The Colorado Avalanche hold firm at number one in the latest NHL power rankings, powering through with an impressive 85.9% points percentage. This poll, compiled by ESPN’s panel of experts, reflects games through late December and spotlights each team’s most intriguing January matchup. With the 2026 Winter Games roster buzz building, these rankings underscore the tight races across both conferences.
As teams gear up for a pivotal month, rivalries, ex-teammate returns and playoff previews dominate the schedule. Our analysis draws from the latest ESPN poll, aligning with trends seen in recent NHL 2025-26 power rankings.
Western conference powerhouses lead the way
Colorado Avalanche top the charts again, unchanged from last time. Their January 3 clash at Carolina tests them against one of the East’s elite. A tough road trip follows against Florida and Tampa Bay, but Nathan MacKinnon’s crew thrives under pressure.
Dallas Stars sit second at 69.5% points. Their late-January tilt at Vegas on the 29th pits them against Pacific contenders. After dodging Minnesota and Colorado early, this game could shift divisional standings.
Minnesota Wild climb to third with 67.1%. Facing Edmonton on January 31 offers redemption after a December home win. Their Pacific swing this week sharpens their edge among Western powers.
Vegas Golden Knights drop to 10th despite 59.2% points. The January 14 game at Los Angeles looms large for Pacific positioning. Recent slides highlight the need for consistency.
Edmonton Oilers hold 14th at 56.1%. Hosting Pittsburgh on January 22 reignites the goalie trade storyline with Tristan Jarry and Stuart Skinner. A rematch of their 6-4 December win adds spice.
| Team | Rank | Key January game | Points % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Avalanche | 1 | Jan. 3 at Hurricanes | 85.9 |
| Dallas Stars | 2 | Jan. 29 at Golden Knights | 69.5 |
| Minnesota Wild | 3 | Jan. 31 at Oilers | 67.1 |
| Vegas Golden Knights | 10 | Jan. 14 at Kings | 59.2 |
| Edmonton Oilers | 14 | Jan. 22 vs. Penguins | 56.1 |
These matchups could define playoff seeding. Building on patterns from our updated 2025-26 power rankings, Avalanche dominance persists amid rising challengers.
Eastern conference battles heat up
Carolina Hurricanes slip to fourth but boast 63.8% points. January 16 versus Florida screams conference finals preview. Both teams’ postseason resilience makes this a marquee event.
Tampa Bay Lightning jump to fifth, matching Carolina’s points clip. Their January 18 at Dallas eyes a potential Cup final dry run. Coach Jon Cooper’s squad eyes deeper runs.
Philadelphia Flyers rise to seventh with 60.3%. The January 15 Pennsylvania derby at Pittsburgh intensifies playoff pushes. Both clubs vie for postseason berths.
Washington Capitals at eighth, 57.3% points. Hosting Carolina on January 31 aids their Metro title defense. Direct impact on rivals proves crucial.
New York Islanders ninth at 58.5%. Back-to-back Rangers games on January 28-29 fuel Metro bad blood. These could swing wild-card hopes.
Eastern teams face grueling schedules. Florida Panthers at 12th host the Rangers in the Winter Classic on January 2, showcasing the champs outdoors. Montreal Canadiens surge to 11th, seeking revenge at Washington on January 13 after playoff woes.
Surprises and risers shaking the standings
Buffalo Sabres leap to 13th on a franchise-record 10-game win streak, 59% points. January 15 versus Montreal tests their mettle against higher seeds. Playoff drought ends start here.
Detroit Red Wings climb to sixth, 61.9%. Original Six battle at Montreal on January 10 bolsters Atlantic hold. Steve Yzerman’s rebuild pays dividends.
Pittsburgh Penguins steady at 16th, 57.7%. January 3 at Detroit sparks national TV drama. A win reignites their fire.
Anaheim Ducks fall to 15th but impress at 56.3%. January 26 at Edmonton gauges playoff readiness against champs.
Calgary Flames rocket to 27th from 31st, 50% points. Closing January versus San Jose chases playoff fringe foes.
These shifts highlight parity. Utah Mammoth at 26th face a brutal Southern road trip January 24-29, testing improvements.
Bottom feeders eye climbs
Winnipeg Jets near bottom at 31st, 43.6%. January 8 versus Edmonton avenges a December loss. Home ice helps.
Vancouver Canucks anchor at 32nd, 44.9%. January 3 versus Boston nods to 2011 Final anniversary. Rebuild needs spark.
St. Louis Blues 29th, 46.3%. January 20 at Winnipeg recalls playoff grit. Momentum builder.
Chicago Blackhawks 30th host Winnipeg January 19, Jonathan Toews’ return in enemy colors. Nostalgia meets rivalry.
Struggling clubs like Seattle Kraken (28th) host ex-Kraken Morgan Geekie and Boston January 6. Columbus Blue Jackets (25th) battle Pittsburgh twice.
| Team | Rank | Key challenge | Next hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver Canucks | 32 | Jan. 3 vs. Bruins | Anniversary tilt |
| Winnipeg Jets | 31 | Jan. 8 vs. Oilers | Revenge game |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 30 | Jan. 19 vs. Jets | Toews returns |
January’s games promise drama across the spectrum.
The power rankings reveal a league in flux, with Avalanche leading but challengers nipping close. Key January games will clarify contenders from pretenders ahead of Olympic distractions. Watch divisional clashes and revenge tales—they shape the 2026 playoff path. Fans should mark calendars for these potential classics.
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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.