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Olympic Aftershocks: Buffalo Charges the Top 5 While Toronto Hits the Wall

It has been a bit of a somber week for us north of the border. After the high-octane thrill of seeing NHL stars back on the Olympic stage in Milan, coming home with two silver medals feels like a polite Canadian tragedy. Watching both our men’s and women’s squads push the Americans to overtime in the gold medal games, only to have Jack Hughes and Megan Keller provide the heartbreak, is a tough pill to swallow—especially with Sidney Crosby watching the men’s final from the sidelines due to that late-tournament injury. But with the Olympic torch extinguished, the focus shifts back to the grind of the NHL season, and the data shows that the post-Olympic fatigue is already starting to shake up the standings.

The Top 5

1. Colorado (1st, 1603)

The Avalanche remain the undisputed juggernauts of the league. Despite a head-to-head loss to Minnesota this week, their underlying metrics are so strong that they still hold an 18% chance to hoist the Cup. When Nathan MacKinnon is playing at this level, they are nearly impossible to dethrone from the top spot.

2. Tampa Bay (2nd, 1582)

It was a rocky week for the Bolts, highlighted by a lopsided 6-2 loss to Buffalo. While they still sit comfortably at #2, their grip on the Atlantic Division has loosened, with their division win odds sliding to 70%. Still, with a Cup win probability of 11%, nobody is counting out the veterans in Florida.

3. Carolina (3rd, +1, 1576)

The Hurricanes are surging. A massive 5-4 win over Tampa Bay helped propel them up the rankings this week. They are the most dominant force in the Metropolitan right now, boasting an 84% chance to finish as division champions.

4. Buffalo (4th, +1, 1572)

Is it finally happening in Buffalo? The Sabres were the story of the week, taking down both Tampa Bay and Florida. Their playoff odds have skyrocketed to 95%, and for the first time in over a decade, the “City of Good Neighbors” is looking like a legitimate Cup contender with an 8% chance at the title.

5. Dallas (5th, -2, 1569)

The Stars took a bit of a tumble after a loss to Seattle, but they remain a statistical powerhouse. Even with the slight drop in rank, they still hold a 10% chance to win the Cup, second only to Colorado in the West.

Biggest Risers

Nashville (18th, +6, 1490): The Predators are howling again! A massive six-spot jump this week has reignited their playoff hopes, which now sit at 41%.

Ottawa (10th, +3, 1523): The Sens have cracked the Top 10. Despite a close OT loss to Detroit, they rallied to beat Toronto 5-2, proving they belong in the conversation.

NY Islanders (14th, +3, 1509): The Isles had a perfect week of grit, securing OT wins against Montreal and Columbus before beating Florida. Their playoff odds jumped a staggering 20 points to 79%.

Biggest Fallers

Toronto (20th, -5, 1486): It was a week to forget in the 6ix. After getting dismantled by Florida, Tampa, and Ottawa, the Leafs’ playoff odds have cratered to a dismal 3%.

Los Angeles (24th, -4, 1478): An 8-1 drubbing at the hands of Edmonton was the low point of a week that saw the Kings slide further away from a guaranteed Pacific spot.

Columbus (13th, -3, 1514): A tough week of OT losses has seen the Blue Jackets’ playoff security take a major hit, dropping 18 points to 34%.

Division Dogfights

Atlantic

Tampa Bay is still the favorite, but Buffalo’s recent hot streak has made this a legitimate race. The Sabres now have a 15% chance to steal the division crown. Meanwhile, Montreal and Detroit are essentially neck-and-neck for the third spot, both sitting at 91% and 77% playoff odds respectively.

Central

Colorado owns this division with an 88% win probability. The real fight is for the runner-up spot between Dallas and Minnesota. The Wild had a mixed week, beating Colorado but losing to St. Louis, keeping them at a 1% division win chance but a near-lock for the playoffs at >99%.

Metropolitan

Carolina has essentially checked out from the pack with an 84% chance to win the Metro. The drama here is the Islanders’ late-season push; their three-win week has them looking like a lock for the postseason, leaving Washington (22% playoff odds) and Columbus (34%) to fight for the scraps.

Pacific

This is the wildest race in the league! Vegas’s lead is shrinking (now 42% to win the division) as Anaheim makes a monumental charge. The Ducks’ win odds for the Pacific jumped from 13% to 30% this week. With Edmonton (56% playoff odds) and Seattle (63%) struggling for consistency, the Ducks are suddenly the hottest team on the West Coast.

Here’s the rankings and ratings. Changes shown are from last week’s report.

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1603, ▼1)

Record: 39-10-9, 1st in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: >99%
Winning the President’s Trophy: 76% (▲4)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 18%

Last week: 2-1-0

February 25: Won 4-2 @ Utah Mammoth (16th, 1503)
February 26: Lost 5-2 vs. Minnesota Wild (8th, 1528)
February 28: Won 3-1 vs. Chicago Blackhawks (29th, 1438)

Next week:

March 2: @ Los Angeles Kings (24th, 1478)
March 3: @ Anaheim Ducks (25th, 1475)
March 6: @ Dallas Stars (5th, 1569)
March 8: vs. Minnesota Wild (8th, 1528)

2. Tampa Bay Lightning (1582, ▼11)

Record: 38-16-4, 1st in Atlantic Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: >99%
Winning the President’s Trophy: 8% (▼9)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 11% (▼3)

Last week: 1-2-0

February 25: Won 4-2 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (20th, 1486)
February 26: Lost 5-4 @ Carolina Hurricanes (3rd, 1576)
February 28: Lost 6-2 vs. Buffalo Sabres (4th, 1572)

Next week:

March 3: @ Minnesota Wild (8th, 1528)
March 5: @ Winnipeg Jets (20th, 1486)
March 7: @ Toronto Maple Leafs (20th, 1486)
March 8: @ Buffalo Sabres (4th, 1572)

3. Carolina Hurricanes ▲1 (1576, ▲13)

Record: 38-15-6, 1st in Metropolitan Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: >99% (▲1)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 8% (▲4)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 11% (▲2)

Last week: 2-0-0

February 26: Won 5-4 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (2nd, 1582)
February 28: Won 5-2 vs. Detroit Red Wings (11th, 1515)

Next week:

March 2: @ Seattle Kraken (17th, 1497)
March 4: @ Vancouver Canucks (32nd, 1388)
March 6: @ Edmonton Oilers (19th, 1487)
March 7: @ Calgary Flames (26th, 1474)

4. Buffalo Sabres ▲1 (1572, ▲22)

Record: 35-19-6, 2nd in Atlantic Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 95% (▲12)
Winning the President’s Trophy: <1%
Winning the Stanley Cup: 8% (▲3)

Last week: 3-0-0

February 25: Won 2-1 @ New Jersey Devils (29th, 1438)
February 27: Won 3-2 @ Florida Panthers (23rd, 1479)
February 28: Won 6-2 @ Tampa Bay Lightning (2nd, 1582)

Next week:

March 3: vs. Vegas Golden Knights (11th, 1515)
March 5: @ Pittsburgh Penguins (6th, 1551)
March 7: vs. Nashville Predators (18th, 1490)
March 8: vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (2nd, 1582)

5. Dallas Stars ▼2 (1569, ▲2)

Record: 36-14-9, 2nd in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: >99%
Winning the President’s Trophy: 7% (▲2)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 10% (▲1)

Last week: 2-0-0

February 25: Won 4-1 vs. Seattle Kraken (17th, 1497)
February 28: Won in OT 3-2 vs. Nashville Predators (18th, 1490)

Next week:

March 2: @ Vancouver Canucks (32nd, 1388)
March 3: @ Calgary Flames (26th, 1474)
March 6: vs. Colorado Avalanche (1st, 1603)
March 8: vs. Chicago Blackhawks (29th, 1438)

Overall Ratings

 1       Colorado Avalanche            1603 (▼1)
 2       Tampa Bay Lightning           1582 (▼11)
 3       Carolina Hurricanes (▲1)      1576 (▲13)
 4       Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           1572 (▲22)
 5       Dallas Stars (▼2)             1569 (▲2)
 6       Pittsburgh Penguins           1551 (▲9)
 7       Montreal Canadiens            1543 (▲4)
 8       Minnesota Wild                1528 (▼7)
 9       Boston Bruins                 1524 (▼1)
10       Ottawa Senators (▲3)          1523 (▲7)
11 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             1515 (▼5)
11 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights          1515 (▼5)
13       Columbus Blue Jackets (▼3)    1514 (▼8)
14       New York Islanders (▲3)       1509 (▲9)
15       Washington Capitals (▲2)      1507 (▲7)
16       Utah Mammoth (▼2)             1503 (▼8)
17       Seattle Kraken (▼1)           1497 (▼7)
18       Nashville Predators (▲6)      1490 (▲9)
19       Edmonton Oilers               1487 (▼7)
20 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▼5)      1486 (▼20)
20 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▲1)            1486
22       Philadelphia Flyers (▲1)      1484 (▲2)
23       Florida Panthers (▼1)         1479 (▼6)
24       Los Angeles Kings (▼4)        1478 (▼9)
25       Anaheim Ducks (▲1)            1475 (▲5)
26       Calgary Flames (▼1)           1474 (▲2)
27       St. Louis Blues               1467 (▲9)
28       San Jose Sharks               1452
29 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▲1)       1438 (▲1)
29 (tie) New Jersey Devils             1438 (▼2)
31       New York Rangers              1419 (▲2)
32       Vancouver Canucks             1388 (▼4)

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           84% (▲5)
 2       Pittsburgh Penguins           12% (▼3)
 3       New York Islanders            4% (▲1)
 4 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▼1)    <1% (▼3)
 4 (tie) New York Rangers (▲1)         <1%
 4 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▲1)        <1%
 4 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▲1)      <1%
 4 (tie) Washington Capitals (▲1)      <1%

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           70% (▼14)
 2       Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           15% (▲10)
 3       Montreal Canadiens (▼1)       10% (▲3)
 4       Detroit Red Wings             3%
 5       Boston Bruins                 2%
 6 (tie) Florida Panthers              <1%
 6 (tie) Ottawa Senators               <1%
 6 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs           <1%

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            88%
 2       Dallas Stars                  11% (▲3)
 3       Minnesota Wild                1% (▼2)
 4 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%
 4 (tie) Nashville Predators           <1%
 4 (tie) St. Louis Blues               <1%
 4 (tie) Utah Mammoth                  <1%
 4 (tie) Winnipeg Jets                 <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Vegas Golden Knights          42% (▼6)
 2       Anaheim Ducks (▲1)            30% (▲17)
 3       Seattle Kraken (▼1)           12% (▼5)
 4       Edmonton Oilers               8% (▼4)
 5       San Jose Sharks (▲1)          4% (▲1)
 6       Los Angeles Kings (▼1)        3% (▼4)
 7 (tie) Calgary Flames                <1%
 7 (tie) Vancouver Canucks             <1%

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           >99% (▲1)
 2       Pittsburgh Penguins           91% (▲5)
 3       New York Islanders            79% (▲20)
 4       Columbus Blue Jackets         34% (▼18)
 5       Washington Capitals           22% (▼1)
 6       Philadelphia Flyers           13% (▼1)
 7       New Jersey Devils             1% (▼1)
 8       New York Rangers              <1%

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           >99%
 2       Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           95% (▲12)
 3       Montreal Canadiens (▼1)       91% (▲2)
 4       Detroit Red Wings             77% (▼1)
 5       Boston Bruins                 63% (▼3)
 6       Ottawa Senators               27% (▲4)
 7       Florida Panthers (▲1)         4% (▼4)
 8       Toronto Maple Leafs (▼1)      3% (▼15)

Central Division

 1 (tie) Colorado Avalanche            >99%
 1 (tie) Dallas Stars                  >99%
 1 (tie) Minnesota Wild                >99%
 4       Utah Mammoth                  73% (▼7)
 5       Nashville Predators           41% (▲11)
 6       Winnipeg Jets                 7%
 7 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            1% (▼1)
 7 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▲1)          1%

Pacific Division

 1       Vegas Golden Knights          90% (▼1)
 2       Anaheim Ducks (▲1)            85% (▲19)
 3       Seattle Kraken (▼1)           63% (▼8)
 4       Edmonton Oilers               56% (▼8)
 5       San Jose Sharks (▲1)          40% (▲6)
 6       Los Angeles Kings (▼1)        39% (▼12)
 7       Calgary Flames                4% (▼1)
 8       Vancouver Canucks             <1%

Winning the President’s Trophy

 1       Colorado Avalanche            76% (▲4)
 2 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes (▲2)      8% (▲4)
 2 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning           8% (▼9)
 4       Dallas Stars (▼1)             7% (▲2)
 5       Minnesota Wild                1% (▼1)

Everyone else has less than a 1% chance of winning the President’s Trophy.

Winning the Stanley Cup

 1       Colorado Avalanche            18%
 2 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes (▲1)      11% (▲2)
 2 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning           11% (▼3)
 4       Dallas Stars (▼1)             10% (▲1)
 5       Buffalo Sabres                8% (▲3)
 6       Pittsburgh Penguins (▼1)      6% (▲1)
 7       Montreal Canadiens (▼2)       5%
 8 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▼3)           4% (▼1)
 8 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▲1)     4%
10       Boston Bruins                 3%
11 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▲6)            2% (▲1)
11 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▼1)    2% (▼1)
11 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▼1)        2% (▼1)
11 (tie) Edmonton Oilers (▲4)          2%
11 (tie) New York Islanders (▲4)       2%
11 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▼1)           2% (▼1)
11 (tie) Utah Mammoth (▼1)             2% (▼1)
18 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▼1)        1%
18 (tie) Nashville Predators (▼1)      1%
18 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▼1)          1%
18 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▼1)          1%
18 (tie) Washington Capitals (▼1)      1%
23 (tie) Calgary Flames (▲2)           <1%
23 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▲2)       <1%
23 (tie) Florida Panthers (▲2)         <1%
23 (tie) New York Rangers (▲2)         <1%
23 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▲2)        <1%
23 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▼6)      <1% (▼1)
23 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▲2)          <1%
23 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▼6)      <1% (▼1)
23 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▲2)        <1%
23 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▲2)            <1%

Shadows, Slides, and the Sprint to the Rings: McDonald NHL Power Rankings

Happy Groundhog Day, hockey fans! While Punxsutawney Phil is busy checking for his shadow, the NHL is staring down a much more imposing figure: the five-ringed shadow of the Winter Olympics. With the final games before the international break set for February 5th and the league not resuming play until February 25th, teams are desperate to head into the hiatus on a high note. Whether we get six more weeks of winter or an early spring, these rankings are heating up!

The Elite Five

Despite some turbulence this week, the heavyweights are largely holding their ground at the top of the mountain.

Colorado (1, 1610): Still the kings of the hill, though they took a few uncharacteristic lumps this week. Their Cup odds remain a league-high 19%.
Tampa Bay (2, 1589): The Bolts are surging, closing the gap on the top spot. They are virtually locks for the postseason with 99% playoff odds.
Dallas (3, 1564): A steady, professional week keeps the Stars in the bronze position. Their consistency is reflected in a >99% playoff probability.
Carolina (4, 1551): The Canes are playing lockdown hockey, maintaining their spot as the Metropolitan’s gold standard with 7% Cup odds.
Buffalo (4, +1, 1551): The Sabres have officially crashed the party! By jumping into a tie for fourth, Buffalo now sees their playoff chances sitting at a strong 85%.

Biggest Risers

If these teams saw their shadows today, they certainly didn’t hide. It’s been a blistering week for a few unexpected squads.

Columbus (12, +8, 1510): The Blue Jackets are the story of the week! A massive 8-spot jump has completely revitalized their season, moving their playoff odds to 41%.
Seattle (15, +7, 1503): The Kraken are finding their sea legs at exactly the right time, climbing seven spots with a 67% chance to play in the spring.
Montreal (8, +5, 1530): The Habs are making a legitimate push, leaping into the Top 10 with an impressive 85% chance to make the dance.
Ottawa (11, +5, 1513): The Senators are refusing to go quietly, putting together a string of wins that keeps their slim hopes alive.

Biggest Fallers

For every riser, someone has to slide down the icy slope. These teams are looking for answers before the Olympic break.

Florida (19, -9, 1497): A disastrous week for the Panthers, who tumbled nine spots. Their playoff odds cratered by 31 points, landing at just 18%.
Toronto (22, -8, 1489): It’s getting late early in Toronto. An 8-spot drop has the Leafs facing a steep climb with only 10% playoff odds remaining.
Detroit (10, -4, 1517): A tough stretch saw the Wings slip out of the top tier, though they remain in a solid playoff position at 78%.
Vegas (12, -4, 1510): The Golden Knights are feeling the heat, as their lead in the Pacific is suddenly under siege.

Division Dogfights

Atlantic: Tampa’s Kingdom

Tampa Bay has effectively seized control here, with their division win odds jumping to 77%. While Montreal and Buffalo are surging, Detroit is sliding in the opposite direction, making the race for the remaining guaranteed spots a total free-for-all.

Central: Colorado’s Castle

Colorado holds a massive 93% chance to win the division, but don’t tell Dallas or Minnesota. The Wild have climbed to the 7th overall rank, ensuring that while the Avalanche might lead, they certainly can’t rest.

Metropolitan: Canes and Chaos

Carolina remains the favorite at 68%, but the real news is the charge from Pittsburgh (24% win odds) and the rapid ascent of Columbus. Even the Islanders are hanging tough in 3rd, making this the most defensive-minded dogfight in the league.

Pacific: The Wild West

This is easily the most volatile division. Vegas saw their win odds plummet by 20% this week, leaving the door wide open for Edmonton (25% win odds), Seattle (15%), and a surging Los Angeles Kings squad (16%).

Here’s the rankings and ratings. Changes shown are from last week’s report.

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1610, ▼11)

Record: 36-8-9, 1st in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: >99%
Winning the President’s Trophy: 81% (▼10)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 19% (▼3)

Last week: 1-2-0

January 28: Lost 5-2 @ Ottawa Senators (11th, 1513)
January 29: Lost 7-3 @ Montreal Canadiens (8th, 1530)
January 31: Won 5-0 @ Detroit Red Wings (10th, 1517)

Next week:

February 2: vs. Detroit Red Wings (10th, 1517)
February 4: vs. San Jose Sharks (27th, 1463)

2. Tampa Bay Lightning (1589, ▲8)

Record: 35-14-4, 1st in Atlantic Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 99% (▲1)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 11% (▲6)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 13% (▲2)

Last week: 3-0-0

January 26: Won 2-0 vs. Utah Mammoth (18th, 1499)
January 29: Won 4-1 vs. Winnipeg Jets (21st, 1491)
February 1: Won in SO 6-5 vs. Boston Bruins (9th, 1525)

Next week:

February 3: vs. Buffalo Sabres (4th, 1551)
February 5: vs. Florida Panthers (19th, 1497)

3. Dallas Stars (1564, ▲14)

Record: 32-14-9, 3rd in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: >99% (▲1)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 3% (▲2)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 8% (▲1)

Last week: 3-0-0

January 27: Won 4-3 @ St. Louis Blues (26th, 1469)
January 29: Won in SO 5-4 @ Vegas Golden Knights (12th, 1510)
January 31: Won 3-2 @ Utah Mammoth (18th, 1499)

Next week:

February 2: vs. Winnipeg Jets (21st, 1491)
February 4: vs. St. Louis Blues (26th, 1469)

4 (tie). Buffalo Sabres ▲1 (1551, ▲5)

Record: 31-18-5, 5th in Atlantic Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 85% (▲6)
Winning the President’s Trophy: <1%
Winning the Stanley Cup: 6% (▲1)

Last week: 2-1-0

January 27: Won 7-4 @ Toronto Maple Leafs (22nd, 1489)
January 29: Won 4-1 vs. Los Angeles Kings (16th, 1501)
January 31: Lost 4-2 vs. Montreal Canadiens (8th, 1530)

Next week:

February 2: @ Florida Panthers (19th, 1497)
February 3: @ Tampa Bay Lightning (2nd, 1589)
February 5: vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (6th, 1542)

4 (tie). Carolina Hurricanes (1551, ▲4)

Record: 34-15-6, 1st in Metropolitan Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 98% (▲2)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 2% (▲1)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 7%

Last week: 2-0-1

January 29: Won 5-4 vs. Utah Mammoth (18th, 1499)
January 31: Lost in OT 4-3 @ Washington Capitals (20th, 1493)
February 1: Won in OT 3-2 vs. Los Angeles Kings (16th, 1501)

Next week:

February 3: vs. Ottawa Senators (11th, 1513)
February 5: @ New York Rangers (31st, 1423)

Overall Ratings

 1       Colorado Avalanche            1610 (▼11)
 2       Tampa Bay Lightning           1589 (▲8)
 3       Dallas Stars                  1564 (▲14)
 4 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           1551 (▲5)
 4 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes           1551 (▲4)
 6       Pittsburgh Penguins (▲1)      1542 (▲10)
 7       Minnesota Wild (▲2)           1536 (▲12)
 8       Montreal Canadiens (▲5)       1530 (▲17)
 9       Boston Bruins (▲2)            1525 (▲5)
10       Detroit Red Wings (▼4)        1517 (▼18)
11       Ottawa Senators (▲5)          1513 (▲15)
12 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▲8)    1510 (▲22)
12 (tie) Edmonton Oilers               1510 (▼4)
12 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▼4)     1510 (▼16)
15       Seattle Kraken (▲7)           1503 (▲23)
16       Los Angeles Kings (▲3)        1501 (▲5)
17       New York Islanders (▲3)       1500 (▲12)
18       Utah Mammoth (▼4)             1499 (▼9)
19       Florida Panthers (▼9)         1497 (▼26)
20       Washington Capitals (▼4)      1493 (▼5)
21       Winnipeg Jets (▲2)            1491 (▲12)
22       Toronto Maple Leafs (▼7)      1489 (▼15)
23       Nashville Predators (▲3)      1482 (▲12)
24       Philadelphia Flyers (▼6)      1475 (▼22)
25       Calgary Flames                1473 (▲1)
26       St. Louis Blues (▼2)          1469 (▼7)
27       San Jose Sharks (▲2)          1463 (▲2)
28       Anaheim Ducks                 1462 (▼6)
29       New Jersey Devils (▼2)        1454 (▼15)
30       Chicago Blackhawks            1435 (▼10)
31       New York Rangers              1423 (▼16)
32       Vancouver Canucks             1401 (▲2)

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           68%
 2       Pittsburgh Penguins           24% (▲3)
 3       New York Islanders            5%
 4       Columbus Blue Jackets (▲1)    2% (▲1)
 5 (tie) New York Rangers (▲3)         <1%
 5 (tie) New Jersey Devils             <1% (▼1)
 5 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▼1)      <1% (▼3)
 5 (tie) Washington Capitals           <1% (▼1)

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           77% (▲13)
 2       Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           9% (▼1)
 3       Montreal Canadiens (▲1)       7% (▲3)
 4       Detroit Red Wings (▼2)        4% (▼13)
 5       Boston Bruins                 3%
 6 (tie) Florida Panthers              <1% (▼2)
 6 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▲1)          <1%
 6 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▲1)      <1%

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            93% (▼5)
 2       Dallas Stars                  5% (▲3)
 3       Minnesota Wild                2% (▲1)
 4 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%
 4 (tie) Nashville Predators           <1%
 4 (tie) St. Louis Blues               <1%
 4 (tie) Utah Mammoth                  <1%
 4 (tie) Winnipeg Jets                 <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Vegas Golden Knights          29% (▼21)
 2       Edmonton Oilers               25% (▲5)
 3       Los Angeles Kings (▲1)        16% (▲7)
 4       Seattle Kraken (▲2)           15% (▲11)
 5       Anaheim Ducks (▼2)            8% (▼3)
 6       San Jose Sharks (▼1)          7% (▲1)
 7 (tie) Calgary Flames                <1%
 7 (tie) Vancouver Canucks             <1%

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           98% (▲2)
 2       Pittsburgh Penguins           88% (▲8)
 3       New York Islanders            58% (▲12)
 4       Columbus Blue Jackets (▲2)    41% (▲19)
 5       Washington Capitals           24% (▲1)
 6       Philadelphia Flyers (▼2)      14% (▼28)
 7       New Jersey Devils             10% (▼10)
 8       New York Rangers              <1% (▼1)

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           99% (▲1)
 2 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           85% (▲6)
 2 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▲2)       85% (▲22)
 4       Detroit Red Wings (▼2)        78% (▼11)
 5       Boston Bruins                 70% (▲12)
 6       Ottawa Senators (▲2)          21% (▲10)
 7       Florida Panthers (▼1)         18% (▼31)
 8       Toronto Maple Leafs (▼1)      10% (▼12)

Central Division

 1 (tie) Colorado Avalanche            >99%
 1 (tie) Dallas Stars (▲1)             >99% (▲1)
 3       Minnesota Wild                99% (▲2)
 4       Utah Mammoth                  62% (▼14)
 5       Nashville Predators           30% (▲6)
 6       Winnipeg Jets                 10% (▲3)
 7 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            2% (▼4)
 7 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▲1)          2% (▼3)

Pacific Division

 1       Vegas Golden Knights          81% (▼11)
 2       Edmonton Oilers               78% (▲2)
 3 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▲1)        67% (▲9)
 3 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▲3)           67% (▲26)
 5       Anaheim Ducks (▼2)            52% (▼12)
 6       San Jose Sharks (▼1)          46% (▼3)
 7       Calgary Flames                5% (▼1)
 8       Vancouver Canucks             <1%

Winning the President’s Trophy

 1       Colorado Avalanche            81% (▼10)
 2       Tampa Bay Lightning           11% (▲6)
 3       Dallas Stars                  3% (▲2)
 4       Carolina Hurricanes (▼1)      2% (▲1)
 5       Minnesota Wild (▲1)           1% (▲1)

Everyone else has less than a 1% chance of winning the President’s Trophy.

Winning the Stanley Cup

 1       Colorado Avalanche            19% (▼3)
 2       Tampa Bay Lightning           13% (▲2)
 3       Dallas Stars                  8% (▲1)
 4       Carolina Hurricanes (▼1)      7%
 5 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                6% (▲1)
 5 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins           6% (▲1)
 7       Minnesota Wild (▲2)           5% (▲1)
 8       Montreal Canadiens (▲2)       4% (▲1)
 9 (tie) Boston Bruins (▲1)            3%
 9 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▼4)        3% (▼2)
 9 (tie) Edmonton Oilers (▲1)          3%
 9 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▲9)           3% (▲2)
 9 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▼4)     3% (▼2)
14 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▲4)    2% (▲1)
14 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▲1)        2%
14 (tie) New York Islanders (▲1)       2%
14 (tie) Utah Mammoth (▼4)             2% (▼1)
18 (tie) Anaheim Ducks                 1%
18 (tie) Florida Panthers (▼8)         1% (▼2)
18 (tie) Nashville Predators           1%
18 (tie) Ottawa Senators               1%
18 (tie) San Jose Sharks               1%
18 (tie) Washington Capitals           1%
24 (tie) Calgary Flames (▲3)           <1%
24 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▲3)       <1%
24 (tie) New York Rangers (▲3)         <1%
24 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▼6)        <1% (▼1)
24 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▼9)      <1% (▼2)
24 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▲3)          <1%
24 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▼6)      <1% (▼1)
24 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▲3)        <1%
24 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▲3)            <1%

ARCTIC ASSAULT: COLORADO REIGNS SUPREME WHILE THE PENS SCORCH THE DEEP FREEZE!

Listen up, puck-heads! While the rest of North America was busy digging their cars out of record-breaking snowdrifts and shivering in a Polar Vortex that saw wind chills hit -30, the NHL was heating up to a boiling point! We’re talking about a weekend where over 185 million people were under winter alerts, yet these gladiators on ice were out there delivering absolute carnage!

If you thought the ice storm in Georgia was intense, you haven’t seen the shift in these rankings. We’ve got teams rising from the depths and others sliding faster than an 18-wheeler on an icy Trans-Canada. Grab your coffee, turn up the heat, and let’s dive into the carnage!

THE ELITE ELITE: THE TOP 5

The air is thin at the top, and for these teams, the “extreme cold” is just their natural habitat.

Colorado (1, 1621): The Avalanche are a force of nature. Even with a slight rating dip, they hold a 99% chance of making the dance and a staggering 22% chance to hoist the Cup. They are the gold standard.
Tampa Bay (2, 1581): The Bolts are as steady as a block of permafrost. They’ve locked down a 98% playoff probability and show no signs of cracking under the pressure.
Dallas (3, 1550): Deep in the heart of Texas, where the power grids were struggling, the Stars kept the lights on. They remain a lock at 99% playoff odds.
Carolina (4, 1547): The Canes are a nightmare for the rest of the Metro. They’re sitting pretty with a 96% chance to play spring hockey.
Buffalo (5, +4, 1546): BOOM! The Sabres just kicked the door down! A massive four-spot jump into the top five. Buffalo is officially dangerous, seeing their playoff odds skyrocket by 19% this week alone!

THE BIGGEST RISERS: CLIMBING THE GLACIER

While everyone else was hibernating, these squads were out there hunting!

Pittsburgh (7, +7, 1532): Absolute FIRE! The Penguins are the biggest story of the week, jumping seven spots! Sid and the boys are defying the aging process, boosting their playoff hopes by 19% in a single week.
Philadelphia (18, +4, 1497): Don’t count out the Broad Street Bullies! They fought through the freeze to gain 12 rating points and climb four spots.
Seattle (22, +4, 1480): The Kraken are emerging from the deep! A four-spot climb keeps their postseason dreams alive at 41%.

THE BIGGEST FALLERS: SLIPPING ON BLACK ICE

Some teams forgot to put the winter tires on, and it shows. The carnage is real.

Edmonton (12, -7, 1514): TOTAL COLLAPSE! The Oilers hit a patch of black ice and spun out, dropping seven spots and losing 20 rating points. Their Cup odds took a 2% hit, and fans are screaming for answers!
NY Islanders (20, -5, 1488): A disaster on Long Island. They plummeted five spots and saw their playoff odds crater by 24%. That’s not just a slump; that’s a freefall!
Calgary (25, -5, 1472): The Flames are getting extinguished. A five-spot drop has them sitting at a measly 6% chance to make the playoffs.

DIVISION DOGFIGHTS: THE WAR FOR THE CROWN

The divisional boundaries are turning into trenches. Here is how the landscape shifted after a weekend of blizzard-fueled hockey:

Atlantic Division

It’s a three-headed monster! Tampa Bay (2, 1581) holds the best win odds at 64%, but Detroit (6, +2, 1535) is the current divisional leader in the odds race at 17% (up 6%). Meanwhile, Buffalo (5, +4, 1546) is the dark horse charging from behind. Toronto (15, -4, 1504) is in serious trouble, with their playoff odds tanking by 23%!

Central Division

Colorado (1, 1621) has a literal vice grip on this division with 98% win odds. Minnesota (9, -3, 1524) and Dallas (3, 1550) are just fighting for the scraps at this point. The rest of the division—Chicago, St. Louis, Winnipeg—are effectively frozen out of the title race with <1% win odds.

Metropolitan Division

Carolina (4, 1547) is the king of the hill with 68% win odds, but look out for Pittsburgh (7, +7, 1532)! The Pens saw their division win odds jump by 10% this week to a respectable 21%. The Islanders are the biggest losers here, seeing their division hopes nearly vanish.

Pacific Division

Vegas (8, -2, 1526) still leads the pack with 50% win odds, but they’re bleeding. Edmonton (12, -7, 1514) dropped a massive 10% in their division win probability. Keep an eye on Anaheim (28, +1, 1468)—their odds to win the Pacific jumped by 8%, the biggest shift in the division!

Here’s the rankings and ratings. Changes shown are from last week’s report.

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1621, ▼5)

Record: 35-6-9, 1st in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: >99%
Winning the President’s Trophy: 91% (▲1)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 22%

Last week: 2-1-1

January 19: Won 5-2 vs. Washington Capitals (16th, 1498)
January 21: Lost in SO 2-1 vs. Anaheim Ducks (28th, 1468)
January 23: Lost 7-3 vs. Philadelphia Flyers (18th, 1497)
January 25: Won 4-1 @ Toronto Maple Leafs (15th, 1504)

Next week:

January 28: @ Ottawa Senators (16th, 1498)
January 29: @ Montreal Canadiens (13th, 1513)
January 31: @ Detroit Red Wings (6th, 1535)

2. Tampa Bay Lightning (1581, ▼7)

Record: 32-14-4, 2nd in Atlantic Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 98%
Winning the President’s Trophy: 5% (▼1)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 11% (▼1)

Last week: 2-1-0

January 20: Won 4-1 vs. San Jose Sharks (29th, 1461)
January 23: Won in SO 2-1 @ Chicago Blackhawks (30th, 1445)
January 24: Lost 8-5 @ Columbus Blue Jackets (20th, 1488)

Next week:

January 26: vs. Utah Mammoth (14th, 1508)
January 29: vs. Winnipeg Jets (23rd, 1479)
February 1: vs. Boston Bruins (11th, 1520)

3. Dallas Stars (1550, ▲3)

Record: 29-14-9, 3rd in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 99% (▲1)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 1%
Winning the Stanley Cup: 7% (▲1)

Last week: 2-1-0

January 20: Won 6-2 vs. Boston Bruins (11th, 1520)
January 22: Lost 1-0 @ Columbus Blue Jackets (20th, 1488)
January 23: Won 3-2 vs. St. Louis Blues (24th, 1476)

Next week:

January 27: @ St. Louis Blues (24th, 1476)
January 29: @ Vegas Golden Knights (8th, 1526)
January 31: @ Utah Mammoth (14th, 1508)

4. Carolina Hurricanes ▲1 (1547, ▲12)

Record: 32-15-5, 1st in Metropolitan Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 96% (▲2)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 1%
Winning the Stanley Cup: 7% (▲1)

Last week: 2-0-1

January 19: Won 2-1 vs. Buffalo Sabres (5th, 1546)
January 22: Lost in SO 4-3 vs. Chicago Blackhawks (30th, 1445)
January 24: Won 4-1 @ Ottawa Senators (16th, 1498)

Next week:

January 29: vs. Utah Mammoth (14th, 1508)
January 31: @ Washington Capitals (16th, 1498)
February 1: vs. Los Angeles Kings (19th, 1496)

5. Buffalo Sabres ▲2 (1546, ▲15)

Record: 29-17-5, 3rd in Atlantic Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 79% (▲14)
Winning the President’s Trophy: <1%
Winning the Stanley Cup: 5% (▲1)

Last week: 3-1-0

January 19: Lost 2-1 @ Carolina Hurricanes (4th, 1547)
January 20: Won 5-3 @ Nashville Predators (26th, 1470)
January 22: Won 4-2 @ Montreal Canadiens (13th, 1513)
January 24: Won 5-0 @ New York Islanders (20th, 1488)

Next week:

January 27: @ Toronto Maple Leafs (15th, 1504)
January 29: vs. Los Angeles Kings (19th, 1496)
January 31: vs. Montreal Canadiens (13th, 1513)

Overall Ratings

 1       Colorado Avalanche            1621 (▼5)
 2       Tampa Bay Lightning           1581 (▼7)
 3       Dallas Stars                  1550 (▲3)
 4       Carolina Hurricanes (▲1)      1547 (▲12)
 5       Buffalo Sabres (▲2)           1546 (▲15)
 6       Detroit Red Wings (▲3)        1535 (▲10)
 7       Pittsburgh Penguins (▲8)      1532 (▲31)
 8       Vegas Golden Knights (▼4)     1526 (▼17)
 9       Minnesota Wild                1524 (▼1)
10       Florida Panthers (▼1)         1523 (▼2)
11       Boston Bruins (▲2)            1520 (▲8)
12       Edmonton Oilers (▼6)          1514 (▼20)
13       Montreal Canadiens (▼1)       1513 (▼8)
14       Utah Mammoth (▲1)             1508 (▲7)
15       Toronto Maple Leafs (▼7)      1504 (▼23)
16 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▲1)          1498 (▲2)
16 (tie) Washington Capitals (▼2)      1498 (▼4)
18       Philadelphia Flyers (▲8)      1497 (▲22)
19       Los Angeles Kings             1496 (▲6)
20 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▲4)    1488 (▲9)
20 (tie) New York Islanders (▼2)       1488 (▼7)
22       Seattle Kraken (▲1)           1480 (▼3)
23       Winnipeg Jets (▼1)            1479 (▼8)
24       St. Louis Blues (▼3)          1476 (▼12)
25       Calgary Flames (▼6)           1472 (▼18)
26       Nashville Predators (▼1)      1470 (▼8)
27       New Jersey Devils             1469 (▲11)
28       Anaheim Ducks (▲2)            1468 (▲21)
29       San Jose Sharks               1461 (▲12)
30       Chicago Blackhawks (▲1)       1445 (▲6)
31       New York Rangers (▼4)         1439 (▼19)
32       Vancouver Canucks             1399 (▼11)

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           68% (▲2)
 2       Pittsburgh Penguins (▲1)      21% (▲11)
 3       New York Islanders (▼1)       5% (▼9)
 4       Philadelphia Flyers (▲1)      3%
 5 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▲1)    1% (▼1)
 5 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▲2)        1%
 5 (tie) Washington Capitals (▼1)      1% (▼3)
 8       New York Rangers              <1%

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           64% (▼4)
 2       Detroit Red Wings             17% (▲7)
 3       Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           10% (▲4)
 4       Montreal Canadiens (▼1)       4% (▼4)
 5       Boston Bruins                 3%
 6       Florida Panthers (▲1)         2%
 7 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▲1)          <1%
 7 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▼2)      <1% (▼3)

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            98%
 2       Dallas Stars                  2% (▲1)
 3       Minnesota Wild (▼1)           1%
 4 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%
 4 (tie) Nashville Predators           <1%
 4 (tie) St. Louis Blues               <1%
 4 (tie) Utah Mammoth                  <1%
 4 (tie) Winnipeg Jets                 <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Vegas Golden Knights          50% (▼13)
 2       Edmonton Oilers               20% (▼5)
 3       Anaheim Ducks (▲3)            11% (▲10)
 4       Los Angeles Kings             9% (▲6)
 5       San Jose Sharks               6% (▲4)
 6       Seattle Kraken (▼3)           4%
 7 (tie) Calgary Flames (▼1)           <1% (▼1)
 7 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▲1)        <1%

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           96% (▲2)
 2       Pittsburgh Penguins (▲1)      80% (▲26)
 3       New York Islanders (▼1)       46% (▼18)
 4       Philadelphia Flyers (▲1)      42% (▲14)
 5       Washington Capitals (▼1)      23% (▼15)
 6       Columbus Blue Jackets         22% (▲1)
 7       New Jersey Devils             20% (▲5)
 8       New York Rangers              1% (▼6)

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           98%
 2       Detroit Red Wings             89% (▲9)
 3       Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           79% (▲14)
 4       Montreal Canadiens (▼1)       63% (▼11)
 5       Boston Bruins                 58% (▲6)
 6       Florida Panthers (▲1)         49% (▲6)
 7       Toronto Maple Leafs (▼2)      22% (▼30)
 8       Ottawa Senators               11% (▼4)

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            >99%
 2       Dallas Stars                  99% (▲1)
 3       Minnesota Wild                97% (▲1)
 4       Utah Mammoth                  76% (▲11)
 5       Nashville Predators           24% (▼13)
 6       Winnipeg Jets                 7% (▼8)
 7       Chicago Blackhawks (▲1)       6% (▲1)
 8       St. Louis Blues (▼1)          5% (▼9)

Pacific Division

 1       Vegas Golden Knights          92% (▼5)
 2       Edmonton Oilers               76% (▼12)
 3       Anaheim Ducks (▲3)            64% (▲33)
 4       Los Angeles Kings             58% (▲12)
 5       San Jose Sharks               49% (▲10)
 6       Seattle Kraken (▼3)           41% (▼8)
 7       Calgary Flames                6% (▼15)
 8       Vancouver Canucks             <1%

Winning the President’s Trophy

 1       Colorado Avalanche            91% (▲1)
 2       Tampa Bay Lightning           5% (▼1)
 3 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes           1%
 3 (tie) Dallas Stars                  1%
 3 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▲3)        1% (▲1)

Everyone else has less than a 1% chance of winning the President’s Trophy.

Winning the Stanley Cup

 1       Colorado Avalanche            22%
 2       Tampa Bay Lightning           11% (▼1)
 3 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes           7% (▲1)
 3 (tie) Dallas Stars                  7% (▲1)
 5 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▲2)           5% (▲1)
 5 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▲2)        5% (▲1)
 5 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲8)      5% (▲3)
 5 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▼2)     5% (▼1)
 9       Minnesota Wild (▼2)           4%
10 (tie) Boston Bruins (▲3)            3% (▲1)
10 (tie) Edmonton Oilers (▼4)          3% (▼2)
10 (tie) Florida Panthers (▲1)         3%
10 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▼3)       3% (▼1)
10 (tie) Utah Mammoth (▲3)             3% (▲1)
15 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▼2)        2%
15 (tie) New York Islanders (▼2)       2%
15 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▲4)      2% (▲1)
18 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▲10)           1% (▲1)
18 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▲1)    1%
18 (tie) Nashville Predators (▲1)      1%
18 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▲10)       1% (▲1)
18 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▲1)          1%
18 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▲1)          1%
18 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▲1)           1%
18 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▼7)      1% (▼2)
18 (tie) Washington Capitals (▼5)      1% (▼1)
27 (tie) Calgary Flames (▼8)           <1% (▼1)
27 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▲1)       <1%
27 (tie) New York Rangers (▲1)         <1%
27 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▼8)          <1% (▼1)
27 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▲1)        <1%
27 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▼8)            <1% (▼1)

AVALANCHE WARNING: COLORADO KEEPS THE CROWN WHILE UTAH IGNITES A DESERT FIRESTORM!

LACE ‘EM UP, HOCKEY FANS! We are officially hitting the mid-season grind where the ice gets harder, the hits get heavier, and the pretenders start looking for the exit! If you can’t handle the heat in January, get out of the rink! We’ve got teams surging like rockets and others sinking like stones in a frozen pond.

Here is your NHL Power Rankings Summary for the week ending January 18, 2026!

THE ELITE FIVE: THE KINGS OF THE ICE

These are the heavyweights. The teams everyone else is terrified to see on the schedule.

Colorado (1st, 1626) The Avalanche are still the gold standard, holding a 100% chance to make the dance. Even after a weird 7-3 stumble against Nashville, they own the Central with a 98% win probability. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are playing like men possessed.
Tampa Bay (2nd, 1588) The Bolts are screaming down the tracks! With an 11-game point streak and Vasilevskiy playing out of his mind, they’ve seized a 68% stranglehold on the Atlantic. Their Cup odds jumped to 12% this week!
Dallas (3rd, 1547) The Stars took a few bruises this week, dropping games to Utah and Anaheim, but they remain a tier-one threat. They are sitting pretty with 98% playoff odds, though their grip on the Central is slipping.
Vegas (4th, 1543) The Golden Knights are doing what they do best: winning. They dominated Nashville 7-2 and are now the favorites to take the Pacific with a 63% chance to win the division.
Carolina (5th, +3, 1535) WELCOME TO THE TOP 5, CANES! After absolutely obliterating Florida 9-1, Carolina is the new boss of the Metropolitan. Their odds to win the division skyrocketed by 14% this week to a total of 66%.

THE ROCKET SHIPS: BIGGEST RISERS

Somebody call the fire department, because these teams are RED HOT!

Utah (15th, +8, 1501): The biggest jump of the week! Utah destroyed Toronto 6-1 and Seattle 6-3. Their playoff odds swung up to a massive 65%. This team is for real!
Buffalo (7th, +6, 1531): Don’t look now, but the Sabres are charging! They moved up 6 spots and now have a 65% chance to end the drought.
Boston (13th, +6, 1512): The Bruins are back from the dead! A massive week has their playoff odds sitting at 52%, up significantly from last week.

THE FREE FALLERS: DROPPING LIKE FLIES

Check the parachutes, because these teams are in a controlled (or uncontrolled) descent.

Philadelphia (26th, -11, 1475): TOTAL DISASTER. The Flyers plummeted 11 spots after a winless week. Their playoff hopes are fading fast at just 28%.
Seattle (23rd, -8, 1483): The Kraken are lost at sea. They dropped 8 spots in the rankings and their playoff odds fell by 21%, now sitting at a coin-flip 49%.
Toronto (8th, -3, 1527): Panic in the 6ix! After getting embarrassed by Utah and losing to Vegas, the Leafs are sliding. They only have a 3% chance to win the Atlantic.

DIVISION DOGFIGHTS: THE WAR FOR THE CROWN

Every point is a prisoner! Here’s how the four fronts look:

Atlantic Division

It’s the Tampa Bay (68%) show right now. Detroit (10%) is trying to keep pace after a big OT win against Ottawa, but the Bolts are pulling away. Keep an eye on Buffalo (6%)—they are the dark horse here!

Central Division

Colorado (98%) has the division in a locker and threw away the key. Dallas (1%) and Minnesota (1%) are basically fighting for scrap metal at this point. The Avalanche are playing a different sport.

Metropolitan Division

Carolina (66%) is the undisputed king this week. The NY Islanders (14%) and Pittsburgh (10%) are in a bloody battle for the second spot, while Washington (4%) is fading into the background.

Pacific Division

Vegas (63%) is the frontrunner, but Edmonton (25%) is charging hard! The Oilers just posted back-to-back high-scoring shutouts, including a 5-0 thumping of St. Louis. Seattle (4%) and LA (3%) are barely clinging to the conversation.

Here’s the rankings and ratings. Changes shown are from last week’s report.

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1626, ▼14)

Record: 33-5-8, 1st in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: >99%
Winning the President’s Trophy: 90% (▼4)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 22% (▼3)

Last week: 0-1-1

January 12: Lost in OT 4-3 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (8th, 1527)
January 16: Lost 7-3 vs. Nashville Predators (25th, 1478)

Next week:

January 19: vs. Washington Capitals (14th, 1502)
January 21: vs. Anaheim Ducks (30th, 1447)
January 23: vs. Philadelphia Flyers (26th, 1475)
January 25: @ Toronto Maple Leafs (8th, 1527)

2. Tampa Bay Lightning (1588, ▲13)

Record: 30-13-4, 1st in Atlantic Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 98% (▲3)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 6% (▲4)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 12% (▲2)

Last week: 3-0-1

January 12: Won 5-1 @ Philadelphia Flyers (26th, 1475)
January 13: Won in SO 2-1 @ Pittsburgh Penguins (15th, 1501)
January 16: Lost in SO 3-2 @ St. Louis Blues (21st, 1488)
January 18: Won 4-1 @ Dallas Stars (3rd, 1547)

Next week:

January 20: vs. San Jose Sharks (29th, 1449)
January 23: @ Chicago Blackhawks (31st, 1439)
January 24: @ Columbus Blue Jackets (24th, 1479)

3. Dallas Stars (1547, ▼18)

Record: 27-13-9, 2nd in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 98% (▼1)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 1% (▼1)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 6% (▼1)

Last week: 1-3-0

January 12: Won 3-1 @ Los Angeles Kings (19th, 1490)
January 13: Lost 3-1 @ Anaheim Ducks (30th, 1447)
January 15: Lost 2-1 @ Utah Mammoth (15th, 1501)
January 18: Lost 4-1 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (2nd, 1588)

Next week:

January 20: vs. Boston Bruins (13th, 1512)
January 22: @ Columbus Blue Jackets (24th, 1479)
January 23: vs. St. Louis Blues (21st, 1488)

4. Vegas Golden Knights ▲1 (1543, ▲5)

Record: 24-11-12, 1st in Pacific Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 97% (▲4)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 1% (▲1)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 6% (▲1)

Last week: 3-0-0

January 14: Won in OT 3-2 @ Los Angeles Kings (19th, 1490)
January 15: Won in OT 6-5 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (8th, 1527)
January 17: Won 7-2 vs. Nashville Predators (25th, 1478)

Next week:

January 19: vs. Philadelphia Flyers (26th, 1475)
January 22: @ Boston Bruins (13th, 1512)
January 23: @ Toronto Maple Leafs (8th, 1527)
January 25: @ Ottawa Senators (17th, 1496)

5. Carolina Hurricanes ▲3 (1535, ▲7)

Record: 30-15-4, 1st in Metropolitan Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 94% (▲4)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 1% (▲1)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 6% (▲1)

Last week: 2-1-1

January 12: Lost in OT 4-3 @ Detroit Red Wings (9th, 1525)
January 13: Lost 3-0 @ St. Louis Blues (21st, 1488)
January 16: Won 9-1 vs. Florida Panthers (9th, 1525)
January 17: Won 4-1 @ New Jersey Devils (27th, 1458)

Next week:

January 19: vs. Buffalo Sabres (7th, 1531)
January 22: vs. Chicago Blackhawks (31st, 1439)
January 24: @ Ottawa Senators (17th, 1496)

Overall Ratings

 1       Colorado Avalanche            1626 (▼14)
 2       Tampa Bay Lightning           1588 (▲13)
 3       Dallas Stars                  1547 (▼18)
 4       Vegas Golden Knights (▲1)     1543 (▲5)
 5       Carolina Hurricanes (▲3)      1535 (▲7)
 6       Edmonton Oilers (▲4)          1534 (▲10)
 7       Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           1531 (▲3)
 8       Toronto Maple Leafs (▼2)      1527 (▼4)
 9 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▼2)        1525 (▼4)
 9 (tie) Florida Panthers (▲4)         1525 (▲10)
 9 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▼5)           1525 (▼18)
12       Montreal Canadiens (▼1)       1521 (▼1)
13       Boston Bruins (▲5)            1512 (▲22)
14       Washington Capitals (▼2)      1502 (▼19)
15 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲2)      1501 (▲6)
15 (tie) Utah Mammoth (▲8)             1501 (▲22)
17       Ottawa Senators (▲5)          1496 (▲15)
18       New York Islanders (▼3)       1495 (▼5)
19 (tie) Calgary Flames (▲2)           1490 (▲8)
19 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▼3)        1490 (▼9)
21       St. Louis Blues (▼1)          1488 (▲3)
22       Winnipeg Jets (▲3)            1487 (▲16)
23       Seattle Kraken (▼4)           1483 (▼5)
24       Columbus Blue Jackets (▲2)    1479 (▲14)
25       Nashville Predators (▼1)      1478 (▲5)
26       Philadelphia Flyers (▼12)     1475 (▼28)
27 (tie) New York Rangers (▼1)         1458 (▼7)
27 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▲2)        1458 (▲3)
29       San Jose Sharks (▲1)          1449 (▲5)
30       Anaheim Ducks (▲1)            1447 (▲11)
31       Chicago Blackhawks (▼3)       1439 (▼22)
32       Vancouver Canucks             1410 (▼23)

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           66% (▲15)
 2       New York Islanders            14% (▼3)
 3       Pittsburgh Penguins (▲2)      10% (▲2)
 4       Washington Capitals           4% (▼5)
 5       Philadelphia Flyers (▼2)      3% (▼10)
 6       Columbus Blue Jackets         2% (▲1)
 7       New Jersey Devils (▼1)        1%
 8       New York Rangers (▼2)         <1% (▼1)

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           68% (▲12)
 2       Detroit Red Wings             10% (▼4)
 3       Montreal Canadiens            8% (▼4)
 4       Buffalo Sabres                6% (▼4)
 5 (tie) Boston Bruins (▲1)            3% (▲1)
 5 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs           3% (▼2)
 7       Florida Panthers (▼1)         2%
 8       Ottawa Senators               <1%

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            98% (▲1)
 2 (tie) Dallas Stars                  1% (▼2)
 2 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▲1)           1%
 4 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%
 4 (tie) Nashville Predators           <1%
 4 (tie) St. Louis Blues               <1%
 4 (tie) Utah Mammoth                  <1%
 4 (tie) Winnipeg Jets                 <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Vegas Golden Knights          63% (▲14)
 2       Edmonton Oilers               25% (▼1)
 3       Seattle Kraken                4% (▼6)
 4       Los Angeles Kings (▼1)        3% (▼7)
 5       San Jose Sharks               2% (▼1)
 6 (tie) Anaheim Ducks                 1%
 6 (tie) Calgary Flames                1%
 8       Vancouver Canucks             <1%

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           94% (▲4)
 2       New York Islanders            64% (▼4)
 3       Pittsburgh Penguins (▲2)      54% (▲9)
 4       Washington Capitals           38% (▼15)
 5       Philadelphia Flyers (▼2)      28% (▼32)
 6       Columbus Blue Jackets (▲2)    21% (▲11)
 7       New Jersey Devils (▼1)        15% (▲4)
 8       New York Rangers (▼2)         7% (▼4)

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           98% (▲3)
 2       Detroit Red Wings             80% (▲2)
 3       Montreal Canadiens            74% (▼1)
 4       Buffalo Sabres                65% (▼1)
 5 (tie) Boston Bruins (▲2)            52% (▲19)
 5 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs           52% (▼2)
 7       Florida Panthers (▼1)         43% (▲3)
 8       Ottawa Senators               15% (▲3)

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            >99%
 2       Dallas Stars                  98% (▼1)
 3       Minnesota Wild                96% (▼2)
 4       Utah Mammoth                  65% (▲23)
 5       Nashville Predators           37% (▲4)
 6       Winnipeg Jets (▲2)            15% (▲5)
 7       St. Louis Blues               14%
 8       Chicago Blackhawks (▼2)       5% (▼17)

Pacific Division

 1       Vegas Golden Knights          97% (▲4)
 2       Edmonton Oilers               88% (▲5)
 3       Seattle Kraken (▲1)           49% (▼13)
 4       Los Angeles Kings (▼1)        46% (▼17)
 5       San Jose Sharks               39% (▼1)
 6       Anaheim Ducks (▲1)            31% (▲12)
 7       Calgary Flames (▼1)           21% (▲1)
 8       Vancouver Canucks             <1% (▼4)

Winning the President’s Trophy

 1       Colorado Avalanche            90% (▼4)
 2       Tampa Bay Lightning           6% (▲4)
 3 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes (▲2)      1% (▲1)
 3 (tie) Dallas Stars (▼1)             1% (▼1)
 3 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▲2)     1% (▲1)

Everyone else has less than a 1% chance of winning the President’s Trophy.

Winning the Stanley Cup

 1       Colorado Avalanche            22% (▼3)
 2       Tampa Bay Lightning           12% (▲2)
 3 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes (▲1)      6% (▲1)
 3 (tie) Dallas Stars                  6% (▼1)
 3 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▲1)     6% (▲1)
 6       Edmonton Oilers (▲1)          5% (▲1)
 7 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                4%
 7 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             4%
 7 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▼3)           4% (▼1)
 7 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▲4)       4% (▲1)
11 (tie) Florida Panthers (▲3)         3% (▲1)
11 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▼4)      3% (▼1)
13 (tie) Boston Bruins (▲6)            2% (▲1)
13 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▲1)        2%
13 (tie) New York Islanders (▲1)       2%
13 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲1)      2%
13 (tie) Utah Mammoth (▲6)             2% (▲1)
13 (tie) Washington Capitals (▼2)      2% (▼1)
19 (tie) Calgary Flames                1%
19 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▲7)    1% (▲1)
19 (tie) Nashville Predators           1%
19 (tie) Ottawa Senators               1%
19 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▼8)      1% (▼2)
19 (tie) San Jose Sharks               1%
19 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▼5)           1% (▼1)
19 (tie) St. Louis Blues               1%
19 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▲7)            1% (▲1)
28 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▼2)            <1%
28 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▼2)       <1%
28 (tie) New York Rangers (▼2)         <1%
28 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▼2)        <1%
28 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▼2)        <1%

AVALANCHE OF AGGRESSION: VEGAS VAMPED, BOSTON BURNING, AND THE CANES CRUSHING THE METRO!

LISTEN UP, HOCKEY NATION! If you’re looking for soft landings and participation trophies, you’re in the wrong zip code! The mid-season grind is turning into a full-blown war zone, and the latest data from January 11, 2026, proves that only the stone-cold killers are surviving the frost!

Grab your smelling salts—here is your McDonald NHL Power Rankings blitz!

THE ELITE FIVE: THE KINGS OF THE HILL

These are the titans. The heavyweights. The teams that don’t just win—they leave a trail of broken spirits and shattered glass behind them.

Colorado (1st, 1640) The Avalanche are essentially a cheat code at this point. They’re sitting on a 1640 rating and a 99% chance to hit the postseason. They took a tiny -1 dip in rating this week, but they’re still the undisputed apex predator of the Central.
Tampa Bay (2nd, +1, 1575) The Bolts are surging! Up one spot and looking absolutely lethal. With a 95% playoff probability, Tampa is reminding the rest of the Atlantic that the road to the Cup still runs through Florida.
Dallas (3rd, -1, 1565) A minor stumble for the Stars, dropping one spot, but don’t you dare look away. Their 99% playoff odds match Colorado for the best in the league. They are a defensive juggernaut waiting to explode.
Minnesota (4th, 1543) The Wild stay put at number four. They aren’t flashy, but they are effective. A 98% playoff lock means the State of Hockey is going to be rocking come April.
Vegas (5th, +2, 1538) BOOM! The Golden Knights are back in the Top 5! A massive +19 rating boost and a two-spot jump. They just hung a 7-2 beatdown on San Jose to close the week. This is a team with bad intentions!

BIGGEST RISERS: THE CLIMBERS

Boston (18th, +7, 1490) The Bruins are screaming back from the dead! A massive seven-spot jump! They dismantled the Rangers 10-2—yes, you read that right—and followed it up with a shutout over Pittsburgh. They’ve boosted their playoff odds by 8% in one week!
Carolina (8th, +5, 1528) The Canes are a hurricane of momentum right now. Up five spots into the Top 10, they now hold a 51% chance to win the Metro. They are officially the “Team No One Wants To See” right now.
Buffalo (8th, +4, 1528) Don’t look now, but the Sabres are charging! Up four spots and their playoff odds skyrocketed by 17%!

BIGGEST FALLERS: THE CRASH & BURN

Washington (12th, -7, 1521) Total collapse in D.C.! The Capitals plummeted seven spots after a brutal week, losing 10% of their playoff equity. The wheels aren’t off yet, but they’re wobbling hard.
Florida (13th, -7, 1515) The Panthers are in a tailspin, matching Washington with a seven-spot drop. Their playoff odds tanked by 11%. Someone wake up the Cats before they sleep through the postseason!
St. Louis (20th, -5, 1485) The Blues are singing the blues. A five-spot drop and a massive 20% hit to their playoff odds. The window is slamming shut!

DIVISION DOGFIGHTS: THE TRENCH WARFARE

Atlantic: The Shark Tank

Tampa Bay is the powerhouse here with a 56% chance to take the division, but Detroit (7th, +3, 1529) is breathing down their necks with 14% win odds. Montreal (11th, -4, 1522) is fading, losing 5% of their division-winning probability this week.

Metropolitan: The Carolina Takeover

The Hurricanes have seized control! Their odds to win the Metro jumped by a staggering 23% this week, now sitting at 51%. The Islanders (15th, +4, 1500) are the only ones keeping pace, while Washington and Pittsburgh are falling into the abyss.

Central: The Avalanche Monopoly

Is there even a race? Colorado has a 97% chance to win the division. Dallas and Minnesota are basically playing for second place at this point. The rest of the division is just trying to stay relevant in the Wild Card race.

Pacific: The Vegas Power Grab

The Golden Knights are the big winners here, jumping 19% in division win odds to lead the pack at 49%. Edmonton (10th, +1, 1524) is hanging tough at 26%, but Los Angeles (16th, -2, 1499) saw their hopes take a 10% nosedive.

Here’s the rankings and ratings. Changes shown are from last week’s report.

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1640, ▼1)

Record: 33-4-7, 1st in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: >99%
Winning the President’s Trophy: 94% (▲1)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 25% (▲1)

Last week: 2-1-0

January 6: Lost 4-2 @ Tampa Bay Lightning (2nd, 1575)
January 8: Won 8-2 vs. Ottawa Senators (22nd, 1481)
January 10: Won 4-0 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (26th, 1465)

Next week:

January 12: vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (6th, 1531)
January 16: vs. Nashville Predators (24th, 1473)

2. Tampa Bay Lightning ▲1 (1575, ▲15)

Record: 27-13-3, 2nd in Atlantic Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 95% (▲4)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 2% (▲1)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 10% (▲2)

Last week: 2-0-0

January 6: Won 4-2 vs. Colorado Avalanche (1st, 1640)
January 10: Won 7-2 @ Philadelphia Flyers (14th, 1503)

Next week:

January 12: @ Philadelphia Flyers (14th, 1503)
January 13: @ Pittsburgh Penguins (17th, 1495)
January 16: @ St. Louis Blues (20th, 1485)
January 18: @ Dallas Stars (3rd, 1565)

3. Dallas Stars ▼1 (1565, ▼2)

Record: 26-10-9, 2nd in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 99%
Winning the President’s Trophy: 2% (▼1)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 7% (▼1)

Last week: 1-1-1

January 6: Lost 6-3 @ Carolina Hurricanes (8th, 1528)
January 7: Won 4-1 @ Washington Capitals (12th, 1521)
January 10: Lost in OT 5-4 @ San Jose Sharks (30th, 1444)

Next week:

January 12: @ Los Angeles Kings (16th, 1499)
January 13: @ Anaheim Ducks (31st, 1436)
January 15: @ Utah Mammoth (23rd, 1479)
January 18: vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (2nd, 1575)

4. Minnesota Wild (1543, ▼10)

Record: 26-11-9, 3rd in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 98%
Winning the President’s Trophy: 1% (▼1)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 5% (▼1)

Last week: 1-1-1

January 5: Lost 4-2 @ Los Angeles Kings (16th, 1499)
January 8: Won in OT 3-2 @ Seattle Kraken (19th, 1488)
January 10: Lost in OT 4-3 vs. New York Islanders (15th, 1500)

Next week:

January 12: vs. New Jersey Devils (29th, 1455)
January 15: vs. Winnipeg Jets (25th, 1471)
January 17: @ Buffalo Sabres (8th, 1528)

5. Vegas Golden Knights ▲2 (1538, ▲19)

Record: 21-11-12, 1st in Pacific Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 93% (▲15)
Winning the President’s Trophy: <1%
Winning the Stanley Cup: 5% (▲1)

Last week: 4-0-0

January 6: Won in OT 4-3 @ Winnipeg Jets (25th, 1471)
January 8: Won 5-3 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (26th, 1465)
January 10: Won 4-2 vs. St. Louis Blues (20th, 1485)
January 11: Won 7-2 @ San Jose Sharks (30th, 1444)

Next week:

January 14: @ Los Angeles Kings (16th, 1499)
January 15: vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (6th, 1531)
January 17: vs. Nashville Predators (24th, 1473)

Overall Ratings

 1       Colorado Avalanche            1640 (▼1)
 2       Tampa Bay Lightning (▲1)      1575 (▲15)
 3       Dallas Stars (▼1)             1565 (▼2)
 4       Minnesota Wild                1543 (▼10)
 5       Vegas Golden Knights (▲2)     1538 (▲19)
 6       Toronto Maple Leafs (▲3)      1531 (▲13)
 7       Detroit Red Wings (▲7)        1529 (▲22)
 8 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▲3)           1528 (▲18)
 8 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes (▲4)      1528 (▲19)
10       Edmonton Oilers               1524 (▲12)
11       Montreal Canadiens (▼4)       1522 (▲3)
12       Washington Capitals (▼7)      1521 (▼4)
13       Florida Panthers (▼7)         1515 (▼5)
14       Philadelphia Flyers (▲2)      1503 (▼2)
15       New York Islanders (▲5)       1500 (▲8)
16       Los Angeles Kings (▲2)        1499 (▼1)
17       Pittsburgh Penguins (▼1)      1495 (▼10)
18       Boston Bruins (▲7)            1490 (▲14)
19       Seattle Kraken (▲5)           1488 (▲9)
20       St. Louis Blues (▼5)          1485 (▼21)
21       Calgary Flames (▼2)           1482 (▼13)
22       Ottawa Senators (▼9)          1481 (▼27)
23       Utah Mammoth (▲4)             1479 (▲14)
24       Nashville Predators (▼3)      1473 (▼7)
25       Winnipeg Jets (▲3)            1471 (▲8)
26 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▼5)    1465 (▼15)
26 (tie) New York Rangers (▼5)         1465 (▼15)
28       Chicago Blackhawks (▲2)       1461 (▲10)
29       New Jersey Devils (▼3)        1455 (▼19)
30       San Jose Sharks (▲2)          1444 (▲5)
31       Anaheim Ducks (▼2)            1436 (▼21)
32       Vancouver Canucks (▼1)        1433 (▼15)

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           51% (▲22)
 2       New York Islanders (▲3)       17% (▲5)
 3       Philadelphia Flyers (▼1)      13% (▼6)
 4       Washington Capitals           9% (▼6)
 5       Pittsburgh Penguins (▼2)      8% (▼8)
 6 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▲2)    1% (▼1)
 6 (tie) New York Rangers (▲1)         1% (▼2)
 6 (tie) New Jersey Devils             1% (▼3)

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           56% (▲8)
 2       Detroit Red Wings (▲1)        14% (▲5)
 3       Montreal Canadiens (▼1)       12% (▼6)
 4       Buffalo Sabres                10% (▲3)
 5       Toronto Maple Leafs (▲2)      5% (▲1)
 6 (tie) Boston Bruins (▲2)            2%
 6 (tie) Florida Panthers (▼2)         2% (▼5)
 8       Ottawa Senators (▼2)          <1% (▼5)

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            97% (▲2)
 2       Dallas Stars                  3% (▼1)
 3       Minnesota Wild                1% (▼1)
 4 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%
 4 (tie) Nashville Predators           <1%
 4 (tie) St. Louis Blues               <1%
 4 (tie) Utah Mammoth                  <1%
 4 (tie) Winnipeg Jets                 <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Vegas Golden Knights          49% (▲17)
 2       Edmonton Oilers               26% (▲2)
 3 (tie) Los Angeles Kings             10% (▼6)
 3 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▲1)           10% (▼2)
 5       San Jose Sharks (▲2)          3% (▼1)
 6 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▼1)            1% (▼7)
 6 (tie) Calgary Flames                1% (▼4)
 8       Vancouver Canucks             <1% (▼1)

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           90% (▲16)
 2       New York Islanders (▲3)       68% (▲16)
 3       Philadelphia Flyers (▼1)      60% (▼2)
 4       Washington Capitals (▼1)      53% (▼4)
 5       Pittsburgh Penguins (▼2)      45% (▼12)
 6 (tie) New York Rangers (▲1)         11% (▼12)
 6 (tie) New Jersey Devils             11% (▼17)
 8       Columbus Blue Jackets         10% (▼11)

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           95% (▲4)
 2       Detroit Red Wings (▲1)        78% (▲20)
 3       Montreal Canadiens (▼1)       75% (▲3)
 4       Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           66% (▲17)
 5       Toronto Maple Leafs (▲2)      54% (▲17)
 6       Florida Panthers (▼2)         40% (▼11)
 7       Boston Bruins (▲1)            33% (▲8)
 8       Ottawa Senators (▼2)          12% (▼29)

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            >99%
 2       Dallas Stars                  99%
 3       Minnesota Wild                98%
 4       Utah Mammoth (▲2)             42% (▲17)
 5       Nashville Predators (▼1)      33% (▼6)
 6       Chicago Blackhawks (▲1)       22% (▲5)
 7       St. Louis Blues (▼2)          14% (▼20)
 8       Winnipeg Jets                 10% (▲1)

Pacific Division

 1       Vegas Golden Knights          93% (▲15)
 2       Edmonton Oilers               83% (▲11)
 3       Los Angeles Kings             63% (▲3)
 4       Seattle Kraken                62% (▲10)
 5       San Jose Sharks (▲2)          40% (▲12)
 6       Calgary Flames                20% (▼14)
 7       Anaheim Ducks (▼2)            19% (▼24)
 8       Vancouver Canucks             4% (▼7)

Winning the President’s Trophy

 1       Colorado Avalanche            94% (▲1)
 2 (tie) Dallas Stars                  2% (▼1)
 2 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning (▲2)      2% (▲1)
 4       Minnesota Wild (▼1)           1% (▼1)

Everyone else has less than a 1% chance of winning the President’s Trophy.

Winning the Stanley Cup

 1       Colorado Avalanche            25% (▲1)
 2       Tampa Bay Lightning           10% (▲2)
 3       Dallas Stars (▼1)             7% (▼1)
 4 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes (▲4)      5% (▲2)
 4 (tie) Minnesota Wild                5% (▼1)
 4 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▲1)     5% (▲1)
 7 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           4% (▲1)
 7 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▲1)        4% (▲1)
 7 (tie) Edmonton Oilers (▲1)          4% (▲1)
 7 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▲8)      4% (▲2)
11 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▼6)       3% (▼1)
11 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▼3)      3%
11 (tie) Washington Capitals (▼6)      3% (▼1)
14 (tie) Florida Panthers (▼6)         2% (▼1)
14 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▲1)        2%
14 (tie) New York Islanders (▲1)       2%
14 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▼6)      2% (▼1)
14 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▲1)           2%
19 (tie) Boston Bruins (▲3)            1%
19 (tie) Calgary Flames (▼4)           1% (▼1)
19 (tie) Nashville Predators (▲3)      1%
19 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▼4)          1% (▼1)
19 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▲3)          1%
19 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▼4)          1% (▼1)
19 (tie) Utah Mammoth (▲3)             1%
26 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▼4)            <1% (▼1)
26 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▲4)       <1%
26 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▼4)    <1% (▼1)
26 (tie) New York Rangers (▼4)         <1% (▼1)
26 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▼4)        <1% (▼1)
26 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▲4)        <1%
26 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▲4)            <1%

AVALANCHE OF DOMINANCE: Tampa Surges, Winnipeg Sinks, and the Mid-Season War for the Crown Explodes!

LISTEN UP, HOCKEY FANATICS! The 2026 NHL season is hitting the mid-season grind, and the ice is absolutely ON FIRE! We’ve got juggernauts stumbling, dark horses charging, and divisional races that look more like a chaotic pile-up in the crease! Here is your weekly breakdown of who’s king of the mountain and who’s sliding into the abyss!

THE ELITE FIVE: THE KINGS OF THE ICE

Colorado (1st, 1641) The Avalanche are essentially playing a different sport right now. Even with a microscopic rating dip, they are sitting on a projected 99% chance to make the postseason. They are the gold standard, and everyone else is just fighting for the right to lose to them.
Dallas (2nd, 1567) The Stars maintained their silver medal position despite a brutal week that saw their rating tank by 22 points. Their Cup odds took a hit—dropping to 8%—but they remain the heaviest heavyweight in the chase pack.
Tampa Bay (3rd, 1560) The Bolts are SURGING! With a 13-point rating boost, Tampa has clawed their way into the Top 3. Their playoff probability has skyrocketed to 91%, and they look like the terrifying championship-caliber squad of old.
Minnesota (4th, -1, 1553) The Wild slipped one spot, but don’t let that fool you. They are locked in with 98% playoff odds. They are consistent, they are mean, and they are a nightmare to play against every single night.
Washington (5th, +2, 1525) The Caps break into the Top 5! Despite some volatility in their metrics, they jumped two spots this week. However, with playoff odds sitting at 57%, the tightrope they’re walking is razor-thin!

BIGGEST RISERS: CLIMBING THE LADDER

Ottawa (13th, +6, 1508): The Sens are making moves! A six-spot jump puts them within striking distance of the elite. Their playoff odds moved up to 41% as they find their rhythm!
Toronto (9th, +5, 1518): Never count out the Buds! A massive 5-spot leap into the Top 10 has the 6ix buzzing. They’ve boosted their playoff chances to 37%.
Nashville (21st, +5, 1480): Smashville is waking up! They gained 12 rating points and jumped 5 spots, desperately trying to claw back into the conversation.

BIGGEST FALLERS: THE ICE IS MELTING

Winnipeg (28th, -7, 1463): ABSOLUTE CATASTROPHE in Manitoba! The Jets fell 7 spots and their playoff odds have cratered to a measly 9%. The season is slipping away!
Los Angeles (18th, -5, 1500): The Kings are bleeding out. A 5-spot drop and a loss of 7 rating points has them looking shaky in the middle of the pack.
NY Islanders (20th, -5, 1492): The Isles are sliding toward the danger zone. They dropped 5 spots this week and need to find an identity—fast!

DIVISION DOGFIGHTS: WAR FOR THE CROWN

Atlantic Division

It is a Tampa Bay world and we’re just living in it! The Bolts have a 48% chance to take the division, while Montreal (7th, +3, 1519) is lurking in the shadows with 18% odds. The middle of this pack is a bloodbath!

Central Division

Stop the fight! Colorado has a 95% lock on this division. Dallas and Minnesota are essentially playing for the “Best of the Rest” title while the Avalanche continue their historic run of dominance.

Metropolitan Division

Chaos reigns! Carolina (12th, -4, 1509) still leads the odds at 29%, but they are fading fast after a 16-point drop in win probability. Philadelphia (16th, +2, 1505) and Pittsburgh (16th, +4, 1505) are surging, turning this into a four-way street fight!

Pacific Division

Vegas (7th, -2, 1519) is the frontrunner at 32%, but they are leaking oil! Edmonton (10th, -4, 1512) is right behind them at 24%, despite a rough week. Keep an eye on Seattle (24th, 1479)—they’re the dark horse gaining ground!

Would you like me to generate a deep-dive scouting report on any of these Top 5 teams?

Here’s the rankings and ratings. Changes shown are from last week’s report.

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1641, ▲3)

Record: 31-3-7, 1st in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: >99%
Winning the President’s Trophy: 93% (▲8)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 24% (▲2)

Last week: 3-1-0

December 29: Won 5-2 vs. Los Angeles Kings (18th, 1500)
December 31: Won 6-1 vs. St. Louis Blues (15th, 1506)
January 3: Won 5-3 @ Carolina Hurricanes (12th, 1509)
January 4: Lost 2-1 @ Florida Panthers (6th, 1520)

Next week:

January 6: @ Tampa Bay Lightning (3rd, 1560)
January 8: vs. Ottawa Senators (13th, 1508)
January 10: vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (21st, 1480)

2. Dallas Stars (1567, ▼22)

Record: 25-9-8, 2nd in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 99% (▼1)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 3% (▼8)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 8% (▼3)

Last week: 0-2-1

December 31: Lost 4-1 vs. Buffalo Sabres (11th, 1510)
January 1: Lost 4-3 @ Chicago Blackhawks (30th, 1451)
January 4: Lost in OT 4-3 vs. Montreal Canadiens (7th, 1519)

Next week:

January 6: @ Carolina Hurricanes (12th, 1509)
January 7: @ Washington Capitals (5th, 1525)
January 10: @ San Jose Sharks (32nd, 1439)

3. Tampa Bay Lightning (1560, ▲13)

Record: 25-13-3, 1st in Atlantic Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 91% (▲7)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 1%
Winning the Stanley Cup: 8% (▲2)

Last week: 3-0-0

December 31: Won in OT 4-3 @ Anaheim Ducks (29th, 1457)
January 1: Won 5-3 @ Los Angeles Kings (18th, 1500)
January 3: Won 7-3 @ San Jose Sharks (32nd, 1439)

Next week:

January 6: vs. Colorado Avalanche (1st, 1641)
January 10: @ Philadelphia Flyers (16th, 1505)

4. Minnesota Wild ▲1 (1553, ▲15)

Record: 25-10-8, 3rd in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 98% (▲3)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 2% (▲1)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 6% (▲1)

Last week: 2-0-2

December 29: Won 5-2 @ Vegas Golden Knights (7th, 1519)
December 31: Lost in SO 4-3 @ San Jose Sharks (32nd, 1439)
January 2: Won 5-2 @ Anaheim Ducks (29th, 1457)
January 3: Lost in SO 5-4 @ Los Angeles Kings (18th, 1500)

Next week:

January 5: @ Los Angeles Kings (18th, 1500)
January 8: @ Seattle Kraken (24th, 1479)
January 10: vs. New York Islanders (20th, 1492)

5. Washington Capitals ▲1 (1525, ▼11)

Record: 21-15-6, 5th in Metropolitan Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 57% (▼16)
Winning the President’s Trophy: <1%
Winning the Stanley Cup: 4% (▼1)

Last week: 1-2-1

December 29: Lost 5-3 @ Florida Panthers (6th, 1520)
December 31: Won 6-3 vs. New York Rangers (21st, 1480)
January 1: Lost 4-3 @ Ottawa Senators (13th, 1508)
January 3: Lost in SO 3-2 vs. Chicago Blackhawks (30th, 1451)

Next week:

January 5: vs. Anaheim Ducks (29th, 1457)
January 7: vs. Dallas Stars (2nd, 1567)
January 9: @ Chicago Blackhawks (30th, 1451)
January 11: @ Nashville Predators (21st, 1480)

Overall Ratings

 1       Colorado Avalanche            1641 (▲3)
 2       Dallas Stars                  1567 (▼22)
 3       Tampa Bay Lightning           1560 (▲13)
 4       Minnesota Wild (▲1)           1553 (▲15)
 5       Washington Capitals (▲1)      1525 (▼11)
 6       Florida Panthers (▲4)         1520 (▲7)
 7 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▲2)       1519 (▲4)
 7 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▼3)     1519 (▼27)
 9       Toronto Maple Leafs (▲4)      1518 (▲12)
10       Edmonton Oilers (▼3)          1512 (▼11)
11       Buffalo Sabres (▲6)           1510 (▲11)
12       Carolina Hurricanes (▼5)      1509 (▼14)
13       Ottawa Senators (▲2)          1508 (▲5)
14       Detroit Red Wings (▼2)        1507 (▼3)
15       St. Louis Blues (▼1)          1506 (▲1)
16 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▲3)      1505 (▲10)
16 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲4)      1505 (▲16)
18       Los Angeles Kings (▼7)        1500 (▼11)
19       Calgary Flames (▼2)           1495 (▼4)
20       New York Islanders (▼4)       1492 (▼9)
21 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▲3)    1480 (▲8)
21 (tie) New York Rangers (▲1)         1480 (▲5)
21 (tie) Nashville Predators (▲8)      1480 (▲21)
24       Seattle Kraken (▼1)           1479 (▲6)
25       Boston Bruins (▲3)            1476 (▲12)
26       New Jersey Devils (▼2)        1474 (▲2)
27       Utah Mammoth (▼3)             1465 (▼7)
28       Winnipeg Jets (▼8)            1463 (▼26)
29       Anaheim Ducks (▼5)            1457 (▼15)
30       Chicago Blackhawks (▲1)       1451 (▲14)
31       Vancouver Canucks (▼1)        1448 (▼6)
32       San Jose Sharks               1439 (▲4)

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           29% (▼12)
 2       Philadelphia Flyers (▲1)      19% (▲7)
 3       Pittsburgh Penguins (▲2)      16% (▲11)
 4       Washington Capitals (▼2)      15% (▼7)
 5       New York Islanders (▼2)       12%
 6       New Jersey Devils             4%
 7       New York Rangers              3% (▲1)
 8       Columbus Blue Jackets (▼1)    2%

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           48% (▲10)
 2       Montreal Canadiens (▲1)       18% (▲2)
 3       Detroit Red Wings (▼1)        9% (▼8)
 4 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           7% (▼1)
 4 (tie) Florida Panthers              7% (▼3)
 6       Ottawa Senators               5% (▼1)
 7       Toronto Maple Leafs           4% (▲1)
 8       Boston Bruins                 2%

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            95% (▲8)
 2       Dallas Stars                  4% (▼8)
 3       Minnesota Wild                2% (▲1)
 4 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%
 4 (tie) Nashville Predators           <1%
 4 (tie) St. Louis Blues               <1%
 4 (tie) Utah Mammoth                  <1%
 4 (tie) Winnipeg Jets                 <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Vegas Golden Knights          32% (▼17)
 2       Edmonton Oilers               24% (▲3)
 3       Los Angeles Kings             16% (▲3)
 4       Seattle Kraken (▲1)           12% (▲8)
 5       Anaheim Ducks (▼1)            8% (▼1)
 6       Calgary Flames                5% (▲3)
 7       San Jose Sharks               4% (▲3)
 8       Vancouver Canucks (▼1)        1%

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           74% (▼11)
 2       Philadelphia Flyers (▲2)      62% (▲4)
 3 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲2)      57% (▲21)
 3 (tie) Washington Capitals (▼1)      57% (▼16)
 5       New York Islanders (▼2)       52% (▼7)
 6       New Jersey Devils             28% (▼5)
 7       New York Rangers              23% (▼3)
 8       Columbus Blue Jackets         21%

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           91% (▲7)
 2       Montreal Canadiens (▲1)       72% (▲7)
 3       Detroit Red Wings (▼1)        58% (▼9)
 4       Florida Panthers              51% (▼1)
 5       Buffalo Sabres                49% (▲3)
 6       Ottawa Senators               41% (▼2)
 7       Toronto Maple Leafs           37% (▲6)
 8       Boston Bruins                 25% (▲5)

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            >99%
 2       Dallas Stars (▼1)             99% (▼1)
 3       Minnesota Wild                98% (▲3)
 4       Nashville Predators (▲3)      39% (▲19)
 5       St. Louis Blues (▼1)          34% (▲3)
 6       Utah Mammoth (▼1)             25% (▼5)
 7       Chicago Blackhawks (▲1)       17% (▲10)
 8       Winnipeg Jets (▼2)            9% (▼18)

Pacific Division

 1       Vegas Golden Knights          78% (▼12)
 2       Edmonton Oilers               72% (▼5)
 3       Los Angeles Kings             60% (▼4)
 4       Seattle Kraken (▲1)           52% (▲13)
 5       Anaheim Ducks (▼1)            43% (▼13)
 6       Calgary Flames                34% (▲4)
 7       San Jose Sharks               28% (▲7)
 8       Vancouver Canucks             11% (▼1)

Winning the President’s Trophy

 1       Colorado Avalanche            93% (▲8)
 2       Dallas Stars                  3% (▼8)
 3       Minnesota Wild                2% (▲1)
 4       Tampa Bay Lightning (▼1)      1%

Everyone else has less than a 1% chance of winning the President’s Trophy.

Winning the Stanley Cup

 1       Colorado Avalanche            24% (▲2)
 2 (tie) Dallas Stars                  8% (▼3)
 2 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning (▲1)      8% (▲2)
 4       Minnesota Wild (▲1)           6% (▲1)
 5 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▲4)       4% (▲1)
 5 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▼2)     4% (▼2)
 5 (tie) Washington Capitals           4% (▼1)
 8 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▲6)           3% (▲1)
 8 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes (▼1)      3% (▼1)
 8 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▲1)        3%
 8 (tie) Edmonton Oilers (▼1)          3% (▼1)
 8 (tie) Florida Panthers (▲1)         3%
 8 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▲6)      3% (▲1)
 8 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲6)      3% (▲1)
15 (tie) Calgary Flames (▲4)           2% (▲1)
15 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▼6)        2% (▼1)
15 (tie) New York Islanders (▼6)       2% (▼1)
15 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▼1)          2%
15 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▲4)           2% (▲1)
15 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▲4)          2% (▲1)
15 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▼1)      2%
22 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▼3)            1%
22 (tie) Boston Bruins (▼3)            1%
22 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▼3)    1%
22 (tie) New York Rangers (▼3)         1%
22 (tie) Nashville Predators (▼3)      1%
22 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▼3)        1%
22 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▲8)          1% (▲1)
22 (tie) Utah Mammoth (▼3)             1%
30 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%
30 (tie) Vancouver Canucks             <1%
30 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▼11)           <1% (▼1)

AVALANCHE OF AGONY: COLORADO CRUSHES THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT WHILE BOSTON BRUINS HIT ROCK BOTTOM!

LISTEN UP, HOCKEY FANATICS! The holiday leftovers are gone, the ice is scarred, and the mid-season grind has turned into an absolute WAR ZONE! While you were opening presents, these teams were busy opening veins. We’ve got shifts in the bedrock of the standings and teams falling off cliffs!

Here is your McDonald NHL Power Rankings for the week ending December 28, 2025!

### THE ELITE FIVE: THE KINGS OF THE HILL

These are the titans of the frozen sheet. If you aren’t on this list, you’re just prey.

Colorado Avalanche (1st, 1638) The Avs are not just winning; they are a force of nature! With a soul-crushing 22% chance to hoist the Cup, Nathan MacKinnon and crew just survived a 6-5 shootout thriller against Vegas to prove they own the summit.
Dallas Stars (2nd, 1589) Slightly bleeding after a shootout loss to Chicago, but don’t let the scratches fool you—they are still the safest bet in the West with playoff odds locked in at over 99%.
Tampa Bay Lightning (3rd, +1, 1547) The Bolts are SURGING! They’ve vaulted into the top three after a massive week, including a 4-2 statement win over Florida and a shootout guts-check against Montreal.
Vegas Golden Knights (4th, +1, 1546) The house always wins! Despite the shootout loss to the Avs, Vegas is rolling, holding a dominant 90% chance to make the postseason dance.
Minnesota Wild (5, 1538) Holding steady in the top tier! They took down the Jets in a divisional grudge match and look every bit like a contender with 95% playoff certainty.

### THE ROCKET SHIPS: BIGGEST RISERS

Somebody lit a fire under these benches!

Seattle Kraken (23rd, +7, 1473): Total insanity! The Kraken have been unleashed, dragging their playoff odds up by 15% in a single week.
Toronto Maple Leafs (13th, +6, 1506): Don’t call it a comeback! The Buds found their scoring touch, exploding for 7 goals against Ottawa and jumping 9% in playoff probability.
Montreal Canadiens (9th, +4, 1515): The Habs are for real! They dismantled Boston 6-2 and are now sitting pretty with a 65% shot at the postseason.

### THE CRASH LANDINGS: BIGGEST FALLERS

Ice cold. These teams are sliding toward the basement faster than a greased puck.

Boston Bruins (28th, -6, 1464): Absolute disaster in Beantown. A 5-game losing streak has decimated their playoff hopes, plummeting 15% this week alone.
Washington Capitals (6th, -3, 1536): A rough patch for the Caps, losing ground in the Metro as their divisional win odds slipped by 3%.
Ottawa Senators (15th, -3, 1503): The Sens are leaking oil! An 11% drop in playoff odds after getting shelled by their rivals in Toronto.

### DIVISION DOGFIGHTS: THE BATTLE LINES

The map is changing! Here is how the four fronts look after a week of heavy shelling.

Atlantic Division

It is a meat grinder! Detroit (12th, -3, 1510) still holds the crown with a 17% chance to win the division, but Tampa Bay is breathing down their necks with an 8% jump in divisional odds. Keep an eye on Buffalo (17th, +1, 1499)—they’ve won eight straight!

Metropolitan Division

Carolina (7th, 1523) remains the apex predator here with a 41% chance to take the division. The NY Islanders (16th, -1, 1501) are trying to keep pace, but the Philadelphia Flyers (19th, -2, 1495) are refusing to go away quietly.

Central Division

Total domination. Colorado has an iron grip on the top spot with an 87% chance to win the division. Dallas is the only one within shouting distance, but even they saw their divisional win odds drop by 6% this week.

Pacific Division

The Vegas Golden Knights have seized control! Their odds of winning the Pacific jumped 8% to a commanding 49%. Edmonton (7th, +1, 1523) is lurking, but a loss to Calgary this week kept them at a distant 21% to take the division title.

Here’s the rankings and ratings. Changes shown are from last week’s report.

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1638, ▲3)

Record: 28-2-7, 1st in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: >99%
Winning the President’s Trophy: 85% (▲7)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 22% (▲1)

Last week: 2-0-0

December 23: Won 1-0 vs. Utah Mammoth (24th, 1472)
December 27: Won in SO 6-5 @ Vegas Golden Knights (4th, 1546)

Next week:

December 29: vs. Los Angeles Kings (11th, 1511)
December 31: vs. St. Louis Blues (14th, 1505)
January 3: @ Carolina Hurricanes (7th, 1523)
January 4: @ Florida Panthers (10th, 1513)

2. Dallas Stars (1589, ▼5)

Record: 25-7-7, 2nd in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: >99%
Winning the President’s Trophy: 11% (▼6)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 11%

Last week: 0-0-2

December 23: Lost in OT 4-3 @ Detroit Red Wings (12th, 1510)
December 27: Lost in SO 4-3 vs. Chicago Blackhawks (31st, 1437)

Next week:

December 31: vs. Buffalo Sabres (17th, 1499)
January 1: @ Chicago Blackhawks (31st, 1437)
January 4: vs. Montreal Canadiens (9th, 1515)

3. Tampa Bay Lightning ▲3 (1547, ▲12)

Record: 22-13-3, 2nd in Atlantic Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 84% (▲11)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 1% (▲1)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 6% (▲1)

Last week: 3-0-0

December 22: Won 4-1 vs. St. Louis Blues (14th, 1505)
December 27: Won 4-2 @ Florida Panthers (10th, 1513)
December 28: Won in SO 5-4 vs. Montreal Canadiens (9th, 1515)

Next week:

December 31: @ Anaheim Ducks (24th, 1472)
January 1: @ Los Angeles Kings (11th, 1511)
January 3: @ San Jose Sharks (32nd, 1435)

4. Vegas Golden Knights (1546, ▲6)

Record: 17-8-11, 1st in Pacific Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 90% (▲4)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 1%
Winning the Stanley Cup: 6% (▲1)

Last week: 1-0-1

December 23: Won 7-2 vs. San Jose Sharks (32nd, 1435)
December 27: Lost in SO 6-5 vs. Colorado Avalanche (1st, 1638)

Next week:

December 29: vs. Minnesota Wild (5th, 1538)
December 31: vs. Nashville Predators (29th, 1459)
January 2: @ St. Louis Blues (14th, 1505)
January 4: @ Chicago Blackhawks (31st, 1437)

5. Minnesota Wild ▼1 (1538, ▼2)

Record: 23-10-6, 3rd in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 95% (▲2)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 1%
Winning the Stanley Cup: 5% (▲1)

Last week: 1-0-1

December 23: Lost in OT 3-2 vs. Nashville Predators (29th, 1459)
December 27: Won in OT 4-3 @ Winnipeg Jets (20th, 1489)

Next week:

December 29: @ Vegas Golden Knights (4th, 1546)
December 31: @ San Jose Sharks (32nd, 1435)
January 2: @ Anaheim Ducks (24th, 1472)
January 3: @ Los Angeles Kings (11th, 1511)

Overall Ratings

 1       Colorado Avalanche            1638 (▲3)
 2       Dallas Stars                  1589 (▼5)
 3       Tampa Bay Lightning (▲3)      1547 (▲12)
 4       Vegas Golden Knights          1546 (▲6)
 5       Minnesota Wild (▼1)           1538 (▼2)
 6       Washington Capitals (▼3)      1536 (▼11)
 7 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes           1523 (▼2)
 7 (tie) Edmonton Oilers (▲2)          1523 (▼1)
 9       Montreal Canadiens (▲4)       1515 (▲10)
10       Florida Panthers (▲1)         1513 (▲1)
11       Los Angeles Kings (▼4)        1511 (▼14)
12       Detroit Red Wings (▼2)        1510 (▼7)
13       Toronto Maple Leafs (▲5)      1506 (▲15)
14       St. Louis Blues (▼1)          1505
15       Ottawa Senators (▼3)          1503 (▼8)
16       New York Islanders (▼1)       1501 (▲4)
17 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                1499 (▲7)
17 (tie) Calgary Flames (▼2)           1499 (▲2)
19       Philadelphia Flyers           1495 (▲6)
20 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲1)      1489 (▲1)
20 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▼1)            1489
22       New York Rangers (▲4)         1475 (▲4)
23       Seattle Kraken (▲8)           1473 (▲27)
24 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▼2)            1472 (▼15)
24 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▲5)    1472 (▲18)
24 (tie) New Jersey Devils             1472 (▼5)
24 (tie) Utah Mammoth (▲1)             1472 (▼4)
28       Boston Bruins (▼5)            1464 (▼14)
29       Nashville Predators (▼1)      1459 (▼4)
30       Vancouver Canucks (▼3)        1454 (▼15)
31       Chicago Blackhawks (▼1)       1437 (▼11)
32       San Jose Sharks               1435 (▲4)

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           41%
 2       Washington Capitals           22% (▼4)
 3 (tie) New York Islanders            12% (▲2)
 3 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▲1)      12% (▲3)
 5       Pittsburgh Penguins (▲1)      5%
 6       New Jersey Devils (▼1)        4% (▼2)
 7 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▲1)    2% (▲1)
 7 (tie) New York Rangers              2%

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           38% (▲12)
 2       Detroit Red Wings             17% (▼3)
 3       Montreal Canadiens            16% (▲1)
 4       Florida Panthers              10% (▼3)
 5       Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           8% (▲2)
 6       Ottawa Senators (▼2)          6% (▼7)
 7       Toronto Maple Leafs (▲1)      3% (▲1)
 8       Boston Bruins (▼1)            2% (▼3)

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            87% (▲7)
 2       Dallas Stars                  12% (▼6)
 3       Minnesota Wild                1% (▼1)
 4 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%
 4 (tie) Nashville Predators           <1%
 4 (tie) St. Louis Blues               <1%
 4 (tie) Utah Mammoth                  <1%
 4 (tie) Winnipeg Jets                 <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Vegas Golden Knights          49% (▲12)
 2       Edmonton Oilers (▲1)          21% (▲1)
 3       Los Angeles Kings (▼1)        13% (▼8)
 4       Anaheim Ducks                 9% (▼7)
 5       Seattle Kraken (▲2)           4% (▲3)
 6       Calgary Flames (▼1)           2%
 7 (tie) San Jose Sharks               1%
 7 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▼2)        1% (▼1)

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           85% (▼2)
 2       Washington Capitals           73% (▼6)
 3       New York Islanders            59% (▲3)
 4       Philadelphia Flyers           58% (▲5)
 5       Pittsburgh Penguins (▲1)      36% (▼2)
 6       New Jersey Devils (▼1)        33% (▼10)
 7       New York Rangers              26%
 8       Columbus Blue Jackets         21% (▲9)

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           84% (▲11)
 2       Detroit Red Wings             67% (▼1)
 3       Montreal Canadiens            65% (▲6)
 4       Florida Panthers              52% (▼3)
 5       Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           46% (▲9)
 6       Ottawa Senators (▼2)          43% (▼12)
 7       Toronto Maple Leafs (▲1)      31% (▲9)
 8       Boston Bruins (▼1)            20% (▼16)

Central Division

 1 (tie) Colorado Avalanche            >99%
 1 (tie) Dallas Stars                  >99%
 3       Minnesota Wild                95% (▲2)
 4       St. Louis Blues (▲1)          31% (▲1)
 5       Utah Mammoth (▼1)             30% (▼2)
 6       Winnipeg Jets                 27% (▲2)
 7       Nashville Predators           20%
 8       Chicago Blackhawks            7% (▼4)

Pacific Division

 1       Vegas Golden Knights          90% (▲4)
 2       Edmonton Oilers               77% (▲2)
 3       Los Angeles Kings             64% (▼10)
 4       Anaheim Ducks                 56% (▼14)
 5       Seattle Kraken (▲3)           39% (▲23)
 6       Calgary Flames (▼1)           30% (▲3)
 7       San Jose Sharks               21% (▲3)
 8       Vancouver Canucks (▼2)        12% (▼10)

Winning the President’s Trophy

 1       Colorado Avalanche            85% (▲7)
 2       Dallas Stars                  11% (▼6)
 3 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes           1%
 3 (tie) Minnesota Wild                1%
 3 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning (▲4)      1% (▲1)
 3 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights          1%

Everyone else has less than a 1% chance of winning the President’s Trophy.

Winning the Stanley Cup

 1       Colorado Avalanche            22% (▲1)
 2       Dallas Stars                  11%
 3 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning (▲1)      6% (▲1)
 3 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▲1)     6% (▲1)
 5 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▲2)           5% (▲1)
 5 (tie) Washington Capitals (▼2)      5% (▼1)
 7 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes (▼3)      4% (▼1)
 7 (tie) Edmonton Oilers               4%
 9 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▼2)        3% (▼1)
 9 (tie) Florida Panthers (▲2)         3%
 9 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▼2)        3% (▼1)
 9 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▲2)       3%
 9 (tie) New York Islanders (▲5)       3% (▲1)
14 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                2%
14 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▼3)          2% (▼1)
14 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           2%
14 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins           2%
14 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▲5)      2% (▲1)
19 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▼5)            1% (▼1)
19 (tie) Boston Bruins                 1%
19 (tie) Calgary Flames                1%
19 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▲10)    1% (▲1)
19 (tie) New York Rangers              1%
19 (tie) Nashville Predators           1%
19 (tie) New Jersey Devils             1%
19 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▲10)          1% (▲1)
19 (tie) St. Louis Blues               1%
19 (tie) Utah Mammoth                  1%
19 (tie) Winnipeg Jets                 1%
30 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▼1)       <1%
30 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▼1)          <1%
30 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▼11)       <1% (▼1)

MCDONALD NHL POWER RATINGS: AVALANCHE ASCENDANT: COLORADO CRUSHES THE COMPETITION WHILE PITTSBURGH PLUMMETS INTO THE ABYSS!

LISTEN UP, HOCKEY FANATICS! The NHL ice is melting under the heat of a mid-December war path! We’ve got juggernauts extending their dominance and former kings falling into the abyss. This isn’t just a game; it’s a high-speed collision course for the Cup!

Here is your weekly war report for the period ending December 21, 2025:

THE ELITE FIVE: THE MOUNTAINTOP

Colorado (1st, 1635) The Avalanche are essentially playing a different sport! They pounded Seattle and Utah this week before an absolute statement win—destroying Minnesota 5-1 on Sunday. They are sitting on a 21% chance to hoist the Cup, and with a playoff probability of over 99%, the rest of the league is just fighting for second place!
Dallas (2nd, 1594) Total. Offensive. Annihilation. The Stars didn’t just win this week; they committed larceny. An 8-3 blowout of Anaheim followed by a 5-1 thrashing of Toronto? This team is deep, dangerous, and holds an 11% chance to win it all.
Washington (3, +1, 1547) The Capitals survive a rocky week to climb a rung! Despite a shutout loss to the Wild, they managed to stifle Toronto 4-0. They’re clinging to a 79% playoff chance, but they better find some consistency before the Metropolitan sharks start circling.
Minnesota (4, +2, 1540) A week of polar opposites! They looked like gods in a 5-0 shutout of Washington and a 5-2 win over Edmonton, but they got a reality check from the Avs to end the week. Still, they jumped 2 spots and boast a massive 93% playoff probability.
Vegas (4, -1, 1540) The Golden Knights are bleeding! They dropped a shootout to New Jersey, got doubled up by Calgary, and surrendered 4 goals to Edmonton. They fall to a tie for 4th, and their playoff odds have slipped to 86%.

THE VELOCITY REPORT

BIGGEST RISERS

Buffalo (17, +8, 1492): The Sabres are on a TEAR! Eight spots in one week? They took down Philly, the Isles, and New Jersey. Their playoff hopes have spiked to 37%. Don’t look now, but the Sabres are relevant!
Ottawa (12, +6, 1511): The Sens are surging! They crushed Pittsburgh and Chicago, moving up 6 spots. They now have a 55% chance to make the dance.
St. Louis (13, +5, 1505): A 5-spot jump after a massive 6-2 win over Florida. They’re still long shots with 30% playoff odds, but they’re showing life!

BIGGEST FALLERS

Pittsburgh (21, -10, 1488): A total collapse! Ten spots gone in seven days. Getting shut out by Montreal and Ottawa? Brutal. Their playoff odds plummeted to 38%.
NY Islanders (15, -5, 1497): Falling like a stone. They lost to Detroit, Vancouver, and Buffalo. A 56% playoff chance feels shaky right now.
NY Rangers (26, -5, 1471): The Broadway Blues are real. They fell 5 spots and are staring at a grim 26% chance to see the postseason.

DIVISION DOGFIGHTS

Atlantic Division

It is a bloodbath in the Atlantic! Detroit (10, +2, 1517) has clawed into the top spot with a 20% chance to win the division. But watch out—Montreal (13, +2, 1505) is right on their heels at 15%, and Tampa Bay (6, -1, 1535) is still the heavy favorite to actually win it at 26% despite a minor dip!

Metropolitan Division

Carolina (7, 1525) is the undisputed king of the Metro with a 41% chance to take the crown. Washington (3, +1, 1547) is trying to keep pace at 26%, but they lost ground this week. Philadelphia (19, +4, 1489) is the sleeper, moving up to a 9% divisional win probability!

Central Division

Welcome to the Colorado Invitational. The Avalanche have an 80% stranglehold on this division. Dallas is the only team within shouting distance at 18%. Everyone else? You’re just playing for a Wild Card spot. Winnipeg, St. Louis, and Chicago all have less than a 1% chance to win the Central.

Pacific Division

The most chaotic race in hockey! Vegas collapsed this week, seeing their division win odds tank from 55% to 37%. That opened the door for Edmonton (9, +4, 1524), who saw their odds jump to 20%, and Los Angeles (7, +1, 1525), now sitting at 21%. Anaheim (22, -1, 1487) rounds out the top four at 16%.

Here’s the rankings and ratings. Changes shown are from last week’s report.

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1635, ▲16)

Record: 26-2-7, 1st in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: >99%
Winning the President’s Trophy: 78% (▲8)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 21% (▲3)

Last week: 3-0-0

December 16: Won 5-3 @ Seattle Kraken (31st, 1446)
December 19: Won 3-2 vs. Winnipeg Jets (19th, 1489)
December 21: Won 5-1 @ Minnesota Wild (4th, 1540)

Next week:

December 23: vs. Utah Mammoth (25th, 1476)
December 27: @ Vegas Golden Knights (4th, 1540)

2. Dallas Stars (1594, ▲23)

Record: 25-7-5, 2nd in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: >99% (▲2)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 17% (▲6)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 11% (▲2)

Last week: 4-0-0

December 15: Won 4-1 vs. Los Angeles Kings (7th, 1525)
December 18: Won 5-3 @ San Jose Sharks (32nd, 1431)
December 19: Won 8-3 @ Anaheim Ducks (22nd, 1487)
December 21: Won 5-1 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (18th, 1491)

Next week:

December 23: @ Detroit Red Wings (10th, 1517)
December 27: vs. Chicago Blackhawks (30th, 1448)

3. Washington Capitals ▲1 (1547, ▼10)

Record: 19-12-5, 2nd in Metropolitan Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 79% (▼5)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 1% (▼2)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 6% (▼1)

Last week: 1-2-1

December 16: Lost 5-0 @ Minnesota Wild (4th, 1540)
December 18: Won 4-0 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (18th, 1491)
December 20: Lost 5-2 vs. Detroit Red Wings (10th, 1517)
December 21: Lost in OT 3-2 @ Detroit Red Wings (10th, 1517)

Next week:

December 23: vs. New York Rangers (26th, 1471)
December 27: @ New Jersey Devils (24th, 1477)

4 (tie). Minnesota Wild ▲3 (1540, ▲13)

Record: 22-10-5, 3rd in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 93% (▲7)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 1% (▼1)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 4%

Last week: 3-1-0

December 16: Won 5-0 vs. Washington Capitals (3rd, 1547)
December 18: Won 5-2 @ Columbus Blue Jackets (29th, 1454)
December 20: Won 5-2 vs. Edmonton Oilers (9th, 1524)
December 21: Lost 5-1 vs. Colorado Avalanche (1st, 1635)

Next week:

December 23: vs. Nashville Predators (28th, 1463)
December 27: @ Winnipeg Jets (19th, 1489)

4 (tie). Vegas Golden Knights ▼1 (1540, ▼18)

Record: 16-8-10, 2nd in Pacific Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 86% (▼7)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 1% (▼4)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 5% (▼3)

Last week: 0-2-1

December 17: Lost in SO 2-1 vs. New Jersey Devils (24th, 1477)
December 20: Lost 6-3 @ Calgary Flames (15th, 1497)
December 21: Lost 4-3 @ Edmonton Oilers (9th, 1524)

Next week:

December 23: vs. San Jose Sharks (32nd, 1431)
December 27: vs. Colorado Avalanche (1st, 1635)

Overall Ratings

 1       Colorado Avalanche            1635 (▲16)
 2       Dallas Stars                  1594 (▲23)
 3       Washington Capitals (▲1)      1547 (▼10)
 4 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▲3)           1540 (▲13)
 4 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▼1)     1540 (▼18)
 6       Tampa Bay Lightning (▼1)      1535 (▼11)
 7 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes (▲1)      1525 (▲1)
 7 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▼1)        1525 (▼4)
 9       Edmonton Oilers (▲3)          1524 (▲17)
10       Detroit Red Wings (▲1)        1517 (▲7)
11       Florida Panthers (▲2)         1512 (▲6)
12       Ottawa Senators (▲8)          1511 (▲22)
13 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▲2)       1505 (▲5)
13 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▲4)          1505 (▲6)
15 (tie) Calgary Flames (▲4)           1497 (▲6)
15 (tie) New York Islanders (▼6)       1497 (▼15)
17       Buffalo Sabres (▲7)           1492 (▲14)
18       Toronto Maple Leafs (▼4)      1491 (▼13)
19 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▲3)      1489 (▲3)
19 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▼4)            1489 (▼11)
21       Pittsburgh Penguins (▼11)     1488 (▼23)
22       Anaheim Ducks (▲2)            1487 (▲9)
23       Boston Bruins (▼2)            1478 (▼10)
24       New Jersey Devils (▲2)        1477 (▲4)
25       Utah Mammoth (▼2)             1476 (▼8)
26       New York Rangers (▼8)         1471 (▼25)
27       Vancouver Canucks (▲2)        1469 (▲19)
28       Nashville Predators (▲3)      1463 (▲17)
29       Columbus Blue Jackets (▼2)    1454 (▼13)
30       Chicago Blackhawks (▼2)       1448 (▼18)
31       Seattle Kraken (▼1)           1446 (▼3)
32       San Jose Sharks               1431 (▼6)

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           41% (▲9)
 2       Washington Capitals           26% (▼4)
 3       New York Islanders            10% (▼5)
 4       Philadelphia Flyers (▲1)      9% (▲3)
 5       New Jersey Devils (▲2)        6% (▲3)
 6       Pittsburgh Penguins (▼2)      5% (▼4)
 7       New York Rangers (▼1)         2% (▼2)
 8       Columbus Blue Jackets         1%

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           26% (▼13)
 2       Detroit Red Wings             20% (▲6)
 3       Montreal Canadiens            15% (▲2)
 4 (tie) Florida Panthers (▲1)         13% (▲4)
 4 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▲3)          13% (▲9)
 6       Buffalo Sabres (▲2)           6% (▲3)
 7       Boston Bruins (▼3)            5% (▼5)
 8       Toronto Maple Leafs (▼2)      2% (▼4)

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            80% (▼1)
 2       Dallas Stars                  18% (▲3)
 3       Minnesota Wild                2% (▼1)
 4 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%
 4 (tie) Nashville Predators           <1%
 4 (tie) St. Louis Blues               <1%
 4 (tie) Utah Mammoth                  <1%
 4 (tie) Winnipeg Jets                 <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Vegas Golden Knights          37% (▼17)
 2       Los Angeles Kings             21%
 3       Edmonton Oilers (▲1)          20% (▲11)
 4       Anaheim Ducks (▼1)            16% (▲5)
 5 (tie) Calgary Flames                2% (▲1)
 5 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▲3)        2% (▲2)
 7 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▼2)          1%
 7 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▼2)           1%

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           87% (▲3)
 2       Washington Capitals (▼1)      79% (▼5)
 3       New York Islanders            56% (▼13)
 4       Philadelphia Flyers (▲1)      53% (▲6)
 5       New Jersey Devils (▲2)        43% (▲10)
 6       Pittsburgh Penguins (▼2)      38% (▼18)
 7       New York Rangers (▼1)         26% (▼14)
 8       Columbus Blue Jackets         12% (▼5)

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           73% (▼8)
 2       Detroit Red Wings             68% (▲11)
 3       Montreal Canadiens            59% (▲5)
 4 (tie) Florida Panthers (▲1)         55% (▲11)
 4 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▲3)          55% (▲25)
 6       Buffalo Sabres (▲2)           37% (▲15)
 7       Boston Bruins (▼3)            36% (▼12)
 8       Toronto Maple Leafs (▼2)      22% (▼15)

Central Division

 1 (tie) Colorado Avalanche            >99%
 1 (tie) Dallas Stars (▲1)             >99% (▲2)
 3       Minnesota Wild                93% (▲7)
 4       Utah Mammoth (▲1)             32% (▼6)
 5       St. Louis Blues (▲1)          30% (▲2)
 6       Winnipeg Jets (▼2)            25% (▼14)
 7       Nashville Predators (▲1)      20% (▲8)
 8       Chicago Blackhawks (▼1)       11% (▼14)

Pacific Division

 1       Vegas Golden Knights          86% (▼7)
 2       Edmonton Oilers (▲2)          75% (▲15)
 3       Los Angeles Kings (▼1)        74% (▼5)
 4       Anaheim Ducks (▼1)            70% (▲6)
 5       Calgary Flames (▲1)           27% (▲3)
 6       Vancouver Canucks (▲2)        22% (▲12)
 7       San Jose Sharks (▼2)          18% (▼7)
 8       Seattle Kraken (▼1)           16% (▼5)

Winning the President’s Trophy

 1       Colorado Avalanche            78% (▲8)
 2       Dallas Stars                  17% (▲6)
 3 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes (▲1)      1% (▼2)
 3 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▲3)           1% (▼1)
 3 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights          1% (▼4)
 3 (tie) Washington Capitals (▲1)      1% (▼2)

Everyone else has less than a 1% chance of winning the President’s Trophy.

Winning the Stanley Cup

 1       Colorado Avalanche            21% (▲3)
 2       Dallas Stars                  11% (▲2)
 3       Washington Capitals (▲1)      6% (▼1)
 4 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes (▲2)      5%
 4 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning (▲1)      5% (▼1)
 4 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▼1)     5% (▼3)
 7 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▲2)        4% (▲1)
 7 (tie) Edmonton Oilers (▲2)          4% (▲1)
 7 (tie) Los Angeles Kings             4%
 7 (tie) Minnesota Wild                4%
11 (tie) Florida Panthers (▲3)         3% (▲1)
11 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▼2)       3%
11 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▲3)          3% (▲1)
14 (tie) Anaheim Ducks                 2%
14 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▲8)           2% (▲1)
14 (tie) New York Islanders (▼5)       2% (▼1)
14 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           2%
14 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▼5)      2% (▼1)
19 (tie) Boston Bruins (▼5)            1% (▼1)
19 (tie) Calgary Flames (▲3)           1%
19 (tie) New York Rangers (▼5)         1% (▼1)
19 (tie) Nashville Predators (▲12)     1% (▲1)
19 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▲3)        1%
19 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▲3)          1%
19 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▼5)      1% (▼1)
19 (tie) Utah Mammoth (▲3)             1%
19 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▲12)       1% (▲1)
19 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▼5)            1% (▼1)
29 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▼7)       <1% (▼1)
29 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▼7)    <1% (▼1)
29 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▼7)          <1% (▼1)
29 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▼7)           <1% (▼1)

🚨 MCDONALD NHL POWER RATINGS: THE PLAYOFF PURGE HAS BEGUN! 🚨

The calendar flips to mid-December, and the NHL has gone from a pleasant skate to a full-blown BATTLE ROYALE! We saw two blockbuster trades this week, but it’s the on-ice carnage that’s rewriting the power rankings. Teams are collapsing under the pressure, while others are making their move. If you’re not climbing, you’re dying!

🏆 THE ELITE FIVE: THE UNYIELDING KINGS

These are the teams who understand that the price of greatness is eternal vigilance. They crush.

Colorado (1st, 1619) The top seed is locked in, rating up another 5 points. Their Playoff Odds are still >99% and Cup Odds jumped 2% to 18%. Yes, Nashville snagged a shootout point, but the Avs finished the week by stomping the Preds in regulation. This team is a machine, built for spring and beyond. Their Central Division crown is virtually guaranteed with an 81% chance.
Dallas (2nd, 1571) Uh oh. The Stars hit turbulence, dropping 11 rating points after getting shut out by a surging Florida team. The Cup Odds dipped -1% to 9%. Their 98% playoff probability is safe for now, but they cannot afford to slide as the Wild (7th) suddenly go supernova. They are losing their grip on the Central, where their Division Win chance has plummeted -11% to 15%. Wake up, Dallas!
Vegas (3rd, +1, 1558) The Golden Knights are back in the top tier! A +1 rank jump and +6 rating points prove the dynasty has fire left in the tank. They took down the Flyers in OT and handled the Blue Jackets. Their Playoff Odds jumped 5% to 93%, and their Cup Odds are up 1% to 8%. They now dominate the Pacific race with a 54% probability.
Washington (4th, -1, 1557) A terrible week. Dropped 10 rating points and saw their Playoff Odds take a painful -5% hit, now sitting at 84%. A shootout loss to Carolina and a brutal 5-1 loss to Winnipeg is not the performance of a contender. The Hurricanes (8th) are now breathing down their necks in the Metropolitan. The window is closing; the Caps need to find their killer instinct fast.
Tampa Bay (5th, +1, 1546) The Lightning are back! An explosive +15 rating surge and a huge +9% jump in Playoff Odds to 81%. A massive 8-4 demolition of New Jersey was the highlight. Despite losing a shootout to the Islanders, they solidified their status as an Atlantic power. Their Cup Odds are now 6%. Never, ever count out the Bolts.

🚀 BIGGEST RISERS: LIFT OFF!

MINNESOTA WILD (7th, +5, 1527): MONSTER MOVES! The Wild are the story of the week, vaulting 5 spots with a +20 rating surge and a +17% spike in Playoff Odds to 86%! A HUGE trade for Quinn Hughes and wins against Seattle and a crushing 5-2 victory over division rival Dallas signals they are all-in. They are now officially a Wild Card lock and a major threat in the West.

FLORIDA PANTHERS (13th, +6, 1506): The Panthers woke up, jumping 6 spots! They crushed Dallas with a 4-0 shutout and beat Utah. A +13 rating increase and an +8% Playoff Odds jump to 44% puts them firmly in the Atlantic playoff conversation. Watch out, Toronto!

BUFFALO SABRES (24th, +5, 1478): A huge surge for the Sabres, who gained +18 rating points and saw their Playoff Odds soar by +10% to 22%! They beat Edmonton in OT and took down Vancouver and Seattle. If they can keep this pace, they might surprise some teams in the East.

📉 BIGGEST FALLERS: THE FREE FALL

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS (27th, -5, 1467): They are absolutely TOAST! A league-worst -21 rating crash and a horrific -20% collapse in Playoff Odds, now at just 17%. Getting crushed 6-3 by Ottawa is the final nail. They have a 1% chance to win the Metro. Get ready for the draft lottery.

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (14th, -5, 1504): Panic is setting in. The Leafs dropped 5 spots with a -12 rating plunge and saw their Playoff Odds drop -15% to 37%. An OT loss to San Jose and a 6-3 regulation loss to Edmonton is an embarrassment. Their Division Win chance is only 6%. This team is officially on the hot seat.

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (10th, -3, 1511): Another veteran team in crisis. The Pens lost 3 spots, -14 rating points, and saw their Playoff Odds drop -14% to 56%. Blown leads and multiple overtime losses, including a shocking 6-5 OT loss to San Jose, are bleeding points. Their Division Win Odds are now only 9%.

💥 DIVISION DOGFIGHTS: BLOOD IN THE WATER

Central Division (The Avalanche Abyss)

The Colorado Avalanche (1st) maintain total control with a Division Win Odds of 81%, gaining 9% over the previous week. While Dallas stumbles, the Avs’ grasp on the title tightens.
The Dallas Stars (2nd) saw their chances suffer a major setback, dropping a painful -11% in Win Odds to 15%. A tough week means they are falling out of contention for the top seed.
The Minnesota Wild (7th, +5), following their massive rise, are starting to appear on the radar. Their Win Odds climbed 2% to a small, but meaningful, 3%. The Wild are making the Central a three-team race for the playoffs, even if the title is out of reach.

Metropolitan Division (The Carolina Surge)

The Carolina Hurricanes (8th) are the new divisional favorite! Their Win Odds skyrocketed by +15% (from $17\%$ to 32%), thanks to two shootout wins against Washington and Philadelphia. They are the hottest team in the Metro.
The Washington Capitals (4th, -1) saw their Win Odds tumble -10% to 30%. They are now clinging to the top spot by a thread.
The NY Islanders (9th, +4) are a sneaky threat! Their Win Odds increased +7% to 15% after taking down Tampa Bay and Anaheim.

Atlantic Division (The Tampa Trap)

The Tampa Bay Lightning (5th, +1) seized the lead, with their Win Odds jumping +9% to 39%. Their offensive firepower is unmatched in the division.
The Detroit Red Wings (11th, +4) remain a threat at 14%, but the Montreal Canadiens (15th, +5) are right behind them at 13%. This is a three-way battle for the Atlantic crown.
The Toronto Maple Leafs (14th, -5) are in free-fall, losing -8% in Win Odds, dropping them to a dismal 6%. They are a Wild Card team at best right now.

Pacific Division (Vegas’s Reign)

The Vegas Golden Knights (3rd, +1) are running away with it. Their Win Odds soared +12% to a dominant 54%.
The Los Angeles Kings (6th, -1) dropped -5% in Win Odds to 21%.
The Anaheim Ducks (24th, -3) are fading, dropping -6% to 11%.

Here’s the rankings and ratings. Changes shown are from last week’s report.

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1619, ▲5)

Record: 23-2-7, 1st in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: >99%
Winning the President’s Trophy: 70% (▲10)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 18% (▲2)

Last week: 2-0-1

December 9: Lost in SO 4-3 @ Nashville Predators (31st, 1446)
December 11: Won 6-2 vs. Florida Panthers (13th, 1506)
December 13: Won 4-2 vs. Nashville Predators (31st, 1446)

Next week:

December 16: @ Seattle Kraken (30th, 1449)
December 19: vs. Winnipeg Jets (15th, 1500)
December 21: @ Minnesota Wild (7th, 1527)

2. Dallas Stars (1571, ▼11)

Record: 21-7-5, 2nd in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 98%
Winning the President’s Trophy: 11% (▼9)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 9% (▼1)

Last week: 1-2-0

December 9: Won 4-3 @ Winnipeg Jets (15th, 1500)
December 11: Lost 5-2 @ Minnesota Wild (7th, 1527)
December 13: Lost 4-0 vs. Florida Panthers (13th, 1506)

Next week:

December 15: vs. Los Angeles Kings (6th, 1529)
December 18: @ San Jose Sharks (32nd, 1437)
December 19: @ Anaheim Ducks (24th, 1478)
December 21: vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (14th, 1504)

3. Vegas Golden Knights ▲1 (1558, ▲6)

Record: 16-6-9, 1st in Pacific Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 93% (▲5)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 5% (▲2)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 8% (▲1)

Last week: 2-0-1

December 9: Lost in SO 5-4 @ New York Islanders (9th, 1512)
December 11: Won in OT 3-2 @ Philadelphia Flyers (22nd, 1486)
December 13: Won 3-2 @ Columbus Blue Jackets (27th, 1467)

Next week:

December 17: vs. New Jersey Devils (26th, 1473)
December 20: @ Calgary Flames (19th, 1491)
December 21: @ Edmonton Oilers (12th, 1507)

4. Washington Capitals ▼1 (1557, ▼10)

Record: 18-10-4, 3rd in Metropolitan Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 84% (▼5)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 3% (▼3)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 7% (▼2)

Last week: 0-1-1

December 11: Lost in SO 3-2 vs. Carolina Hurricanes (8th, 1524)
December 13: Lost 5-1 @ Winnipeg Jets (15th, 1500)

Next week:

December 16: @ Minnesota Wild (7th, 1527)
December 18: vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (14th, 1504)
December 20: vs. Detroit Red Wings (11th, 1510)
December 21: @ Detroit Red Wings (11th, 1510)

5. Tampa Bay Lightning (1546, ▲8)

Record: 18-11-3, 1st in Atlantic Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 81% (▲3)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 2%
Winning the Stanley Cup: 6% (▲1)

Last week: 2-1-1

December 8: Lost 2-0 @ Toronto Maple Leafs (14th, 1504)
December 9: Won 6-1 @ Montreal Canadiens (15th, 1500)
December 11: Won 8-4 @ New Jersey Devils (26th, 1473)
December 13: Lost in SO 3-2 @ New York Islanders (9th, 1512)

Next week:

December 15: vs. Florida Panthers (13th, 1506)
December 18: vs. Los Angeles Kings (6th, 1529)
December 20: vs. Carolina Hurricanes (8th, 1524)

Overall Ratings

 1       Colorado Avalanche            1619 (▲5)
 2       Dallas Stars                  1571 (▼11)
 3       Vegas Golden Knights (▲1)     1558 (▲6)
 4       Washington Capitals (▼1)      1557 (▼10)
 5       Tampa Bay Lightning           1546 (▲8)
 6       Los Angeles Kings (▲1)        1529 (▲5)
 7       Minnesota Wild (▲8)           1527 (▲28)
 8       Carolina Hurricanes           1524 (▲6)
 9       New York Islanders (▲3)       1512 (▲6)
10       Pittsburgh Penguins (▼4)      1511 (▼14)
11       Detroit Red Wings (▲6)        1510 (▲17)
12       Edmonton Oilers (▲2)          1507 (▲7)
13       Florida Panthers (▲4)         1506 (▲13)
14       Toronto Maple Leafs (▼4)      1504 (▼5)
15 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▲6)       1500 (▲10)
15 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▼4)            1500 (▼8)
17       St. Louis Blues (▼8)          1499 (▼11)
18       New York Rangers (▼5)         1496 (▼8)
19       Calgary Flames (▲1)           1491
20       Ottawa Senators (▼4)          1489 (▼7)
21       Boston Bruins (▲4)            1488 (▲12)
22       Philadelphia Flyers (▲2)      1486 (▲9)
23       Utah Mammoth (▼6)             1484 (▼9)
24 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▼2)            1478 (▼11)
24 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▲5)           1478 (▲12)
26       New Jersey Devils             1473
27       Columbus Blue Jackets (▼4)    1467 (▼21)
28       Chicago Blackhawks (▼2)       1466 (▼7)
29       Vancouver Canucks (▲1)        1450 (▼6)
30       Seattle Kraken (▼2)           1449 (▼21)
31       Nashville Predators           1446 (▲8)
32       San Jose Sharks (▼1)          1437 (▼1)

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes (▲1)      32% (▲15)
 2       Washington Capitals (▼1)      30% (▼10)
 3       New York Islanders (▲1)       15% (▲7)
 4       Pittsburgh Penguins (▼2)      9% (▼8)
 5       Philadelphia Flyers           6% (▲1)
 6       New York Rangers (▼1)         4% (▼1)
 7       New Jersey Devils (▲1)        3%
 8       Columbus Blue Jackets (▼1)    1% (▼3)

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           39%
 2       Detroit Red Wings (▲2)        14% (▲4)
 3       Montreal Canadiens (▼1)       13%
 4       Boston Bruins (▲2)            10% (▲2)
 5       Florida Panthers (▲2)         9% (▲2)
 6       Toronto Maple Leafs (▼3)      6% (▼5)
 7       Ottawa Senators (▼2)          4% (▼5)
 8       Buffalo Sabres                3% (▲1)

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            81% (▲10)
 2       Dallas Stars                  15% (▼11)
 3       Minnesota Wild                3% (▲2)
 4 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%
 4 (tie) Nashville Predators           <1%
 4 (tie) St. Louis Blues               <1%
 4 (tie) Utah Mammoth                  <1%
 4 (tie) Winnipeg Jets                 <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Vegas Golden Knights          54% (▲10)
 2       Los Angeles Kings             21%
 3       Anaheim Ducks                 11% (▼7)
 4       Edmonton Oilers               9%
 5 (tie) Calgary Flames (▲1)           1% (▼1)
 5 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▲1)          1% (▼1)
 5 (tie) Seattle Kraken                1% (▼4)
 8       Vancouver Canucks             <1% (▼1)

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

 1 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes (▲1)      84% (▲13)
 1 (tie) Washington Capitals           84% (▼5)
 3       New York Islanders (▲1)       69% (▲13)
 4       Pittsburgh Penguins (▼1)      56% (▼14)
 5       Philadelphia Flyers (▲1)      47% (▲6)
 6       New York Rangers (▼1)         40% (▼6)
 7       New Jersey Devils (▲1)        33% (▼2)
 8       Columbus Blue Jackets (▼1)    17% (▼20)

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           81% (▲3)
 2       Detroit Red Wings (▲1)        57% (▲12)
 3       Montreal Canadiens (▼1)       54% (▲4)
 4       Boston Bruins (▲1)            48% (▲7)
 5       Florida Panthers (▲2)         44% (▲7)
 6       Toronto Maple Leafs (▼3)      37% (▼8)
 7       Ottawa Senators (▼2)          30% (▼11)
 8       Buffalo Sabres                22% (▲6)

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            >99%
 2       Dallas Stars                  98%
 3       Minnesota Wild                86% (▲25)
 4       Winnipeg Jets                 39% (▼7)
 5       Utah Mammoth                  38% (▼4)
 6       St. Louis Blues               28% (▼9)
 7       Chicago Blackhawks            25% (▼6)
 8       Nashville Predators           12% (▲4)

Pacific Division

 1       Vegas Golden Knights          93% (▲5)
 2       Los Angeles Kings             79% (▲6)
 3       Anaheim Ducks                 64% (▼6)
 4       Edmonton Oilers               60% (▲8)
 5       San Jose Sharks (▲1)          25% (▲4)
 6       Calgary Flames                24% (▲3)
 7       Seattle Kraken (▼2)           21% (▼16)
 8       Vancouver Canucks             10% (▼4)

Winning the President’s Trophy

 1       Colorado Avalanche            70% (▲10)
 2       Dallas Stars                  11% (▼9)
 3       Vegas Golden Knights (▲1)     5% (▲2)
 4 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes (▲1)      3% (▲1)
 4 (tie) Washington Capitals (▼1)      3% (▼3)
 6 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▲2)           2% (▲1)
 6 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning (▼1)      2%
 8 (tie) Los Angeles Kings             1%
 8 (tie) New York Islanders (▲3)       1% (▲1)
 8 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▼3)      1% (▼1)

Everyone else has less than a 1% chance of winning the President’s Trophy.

Winning the Stanley Cup

 1       Colorado Avalanche            18% (▲2)
 2       Dallas Stars                  9% (▼1)
 3       Vegas Golden Knights (▲1)     8% (▲1)
 4       Washington Capitals (▼1)      7% (▼2)
 5       Tampa Bay Lightning           6% (▲1)
 6       Carolina Hurricanes           5% (▲1)
 7 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▼1)        4%
 7 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▲4)           4% (▲2)
 9 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▲2)        3% (▲1)
 9 (tie) Edmonton Oilers (▲2)          3% (▲1)
 9 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▲2)       3% (▲1)
 9 (tie) New York Islanders            3%
 9 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▼3)      3% (▼1)
14 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▼3)            2%
14 (tie) Boston Bruins (▼3)            2%
14 (tie) Florida Panthers (▼3)         2%
14 (tie) New York Rangers (▼3)         2%
14 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▼3)          2%
14 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▼3)      2%
14 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▼5)      2% (▼1)
14 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▼3)            2%
22 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▲3)           1%
22 (tie) Calgary Flames (▲3)           1%
22 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▲3)       1%
22 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▼11)    1% (▼1)
22 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▲3)        1%
22 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▲9)          1% (▲1)
22 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▲3)           1%
22 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▼11)         1% (▼1)
22 (tie) Utah Mammoth (▼11)            1% (▼1)
31 (tie) Nashville Predators           <1%
31 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▼6)        <1% (▼1)

McDonald NHL Power Ratings – December 7, 2025

🚨 Power Surge! The NHL Hits Cruising Altitude in December 🚨

We’ve officially hit the one-third mark of the regular season, and the battle for supremacy on the ice is heating up! The McDonald NHL Power Ratings still feature the same five titans at the top, but the week’s action has brought shake-ups, spectacular rises, and a truly dizzying plunge!

The Unshakeable Elite

The Colorado Avalanche ( $1^{st}$ , 1614) remain the undisputed kings of the league, holding steady at the top after a solid 3-1-0 week. Their only blemish? A stunning 6-3 regulation loss to the surging New York Islanders, marking just their second regulation defeat of the year—a rare, humbling stumble. But the Avs quickly righted the ship, taking down Vancouver and Philadelphia, and grabbing an overtime victory against the Rangers. Their path to the President’s Trophy looks clear, with their probability climbing to a dominant 60%!

Charging hard behind them are the Dallas Stars ( $2^{nd}$ , 1582, ▲8), who had a fantastic 3-0-1 showing, snatching a cool 8 rating points. After an opening overtime defeat to the Rangers, the Stars locked it down, posting two regulation wins (including a shutout against New Jersey!) and sealing the week with a clutch shootout win over the now-red-hot Penguins. Their Stanley Cup probability is now in double digits at 10%, making them a clear Western Conference force.

Metropolitan Mayhem: The Capital Gains

The Washington Capitals ( $3^{rd}$ , ▲1, 1567) are making a serious push, climbing one spot after banking an impressive 18 rating points with a 3-0-1 week. The Caps were all business in regulation against top-ten Los Angeles and struggling San Jose and Columbus. Their one hiccup—a shootout loss to the gritty Anaheim Ducks—is a minor note in an otherwise brilliant run that has catapulted their playoff odds to 89%! They are becoming legitimate contenders, with their Cup chances rising by $\mathbf{3}$ percentage points to 9%.

The Vegas Golden Knights (4th, ▲1, 1552) also moved up, sweeping their three-game week! They dominated New Jersey with a shutout, squeaked by Chicago in a shootout, and bested the Rangers in overtime. The Golden Knights are trending up, with a playoff chance of 88% and a Cup probability of 7%.

The Freefall and the Frenzy

The biggest story of the week is the Tampa Bay Lightning ( $5^{th}$ , 1538, ▼2), who suffered a catastrophic 0-3-0 week, hemorrhaging a massive 26 rating points and sliding out of the top three. Swept by the Islanders and falling to the Penguins, the Bolts’ outlook is suddenly grim, with their chances across the board taking a huge hit—their playoff probability is down 13% to 78%, and their Cup hopes are down $\mathbf{3\%}$ to a nervous 5%.

But while Tampa Bay struggled, others thrived! The Pittsburgh Penguins ( $6^{th}$ , 1525) and the New York Islanders ( $12^{th}$ , ▲8, 1506) were the week’s top performers, each grabbing 19 rating points!

The Islanders are on a tear, not only handing the Avs a rare regulation loss but also humbling Tampa Bay twice, resulting in a dramatic eight-spot leap into the top half of the league!
The Penguins have also surged, moving from $10^{th}$ to $6^{th}$ after a 2-0-1 week that saw them take down the Flyers and the faltering Lightning.

On the flip side, the New Jersey Devils ( $26^{th}$ , ▼12, 1473) had an absolute nightmare, losing all four games in regulation and shedding an eye-watering 30 rating points! They crashed 12 spots in the rankings, and their playoff chances have plummeted by $\mathbf{33\%}$ to a meager 35%! The alarm bells are ringing LOUDLY in Newark!

The stage is set for an electrifying week ahead as the league’s heavyweights continue their slugfest!

Here’s the rankings and ratings. Changes shown are from last week’s report.

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1614)

Record: 21-2-6, 1st in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: >99%
Winning the President’s Trophy: 60% (▲4)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 16%

Last week: 3-1-0

December 2: Won 3-1 vs. Vancouver Canucks (30th, 1456)
December 4: Lost 6-3 @ New York Islanders (12th, 1506)
December 6: Won in OT 3-2 @ New York Rangers (13th, 1504)
December 7: Won 3-2 @ Philadelphia Flyers (24th, 1477)

Next week:

December 9: @ Nashville Predators (31st, 1438)
December 11: vs. Florida Panthers (17th, 1493)
December 13: vs. Nashville Predators (31st, 1438)

2. Dallas Stars (1582, ▲8)

Record: 20-5-5, 2nd in Central Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 98% (▲2)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 20% (▲5)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 10% (▲1)

Last week: 3-0-1

December 2: Lost in OT 3-2 @ New York Rangers (13th, 1504)
December 3: Won 3-0 @ New Jersey Devils (26th, 1473)
December 5: Won 4-1 vs. San Jose Sharks (31st, 1438)
December 7: Won in SO 3-2 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (6th, 1525)

Next week:

December 9: @ Winnipeg Jets (11th, 1508)
December 11: @ Minnesota Wild (15th, 1499)
December 13: vs. Florida Panthers (17th, 1493)

3. Washington Capitals ▲1 (1567, ▲18)

Record: 18-9-3, 1st in Metropolitan Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 89% (▲11)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 6% (▲3)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 9% (▲3)

Last week: 3-0-1

December 2: Won 3-1 @ Los Angeles Kings (7th, 1524)
December 3: Won 7-1 @ San Jose Sharks (31st, 1438)
December 5: Lost in SO 4-3 @ Anaheim Ducks (22nd, 1489)
December 7: Won 2-0 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (23rd, 1488)

Next week:

December 11: vs. Carolina Hurricanes (8th, 1518)
December 13: @ Winnipeg Jets (11th, 1508)

4. Vegas Golden Knights ▲1 (1552, ▲5)

Record: 14-6-8, 2nd in Pacific Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 88% (▲8)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 3% (▲1)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 7% (▲1)

Last week: 3-0-0

December 2: Won in SO 4-3 vs. Chicago Blackhawks (26th, 1473)
December 5: Won 3-0 @ New Jersey Devils (26th, 1473)
December 7: Won in OT 3-2 @ New York Rangers (13th, 1504)

Next week:

December 9: @ New York Islanders (12th, 1506)
December 11: @ Philadelphia Flyers (24th, 1477)
December 13: @ Columbus Blue Jackets (23rd, 1488)

5. Tampa Bay Lightning ▼2 (1538, ▼26)

Record: 16-10-2, 1st in Atlantic Division

Chances of:

Making the playoffs: 78% (▼13)
Winning the President’s Trophy: 2% (▼6)
Winning the Stanley Cup: 5% (▼3)

Last week: 0-3-0

December 2: Lost 2-1 @ New York Islanders (12th, 1506)
December 4: Lost 4-3 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (6th, 1525)
December 6: Lost 2-0 vs. New York Islanders (12th, 1506)

Next week:

December 8: @ Toronto Maple Leafs (10th, 1509)
December 9: @ Montreal Canadiens (21st, 1490)
December 11: @ New Jersey Devils (26th, 1473)
December 13: @ New York Islanders (12th, 1506)

Overall Ratings

 1       Colorado Avalanche            1614
 2       Dallas Stars                  1582 (▲8)
 3       Washington Capitals (▲1)      1567 (▲18)
 4       Vegas Golden Knights (▲1)     1552 (▲5)
 5       Tampa Bay Lightning (▼2)      1538 (▼26)
 6       Pittsburgh Penguins (▲4)      1525 (▲19)
 7       Los Angeles Kings (▼1)        1524 (▼11)
 8       Carolina Hurricanes (▼1)      1518 (▼14)
 9       St. Louis Blues               1510 (▲1)
10       Toronto Maple Leafs (▲8)      1509 (▲17)
11       Winnipeg Jets (▼3)            1508 (▼8)
12       New York Islanders (▲8)       1506 (▲19)
13       New York Rangers (▲4)         1504 (▲11)
14       Edmonton Oilers (▲2)          1500 (▲6)
15       Minnesota Wild (▼5)           1499 (▼7)
16       Ottawa Senators (▼6)          1496 (▼10)
17 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▲9)        1493 (▲15)
17 (tie) Florida Panthers (▼2)         1493 (▼5)
17 (tie) Utah Mammoth (▲2)             1493 (▲2)
20       Calgary Flames (▲2)           1491 (▲7)
21       Montreal Canadiens (▼11)      1490 (▼16)
22       Anaheim Ducks (▲3)            1489 (▲8)
23       Columbus Blue Jackets (▼1)    1488 (▲4)
24       Philadelphia Flyers (▼2)      1477 (▼7)
25       Boston Bruins (▲4)            1476 (▲9)
26 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▲1)       1473 (▼2)
26 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▼12)       1473 (▼30)
28       Seattle Kraken (▼7)           1470 (▼15)
29       Buffalo Sabres (▼1)           1466 (▼5)
30       Vancouver Canucks             1456 (▼3)
31 (tie) Nashville Predators           1438 (▲5)
31 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▲1)          1438 (▲8)

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

 1       Washington Capitals (▲1)      40% (▲16)
 2 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes (▼1)      17% (▼13)
 2 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲2)      17% (▲7)
 4       New York Islanders (▲2)       8% (▲4)
 5 (tie) New York Rangers (▲3)         5% (▲2)
 5 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           5% (▼4)
 7       Columbus Blue Jackets (▼1)    4%
 8       New Jersey Devils (▼5)        3% (▼13)

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           39% (▼19)
 2       Montreal Canadiens            13% (▼1)
 3       Toronto Maple Leafs (▲2)      11% (▲7)
 4       Detroit Red Wings (▲1)        10% (▲6)
 5       Ottawa Senators (▼2)          9%
 6       Boston Bruins (▼1)            8% (▲4)
 7       Florida Panthers (▼3)         7% (▲2)
 8       Buffalo Sabres                2%

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            71% (▼2)
 2       Dallas Stars                  26% (▲4)
 3       Minnesota Wild                1% (▼1)
 4 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▲2)       <1%
 4 (tie) Nashville Predators (▲2)      <1%
 4 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▲2)          <1%
 4 (tie) Utah Mammoth                  <1% (▼1)
 4 (tie) Winnipeg Jets                 <1% (▼1)

Pacific Division

 1       Vegas Golden Knights          44% (▲12)
 2       Los Angeles Kings (▼1)        21% (▼11)
 3       Anaheim Ducks                 18% (▲5)
 4       Edmonton Oilers (▲1)          9% (▲1)
 5       Seattle Kraken (▼1)           5% (▼5)
 6 (tie) Calgary Flames                2%
 6 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▲1)          2% (▲1)
 8       Vancouver Canucks (▼1)        1%

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

 1       Washington Capitals (▲1)      89% (▲11)
 2       Carolina Hurricanes (▼1)      71% (▼10)
 3       Pittsburgh Penguins (▲1)      70% (▲15)
 4       New York Islanders (▲2)       56% (▲17)
 5       New York Rangers (▲2)         46% (▲12)
 6       Philadelphia Flyers (▼1)      41% (▼10)
 7       Columbus Blue Jackets         37% (▲3)
 8       New Jersey Devils (▼5)        35% (▼33)

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           78% (▼13)
 2       Montreal Canadiens            50% (▼10)
 3 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▲3)        45% (▲13)
 3 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▲4)      45% (▲14)
 5 (tie) Boston Bruins                 41% (▲7)
 5 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▼2)          41% (▼10)
 7       Florida Panthers (▼3)         37% (▼2)
 8       Buffalo Sabres                16% (▼5)

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            >99%
 2       Dallas Stars                  98% (▲2)
 3       Minnesota Wild                61% (▼5)
 4       Winnipeg Jets                 46% (▼8)
 5       Utah Mammoth                  42% (▲1)
 6       St. Louis Blues               37% (▲1)
 7       Chicago Blackhawks            31% (▼3)
 8       Nashville Predators           8% (▲2)

Pacific Division

 1       Vegas Golden Knights          88% (▲8)
 2       Los Angeles Kings (▼1)        73% (▼7)
 3       Anaheim Ducks                 70% (▲11)
 4       Edmonton Oilers (▲1)          52% (▲6)
 5       Seattle Kraken (▼1)           37% (▼13)
 6 (tie) Calgary Flames                21% (▲3)
 6 (tie) San Jose Sharks               21% (▲3)
 8       Vancouver Canucks             14% (▼3)

Winning the President’s Trophy

 1       Colorado Avalanche            60% (▲4)
 2       Dallas Stars                  20% (▲5)
 3       Washington Capitals (▲2)      6% (▲3)
 4       Vegas Golden Knights (▲2)     3% (▲1)
 5 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes (▼1)      2% (▼2)
 5 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲4)      2% (▲1)
 5 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning (▼2)      2% (▼6)
 8 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▲1)            1%
 8 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▼2)        1% (▼1)
 8 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▲1)           1%

Everyone else has less than a 1% chance of winning the President’s Trophy.

Winning the Stanley Cup

 1       Colorado Avalanche            16%
 2       Dallas Stars                  10% (▲1)
 3       Washington Capitals (▲1)      9% (▲3)
 4       Vegas Golden Knights          7% (▲1)
 5       Tampa Bay Lightning (▼2)      5% (▼3)
 6 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes           4% (▼1)
 6 (tie) Los Angeles Kings             4% (▼1)
 6 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲2)      4% (▲1)
 9 (tie) New York Islanders (▲5)       3% (▲1)
 9 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▲5)      3% (▲1)
11 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▲3)            2%
11 (tie) Boston Bruins (▲13)           2% (▲1)
11 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▲13)    2% (▲1)
11 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▲13)       2% (▲1)
11 (tie) Edmonton Oilers (▲3)          2%
11 (tie) Florida Panthers (▲3)         2%
11 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▼3)           2% (▼1)
11 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▼3)       2% (▼1)
11 (tie) New York Rangers (▲3)         2%
11 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▼3)          2% (▼1)
11 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▲3)      2%
11 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▲3)          2%
11 (tie) Utah Mammoth (▲3)             2%
11 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▼3)            2% (▼1)
25 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▼1)           1%
25 (tie) Calgary Flames (▼1)           1%
25 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▼1)       1%
25 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▼17)       1% (▼2)
25 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▼11)          1% (▼1)
25 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▼1)        1%
31 (tie) Nashville Predators           <1%
31 (tie) San Jose Sharks               <1%

​The Top 5

​Biggest Risers

​Biggest Fallers

​Division Dogfights

​Atlantic

​Central

​Metropolitan

​Pacific

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1603, ▼1)

2. Tampa Bay Lightning (1582, ▼11)

3. Carolina Hurricanes ▲1 (1576, ▲13)

4. Buffalo Sabres ▲1 (1572, ▲22)

5. Dallas Stars ▼2 (1569, ▲2)

Overall Ratings

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

Atlantic Division

Central Division

Pacific Division

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

Atlantic Division

Central Division

Pacific Division

Winning the President’s Trophy

Winning the Stanley Cup

The Elite Five

Biggest Risers

Biggest Fallers

Division Dogfights

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1610, ▼11)

2. Tampa Bay Lightning (1589, ▲8)

3. Dallas Stars (1564, ▲14)

4 (tie). Buffalo Sabres ▲1 (1551, ▲5)

4 (tie). Carolina Hurricanes (1551, ▲4)

Overall Ratings

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

Atlantic Division

Central Division

Pacific Division

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

Atlantic Division

Central Division

Pacific Division

Winning the President’s Trophy

Winning the Stanley Cup

THE ELITE ELITE: THE TOP 5

​THE BIGGEST RISERS: CLIMBING THE GLACIER

THE BIGGEST FALLERS: SLIPPING ON BLACK ICE

DIVISION DOGFIGHTS: THE WAR FOR THE CROWN

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1621, ▼5)

2. Tampa Bay Lightning (1581, ▼7)

3. Dallas Stars (1550, ▲3)

4. Carolina Hurricanes ▲1 (1547, ▲12)

5. Buffalo Sabres ▲2 (1546, ▲15)

Overall Ratings

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

Atlantic Division

Central Division

Pacific Division

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

Atlantic Division

Central Division

Pacific Division

Winning the President’s Trophy

Winning the Stanley Cup

​THE ELITE FIVE: THE KINGS OF THE ICE

​THE ROCKET SHIPS: BIGGEST RISERS

​THE FREE FALLERS: DROPPING LIKE FLIES

​DIVISION DOGFIGHTS: THE WAR FOR THE CROWN

​Atlantic Division

​Central Division

​Metropolitan Division

The Top 5

Biggest Risers

Biggest Fallers

Division Dogfights

Atlantic

Central

Metropolitan

Pacific

THE BIGGEST RISERS: CLIMBING THE GLACIER

THE ELITE FIVE: THE KINGS OF THE ICE

THE ROCKET SHIPS: BIGGEST RISERS

THE FREE FALLERS: DROPPING LIKE FLIES

DIVISION DOGFIGHTS: THE WAR FOR THE CROWN

Atlantic Division

Central Division

Metropolitan Division

Pacific Division

THE ELITE FIVE: THE KINGS OF THE HILL

BIGGEST RISERS: THE CLIMBERS

BIGGEST FALLERS: THE CRASH & BURN

DIVISION DOGFIGHTS: THE TRENCH WARFARE

Atlantic: The Shark Tank

Metropolitan: The Carolina Takeover

Central: The Avalanche Monopoly

Pacific: The Vegas Power Grab

THE ELITE FIVE: THE KINGS OF THE ICE

BIGGEST RISERS: CLIMBING THE LADDER

BIGGEST FALLERS: THE ICE IS MELTING

DIVISION DOGFIGHTS: WAR FOR THE CROWN

Atlantic Division

Central Division

Metropolitan Division

Pacific Division