Blog

NHL: Power Rankings

John Carando

Published

April 12, 2025

It’s the final week of the NHL season, and here is the final regular season power rankings:

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)

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 at winning the cup if they are able to simply continue doing what they have been doing.

2. 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 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

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)

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

WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 15: A general view of the Dallas Stars jersey logo during the second period of the game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on December 15, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

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

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)

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

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 30: A detail of the Florida Panthers logo during the third period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on October 30, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

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

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 23: Samuel Girard #49 of the Colorado Avalanche skates on the ice during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on December 23, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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

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)

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

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 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.