The NHL season marches on, inching closer to the 2026 Olympic Games in Milano Cortina. With player trades heating up, the New York Islanders recently bolstered their roster by acquiring defenseman Carson Soucy from the New York Rangers and forward Ondrej Palat from the New Jersey Devils. These moves highlight the Metro Division’s intensity as teams position themselves before the Olympic break.
ESPN’s latest power rankings, compiled from a panel of commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors, reflect games through Thursday. Points percentages underscore the tight race at the top, with several clubs eyeing playoff locks. Each ranking also spotlights a pivotal February matchup—either pre- or post-Olympics—that could shape postseason paths.
Top Contenders Holding Strong
Colorado Avalanche remain firmly at No. 1 with a 76% points percentage, unchanged from last week. They’re playoff-bound and face the Minnesota Wild on Feb. 26, a key measuring stick for Central Division supremacy. The Avs’ next seven days include games against Detroit (Jan. 31 and Feb. 2) and San Jose (Feb. 4).
Tampa Bay Lightning sit at No. 2 (69.2% points), hosting the Boston Bruins in a Stadium Series outdoor game on Feb. 1—the second such event in Florida this season, complete with pirate-themed uniforms. This clash carries playoff implications in the Atlantic. Upcoming: Boston (Feb. 1), Buffalo (Feb. 3), Florida (Feb. 5).
Carolina Hurricanes hold third (67% points), eyeing a potential Eastern Conference finals preview against Tampa on Feb. 26. Their schedule features Washington (Jan. 31), Los Angeles (Feb. 1), Ottawa (Feb. 3), and the Rangers (Feb. 5).
These leaders exemplify dominance, blending elite talent and timely momentum. Colorado’s consistency sets the pace, while Tampa and Carolina thrive in chaotic Eastern waters. As Olympics approach, their February tests will refine Olympic rosters and playoff projections.
The depth here signals a wide-open postseason. No major slumps yet, but sustaining this form amid trades and injuries proves challenging.
Central Division Powerhouses
Minnesota Wild climb to No. 4 (65.5% points, up from 5), hosting the Utah Mammoth on Feb. 27. Utah’s earlier 6-2 win adds intrigue to this Central clash. Next: Edmonton (Jan. 31), Montreal (Feb. 2), Nashville (Feb. 4).
Dallas Stars slip to No. 5 (65.7% points, down from 4), facing Winnipeg on Feb. 2—a goalie duel potential between Jake Oettinger and Connor Hellebuyck. Schedule: Utah (Jan. 31), Winnipeg (Feb. 2), St. Louis (Feb. 4).
Utah Mammoth surge to No. 12 (55.6% points, up from 14), challenging Colorado on Feb. 25. Their one-goal games against the Avs promise drama. Upcoming: Dallas (Jan. 31), Vancouver (Feb. 2), Detroit (Feb. 4).
Edmonton Oilers stay at No. 13 (58.2% points), visiting Calgary on Feb. 4 for Battle of Alberta intensity. Next: Minnesota (Jan. 31), Toronto (Feb. 3), Calgary (Feb. 4).
This group defines Central volatility. Minnesota and Dallas anchor the top three spots, but Utah’s rise threatens. February divisional tilts could solidify or scramble standings.
Eastern Conference Surges
Buffalo Sabres vault to No. 6 (63.2% points, up from 9), visiting Florida twice (Feb. 2 and 27) to defend their Atlantic third place. Schedule: Montreal (Jan. 31), Florida (Feb. 2), Tampa (Feb. 3), Pittsburgh (Feb. 5).
Detroit Red Wings at No. 7 (63.6% points, down one), travel to Colorado on Feb. 2, reviving a historic rivalry after Jan. 31’s home date. Next: Colorado (Jan. 31 and Feb. 2), Utah (Feb. 4).
Pittsburgh Penguins jump to No. 8 (62.5% points, up from 11), hosting the Islanders on Feb. 3 in an underrated rivalry with playoff vibes. Upcoming: Rangers (Jan. 31), Ottawa (Feb. 2), Islanders (Feb. 3), Buffalo (Feb. 5).
Montreal Canadiens at No. 9 (62% points, down from 8), host Washington on Feb. 28 amid wild-card battles. Next: Buffalo (Jan. 31), Minnesota (Feb. 2), Winnipeg (Feb. 4).
Buffalo’s heater exemplifies Eastern momentum, while Detroit and Pittsburgh climb amid rivals’ stumbles. These shifts highlight how hot streaks fuel playoff pushes.
Pacific and Wildcard Contenders
Vegas Golden Knights drop to No. 10 (60.4% points, down from 7), visiting Washington on Feb. 27—a 2018 Cup Final rematch preview. Schedule: Seattle (Jan. 31), Anaheim (Feb. 1), Vancouver (Feb. 4), Los Angeles (Feb. 5).
Boston Bruins rise to No. 11 (60.9% points, up from 12), facing Tampa in the Stadium Series on Feb. 1. Next: Tampa (Feb. 1), Florida (Feb. 4).
Anaheim Ducks climb to No. 16 (54.6% points, up from 20), hosting Vegas on Feb. 1 after prior wins. Upcoming: Vegas (Feb. 1), Seattle (Feb. 3).
Los Angeles Kings at No. 17 (54.8% points, up from 22), host Edmonton on Feb. 26 to break playoff hex. Next: Philadelphia (Jan. 31), Carolina (Feb. 1), Seattle (Feb. 4), Vegas (Feb. 5).
Vegas’ slip opens Pacific doors, with Anaheim’s upsets adding chaos. Boston’s positioning eyes Atlantic recovery.
Struggling for Positioning
Teams like Florida Panthers (No. 15, up from 18, 55.7% points) host Tampa on Feb. 5 in Battle of Florida. New York Islanders (No. 14, down from 10) visit New Jersey on Feb. 5 post-trades.
Philadelphia Flyers (No. 20), Ottawa Senators (No. 21), Columbus Blue Jackets (No. 22, up from 25), and Washington Capitals (No. 23, down from 16) fight wild cards.
These mid-pack battles intensify with Feb. 26-28 games deciding trajectories. Flyers’ uneven streak meets Rangers; Caps need wins over Philly.
Bubble dynamics reward resilience, as recent heaters like Columbus (7-1 in last 8) challenge incumbents.
Bottom of the Standings
Winnipeg Jets (No. 27, up from 28), Chicago Blackhawks (No. 28), New York Rangers (No. 29, up from 30), Calgary Flames (No. 30), St. Louis Blues (No. 31), and Vancouver Canucks (No. 32) scrape for traction.
Rangers trade stars like Artemi Panarin; Vancouver subtracts Quinn Hughes, others amid rebuild. Key games: Rangers vs. Penguins (Feb. 28), Vancouver at Seattle (Feb. 28).
Trade rumors swirl for St. Louis’ Jordan Kyrou, potentially to Devils. These clubs eye March 6 deadline.
As February unfolds, these highlighted games loom large before the Olympic pause and roster freeze. Top teams solidify Cup aspirations, while bubble squads chase wild cards. For full details, check ESPN’s power rankings and Olympic hockey previews.
The post-Olympics stretch could realign everything, rewarding February performers with momentum into spring.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.