Apr 15, 2019; Raleigh, NC, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) looks on against the Carolina Hurricanes in game three of the first round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Washington Capitals 5-0. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
These are the top 8 teams in the Stanley Cup Playoffs heading into Saturday:
1. Winnipeg Jets
MONTREAL, QC – MARCH 04: A close-up detail of the Winnipeg Jets logo seen during the second period at the Bell Centre on March 4, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. The Winnipeg Jets defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
No surprise here. The Jets have kept the boosters on since the start of the season and are elite both offensively and defensively. They did lose game 3 of their series to the Blues, but have a 2-1 series lead.
2. Washington Capitals
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 23: A general view of the Washington Capitals jersey logo during the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Capital One Arena on October 23, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
“Ovi-ously” the Caps come in at #2, as they have the all-time leading goal scorer to help try and lead them to a Stanley Cup. Washington was the only other team to rank #1 in these power rankings at one point, and you know they’ll do everything they can to finish the season back up in that spot. They lost game 3 to the Canadiens in Montreal, and although it’s not panic time, allowing six goals in a game isn’t good.
3. Toronto Maple Leafs
SUNRISE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 19: The Toronto Maple Leafs logo is seen on a jersey during the third period of a game against the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on October 19, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
This is by far the best the Leafs have looked all season. They are leading their series over the Sens 3-0 and have a chance to sweep tonight.
4. Florida Panthers
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 30: A detail of the Florida Panthers logo during the third period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on October 30, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The defending champs have handled the high-octane Tampa Bay offense. They lead the series 2-0 and have won both games handily.
5. Dallas Stars
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 15: A general view of the Dallas Stars jersey logo during the second period of the game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on December 15, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
They have been one of the best teams all season, and have a 2-1 series lead over the Avalanche. With a win in game 4, they would take complete control of the series and have 2 of the next 3 games at home if the series goes that far.
6. Los Angeles Kings
MONTREAL, CANADA – OCTOBER 17: A closeup view of the Los Angeles Kings crest during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on October 17, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Los Angeles Kings defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
The Kings have one of the best defenses this year and have really built up considerable momentum to finish the regular season. They lead their series over the Oilers 2-1, but the Oilers might have grabbed momentum after their 7-4 win in game 3.
7. Vegas Golden Knights
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 15: A general view of the Vegas Golden Knights jersey logo during the second period of the game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on October 15, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Golden Knights are armed with a lethal offense and shielded by an even better defense. They are looking like a serious contender for the cup this year. They are currently losing their series to the Wild 2-1, but a win in game four will put them right back on track.
8. Carolina Hurricanes
MONTREAL, CANADA – APRIL 01: A closeup view of the Carolina Hurricanes’ logo during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell on April 1, 2023 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
They definitely have what it takes to make it to round 2, but if they do, they will likely face Washington. I’m not sure they have what it takes to stop that force. They lead their series over the Devils 2-1 after an OT loss in game 3.
