the biggest surprise so far has been Montreal. And the biggest disappointment has been Edmonton.