NHL Power Rankings: Week 24
The Wild Card races are tight as can be. Several teams in the East have a chance at making the playoffs and 4 teams in the West are separated by only a couple points. The final stretch will be something to behold.
#16 New York Rangers (33-29-6; 72 Points)
Previously Unranked
The Rags have battled their way back into a playoff spot, but are still 4-4-2 in their last 10. They have the most games played among their peers so they don’t control their destiny. I would say they are likely to make it given their roster, but I won’t because I don’t trust them at all. Luckily Igor is doing his thing and might carry this team in.
#15 St. Louis Blues (33-28-7; 73 Points)
Previously Unranked
St. Louis has been on a tear since Jim Montgomery entered the chat. Since the hiring, the Blues are first in 5v5 expected goals against, improving the defense issues and scoring goals. Further, Jordan Binnington, coming off a fantastic Four Nations, has been reawakened. No one wants to see that guy in the playoffs. Playoff Binner is a thing. They sit just outside the playoffs but with the best record as of late among all of the possible teams, my money is on the Blues.
#14 Ottawa Senators (36-25-5; 77 Points)
Previously #15
It’s the tale of two cities in Ontario. Ottawa has been fantastic, and we are going to see Brady Tkachuk in the playoffs. We might even get to see the Tkachuk bowl in round 1, assuming Matty can get healthy for game 83. What a season it’s been for Ottawa and what a step forward.
#13 Minnesota Wild (38-25-5; 81 Points)
Previously #12
Minnesota now has a negative goal differential. The injury issues have completely ruined this team’s chances, unfortunately. The Wild are not looking okay and honestly, we could see the other teams below them push them into warning territory.
#12 New Jersey Devils (37-26-6; 80 Points)
Previously #13
They just have the injury bug but their play early probably got them into the playoffs. Simon Nemec has been great.
#11 Toronto Maple Leafs (40-24-3; 83 Points)
Previously #9
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in trouble. 5 losses in 6 games and things aren’t looking to impressive right now. I had said before that this is the best Leafs team we have seen, but they aren’t coming together right now. They are still in the running for the Atlantic and its in their best interest to make it because otherwise you’re stuck playing Tampa or Florida…again!
#10 Edmonton Oilers (39-24-4; 82 Points)
Previously #8
The first games of the road trip were disastrous. But the last couple games saw the Oilers play with some heart, passion, and desperation. We are seeing some players start to awaken within the forward group. The defense core is starting to look a little better. Bouchard is simplifying and it’s helping tremendously. Lastly, Leon Draisaitl. He is the best player in the world right now. He is the pick for MVP, and if you don’t see that, you need to really recheck your data. He has completely carried this Oilers team offensively and is showing amazing defensive attributes that his coach wants him considered for the Selke. He got paid big $ and instead of cashing in, he has taken his game to another level. He loves being in Edmonton and as a lifelong fan, it’s pretty emotional to hear that from one of the leagues best.
#9 Los Angeles Kings (36-21-9; 81 Points)
Previously #11
Kings are of the best defensive teams in the league and the numbers show it. This version of the Kings could, and likely will give the Oilers a run for their money.
#8 Tampa Bay Lightning (39-23-5; 83 Points)
Previously #6
Since Jan. 5., the Bolts have had the 2nd best record in the NHL. 39 of their 83 points have come since we celebrated the New Year. I feel so bad for the team who has to face them in round 1, and its either the defending Cup Champs or the Leafs. Unless they really go on a tear and win the division which is 100% still at play.
#7 Colorado Avalanche (41-24-3; 85 Points)
Previously #10
Dallas and Colorado. Colorado and Dallas. Round 1 of the 2025 Playoffs. Mikko Rantanen against his old team. Two NHL Juggernauts. They score in spurts and excitement is riddled all throughout. This is the stuff of wet dreams.
#6 Vegas Golden Knights (39-20-8; 86 Points)
Previously #5
Adin Hill hasn’t been lights out the underlying numbers haven’t been pretty. But this Vegas team has a stout and big defense core and that is the difference. That and the likes of Jack Eichel matter so much. They are a team that slows you down and is always hard to play against. None of the teams in the Pacific have been very consistent as of late, but my pick to come out, as of right now, is Vegas.
#5 Florida Panthers (41-24-3; 85 Points)
Previously #4
Florida has been outscored 6-1 at even strength with Seth Jones on the ice. The loss of Aaron Ekblad might be more costly then I thought. They will make the playoffs but their position in the standings might the difference between home ice and not.
#4 Carolina Hurricanes (41-22-4; 86 Points)
Previously #7
The Hurricanes do this every year. They have a solid enough 2/3 of the season and then start to tear the league up. 7 straight wins since the loss of Rantanen. Kochetkov hasn’t let in more than 2 goals in 5 straight starts. This team will need to find ways to score in bunches but I, for one, don’t want to see them in Round 1. Sorry New Jersey.
#3 Dallas Stars (42-21-3; 87 Points)
Unchanged
Dallas and Colorado. Colorado and Dallas. Round 1 of the 2025 Playoffs. Mikko Rantanen against his old team. Two NHL Juggernauts. They score in spurts and excitement is riddled all throughout. This is the stuff of wet dreams.
#2 Washington Capitals (44-15-8; 96 Points)
Unchanged
Remember when some of us fools thought the Caps wouldn’t even make the playoffs? Pepperidge Farm Remembers. They are 2nd in the league and 1st in the East after 67 games AND Ovechkin could break the goals record in the same year.
#1 Winnipeg Jets (47-17-4; 98 Points)
Unchanged
4 losses in 2 months. They have all but wrapped up the Central Division, sitting 11 points up. They have effectively earned a date with one of the 4 teams battling for a spot and won’t have to play the likes of Dallas or Colorado. That’s massive.
In-Season Cup
Alex is holding the Cup strong and sits 15 days up on James. His March has been incredible. 31 days remain in the season and James doesn’t have the chance to get the Cup until the end of the month. I am 99% sure Alex has won this