Ah, October, the Islanders and Flames hate to see you go.

These poor stepchildren stunned puck watchers with glittering starts. Now, as the Halloween witching hour passes, will their coaches turn into pumpkins, their players thrown into the graveyard of league standings?

Here's a peek at what the new month holds for the Isles, Flames and a few other clubs fighting off November's chill:

New York Islanders: The Isles' "Welcome back to the NHL" tour makes back-to-back stops in Detroit and Philadelphia later this week. If they can sweep the Wings and Flyers, on the road, there may be no stopping the rejuvenated Isles.

New York begins a five-game road trip on Nov. 10 in Montreal. When they return, the Islanders open a seven-game home stand which takes them into early December.

Calgary Flames: Roman Turek & Co. open the month on home ice against the Blue Jackets and Canadiens. Hey, guys, don't blow those games.

After a quick two-day California trip to face the Ducks and Kings, the Flames return home for another four-game home stand, which includes visits from the Avs, Hawks, Blues and Kings. Greg Gilbert's boys better continue to take advantage of their early home schedule, as they face a killer nine-game road trip in March.

New York Rangers: Amazing. Despite a defense that doesn't understand the concept of "defensive-zone play" the Rangers are a game over .500, including a 4-2 win against the Stars on Oct. 29.

The Rangers can make a move on some of their conference rivals in November. Team Lindros plays eight of its 11 games against Eastern opponents.

Chicago Blackhawks: Who wants Tony Amonte? Well, that's a column for later in the season. As for the suddenly-hot Hawks, they have a chance to take advantage of the near-empty confines of the United Center.

As the calendar turns, Chicago sits in the middle of a stretch in which they play nine of 11 on home ice. If they could just sell some tickets, they might actually enjoy a real home-rink advantage. Even if nobody's watching, Brian Sutter has done a great job behind the bench. In the middle of the month, they head out on a six-game road swing which will take them from Western Canada back through the midwest.

Anaheim Mighty Ducks: Paul Kariya's crew opened an eight-game home stand with a 3-2 loss to the Avs on Sunday. If things don't go better in the final seven games of the stand, beaks could roll. Namely, the beak of GM Pierre Gauthier.

If he gets quacked, coach Bryan Murray could fill a dual role. Anaheim closes out November with a six-game Eastern swing.

Pittsburgh Penguins: This could be a tough month for the Pens, who'll be without Mario Lemieux (hip), Martin Straka (broken leg) and Alexei Kovalev (knee). Who steps up? Stephane Richer? Kris Beech? Kevin Stevens? Good luck, Rick Kehoe.

Like the Rangers, the Pens face a bunch of Eastern foes in November, including two meetings with the Devils. If they aren't careful, they could be stuffing by Thanksgiving.

E.J. Hradek writes puck for ESPN The Magazine. E-mail him at ej.hradek@espnmag.com.