It’s the Jets and the Capitals.. then everyone else! Here is what is happening in the hockey world right now!
1. 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)
2 more wins and 1 loss for the Jets, with a combined 14 goals across those 3 games. For now, Winnipeg stays at the top.
2. 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)
Washington won both of their games this past week. At this point, it’s more of a 1A, 1B situation with the Jets and Capitals at the top of the NHL.
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)
2 wins and a loss this past week for the Hurricanes, though they were all relatively soft matchups. Carolina ranks 4th in the league in goals per game but are still trying to improve things defensively.
4. 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)
Up a spot. 2 wins and 2 losses for the Wild. Minnesota has allowed the 2nd least amount of goals per game in the league.
5. 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)
Up a spot. The Golden Knights had notable wins this past week against the Jets and the Wild but lost to the Oilers, who have been surging.
6. 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)
Up 3 spots. 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.
7. Toronto Maple Leafs
TORONTO, CANADA – MARCH 02: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the New York Rangers at Scotiabank Arena on March 02, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images)
Down 3 spots despite winning 3 of their past 4 games. Toronto’s offense still sits in the bottom half of the league in goals per game despite the return of Matthews. Fortunately, their defense has been holding down the fort.
8. 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)
The Stars beat the Blues in an overtime win but lost 4-1 vs. the Predators. This is the only game Nashville has won in their past 10, which is not a great omen for Dallas.
9. 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)
Up 3 spots. The Lightning beat both the Sharks (8-1!) and Canucks. They are second in the league in goals scored per game.
10. 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)
Up a spot. The Kings won 2 and lost 1. They have now allowed the least amount of goals against per game in the NHL, and their offense has been very solid.
