Devils
Extra of the identical | Some groups are simply inconceivable to buy. The Devils appear to have every part you search for in a contender. Elite ability on the high of the lineup? Examine. Stable depth? Examine. Wonderful two-way defensemen? Examine. Dependable goaltending? Examine. 2 21-10-3
2

Wild
Cap area | Minnesota has the second-best report within the NHL, and it has a powerful underlying profile. It is a nice crew, however GM Invoice Guerin is considerably handcuffed in the case of procuring round for upgrades. That is due to the $14.7 million in buyout cash towards the wage cap this season. With out that, the Wild might actually load up for a deep playoff run. 1 20-8-4
3

Capitals
Historical past | The Capitals are on the high of the Energy Rankings, so they do not want a lot. That mentioned, there may be one large merchandise on their Christmas checklist this yr. Washington simply needs Alex Ovechkin to return again from his harm and go on a legendary tear so he can break Wayne Gretzky’s all-time objectives report by the top of the season. 1 21-8-2
4

Golden Knights
Goaltending | The Golden Knights as soon as once more appear like a bona fide Stanley Cup risk within the West, however they do have a transparent query mark. Is their goaltending going to carry up within the playoffs? Adin Hill and Ilya Samsonov rank forty seventh and 52nd, respectively, in objectives saved above common. That most likely will not get Vegas previous the likes of Dallas and Edmonton. — 20-8-3
5

Oilers
Depth scoring | As loaded as their ahead group appears to be like on paper, the Oilers have all of three gamers on tempo for greater than 15 objectives this season. That is positive when Leon Draisaitl has 23 objectives in 31 video games, however Edmonton will want extra assist up entrance ultimately. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jeff Skinner are the plain candidates, however they have been considerably snake-bitten to this point. 5 18-11-2
6

Stars
Breakthrough | In every of the final two seasons, the Stars have fought their solution to the Western Convention solely to fall simply wanting a Stanley Cup Remaining berth. It already appears to be like like Dallas might be within the convention ultimate for the third straight yr, however the query is whether or not the crew can recover from that hurdle. The roster is among the many finest within the NHL. It is only a matter of constructing one or two extra performs right here and there. 1 19-12-0
7

Kings
Objectives | The Kings are an elite defensive crew. They’ve allowed simply 75 objectives, they usually quit simply 2.43 xGA/60. Each of these numbers lead the league. That has put Los Angeles in a battle atop the Pacific Division, however think about the place this crew could be with just a little extra scoring. The Kings’ 94 objectives rank seventeenth within the NHL, and that lack of constant offense might maintain them again within the postseason. 2 18-9-4
8

Panthers
Classic Bob | Coming off some heroic playoff performances en path to a Stanley Cup final summer time, Sergei Bobrovsky has been flat out unhealthy. He is allowed 6.34 objectives above common, which ranks seventy fifth amongst 86 NHL goaltenders, and his .889 save proportion is not significantly better. The Panthers are taking part in at an elite degree in entrance of him, so Bobrovsky wants to carry up his finish of the cut price. 1 20-11-2
9

Canucks
High-six winger | If there’s a gap on this Canucks’ ahead group, it is most likely within the fourth and ultimate top-six winger spot. All due respect to Kiefer Sherwood, who has been distinctive in a bottom-six position, however Vancouver might have extra dependable firepower within the playoffs. Might the Canucks make the cash work on Chris Kreider? What about Kaapo Kakko? 5 16-9-6
10

Maple Leafs
Playoff success | There was a big monkey on Toronto’s again for a few decade now, and the script is identical yearly. The Maple Leafs look nice within the common season, then the playoffs arrive they usually fold like an inexpensive tent. This franchise hasn’t reached the convention ultimate since 2002 regardless of 11 playoff appearances in that span. This crew does appear like it may very well be the one to finish that drought, however we have all mentioned that earlier than. 4 20-10-2
11

Hurricanes
Higher luck for Aho | Sebastian Aho is taking part in at a excessive degree for the Hurricanes, however you would not know that from taking a look at his on-ice outcomes. Aho has a five-on-five purpose differential of minus-7. His anticipated purpose differential is plus-7. Poor on-ice save and capturing percentages have tanked Aho’s good efforts to this point. 3 20-10-1
12

Lightning
One other Hart Trophy | Nikita Kucherov already has one Hart Trophy on his resume, and he is searching one other one. The Lightning famous person has been taking part in at an MVP degree with 14 objectives and 47 factors to associate with some glowing underlying numbers. The 31-year-old Kucherov has turned again the clock and must be within the operating for his second Hart Trophy on the finish of the season. 1 17-10-2
13

Jets
Extra energy performs | The Jets have been unable to regain the momentum that they had proper out of the gate, however their top-ranked energy play might assist them get again on observe. Winnipeg has transformed on 31.7% of his man benefit alternatives, and Kyle Connor has actually thrived in these conditions with eight energy play objectives. 2 23-10-1
14

Hockey Membership
Playoffs | This younger Utah crew is so entertaining as a result of its video games tend to be chaotic. At instances, Utah is permitting a capturing gallery in its personal zone. Then, it should flip the script and placed on an offensive clinic on the different finish. Given what loads of these gamers handled in Arizona, it will be enjoyable for lots of them to get their first NHL playoff motion in Salt Lake Metropolis. 4 15-11-5
15

Avalanche
Gabriel Landeskog | The Avalanche captain hasn’t performed since he lifted the Stanley Cup in 2022. Landeskog underwent a cartilage transplant in his knee, and he is been recovering ever since. Landeskog has been on the ice extra this season, nevertheless it would not look like a return is imminent. If Colorado had a Christmas want, it will most likely be to have its captain again for a playoff run. 3 18-15-0
16

Bruins
Peak Swayman | Jeremy Swayman obtained his bag within the offseason, and he is already going through some stress due to a brutal begin. By way of his first 23 appearances, Swayman has allowed 8.58 objectives above common, which places him at eightieth within the NHL. His .711 high-danger save proportion ranks 79th. The Bruins want Swayman at his peak if they will make an actual playoff run. 3 17-13-3
17

Penguins
Yet another Cup | Earlier this season, Sidney Crosby signed a two-year extension with the Penguins. Which means he is on board with the imaginative and prescient GM Kyle Dubas has for the instant future in Pittsburgh. The query is whether or not Dubas could make sufficient savvy strikes to flip the roster from a playoff bubble crew to a legit Stanley Cup risk in time to provide Crosby one other postseason swing. — 14-14-5
18

Blues
Defensive reworking | St. Louis at the moment has six defensemen who’re all no less than 31 years outdated. 5 of these gamers have a wage cap hit of no less than $4 million. I’ve mentioned it earlier than, however I am going to maintain saying it till one thing modifications. Till the Blues can inject extra youth and ability onto their blue line, they are going to have hassle contending for the Stanley Cup. 1 15-15-3
19

Kraken
Free-agency mulligan | The Kraken had been among the many largest spenders in NHL free company final summer time, and the outcomes have been a blended bag. Brandon Montour has supplied extra offense from the blue line, however Chandler Stephenson has been extremely disappointing. Stephenson has three objectives in 32 video games, and he has a 37.2% anticipated objectives share at five-on-five. That $6.25 million cap hit is already wanting hefty. 3 15-16-2
20

Senators
Consistency | It has been a curler coaster in Ottawa by the primary 31 video games. From Nov. 1 to Nov. 24, the Senators went 3-7-1 with a minus-10 purpose differential. Since then, the Sens have gone 8-2-1 with a plus-11 purpose differential. Will the actual Senators please arise? If Ottawa performs as much as its potential, a playoff berth may very well be within the playing cards, however that hasn’t occurred usually sufficient. 5 16-13-2
21

Flyers
No. 1 middle | I feel it is fairly clear at this level that the Flyers have a future famous person on the wing within the type of Matvei Michkov. Now, the important thing for Philadelphia might be discovering a stud middle to play alongside him. Morgan Frost could also be higher fitted to a middle-six position, and Sean Couturier is 32. Whether or not it is by the draft or the commerce market, the Flyers want to seek out somebody to pair with Michkov. — 14-14-4
22

Purple Wings
Imaginative and prescient | The YzerPlan was speculated to return the Purple Wings to their former glory. GM Steve Yzerman got here house to proper the ship, however the franchise is caught in impartial after a promising rebuild. Few groups have been worse at five-on-five than Detroit, and out of doors of some key gamers up entrance, there isn’t any one to be frightened of up entrance. The Purple Wings appear to lack a transparent imaginative and prescient in the meanwhile. 4 13-14-4
23

Flames
Extra losses | Frankly, the Flames have been just a little too good for their very own good. They at the moment occupy the second wild card spot within the West regardless of a obtrusive lack of offense. This was speculated to be a rebuilding yr for Calgary, however the crew is in jeopardy of ending in the course of the pack — not ok to win something and never unhealthy sufficient to land a high draft decide. 3 15-11-6
24

Islanders
Shake-up | Issues have gotten stale on Lengthy Island. Really, issues have been stale for just a few years now. The Isles maintain rolling out an underwhelming roster that retains them proper in the course of the pack, losing nice seasons from goaltender Ilya Sorokin. Now, the Islanders have misplaced three of their final 4 whereas scoring a mixed 4 objectives in these losses. — 12-14-7
25

Blue Jackets
Playoff berth | In a muddled Jap Convention, the Blue Jackets are simply 4 factors out of a playoff spot. They are a longshot for positive, however they’ve confirmed to be plucky and/or feisty. It’s totally simple to root for this Columbus crew, and it will be nice to see these gamers and that fan base expertise some postseason hockey after a tragic yr. 3 12-15-5
26

Rangers
Tourniquet | Somebody must cease the bleeding in New York. This has gotten ugly. In a span of eight days, the Rangers have misplaced to the 2 worst groups within the NHL, and they’re 3-10-0 of their final 13. Kaapo Kakko is looking out Peter Laviolette. GM Chris Drury is in injury management mode after it obtained out he was seeking to commerce half the roster. Woof. 3 15-15-1
27

Sharks
One other No. 1 decide | The Sharks are in a super spot proper now. Macklin Celebrini, the 2024 No. 1 total decide, is the clear chief within the clubhouse for the Calder Trophy. He has 22 factors in 22 video games, and teammate Will Smith is beginning to come round too. Nonetheless, San Jose continues to be unhealthy sufficient that it must be within the combine to win the draft lottery for the second consecutive season. 2 11-18-5
28

Geese
Progress | I’ve wished the Geese to take the subsequent step of their evolution for a few years now. They’ve some fascinating younger expertise, and let’s face it, their brand is the perfect within the league. It could be nice if Anaheim had been related once more, however this crew has made no progress because it began this rebuild in 2018-19. 2 12-14-4
29

Canadiens
Protection | Should you’re struggling offensively, schedule a recreation towards Montreal. No crew within the NHL offers up objectives at a better price than the Canadiens. That is a operate of each porous protection and horrible goaltending. The Habs permit harmful possibilities left and proper, and whereas Sam Montembeault has been serviceable between the pipes, Cayden Primeau has allowed a league-worst 16.2 objectives above common. 1 12-16-3
30

Blackhawks
Hope | It is exhausting to get enthusiastic about this Chicago rebuild when Connor Bedard is the one one doing the heavy lifting. He is an elite basis, however the Blackhawks want extra round him if they will take the subsequent step, and Bedard is on an island nowadays. 1 11-19-2
31

Predators
Restart | Have you ever ever constructed an elite roster on paper in one of many NHL video video games, solely to see the report get progressively worse as you simulate the common season? That is what has occurred to the Predators, besides there isn’t any energy wire to yank out of the wall on this state of affairs. 1 9-17-6
32

Sabres
Coal | I do not know what the Sabres need for Christmas, and I do not actually care. I already know what they’re getting as a result of Santa advised me. It is coal. Following a 6-1 loss to the Canadiens, the Sabres have dropped their final 11 video games. This crew is as soon as once more placing the nice folks of Buffalo by distress. 5 11-17-4