DALLAS, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 29: Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets warms up before the game against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center on February 29, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
These are the top 8 teams in the NHL as the season nears it’s end:
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)
Winnipeg has been consistently dominant all season and they remain at the top of the standings heading into the playoffs. While there are many great teams and anything can happen, the Jets seem like the best bet to go all the way this year.
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 just surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s goal record and now has the most goals of any player ever. It will be really exciting to watch this team in the playoffs, and it would be really special to see them take home the cup.
3. 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 rolled with the punches this season and have managed to keep improving along the way. They are simply one of the best teams in the game and have a great shot at winning the cup.
4. Colorado Avalanche
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 23: Samuel Girard #49 of the Colorado Avalanche skates on the ice during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on December 23, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Their secret weapon is superstar defenseman Cale Makar. Makar has scored 30 goals, as many as the likes of top offensive players like Auston Matthews and Sidney Crosby. The Avalanche have done a great job addressing their weaknesses this year and look primed to make a push for the cup.
5. 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)
All things considered, they are a rock-solid squad with no glaring weaknesses, and they could be a sneaky good pick to win the Stanley Cup this year.
6. 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)
Despite their recent struggles, the Panthers have a great shot at winning the Stanley Cup again this year.
7. 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)
They certainly have the talent to win it all, so hopefully, they can carry this momentum forward, as this is the perfect time for them to fit all the pieces together.
8. Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay could easily be ranked as high as 3rd or 4th in these rankings, but they just don’t have the wins to show for it. That could all change come playoff time, and if the Lightning went on to win the cup this year, it wouldn’t be surprising in the least.
