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Top 10 NHL Teams Right Now

Staff

Published

January 6, 2025

These are the top 10 teams in the NHL RIGHT NOW:

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)

After unexpected losses to both Anaheim and Detroit, Winnipeg is now barely hanging onto the top spot. Are the Jets finally running out of fuel?

2. 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)

Up 2 spots. After wins against Philly and Buffalo, the Golden Knights have now taken the lead for the most points in the NHL standings with 57 (just above the Jets and Capitals, who have 56). They have been the most consistently strong team of the top 3 over the past month or so and have won 8 of their last 10 games. Will they continue their dominance and be anointed #1?

3. 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)

The Caps suffered frustrating shootout losses to both the Wild and Sabres but defeated the Rangers. They remain tied with Tampa Bay for the most goals per game in the NHL and are just outside the top 5 in least goals against per game. Ovechkin is back, but other members of the team have cooled off. Will they be able to find their groove again and fully capitalize on Ovi’s return?

4. 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 move down two spots after losing to both the Kings and the Sharks. While they’ve allowed the 4th least goals against per game, they sit just outside the top 10 in goals per game. The devil’s in the details.

5. 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)

Carolina beat Florida & Pittsburgh but lost against Minnesota. While they have still taken the highest amount of shots per game, they will need to start scoring on more of these opportunities to truly take the league by storm.

6. Minnesota Wild

The Wild beat the Capitals and Hurricanes this past week. What’s truly wild is the success they’ve enjoyed this season despite ranking 19th in goals per game, right behind the Canadiens.

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)

Toronto is now on a 4 game win streak after defeating the Islanders, Bruins, and Philly this past week. If Matthews can stay healthy, will they finally be able to turn over a new leaf?

8. Edmonton Oilers

MONTREAL, CANADA – FEBRUARY 12: A detailed view of the Edmonton Oilers’ logo during the third period against the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell on February 12, 2023 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Edmonton Oilers 6-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

Up a spot. The Oilers beat the Ducks and Kraken and are now riding a 3 game winning streak. When they heat up, few teams can match their explosiveness.

9. Tampa Bay Lightning

Down a spot. That’s now 4 straight losses after falling to the Sharks, Kings, and Ducks this past week. Despite this, they are still tied for 1st in goals per game and are just outside the top 10 for the least amount of goals against per game. Their offense has been quiet of late, but it will start to strike again sooner rather than later.

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 now sit atop a 4 game win streak after defeating the Devils and Lightning. It’s a long way up still. Do they have what it takes to rise up the ranks and take the throne?

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