These are the top 10 teams in the NHL right now:
1. Washington Capitals
For the first time all season, the Winnipeg Jets are not the top team in these rankings. The Washington Capitals have been hot on their heels for a while now and have finally surpassed them in points. Washington has the best-performing offense in the NHL and is right where they want to be as we move closer and closer to the playoffs. They have earned this ranking and are absolutely capable of winning the whole shebang this year.
2. Winnipeg Jets
Although Winnipeg is no longer the definitive top team, they are still leaps and bounds ahead of every other team besides Washington. As mentioned previously, these 2 teams are neck and neck with each other at the top of the league and, really, in a league of their own. It’s beautiful. Poetic. Where the Caps are rocking the best offense, the Jets are rocking the best defense. Like Yin and Yang. It’s anyone’s guess which one will win out in the end.
3. Dallas Stars
The Stars are in 3rd place in the official standings and have been playing great hockey in the month of March so far. They rank 5th in goals per game and have allowed the 4th least goals against per game. They have a lot of depth and talent and will be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs.
4. Florida Panthers
The Panthers are tied with the Avalanche for 6th in points and have played great hockey in March. Florida is just inside the top 10 for most goals per game and least goals allowed per game this season, and they are currently without 3 of their best players in Matthew Tkachuk, Brad Marchand, and Aaron Ekblad. All 3 are expected back in time for the playoffs (Ekblad will miss the first 2 playoff games), and this could be exactly what it takes for the defending champs to seize the cup once again.
5. Colorado Avalanche
Colorado is tied with Florida right now in the official standings, and the Avalanche have impressively won 80% of their games in March. They have scored the 6th most goals per game and have allowed the 11th least goals against per game. Their lineups are really clicking, with most of their players healthy now, and of course, Cale Makar is performing at the top of his game as the best defensive talent in the NHL, which all bodes very well for Colorado come playoff time.
6. Carolina Hurricanes
Up a spot. The Hurricanes are ranked 5th in the official standings and have been superb so far this month. They have scored the 8th most goals per game while allowing the 6th least goals against per game. The fact is, Carolina has been one of the better teams all season. Their play right now indicates that they are coming for that cup, and they will be underestimated at the peril of anyone foolish enough to do so.
7. Vegas Golden Knights
Up a spot. Vegas is actually 4th right now in the official standings, and the Golden Knights have been playing consistent hockey for months. They have scored the 4th most goals per game while allowing the 7th least goals against per game. Thomas Hertl, who has been a key part of their offense, just went down with an injury, but hopefully,y it isn’t anything too serious. On the bright side, top defender Shea Theodore should be coming back soon from the injured reserve. All in all, the Golden Knights look very good- as they have all year- and ready to make their push for the Stanley Cup.
8. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning are just outside of the top 10 in points and have won just half of their March games so far. That said, they remain 2nd in goals per game and have allowed the 8th fewest goals against per game. You can bet they will be a formidable force in the playoffs and I doubt anyone would be too surprised if they heat up to finish the regular season and end up going on to win it all.
9. Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs haven’t played good hockey in March. They are scoring the 9th most goals per game but sit mid-pack in goals against per game, as they have allowed the 17th most. Defense is clearly an issue for Toronto that needs to be addressed if they hope to make a serious push to win the Cup. That said, they do have the talent to do so.
10. Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton is has played well in March, so we will see if they can carry that into April. They rank 7th in goals per game while allowing the 14th fewest goals against per game. The Oilers are currently without their best 2 players, as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisatl both sustained injuries lately. Fortunately, while it is uncertain exactly when either will return, both are expected to be back well before the start of the playoffs. Like Toronto, Edmonton’s main issue is clearly their defense. However, also like Toronto, the Oilers definitely have the talent to challenge for the cup.
