Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Welcome back to The Hockey News’ NHL power rankings, where we rank all 32 teams based on their weekly performance.
We’ve reached the unofficial cutoff line for the playoffs. In past seasons, the vast majority of teams who were in playoff position by Thanksgiving made the postseason. There are exceptions, of course, but in about a month, teams on the outside looking in will really have to consider if they will be buyers or sellers.
This week’s NHL power rankings will assign a status to each team, be it contender, pretender, lottery-bound or otherwise.
1. Carolina Hurricanes (16-5-1, +30). Last week: 1)
Contender. Playoff disappointments aside, the Hurricanes have figured out the formula to finish at the top of the standings every season. The imminent return of Pyotr Kochetkov is good news, but no matter who’s in net, the Canes’ style – heavy on puck possession, limiting opposition shots – ensures they’ll be successful no matter what.
2. Winnipeg Jets (18-5-0, +34. Last week: 2)
Contender. Consecutive first-round exits aside, the Jets have the best record and best points percentage since last season. We thought maybe after two straight losses by a combined 9-1 score the Jets would slow down, but instead, they won three of their next four.
3. New Jersey Devils (15-8-2, +19. Last week: 7)
Contender. This is the first season the Devils should be considered true contenders after shoring up their goaltending and defense. Since their four-game winless streak, they’re 10-4-0.
4. Washington Capitals (15-6-1, +30. Last week: 5)
A dark horse? They’re hovering around low-end contender to playoff lock status, but with so many players outperforming expectations, it’s been difficult to really get a good read on them. They’ll definitely make the playoffs, but they’re 2-2-0 without Alex Ovechkin.
5. Minnesota Wild (14-4-4, +17. Last week: 3)
Contender. The Wild lineup feels a little thin, and they’re being carried by an MVP-caliber season from Kirill Kaprizov. Filip Gustavsson is also having an under-the-radar Vezina-caliber season.
6. Toronto Maple Leafs (13-7-2, +8. Last week: 4)
Contender. Like the Jets, we can joke about the early playoff exits, but the fact remains they’re one of the NHL’s best teams. An excellent home record helps, but keep in mind they’re also doing this without Auston Matthews.
Related: If The Maple Leafs Want Another Center, Islanders’ Brock Nelson Is The…