As the NHL season approaches its midpoint, here's a look at how teams stack up in Week 12. Several teams are hitting their stride, while others face challenges as the season progresses toward the Olympic break in February.
Top of the League
The Colorado Avalanche continue to hold the top spot in the power rankings. With a record of 28-2-7, their dominance is clear. Forward Gabriel Landeskog is hitting his stride after a return from injury. The Dallas Stars remain close behind, solidifying their position as strong contenders. The Carolina Hurricanes hold on to their top-3 spot. Despite a recent loss to the Panthers, they continue to show promise, with Brent Burns and Shayne Gostisbehere contributing on the power play. The Tampa Bay Lightning are demonstrating improved form, rounding out the top teams in the league.
Contenders and Risers
The Minnesota Wild have been red hot. The Detroit Red Wings are making a push after a long rebuild. The Anaheim Ducks have climbed in the rankings. The Washington Capitals, despite a recent loss to the Rangers, remain in the top 10. Goaltending and defense have been key to their success. The Montreal Canadiens also improved their standing. The Vegas Golden Knights remain a team to watch.
Teams with Potential
The Edmonton Oilers, led by Connor McDavid, are showing offensive firepower. McDavid is currently near the top of the league in points. The New York Islanders hold steady. The Florida Panthers are finding their rhythm. The Ottawa Senators are showing signs of improvement.
Middle of the Pack
Teams like the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, Utah Hockey Club, and Los Angeles Kings find themselves in the middle of the pack. While showing flashes of potential, consistency remains a key factor for these teams to climb the rankings.
Struggling Teams
The Pittsburgh Penguins have struggled after a strong start, recently going through an eight-game losing streak. The Buffalo Sabres are looking to solidify a playoff spot. The San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators, Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets, and Seattle Kraken need to address inconsistencies to move up. The Chicago Blackhawks have struggled significantly and are at the bottom of the rankings.
As the season progresses, these rankings will likely shift as teams solidify their identities and make adjustments before the trade deadline. The Olympic break will also provide an opportunity for teams to regroup and strategize for the remainder of the season.
