Disappointing first ten games for the Malmo Nighthawks

[scoop 3,426]

After ten games, the Malmo Nighthawks have a 4-4-2 record, which is worse than they were hoping after an off-season spent making trades to improve the team. They are fifth in the European Conference, just two points ahead of the last place teams. This opening stretch of the season saw the Nighthawks playing a lot of games against teams expected to be in the thick of the playoff race in the European Conference, so it was a good opportunity to get an early leg up on the competition. Instead, they were a middling team, and have particularly struggled when it comes to scoring goals. At 2.3 goals-per-game, they are in the bottom of the the teams in that stat. Ten of those goals came in just two games played, so in the other eight, they have averaged 1.6 goals-per-game. It is early, but it is not a great sign at this point.

 

The Nighthawks have an opportunity to take advantage of what should be some easier competition over the next five games, if you trust the pre-season rankings. In that span, they will play D.C. twice, and each of Moscow, Calgary, and Warsaw once. The Dragons have actually played very well to open the season. No one expects them to stay on the top, though, so don't be surprised if Malmo has an easy 5-0 record over the next few days.