Biggest surprises of the season so far

While the 2009-10 NHL season isn’t even a week old, there are already a few surprises. Here’s why you should (and shouldn’t) be worried about your favorite team’s slow start.

Roberto Luongo and the Canucks are 0-3

The Canucks captain has a 4.55 GAA in three appearances this season as Vancouver has been outscored 13-6 in losses to Calgary, Colorado, and Columbus.

Why you should be concerned: If the Canucks continue their slow start, it will be tough for them to rebound in the middle of the season when they have a 14-game road trip from late January to mid-March. Another reason to be concerned: Andrew Raycroft is the backup.

Why you shouldn’t be concerned: Luongo has historically been a slow starter. The pressure is huge for Luongo to perform well this season so he can be the starter for Team Canada at the Olympics in Vancouver. Once he settles down, look for him to return to his old self.

Are the Maple Leafs truculent enough?

With huge expectations going into this season after Brian Burke re-tooled the team’s blueline and added toughness up front, the Leafs are now 0-2-1 with huge question marks in goal.

Why you should be concerned: The Leafs still don’t have scoring power and they’re going to rely too heavily on Phil Kessel, who hasn’t completely proven himself as a top offensive power. Also, Vesa Toskala is still inconsistent and rookie Jonas Gustavsson can’t be relied on to carry the entire load this season in his first year playing in North America. Not to mention Luke Schenn looks to be having a serious sophomore slump so far.

Why you shouldn’t be concerned: It’s only a matter of time before the revamped team starts to click. And Kessel’s return in November from shoulder surgery should give the Leafs a much-needed spark. Hopefully by then it won’t be too late.

Stanley Cup Final hangover in Detroit?

The Red Wings started 0-2 in Sweden with two losses to the Blues. Goaltenders Chris Osgood and Jimmy Howard split the losses for a team with an aging defense and missing offensive pieces.

Why you should be concerned: The departures of Marian Hossa, Jiri Hudler, and Mikael Samuelsson are being felt. Both Osgood and Howard have save percentages below 85 percent and Nicklas Lidstrom has been kept off the scoresheet so far. And when Kirk Maltby and Dan Cleary are tied for the team lead in points, there’s probably reason for concern.

Why you shouldn’t be concerned: They’re the Red Wings.