After a fun week on the ice, here are the top 10 teams in the NHL right now!
1. Washington Capitals
VANCOUVER, CANADA – MARCH 16: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates during the first period of their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on March 16, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images)
Have moved into 1st. The Caps had wins against the Leafs and Canadiens, as well as a close overtime loss to the Sharks. Their performance as a team this year, especially considering the injury to Ovechkin, is nothing short of amazing.
2. Winnipeg Jets
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)
After losses against the Blues and Bluejackets and wins vs. the Sabres and Blackhawks the Jets are still towards the top of the league, but they are down one spot.
3. Carolina Hurricanes
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – MARCH 09: Martin Necas #88 of the Carolina Hurricanes scores a first period powerplay goal against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on March 09, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The Hurricanes lost against the Kraken and Islanders and won their game against the Avalanche.
4. Toronto Maple Leafs
TORONTO, CANADA – JANUARY 13: William Nylander #88 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates with the puck against the Colorado Avalanche during the second period in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on January 13, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Avalanche defeated the Maple Leafs 5-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
The Leafs won against the Blackhawks and Predators and lost to the Capitals and Penguins.
5. Minnesota Wild
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 07: Kirill Kaprizov #97 of the Minnesota Wild looks on during the first period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on February 07, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Wild beat the Canucks and Ducks and lost to the Kings. They may still be under ranked, as they are tied for 1st in points with the Jets and Caps and are allowing the least amount of goals per game in the league.
6. Vegas Golden Knights
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 27: Jack Eichel #9 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates his second-period short-handed goal against the Dallas Stars in Game Three of the First Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on April 27, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The Golden Knights are now at the top of the Pacific Division and on a 3-game winning streak after defeating the Oilers, Ducks, and Stars.
7. New Jersey Devils
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 13: General view of the New Jersey Devils jersey logo during the second period of the game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on April 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Devils won their games against the Rangers and Kraken but lost to the Avalanche. They have the best power play percentage in the league and are strong both offensively and defensively.
8. Tampa Bay Lightning
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 19: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates his third-period empty-net goal against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on March 19, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
The Lightning beat both the Sharks (8-1!) and Canucks. They are second in the league in goals scored per game.
9. Dallas Stars
DALLAS, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 26: Logan Stankoven #11 of the Dallas Stars warms up before the game against the New York Islanders at American Airlines Center on February 26, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
2 close losses against the Golden Knights and Kings and wins against the Hockey Club and Flames. The loss of Seguin for likely the season is a tremendous blow.
10. Florida Panthers
SUNRISE, FL – MARCH 16: Aleksander Barkov #16 of the Florida Panthers skates prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Amerant Bank Arena on March 16, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
The Panthers won against the Flyers and Sharks and lost to the Penguins.
