1. Winnipeg Jets
Now rocking a 10-game win streak, the Jets are still soaring at full speed above the rest of the NHL. Their consistency is unparalleled this season, as they have remained in the top spot in these rankings all year. Winnipeg is now tied with Tampa Bay for the 2nd most goals per game in the NHL while allowing the least goals against per game. Combining the best defense with one of the very best offenses is the perfect recipe for success. They remain the logical pick to win the Stanley Cup for these reasons.
2. Washington Capitals
While Winnipeg has been the best team all year, Washington hasn’t been far behind, and indeed, they are just 1 point behind the Jets in the standings (and 8 points above the 3rd place Stars!). One gets the sense that, as the season goes on, Washington’s hunger for the cup just continues to grow. This is an extremely powerful element behind the considerable momentum Washington is gaining. They also had to deal with Ovechkin being sidelined for a while, and now that he is back to full health and leading the way, the Caps are firing on all cylinders. They now lead the NHL in goals per game and are tied with the Stars for 3rd least goals against per game. In their last 2 games, they have looked the most intimidating that they have all year, and they are sending a resounding message that they will do everything they can to win that cup.
3. Dallas Stars
Up 2 spots. The Stars have shown incredible resiliency this season, which speaks to their considerable depth. Over the past month Dallas has scored the 2nd most goals per game- behind only Buffalo- and they are 5th on the season in goals per game and tied with Washington for allowing the 3rd least goals against per game. They are now rocking 3 very dangerous lines on offense while sporting an excellent defense backed by Oettinger and DeSmith, who are both playing very well. Things are all coming together at the right time for the Stars, and they will no doubt be one of the teams pushing for the cup.
4. Edmonton Oilers
Down a spot. Despite a demoralizing loss to Washington on Sunday, the Oilers are still one of the most intimidating teams in the NHL due to their impressive offensive personnel. Their problem, especially of late, has been their defense. Over the past month, the Oilers have actually allowed the 4th most goals allowed. They are still rocking the 4th most goals per game on the season, but they’ll want to find a way to shore things up defensively. Right now, they have the look and feel of a glass cannon, which can certainly be effective but is a risky way to enter into the playoffs. Either way, Edmonton does have enough talent to make up for their defensive weaknesses and try to snag that cup regardless.
5. Carolina Hurricanes
Down a spot. Did you know that Carolina has the highest expected goal percentage and expected goal differential in the league? As it is, they are 6th on the season in goals per game while being very solid defensively, allowing the 8th least goals against per game. While the Hurricanes have actually lost 4 of 5 February games, they are still top 10 in the standings and remain a force to be reckoned with heading into the playoffs. If things start to break their way more, watch out!
6. Florida Panthers
Up 2 spots. Over the past month, the defending champs have been in the top 5 for both goals per game and least goals against per game. This is exactly what you want to see if you are a Panthers fan and exactly what you don’t want to see if you’re the rest of the league. They are now 7th in goals per game (tied with the Knights) on the season and have allowed the 13th least goals against per game- both numbers which are steadily improving. Florida is heating up at the right time, and there’s no doubt that they will be a cup contender once again.
7. Vegas Golden Knights
Down a spot. While the Golden Knights have slowed down some from the torrid pace they were on a month ago, they have still positioned themselves extremely well heading into the playoffs, as they are currently 4th in the standings. They are 8th and tied with the Panthers for goals per game, and have allowed the 8th least goals against per game. Vegas is just solid to very good all around, and this bodes well for them contending. They have no glaring weaknesses.
8. Tampa Bay Lightning
Down a spot. The Lightning are tied for 2nd in goals per game with the Capitals and are allowing the 6th least goals against per game. It’s a bit of a head-scratcher, then, that they are merely 12th in the standings, tied with Colorado. The good news is that they are now on a 5 game win streak, and odds are in their favor that they will continue to rise up the ranks as we head into the playoffs. They are too good to be held down for long, and this is why I have them this high in these rankings. In many ways, they have as good a chance to claim the cup as any team after Winnipeg and Washington.
9. Toronto Maple Leafs
Up a spot. Toronto has won 5 of their 6 games this month, 2 of which were notable victories against the Oilers and the Hurricanes. They are now 5th in the standings, tied with the Oilers and the Wild. While they only rank 12th in goals per game and have allowed the 11th least goals against per game, they are one of the teams that are heating up at the right time. Toronto certainly has the talent to go all the way this year; they just need to put it all together.
10. New Jersey Devils
Down a spot. While New Jersey is merely 13th in goals per game, they have consistently been one of the best teams in the NHL defensively this season and are currently allowing the 2nd least goals per game. They have slowed down a bit as the season has gone on but are still top 10 in the standings. They will be a team worth watching to see if they can ignite things a bit on offense, and in this way they are sort of the opposite in nature to Edmonton. In the end, will they prove that having a good defense is more important?
11. Minnesota Wild
12. Colorado Avalanche
13. Los Angeles Kings
14. Ottawa Senators
15. Columbus Blue Jackets
16. Boston Bruins
17. Vancouver Canucks
18. New York Rangers
19. Detroit Red Wings
20. Calgary Flames
21. Utah Hockey Club
22. St. Louis Blues
23. Buffalo Sabres
24. Pittsburgh Penguins
25. Montreal Canadiens
26. Philadelphia Flyers
27. Seattle Kraken
28. New York Islanders
29. Anaheim Ducks
30. Nashville Predators
31. San Jose Sharks
32. Chicago Blackhawks