The NHL playoffs are underway, and although some series are tight, others appear to be runaways in the early going. These 10 teams not only had strong regular seasons, but they also have what it takes to make a deep playoff run:
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 did lose game 3 of their series to the Blues, but have a 2-1 series lead.
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 will play game 3 of their series tonight and currently have a 2-0 series lead.
3. Vegas Golden Knights
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. They are currently losing their series to the Wild 2-1, but a win in game four will put them right back on track.
4. Toronto Maple Leafs
This is by far the best the Leafs have looked all season. They are leading their series over the Sens 3-0.
5. Florida Panthers
The defending champs have handled the high-octane Tampa Bay offense. They lead the series 2-0 and have won both games handily.
6. 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. They lead their series over the Oilers 2-0, but the series does shift back to Edmonton, starting tonight.
7. Dallas Stars
They have been one of the best teams all season, and have a 2-1 series lead over the Avalanche. With a win in game 4, they would take complete control of the series and have 2 of the next 3 games at home if the series goes that far.
8. Colorado Avalanche
They won game one of the series but have lost games 2 and 3. If they don’t win game 4 at home, their season is all but over.
9. Carolina Hurricanes
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. They have dominated the Devils so far, but we will see what happens as the series shifts to New Jersey.
10. Tampa Bay Lightning
They entered the playoffs as a possible top 5 team overall, but the Panthers have taken control of the series, winning the first 2 games in Tampa. Tampa will need to essentially win both games 3 and 4 in Florida to really have any chance.
