1. Winnipeg Jets 27-12-1
After unexpected losses to both Anaheim and Detroit, Winnipeg is now barely hanging onto the top spot. Are the Jets finally running out of fuel?
2. Vegas Golden Knights 27-8-3
Up 2 spots. After wins against Philly and Buffalo, the Golden Knights have now taken the lead for the most points in the NHL standings with 57 (just above the Jets and Capitals, who have 56). They have been the most consistently strong team of the top 3 over the past month or so and have won 8 of their last 10 games. Will they continue their dominance and be anointed #1?
3. Washington Capitals 25-12-2
The Caps suffered frustrating shootout losses to both the Wild and Sabres but defeated the Rangers. They remain tied with Tampa Bay for the most goals per game in the NHL and are just outside the top 5 in least goals against per game. Ovechkin is back, but other members of the team have cooled off. Will they be able to find their groove again and fully capitalize on Ovi’s return?
4. New Jersey Devils 24-14-3
The Devils move down two spots after losing to both the Kings and the Sharks. While they’ve allowed the 4th least goals against per game, they sit just outside the top 10 in goals per game. The devil’s in the details.
5. Carolina Hurricanes 26-14-1
Carolina beat Florida & Pittsburgh but lost against Minnesota. While they have still taken the highest amount of shots per game, they will need to start scoring on more of these opportunities to truly take the league by storm.
6. Minnesota Wild 24-11-4
The Wild beat the Capitals and Hurricanes this past week. What’s truly wild is the success they’ve enjoyed this season despite ranking 19th in goals per game, right behind the Canadiens.
7. Toronto Maple Leafs 25-13-2
Toronto is now on a 4 game win streak after defeating the Islanders, Bruins, and Phillies this past week. If Matthews can stay healthy, will they finally be able to turn over a new leaf?
8. Edmonton Oilers 23-12-3
Up a spot. The Oilers beat the Ducks and Kraken and are now riding a 3 game winning streak. When they heat up, few teams can match their explosiveness.
9. Tampa Bay Lightning 20-15-2
Down a spot. That’s now 4 straight losses after falling to the Sharks, Kings, and Ducks this past week. Despite this, they are still tied for 1st in goals per game and are just outside the top 10 for the least amount of goals against per game. Their offense has been quiet of late, but it will start to strike again sooner rather than later.
10. Los Angeles Kings 23-10-5
Up a spot. The Kings now sit atop a 4 game win streak after defeating the Devils and Lightning. It’s a long way up still. Do they have what it takes to rise up the ranks and take the throne?
11. Dallas Stars 23-13-1
Up a spot. Wins against Ottawa & Utah. That’s 4 in a row!
12. Florida Panthers 23-12-4
Down 2 spots. A win against the Penguins & a loss vs. the Hurricanes.
13. Colorado Avalanche 23-16-0
A win against the Sabres but a loss to the Canadiens.
14. Ottawa Senators 19-17-2
Losses to both the Stars & the Blues.
15. Boston Bruins 20-17-4
Losses to the Rangers, Leafs & Islanders. That’s 4 in a row now.
16. Vancouver Canucks 18-12-8
A win against the Kraken but losses to both the Predators & Canadiens.
17. New York Rangers 18-20-1
Wins against Boston & Chicago and a loss to Washington.
18. Calgary Flames 17-12-7
Losses to both the Hockey Club and the Predators.
19. Utah Hockey Club 17-14-7
A win against the Flames and a tough luck loss to the Stars in OT.
20. St. Louis Blues 18-18-4
A win against Ottawa but a loss to Columbus.
21. Pittsburgh Penguins 17-16-7
Tough OT Losses to both the Panthers & Hurricanes.
22. Columbus Blue Jackets 16-17-6
Up a spot. A win against the Blues and a close loss to Detroit.
23. Montreal Canadiens 16-18-5
Up 2 spots. OT Wins against both the Avalanche and Canucks. Lost to the Blackhawks.
24. Philadelphia Flyers 16-18-5
Lost to the Golden Knights & then to the Leafs in OT.
25. Seattle Kraken 17-21-3
Down 3 spots after losses to the Canucks (OT), Oilers, and Devils.
26. New York Islanders 14-17-8
An OT win vs. Boston and a loss to the Leafs.
27. Buffalo Sabres 15-20-5
Lost in OT to the Avalanche, lost to the Golden Knights, but managed to beat the Capitals.
28. Anaheim Ducks 15-18-5
Beat the Jets in OT, defeated the Lightning, and lost to the Oilers.
29. Detroit Red Wings 16-18-4
Up a spot. Wins vs. the Blue Jackets and the Jets.
30. Nashville Predators 13-19-7
Down a spot. Wins vs. the Canucks and the Flames.
31. San Jose Sharks 13-22-6
Close wins vs the Lightning and the Devils.
32. Chicago Blackhawks 13-24-2
A win against the Canadiens and a loss to the Rangers.
