NHL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, most interesting December games

We’ve made it past the NHL’s quarter mark, and as we turn our calendars over to the final month of the 2023 calendar year, there are a great many fantastic matchups to watch before the Winter Classic on New Year’s Day. Whether it’s playoff-bound juggernauts facing off for the first time this season, or fans getting to see a familiar face in an unfamiliar jersey, there is something special in store for all 32 clubs.

For this week’s edition of the Power Rankings — which feature a new team at No. 1! — we’ve identified the most interesting game (or games) on the December slate for each team.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors each send in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list here.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Nov. 24. Points percentages are through the games of Nov. 30.

Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 78.57%
Next seven days: @ NSH (Dec. 2), vs. SJ (Dec. 3), @ OTT (Dec. 5)

Game of the month: Dec. 22 vs. Edmonton. Sure, there’s another matchup against the Bruins this month, but stars shine brighter on Broadway, so we’re anxious to see what Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl & Co. have in store for their matchup at Madison Square Garden this season.

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 75.00%
Next seven days: @ TOR (Dec. 2), vs. CBJ (Dec. 3), vs. BUF (Dec. 7)

Game of the month: Dec. 16 vs. New York Rangers. Round 1 between these two Eastern powers went to the Blueshirts, 7-4, last weekend. Who takes Round 2, with the setting changed to TD Garden?

Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 70.83%
Next seven days: vs. WSH (Dec. 2), vs. STL (Dec. 4), @ STL (Dec. 6)

Game of the month: Dec. 23 at Florida. As the reigning champs, the Knights have been getting every opponent’s best effort in every game. But there’s something different about a matchup against the team you defeated in the Cup Final. Expect some fire in this one.

Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 72.50%
Next seven days: vs. COL (Dec. 3), @ CBJ (Dec. 5), @ MTL (Dec. 7)

Game of the month: Dec. 30 vs. Edmonton. The past two Kings seasons have concluded thanks to playoff series losses to the Oilers. So while the ultimate goal of advancing farther than the first round won’t be achieved until the spring, L.A. can get some small amount of revenge here…