Another week has passed, bringing fresh NHL power rankings.
Several teams have made strides to establish themselves as legitimate Cup contenders this week, notably the Devils and Capitals, while the bottom tier remains largely unchanged—though the Flyers have distanced themselves from the Sharks and Canadiens.
- Winnipeg Jets (15-3-0)
Last Week: 1
A 4-1 defeat to the Lightning on Friday revealed that the Jets are not invincible. However, following dominant victories against the Stars and Rangers earlier in the week, they maintain their status as the top team. Their once-scorching offensive momentum has waned somewhat in the past week, which was expected, but their power play continues to be reliable. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck still boasts the best goals-against average among netminders with at least ten starts.
- Minnesota Wild (11-3-3)
Last Week: 4
Aside from a messy overtime loss to the Blackhawks, the Wild have been securing the wins they need. They have had an easy stretch against teams with losing records, but the competition stiffens this week with tough matches against St. Louis, Edmonton, and Calgary. Kirill Kaprizov is on track for the Hart Trophy, while teammate Matt Boldy is also contributing with ten goals.
- Vegas Golden Knights (11-4-2)
Last Week: 6
After a 5-2 defeat to the Hurricanes, Bruce Cassidy’s team bounced back with solid victories over the Ducks and Utah. However, they face a challenging back-to-back against the Leafs and Senators before heading to Montreal and Philadelphia later in the week. Despite recent struggles, the Knights are still averaging close to 34 shots per game, allowing Tomas Hertl to find his rhythm in his second season with the team.
- Carolina Hurricanes (12-4-0)
Last Week: 2
With Freddie Andersen still sidelined, the Hurricanes have had some challenges in goal, though you wouldn’t guess it from their 4-0 shutout against the Senators. However, Carolina has dropped games to Colorado and Utah recently, with Pyotr Kochetkov taking only his second loss of the season. On a brighter note, they lead the league in shots per game this past week, although they have struggled on the power play, scoring just twice in 14 opportunities.
- Florida Panthers (11-5-1)
Last Week: 3
Unexpected back-to-back losses to the Devils, particularly by multi-goal margins, were surprising. Nonetheless, a 5-0 victory over Winnipeg helped dispel any concerns about a potential Cup hangover. However, ranking seventh in penalty minutes over the last week is alarming, and Sam Reinhart is currently the only player with multiple goals during that span.
- New Jersey Devils (12-7-2)
Last Week: 9
Two consecutive road wins against the defending champions speak volumes, especially as the Devils combined for ten goals in those games. They are arguably the most entertaining team in the league right now, led by Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes, who has scored three times in the last week. Despite ranking third in penalty minutes, they have managed to score four power-play goals in that period. They have a three-day break following a disappointing shutout loss to the Lightning before facing the Hurricanes.
- Washington Capitals (11-4-1)
Last Week: 7
An overtime loss to the Leafs was tough, but the Capitals rebounded with a strong 5-2 victory in Colorado. They will face the Avs again on Thursday and have a key matchup against the Devils at home. With 16 goals, they lead the league in scoring over the past week.
- Dallas Stars (11-5-0)
Last Week: 5
It’s hard to criticize a team that scored seven goals in back-to-back wins against the Penguins and Bruins, even if both teams are struggling. Following a tough defeat to the Jets earlier in the week, the Stars’ offense seems to have ignited. After their game against the Wild, they will host the Ducks and Sharks before facing tough matches against Tampa and Carolina. The Stars need to take advantage of power play opportunities and improve their discipline.
- New York Rangers (10-4-1)
Last Week: 8
Currently, the Rangers hold the first Wild Card spot in the East, but they have yet to prove themselves against top competition. They have only three wins against teams over .500, and last week’s blowout loss to the Jets raised questions about their readiness. With challenging road games against the Canucks, Flames, and Oilers this week, we will soon see what they are made of.
- Toronto Maple Leafs (11-6-2)
Last Week: 12
The Leafs showed some resilience with a comeback win in overtime against the Capitals, and they followed it up with another strong performance against Edmonton. However, they suffered an ugly shutout loss to Ottawa, revealing some cracks in Anthony Stolarz’s game. Auston Matthews remains out, but the team’s schedule allows for recovery with only two games against Vegas and Utah this week. With a packed schedule recently, it’s tough to judge their performance too harshly.
- Tampa Bay Lightning (9-6-1)
Last Week: 13
The Lightning are one of three teams that have managed to beat the Jets, which is impressive. Nikita Kucherov has had a quiet week, but team members Victor Hedman and Jake Guentzel have stepped up. Tampa has a favorable road trip this week, facing Pittsburgh and Columbus before kicking off a homestand against Dallas and Colorado.
- Vancouver Canucks (8-4-3)
Last Week: 10
Quinn Hughes, arguably the best defenseman right now, has helped mitigate a rough stretch that included heavy losses to the Oilers and Islanders. The upcoming week looks easier with only two games against the Rangers and Senators, which should provide relief for a team that has allowed 13 goals in the past week. With their scoring still inconsistent, Brock Boeser’s return is eagerly anticipated.
- Edmonton Oilers (9-7-2)
Last Week: 15
The Oilers have returned to form, winning three straight against the Canucks, Islanders, and Predators, leading up to an exciting overtime loss to the Leafs. Connor McDavid has been dazzling, while Leon Draisaitl has excelled on both offense and defense. Additionally, Edmonton’s defensive play has improved, averaging just over 21 shots against per game.
- Colorado Avalanche (9-9-0)
Last Week: 16
A 5-2 loss to the Capitals ended the Avalanche’s brief three-game winning streak. Regardless of the outcomes, Nathan MacKinnon has carried the team lately, on pace for nearly 160 points. With Gabriel Landeskog still out, Mikko Rantanen’s sudden scoring surge (six goals in four games) has been remarkable. This week features four road games on the East Coast against Philadelphia, Washington, Florida, and Tampa.
- Ottawa Senators (8-8-1)
Last Week: 21
The Senators have made significant improvements recently, highlighted by Linus Ullmark’s first shutout against the Leafs. Brady Tkachuk leads in goals, while Tim Stutzle is starting to live up to expectations, posting 21 points in 16 games. With solid offensive performance and only one team allowing fewer shots against recently, Ottawa is looking promising. Upcoming games against Edmonton, Vegas, and Vancouver should be exciting.
- Los Angeles Kings (9-6-3)
Last Week: 11
The Kings have struggled, losing three of their last four games, all by multiple goals. The upcoming week offers a chance to regroup with two home games against Buffalo and Seattle. Improving their power play, which has only produced one goal in six opportunities, should be a focus for head coach Jim Hiller.
- New York Islanders (7-7-4)
Last Week: 14
Injuries and blown leads continue to plague the Islanders. Matthew Barzal and Anthony Duclair are still out, complicating their tough five-game road trip. They managed to push the Oilers to overtime but struggled defensively on the game-winning goal from Leon Draisaitl. Consistency in the third period remains a concern, as they allowed five goals in the last week.
- Detroit Red Wings (7-8-1)
Last Week: 20
The recent West Coast road trip has highlighted weaknesses for the Red Wings, though Patrick Kane seems to be improving, and Alex DeBrincat is performing well. However, the offense is inconsistent, and they rank last in shots on goal, despite continued success on the power play. The coming week includes two games against the Islanders and one against the Bruins, a critical stretch as Thanksgiving approaches.
- Buffalo Sabres (8-9-1)
Last Week: 17
The placement of Tage Thompson on injured reserve last week was a tough blow for a team that seemed to be gaining momentum. While the Sabres still have enough talent to stay afloat, they face challenges with an upcoming West Coast road trip.
- Calgary Flames (9-6-3)
Last Week: 23
Goal scoring has been difficult for the Flames, but they’ve managed to secure a couple of wins against the Kings and Predators. The team, led by defenseman Rasmus Andersson, is performing well above expectations. Nazem Kadri hasn’t replicated his strong November from last season, but Calgary remains solid defensively. This week brings three home games against the Islanders, Rangers, and Wild.
- Boston Bruins (8-8-3)
Last Week: 18
Jeremy Swayman, who recently signed an eight-year contract, had a tough game, allowing seven goals to the Stars. The Bruins continue to struggle in the East, with lackluster play in recent games. They have not scored on their last eight power play opportunities, and first-period scoring remains a significant issue. On the upside, David Pastrnak is finding the back of the net again.
- Seattle Kraken (9-8-1)
Last Week: 27
Jared McCann has quietly had a better year so far. The Kraken put together three solid wins against Vegas, Columbus, and Chicago, entering a quieter week with two games against Nashville before heading to face the Kings. They currently rank 22nd in shots and need to increase their offensive output to remain competitive.
- St. Louis Blues (8-9-1)
Last Week: 24
The Blues faced a four-game losing streak leading up to Saturday’s game against Boston. Jordan Binnington had a decent month previously, but his GAA has now risen to 3.80. The upcoming week looks difficult, and it’s unclear whether the team is genuinely rebuilding or just trying to maintain a mid-level standing. The handling of Jordan Kyrou has also been perplexing.
- Nashville Predators (5-10-3)
Last Week: 25
The Predators have lost three straight games but managed to earn points in two overtime losses to the Avalanche and Oilers. Although they are still competitive, there hasn’t been much to cheer about, aside from Juuse Saros’ solid play (2.52 GAA). Saros has logged the most minutes among goalies and will need to be sharp this week against the Jets.
- Philadelphia Flyers (8-8-2)
Last Week: 31
Matvei Michkov and Travis Konecny have been highlights in recent games, with three of the Flyers’ last five wins coming in overtime or shootouts. The upcoming schedule presents challenges against Colorado, Carolina, and Vegas, but with 11 goals scored in their last three games, there’s potential for at least one victory.
- Columbus Blue Jackets (6-9-2)
Last Week: 19
A 6-2 win over the Penguins snapped a six-game losing streak, although the Jackets may still be among the weakest teams in the league. They are competitive most nights, scoring 12 goals in their last four games, but Elvis Merzlikins’ GAA is now above 3.00, and they haven’t faced many strong opponents recently.
- Pittsburgh Penguins (7-10-3)
Last Week: 22
It’s officially panic mode in Pittsburgh after three consecutive losses to Dallas, Detroit, and Columbus. Kris Letang continues to deal with an undisclosed issue, leading to speculation of a potential fire sale after Lars Eller was traded back to Washington. The Penguins have allowed 19 goals in their last four games, averaging over 35 shots against, leaving them in a tough spot despite a shootout victory against the Sharks.
- Utah Hockey Club (7-7-3)
Last Week: 26
The Utah Hockey Club surprised with a win over the Hurricanes last week, but they followed it with a disappointing performance against Vegas. They have struggled to score in the third period all season and have only found the net once on their last seven power play opportunities.
- Anaheim Ducks (6-8-2)
Last Week: 28
The Ducks ranked high on the Most Watchable Teams list recently, yet securing wins has been challenging. However, they managed victories against Columbus and Detroit last week. After a strong start, Lukas Dostal’s performance has declined, with a GAA of 4.28 this month. Still, without him, their win total would likely be significantly lower.
- Chicago Blackhawks (6-10-1)
Last Week: 29
Ryan Donato has emerged as the MVP for the Blackhawks during this month, surprising given Connor Bedard’s presence. Their recent 2-1 overtime victory over the Wild was unexpected, but they rank last in goals scored during the same period, highlighting their struggles.
- San Jose Sharks (5-10-4)
Last Week: 30
No one anticipated the Sharks’ 1-0 win over the Devils, and they followed it up with losses to the Flyers and Rangers. With a challenging schedule ahead against the Stars, the Sharks remain one of the league’s weaker teams, though they can take solace in a solid performance from goalies Vitek Vanacek and Mackenzie Blackwood.
- Montreal Canadiens (6-10-2)
Last Week: 32
Elliotte Friedman noted that a few star players in Montreal might be looking for a trade to a contending team. The Habs ended a six-game losing streak with a win over the Sabres before getting shut out by the Wild. They bounced back with a surprising 5-1 win over the Blue Jackets, but the focus has been on Sam Montembault, who leads all goalies in losses with eight.
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