These are the top 10 teams currently in the NHL playoffs and why they can advance to the next round:
1. Winnipeg Jets
No surprise here. The Jets have kept the boosters on since the start of the season and are elite both offensively and defensively. They have taken the first 2 games in their series against the Blues and will look to continue flying high.
2. Washington Capitals
“Ovi-ously” the Caps come in at #2, as they have the all-time leading goal scorer to help try and lead them to a Stanley Cup. Washington was the only other team to rank #1 in these power rankings at one point, and you know they’ll do everything they can to finish the season back up in that spot. They currently lead Montreal 1-0.
3. Vegas Golden Knights
Up 1-0 against Minnesota, the Golden Knights are armed with a lethal offense and shielded by an even better defense. They are looking like a serious contender for the cup this year.
4. Tampa Bay Lightning
As pointed out in last week’s article, the Lightning have the top offense in the NHL and a top 5 defense. Despite finishing a bit lower in the standings in the regular season, Tampa Bay has what it takes to defeat any team on this list in the playoffs. They have what it takes to win the cup.
5. Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto has been amazing lately and is up 1-0 against Ottawa. They will have their work cut out for them if they make it to the next round, as they will either face the defending champs or the Lightning. However, this is by far the best the Leafs have looked all season.
6. Florida Panthers
I’m very excited for this series. The defending champs will have a tough time defending themselves against the high-octane Tampa Bay offense, but Brad Marchand has returned, and Matthew Tkachuk will be a game-time decision for their first game. Both of these players are capable of sparking the rest of the offense and giving a much-needed boost to Florida’s morale.
7. Los Angeles Kings
The Kings have one of the best defenses this year and have really built up considerable momentum to finish the regular season. It’s cool that they face Edmonton, as the two teams are polar opposites in nature. I’m betting on the better defense, but the Oilers certainly have the offensive personnel to prove me wrong.
8. Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton has an impressive offense on paper, yet they have struggled defensively this year, and their offense has underperformed in actuality, finishing the season outside the top 10 in goals per game. Maybe they’ve just been saving it for when it counts most?
9. Dallas Stars
The Stars have fallen behind 1-0 against the Avalanche, but they could easily turn things around and make it to the next round. They have been one of the best teams all season, but unfortunately, they will almost certainly face Winnipeg if they do end up defeating Colorado. Hence, the lower rank here.
10. Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes
Colorado is up 1-0 against the Stars, and they do have what it takes to defeat them if they can keep the momentum going. Unfortunately, they face the same problem even if they do manage to defeat Dallas: Winnipeg is likely next.
Carolina is leading their series against New Jersey 1-0. They definitely have what it takes to make it to round 2, but if they do, they will likely face Washington. I’m not sure they have what it takes to stop that force.
