theScore's new series, "The Noise," is published every Monday. It kicks off each week with a quick look at three teams or players making headlines, good or bad.
Zach Werenski
Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine are getting all of the attention among rookies, but a certain Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman deserves more credit than he's getting early on.
Zach Werenski picked up his ninth assist Sunday in a win over the Washington Capitals, helping them improve to 10-4-2, and 8-1-1 in their last 10 games.
The Blue Jackets have won four straight contests thanks in large part to Werenski's play on the blue line. The 19-year-old has two goals and an assist in that span and leads all Columbus defensemen with 14 points in his first 16 NHL games.
Only Seth Jones is logging more ice time than Werenski for the Blue Jackets. The latter blue-liner is tied for third among rookies in points, and only Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander has more among rookies on the power play.
New York Islanders
We knew the Islanders would have trouble compensating for the loss of Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen, but we didn't think it would be this bad.
Andrew Ladd has three points in 17 games, and his struggles have been indicative of the larger picture for New York. The Islanders have difficulties scoring and defending, ranking 21st in goals for per game and 24th in average goals allowed.
They also have the third-worst power play in the league and the ninth-worst penalty kill. That's just not going to get it done, and won't get much easier with Travis Hamonic expected to miss another month with his injury.
Carolina Hurricanes
Can winning silence relocation rumors?
It seems like nothing will when it comes to the Carolina Hurricanes, but they've been doing their part to quell the latest scuttlebutt about their future.
The Hurricanes finished off a five-game homestand with four consecutive wins, including statement victories over the Washington Capitals, San Jose Sharks, and Montreal Canadiens.
They still have work to do if they want to be a playoff team, but there have been some encouraging signs that point to future gains.
Related: Why Bill Peters might be right about the Hurricanes' playoff chances
Cam Ward has allowed only four goals during the four-game win streak, shutting out the Sharks and limiting the Capitals to a single goal in a 5-1 victory. Offseason acquisition Teuvo Teravainen is also on a roll, with three goals and four assists in his last five games.
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