The 2025-26 NHL regular season nears its climax, with just weeks remaining before the playoffs. ESPN’s latest power rankings, compiled by a panel of commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors, reflect games through last Wednesday. Colorado avalanche remain at No. 1, but Dallas stars are closing in fast on a 115.8 points pace—well above their 103.5 preseason over/under.
Buffalo sabres have surged into the top three, boasting a whopping 109.3 points pace against a modest 83.5 preseason expectation. This positions them to potentially snap the league’s longest playoff drought. Meanwhile, teams like Winnipeg jets and Vancouver canucks have plummeted, highlighting the season’s volatility.
Top teams chasing the Presidents’ Trophy
Colorado avalanche top the rankings for the second straight week at 73.1% points percentage. Despite cooling from their early blistering pace, they’re on track for 119.9 points—putting the Presidents’ Trophy in sight. Their upcoming slate includes road games against Chicago, Washington, Pittsburgh, and Winnipeg, testing depth late in the year.
Dallas stars sit second, matching Colorado’s preseason over/under but exceeding last season’s 106 points. At 70.6% points pace, they’re primed for a fierce battle. Facing Minnesota, Vegas, New Jersey, and the Islanders next, every point counts in the Central Division grind.
Carolina hurricanes hold fourth after slipping from third, with a 110.9 points pace topping their 105.5 over/under. They’re eyeing another division crown, but Toronto, Pittsburgh, and Montreal loom large. A deep playoff run remains the ultimate goal for this consistent contender.
Minnesota wild round out the top five at 64.3%, surpassing their 94.5 expectation on a 105.4 pace. No longer sweating late like last year, they host Dallas before Tampa Bay and Florida road trips. Mats Zuccarello’s overtime heroics underscore their clutch play.
These leaders exemplify how small edges define the regular-season crown. As our breakdown of ESPN’s NHL power rankings 2025-26 notes, their balance of offense, defense, and goaltending sets them apart. The race promises drama through April.
Buffalo sabres and other overachievers
Buffalo sabres vaulted from fifth to third, their 109.3 pace dwarfing the 83.5 preseason line. Ending a playoff drought feels tangible now, with Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Boston ahead. This surge mirrors Pittsburgh penguins’ climb from 80 points last year to a 101.3 pace here.
Montreal Canadiens dipped to eighth but match Pittsburgh at 61.8%, beating 90.5 expectations on 101.3 pace. Building incrementally post-wild card, they face Islanders, Carolina, and Columbus. Youth and momentum fuel their Eastern push.
New York Islanders hold ninth, propelled by No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer’s Calder buzz. At 98.6 pace versus 84.5 over/under, they host Columbus, Chicago, and Dallas while visiting Montreal. A franchise cornerstone emerges.
Boston Bruins match Detroit at 60.9%, eclipsing last season’s 76 and 80.5 preseason. Fraser Minten’s contributions highlight resurgence. Detroit eyes home playoff ice, but momentum waned slightly.
These teams prove preseason odds can mislead. For more on rising squads, check our analysis of the fresh 1-32 poll.
Playoff locks and bubble battles
Tampa Bay Lightning secure sixth at 65.7%, pacing 107.7 against 101.5 over/under. With Florida fading, state supremacy returns—Stanley dreams follow. Edmonton, Vegas, and Seattle await.
Utah Mammoth sit 15th at 56.5%, near their 92.5 line on 92.7 pace. Year 2 playoffs beckon after Vegas’ inaugural success. Anaheim challenges Pacific atop them.
Seattle Kraken lurk at 20th, 85.6 pace beating last year’s wild-card miss. Columbus Blue Jackets (100.1 pace) and Philadelphia Flyers (94.1) hover nearby. Anaheim Ducks’ youth pushes for division glory despite 83.5 preseason.
Ottawa Senators align with 95.3 pace to 95.5 over/under, but trail Atlantic risers. Their schedule versus Toronto, Rangers, Detroit, and Pittsburgh tests resolve.
Bubble dynamics intensify with under 15 games left. Standings shifts hinge on these matchups.
Disappointments and rebuilds
Winnipeg jets, last year’s 116-point winners, crater to 26th at 49.3% and 80.8 pace versus 97.5 over/under. Toronto Maple Leafs join them, dropping from division champs.
Florida Panthers plummet to 24th without Barkov and Tkachuk, 85.6 pace to 106.5 line. Vancouver Canucks bottom out at 36.8%, trading Hughes and others for futures.
Calgary Flames (73.6 pace to 83.5) shipped Kadri and Andersson, building prospects. Chicago Blackhawks’ youth shines despite injuries to Bedard and Nazar.
New York Rangers reversed preseason optimism, sellers at deadline. St. Louis Blues regress post-playoff surge.
These trajectories underscore rebuild necessities.
Looking ahead to the stretch run
The final weeks crystallize contenders from pretenders. Colorado and Dallas vie for top seed, while Buffalo chases history. Wild cards like Seattle and Utah add intrigue.
Fantasy managers eye pickups amid playoffs. Schedules intensify—Colorado’s road gauntlet, Buffalo’s West Coast swing.
Playoffs promise chaos. As ESPN notes, points pace versus projections reveals true form. Expect fireworks through April 16.
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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.