1. Winnipeg Jets
The Jets have been the best team all year. They have a top 5 offense and the best defense in the league by a fairly wide margin. They should have a great shot to win the cup if they are able to simply continue doing what they have been.
2. Washington Capitals
The Capitals have the 2nd best offense in the league and a top 10 defense. Led by Alexander Ovechkin, the now all-time NHL leading goal scorer, Washington has had a magical season so far. If they are able to lock in defensively for the playoffs and continue dominating offensively, they should have a great shot at a storybook ending.
3. Vegas Golden Knights
With many teams shifting their strategy and personnel around them, Vegas has just kept doing its thing all year. Armed with a top 5 offense and a top 3 defense, the Knights have been one of the NHL’s very best teams and are looking great entering now into the playoffs. Will it be a Golden finish?
4. Dallas Stars
The Stars have one of the best offenses in the league coupled with a very good defense. While they have been struggling lately, they are locked into the playoffs and have a lot of depth, with three great scoring lines. If they can right the ship in time, they have as good a shot as any team to win it all.
5. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning have the top offense in the NHL and a top 5 defense. By these metrics they could easily be within the top 3 teams, but are merely 8th in points this season. Does this mean that Tampa Bay has trouble executing when it counts? Or could it mean that they are overdue for more success, and that this will happen just in time to win the cup?
6. Toronto Maple Leafs
All season it’s felt like the Leafs have had trouble putting everything together, but at last they look as dangerous on ice as they do on paper. They have two exceptionally gifted top lines, a solid defense and a very good goalie tandem. With things clicking at the perfect time for Toronto, will they be the ones to raise the cup in the end?
7. Florida Panthers
The defending champs have been dealing with significant injuries lately, as well as a costly suspension. That said, they should have everyone back in time for the playoffs, which should give them a tremendous boost. The question is, will they be able to get all systems back online and running smoothly in time to win the cup?
8. Colorado Avalanche
Colorado has a top 5 offense and a decent defense. They have done a nice job of patching up holes this year and are led offensively and defensively, respectively, by two of the most exciting players in the league: Nathan Mackinnon and Cale Makar. If their goalies can keep the ice in their veins, the Avs will have a good shot.
9. Los Angeles Kings
What a late season push by the Kings! They are now 6th in the standings in points. The key to their success is their defense, which is 2nd only to Winnipeg. If they can turn on the heat offensively and just keep things airtight on defense, watch out!
10. Carolina Hurricanes
Carolin is top 10 both offensively and defensively. Though they have slid a bit of late, they have been a great team all season. They will have their work cut out for them in the playoffs, but if they play their best game then they could certainly make some noise.
11. Edmonton Oilers
12. Ottawa Senators
13. New Jersey Devils
14. Minnesota Wild
15. St. Louis Blues
16. New York Rangers
17. Montreal Canadiens
18. Columbus Blue Jackets
19. Utah Hockey Club
20. Vancouver Canucks
21. Detroit Red Wings
22. Calgary Flames
23. Buffalo Sabres
24. Boston Bruins
25. New York Islanders
26. Philadelphia Flyers
27. Anaheim Ducks
28. Pittsburgh Penguins
29. Seattle Kraken
30. Nashville Predators
31. Chicago Blackhawks
32. San Jose Sharks
