MIAMI, FL – JUNE 10: Joe Sakic #19 of the Colorado Avalanche takes the Stanley Cup from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after the Avalanche defeated the Florida Panthers in Game 4 of the 1996 Stanley Cup Finals on June 10, 1996 at the Miami Arena in Miami, Florida. (Photo by B Bennett/Getty Images)
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
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)
No surprise here. The Jets have kept the boosters on since the start of the season and are elite both offensively and defensively.
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)
“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.
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)
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. 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)
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.
5. 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)
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 they can handle Tampa or anyone.
6. 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.
7. 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)
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. 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)
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.
9. 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)
Unfortunately, even if they can get by Dallas, they likely face Winnipeg next and they will be outmatched.
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)
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.
