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The strangest thing about the response to USC hiring Lincoln Riley a year ago had nothing to do with the school itself. Riley was a home run. That much was obvious, and the only question seemed to be when he’d revive the Trojans program, not if. No, the real twist was in the way it was celebrated as a win for the entire Pac-12, a league so desperate for national relevancy that, even if its best team made a hire likely to upend the power structure of the rest of the conference, it was still a communal celebration. It was a win for everyone because, after years inhabiting college football purgatory, the Pac-12 would again have a chance for top billing.

On Saturday, Riley and the Trojans delivered on that promise.

It’s not that USC’s ticket to the College Football Playoff is punched just yet. There’s still the small matter of a conference championship game that awaits. But with the 38-27 win over Notre Dame in a prime-time game in which the entire college football world was focused, there was a clear feeling that something seismic had changed.

Alabama‘s playoff hopes are on life support.

Clemson‘s playoff hopes ended with a loss to South Carolina on Saturday.

Ohio State was dealt a potentially fatal blow by rival Michigan in emphatic fashion, too.

Oklahoma and Notre Dame, two of the other teams with as many playoff berths alone as the Pac-12 has as a league, have long since been afterthoughts.

And so here we have USC, the feel-good story of the season.

Well, maybe.

The truth is, USC may have stepped into a far more interesting role with its dominant win over the Irish. In a year in which Clemson, Alabama and Oklahoma didn’t dominate the headlines, on a Saturday when Ohio State lost to Michigan for the second straight year and Brian Kelly, despised by thousands of fans who can’t quite articulate why, got his comeuppance against Texas A&M, the college football villainy vacuum was never so clear.

Enter the Trojans.

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Caleb Williams throws for one touchdown and rushes for three in a impressive performance as USC defeats Notre Dame 38-27.

The narrative certainly fits. After all, this is a team built with a checkbook, luring Riley from Oklahoma, who in turn, lured a host of key players via the transfer portal (with some help from hefty NIL deals) to completely transform the roster after a 4-8 campaign just a year ago. It’s a program poised to shrug off a century of history to chase money in the Big Ten, possibly destroying the Pac-12 in the process. It’s a team that rose up the rankings despite a soft schedule and zero particularly impressive wins until a week ago.

Want to root against somebody in a year in which Alabama and Clemson and Ohio State don’t warrant that type of attention? USC sure makes for a perfect bad guy. And make no mistake, college football loves a bad guy. To be the heel is not a slight. It’s an honor that’s earned only by teams that can command genuine ire on a national stage.

The only problem with this theory is that, once USC stats playing, the Trojans are awfully hard to dislike, and Saturday was a perfect example of why.

Quarterback Caleb Williams might be the most riveting player in the sport right now. He’s college football’s closest thing to Patrick Mahomes — though perhaps that’s not even a proper comparison. He’s more like the dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov, his every move feeling both perfectly executed and entirely improvised. He pinballed off Notre Dame pass-rushers repeatedly Saturday, even his incompletions generating as much edge-of-your-seat excitement as most QBs muster with a 50-yard bomb. He finished with four touchdowns.

Without Travis Dye, USC’s ground game still ran roughshod over a ferocious Notre Dame front, with Austin Jones going for 154 yards. Yes, USC lured Mario Williams and Jordan Addison into the fold via the transfer portal, but Williams actually completed passes to nine different receivers Saturday. There is an absolute wealth of riches in the receiving corps.

And the defense — the maligned unit that nearly coughed up a lead to UCLA a week ago — looked fantastic. In USC’s loss to the Utah Utes on Oct. 15, it was tight end Dalton Kincaid who did the bulk of the damage, catching 16 passes for 234 yards. Surely USC would have its hands full with Michael Mayer then, right?

Mayer had a fine game — 8 catches, 98 yards and 2 touchdowns — but he hardly dictated the action, and for most of the second half he was a mirage. His last touchdown came as USC looked to simply run out the clock.

Notre Dame’s power run game, strong tight end play, stout defense — it’s the poor man’s version of what Georgia and Michigan offer, and it proved no match for USC. How fun might these Trojans be in the playoff then?

And in the end, isn’t that worth rooting for?

We’ve seen so many semifinal blowouts, so many mismatched games, so few truly interesting matchups in the playoff and such a small regional footprint for the biggest games. But whether you love them or hate them, the Trojans are most certainly interesting. More important than that, Saturday proved that this USC team is really good.


Michigan beats Ohio State with style and brazenness

The beauty of the showdown Saturday between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Michigan is that it was not simply a matchup of playoff contenders in a heated rivalry game, but such a stark contrast in styles.

Ohio State is the sports car, all flash and speed with more skill position talent than the average Big Ten team has in a decade.

Michigan is a Jeep, a rugged machine designed for brute force. The Wolverines win not by sprinting past opponents, but by running over them.

And if that had been the script that played out Saturday — and, for much of the first half, it was — the Buckeyes might be headed to the Big Ten title game.

Instead, Jim Harbaugh’s team showed it’s far from a one-trick pony. On Saturday, Michigan was Meryl Streep, effortlessly slipping into a new role, cast against type and playing the part perfectly.

In the end, of course, Michigan still ran the ball for 252 yards, forced two Ohio State turnovers and held the Buckeyes to 5-of-17 on third and fourth downs, but that was simply the denouement. Michigan won through the air, through style, pizzazz and an almost comical level of brazenness from Harbaugh that he has rarely shown in the course of his coaching career.

Blake Corum suited up, but he touched the ball just twice in the game. Instead, Michigan relied on quarterback J.J. McCarthy to deliver the big plays.

Back in September, Harbaugh gambled on McCarthy as his starter, benching the QB who took the Wolverines to the College Football Playoff in 2021, Cade McNamara, in favor of the more versatile sophomore. For much of the season, the gamble paid minimal dividends, with McCarthy deferring to his run game in a series of entirely formulaic wins against lesser opponents, like a poker player checking again and again waiting for just the right hand to go all-in.

Saturday, McCarthy was dealt one ace after another.

Entering the game, Michigan had just 12 completions of 30 yards or more all year. Against Ohio State, McCarthy delivered four of them, including touchdown throws of 69, 75 and 45.

And if McCarthy’s shredding of an overmatched Ohio State secondary wasn’t enough, Michigan used its linebacker-turned-running back to throw a 15-yard jump pass on third down in what was less a play call and more akin to slipping a whoopee cushion onto Ryan Day’s seat just as he sat down for Thanksgiving dinner. It was designed to embarrass as much as to succeed. Such is the beauty of a rivalry like this one.

Indeed, it was bad enough that even Michigan’s punter was dunking on the Buckeyes.

Perhaps as shocking as Michigan’s role reversal on offense was the way Ohio State simply cashed in its chips down the stretch. The Buckeyes mustered just three points in the second half, turned the ball over twice and watched as Michigan’s Donovan Edwards reeled off touchdown runs of 75 and 85 yards on consecutive drives. Had Ohio State kept the game close, fought to the end, took Michigan to the brink — perhaps there’d still be a reasonable case to put the Buckeyes into the College Football Playoff.

Instead, the epitaph on their season will read, “Lost by 22 at home to that teaX up north.”

It’s hard to know what this means in the bigger picture for Michigan. Last year, the Wolverines made the playoff, but their fate always felt all but assured, a sacrificial lamb just happy to live long enough to get a free trip to South Beach before getting whipped by Georgia.

Saturday showed something more to the 2022 incarnation though. While Day punted away chances to close the gap in the second half, Harbaugh seemed like a hedge fund manager on a heater at a Vegas craps table — all gas, no brakes, tipping the waitress with $100 bills on every fresh glass of 2% milk she brings (which is what we assume Harbaugh would be drinking in Vegas). While Ohio State was unable to maneuver the foothills in its souped-up sports car, Michigan showed it can sling it around the field, then run it down your throat. And while the Buckeyes were knocked from their place atop the list of contenders for Georgia’s throne, Michigan may well have delivered a statement that reverberates beyond Big Ten country. This team is for real.


Gamecocks ice the ACC

There was a time, two whole weeks ago, when the South Carolina offense was a mess. This was a different era, of course, back before our long national nightmare waiting for Taylor Swift tickets and well before Matt Rhule could locate Nebraska on a map. Many people had only seen “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” twice. So much has changed since then.

Back in those dark days of mid-November, South Carolina was embarrassed by Florida 38-6 and its offense was in shambles.

But now, the Gamecocks have the hottest offense in the country and Spencer Rattler suddenly looks like … well, 2020 Spencer Rattler.

After throttling No. 5 Tennessee 63-38 last week, the Gamecocks put on an encore performance by toppling No. 8 Clemson for the first time since 2013, 31-30, and effectively ending the ACC’s playoff hopes in the process.

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0:41

South Carolina’s special teams recover the fumble to regain control in final minutes.

Rattler was dazzling again, completing 25 of 39 passes for 360 yards and two touchdowns while adding a third on the ground.

Clemson’s DJ Uiagalelei, on the other hand, was a mess, completing 8 of 29 throws, as the Tigers turned the ball over three times while wasting a 14-0 lead.

Will Shipley ran for 132 yards on the ground, but had just two carries on Clemson’s final four drives.

Now, the ACC championship game will feature two teams that both lost their rivalry games to close out the year, with North Carolina losing to NC State 30-27 Friday night in double overtime.

South Carolina, on the other hand, will wrap the regular season with a likely top-25 ranking and enough cachet to warrant some serious buzz heading into their bowl and beyond. The Gamecocks won eight regular-season games for the first time since 2017 and snapped a seven-game losing streak to the Tigers — handing Dabo Swinney his first home loss in 41 games to boot.


TCU makes playoff statement

The playoff committee has spent the past few weeks pointing out all the flaws in TCU’s game. The Horned Frogs just haven’t won impressively enough to wow anyone.

On Saturday, however, Sonny Dykes basically held the severed head of Cy the Cardinal aloft and yelled, “Are you not entertained?”

TCU destroyed Iowa State 62-14 behind three touchdown passes from Max Duggan and a defense that forced three turnovers and scored twice.

It was TCU’s first win by more than 10 points since beating Oklahoma by 31 on Oct. 1, and it sealed a perfect regular season for the Horned Frogs, who’ll move on to the Big 12 title game with a chance to force their way into the College Football Playoff — unless of course the committee finds that a 48-point win over the last-place Big 12 team isn’t as impressive as a 22-point loss to Michigan. Got to appreciate those quality losses, and frankly, it’s a real knock on TCU that it doesn’t have any of them.

Indeed, here’s the very definition of irony: What if TCU loses the Big 12 title game next week, then is passed by Ohio State in the committee’s final rankings?

That would mean that the Horned Frogs lost out on a playoff berth to Ohio State in 2014 because the Big 12 didn’t play a title game … then lost out on a playoff berth to Ohio State in 2022 because it did.


Rivalry roundup

It’s rivalry weekend. So, how did some of the less competitive rivalry games go? We’ve got you covered with a full rundown.

Iron Bowl: Alabama 49, Auburn 27

Scene: Clenching a glass of scotch and sweating nervously, Boo Corrigan stares out the window of his room at the Gaylord Hotel, where the playoff committee is set to meet one final time.

Below, a low fog hangs over a graveyard. Lightning flashes. A thunder crash booms.

Suddenly, the ground begins to move. From the fresh dirt bursts a clenched fist with championship rings on every finger.

“My God,” Corrigan gasps. “It can’t be.”

Into the moonlight, the visage is clear. It’s him. He lives.

OK, so it’s still a long shot, but we’re not writing off Nick Saban. The man is indestructible.

As a side note: Bryce Young belongs in New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony. He won’t win it, but he has been incredible.

The rivalry formerly known as the Civil War: Oregon State 38, Oregon 34

Oregon led this game 34-17 with 13 minutes to play.

Oregon State led by four with eight minutes to play and never looked back.

How is this possible? It was a sheer comedy of errors. There was the 43-yard run Oregon allowed that set up a critical third-quarter TD. There was the Ducks settling for a field goal after having the ball with first-and-goal at the 10. There was the huge kick return and face mask penalty that set up another Beavers touchdown. There was the fumble at the 2 recovered by Oregon State. There was the failed fourth-and-1 conversion that gave Oregon State the ball back again deep in Ducks territory.

But more than anything, there was this guy. He isn’t the hero Oregon State deserved. He’s the hero it needed.

Governor’s Cup: Kentucky 26, Louisville 13

Will Levis threw two touchdown passes and the Wildcats won the Governor’s Cup for the fourth straight year — all by double digits. What this means for Scott Satterfield’s future at Louisville will be the big question for Cardinals fans, but the more important question for everyone else: How is the trophy for this game not just an oversized bottle of Pappy Van Winkle?

Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate: Georgia 37, Georgia Tech 14

Georgia Tech scored on its first possession and led this game well into the second quarter. By any reasonable metric, that’s a huge success. (Note: Actually winning this game would’ve been an unreasonable metric.) Meanwhile, Georgia can now fully turn its attention to the SEC championship game, where Stetson Bennett can accomplish the one thing he has yet to do in his career.

Old Oaken Bucket: Purdue 30, Indiana 16

The Boilermakers secured a trip to the Big Ten championship game with the win Saturday. Purdue is unranked. Purdue in its history has nine wins as an unranked team against top-two opponents, more than double any other program in the country. Purdue will play a likely second-ranked Michigan next week. What could go wrong?

Land of Lincoln Trophy: Illinois 41, Northwestern 3

Remember when Northwestern stunned Nebraska in Week 0? The Wildcats scored 31 in that game. They didn’t top 24 in another game all season. In the month of November, Northwestern scored a grand total of 22 points. Maybe we shouldn’t have been making fun of Iowa all this time. The Hawkeyes are the 2000 St. Louis Rams compared with Northwestern.

Paul Bunyan’s Axe: Minnesota 23, Wisconsin 16

What to make of Minnesota’s season? The advanced metrics loved the Gophers all year. Actually winning games, however, was difficult. After a 4-0 start, Minnesota topped 23 points just twice — against Rutgers and Northwestern. But the Gophers did close out the regular season on a high note Saturday, winning the axe for a second straight season after Wisconsin had dominated the rivalry for much of the previous 25 years. As a side note, we appreciate all rivalry trophies that can also be used to fell a tree. More schools should consider getting trophies from Home Depot.

Land Grant Trophy: Penn State 35, Michigan State 16

Penn State won easily, allowing the Nittany Lions to celebrate with a trophy that is actually just a bunch of things Joe Paterno once found in an old storage unit that he stuck together using a glue stick and duct tape. Anyway, the important thing here is the Nittany Lions are now 10-2 and officially count as a good win for Ohio State as it makes its case to still be invited into the playoff.

The Eighth Overtime Cup: Texas A&M 38, LSU 23

OK, we made that name up, but after the 2018 seven-overtime game between these two teams, it feels appropriate. Instead of a trophy for the winner, Jimbo Fisher’s nephew can just sucker punch the losing coach. There’s a lot of potential here. Let’s keep workshopping.

On the field, the Aggies pulled off the stunning upset behind 215 yards and two touchdowns from Devon Achane, who has essentially been like Paul McCartney in Wings this season. He’s a generational talent. Everyone else? A bunch of session musicians. Still, it was the right combination to topple the Bayou Bengals, whose playoff hopes were nixed in the loss. Will this result in a three-year contract extension for Jimbo Fisher? Jimmy Sexton is making some calls as we speak.

The (other) Governor’s Cup: Kansas State 47, Kansas 27

The Wildcats punched their ticket to the Big 12 title game, where they’ll look for a little revenge against TCU. Deuce Vaughn finished with 229 yards of offense, Will Howard threw for two touchdowns, and the K-State offense had more than 200 yards passing and rushing.

But let’s take a moment here to recall that, at one point, Kansas was 5-0. “College GameDay” went to Lawrence. The world felt like a safer, better place. In the end, Kansas finishes the regular season at 6-6, which feels like a disappointment after the hot start. But it’s actually immense progress for a team that was incredibly fun all season long and one that has genuine cause for optimism moving forward. Somewhere, a now-grown Baby Mangino is thinking of starting a family of his own, knowing he might have a little baby Lance Leipold one day. And all will be right with the world once more.

The no-name rivalry: Tennessee 56, Vanderbilt 0

How have these schools had 130 years to come up with a good name for this game and it’s never happened? At the very least, the winner should get possession of the Sun Sphere. This year, thankfully, the sphere stays in Knoxville, as Tennessee dominated in its first game without Hendon Hooker, relying on a ground game that accounted for 362 yards and six touchdowns. If Tennessee hadn’t fallen apart against South Carolina last week, the Vols’ playoff hopes would actually be looking pretty strong right now. Meanwhile, after winning back-to-back SEC games, Vandy was back to being Vandy. But we feel confident that Clark Lea’s promise that the Commodores would be the best team in the country will come to fruition next year.


Heisman Five

What had been a wide open race for so much of the season now seems down to one guy: Caleb Williams. The rest of the pack is still deep and talented, but each has run into rough waters at some point, but Williams keeps plugging along. As good as some of his competition might be, it’s hard to argue that he’s not been the most entertaining player in college football this year.

1. USC QB Caleb Williams

Not only is Williams the clear favorite to win the Heisman now, he’s quickly building a case as the best of the Lincoln Riley winners, too.

Through 12 games in 2017, Baker Mayfield had 4,342 yards, 42 touchdowns and five turnovers.

Through 12 games in 2018, Kyler Murray had 4,527 yards, 48 touchdowns and nine turnovers.

Through 12 games this year, Williams has 4,063 yards, 44 touchdowns and three turnovers.

One more game left to go before the trophy is handed out, but ultimately, that debate might come down to what happens after.

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Caleb Williams does a great job to keep the play alive for the completion, tops it off with a TD run later in the drive and then strikes the Heisman pose.

2. Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud

Stroud threw for 349 yards and two touchdowns Saturday, but he also threw two picks and, for the second straight year, lost to rival Michigan. Stroud’s case for the Heisman is still a good one, but without a chance to play one more game on a championship stage, it’s hard to imagine he can overcome Williams for the top spot.

3. Texas RB Bijan Robinson

He has been off the national radar for much of the season, but there’s no question at this point that Robinson is among the game’s best players. His 179 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Baylor put Texas in position to make the Big 12 title game on Friday, and he’s hit 100 yards in nine of his past 10 games. In fairness, it does feel weird to write nice things about Texas, but that’s just how good Robinson is.

4. Alabama QB Bryce Young

Where would Alabama be this year without Young? His 2022 candidacy feels much like Jameis Winston in 2014 or Lamar Jackson in 2017 — gritty, smart, entirely impressive, but just not as magical as the preceding year. A lot of that can be pinned on a lesser supporting cast and a midseason injury though, and the ultimate takeaway remains that Young is just an incredibly impressive quarterback and worthy of a spot in New York.

5. TCU QB Max Duggan

There’s something rewarding about a Heisman finalist who opened the season on the bench. That could certainly be the story for Duggan, who threw for three more touchdowns in Saturday’s win over Iowa State that secured an undefeated regular season for TCU, and it would give hope to all of the rest of us spending time on life’s bench, knowing that Heisman contenders can blossom after Week 1 and guys who write snarky college football columns every Saturday don’t often reach their peak until their mid-50s.


Under-the-radar game of the day

So maybe UTSA‘s comeback against UTEP didn’t carry the same significance on the national stage as the Oregon State win over Oregon, but it was still pretty wild.

UTEP scored on its first four possessions to go up 24-0. Then UTSA decided to play.

The Roadrunners scored on a 65-yard Frank Harris TD pass, got a pick-six, then scored on their first three drives of the second half to tie the game at 31.

Among the ridiculousness of the frenetic comeback was this wild — or perhaps really smart — play that turned a big gain for UTEP into a drive that ended with a punt.

UTEP still had a shot to retake the lead, setting up shop with a first down at the UTSA 14, but Calvin Brownholtz tossed his second INT of the game to end the drive.

In the end, UTSA drilled a 28-yard field goal as time expired, sending the Roadrunners to their 10th win of the season.


Under-the-radar play of the day

Nate Cox‘s final throw of Nevada‘s 27-22 loss to UNLV had more drama than most (but notably, not all) Siegfried and Roy shows.

First off, were you aware that there’s a rivalry trophy for the winner of the Nevada-UNLV game each year? It seems redundant since Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world and Reno is a place to find a cheap steak and dispose of evidence, so no trophy could matter all that much in determining which campus is better. But alas, here we are.

In any case, this year’s installment of the Wayne Newton Trophy* came down to the final drive, and Nevada nearly pulled off the type of miracle 90-year-old chain-smoking women dream of while playing the nickel slots.

(*Note: OK, we made that up. The actual trophy is a life-sized rendering of the Blue Man Group playing rock, paper, scissors mounted atop Celine Dion’s original tour bus.**)

(**Note: OK, we made that one up, too. The real trophy is called The Fremont Cannon and was once used by the mafia to fend off a hit outside the Golden Nugget.***)

Nevada trailed 27-16 with less than seven minutes to play but engineered a 12-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that including a fourth-and-5 conversion to pull to within 27-22.

UNLV’s ensuing drive went nowhere, and the Rebels punted.

Nevada got the ball back with 2:05 remaining, managed 12 plays, and had a shot at the game-winner on a fourth-and-1 from the UNLV 5 with 7 seconds to go. Nate Cox’s pass to Jamaal Bell looked like a possible completion — with one official signaling touchdown and another waving it off — but in the end, the call was incomplete, and UNLV hung on for a 27-22 win.

(***Note: OK, we don’t know if the cannon was used by the mafia either.)


Freeze ends cold

Liberty opened the year 8-1, its lone loss coming on a failed 2-point try against Wake Forest.

Since then, however, the wheels have come off, and Hugh Freeze appears to still be flying down the highway, rims sparking, bumper hanging off, en route to Auburn.

If the Freeze era at Liberty is over, there might be a real argument that this departure, following a 49-14 loss to New Mexico State, is even more embarrassing than the one at Ole Miss.

Freeze is in talks to take the vacant head-coaching job at Auburn, which three weeks ago might’ve seemed a home run hire for the Tigers.

Now? Well, hard to blame Freeze for the result Saturday. New Mexico State had only beaten one FBS team by 35 or more in the past 20 years, so clearly the Aggies were due.

Saturday was the cherry on top of the embarrassment sundae Liberty has enjoyed the past three weeks. First came a loss to UConn, getting the Huskies bowl-eligible for the first time since the Taft administration (Note: We didn’t fact-check that, but it feels right). Then came a loss to a 2-8 Virginia Tech that hadn’t won since mid-September. And now, an absolute demolition by New Mexico State.

Of course, there’s a lot more that will go into Auburn’s ultimate decision than just three mostly meaningless games. The important thing on The Plains is to ensure the Tigers get a coach who will happily collect a $40 million buyout in 2025.


The most college football thing to happen Saturday

New Hampshire won its first-round game in the FCS playoffs 52-42 against Fordham, and tailback Dylan Laube got to celebrating early.

Laube’s 87-yard touchdown run in the first quarter put UNH up 7-0, but he didn’t bother with the full 87 before high-fiving teammate Brian Espanet, who was trailing him down the field.

This is a far better way to celebrate than the now entirely derivative fake hamstring pull. But here’s an even better idea: a high-five heading into the end zone but then tuck your arm inside your jersey and make it seem like the high five was so emphatic, your arm fell completely off. We’ve done that with toddlers and it always kills.


Big bets and bad beats

Clemson closed as a 14.5-point favorite against South Carolina on Saturday, which should’ve been a sure thing for the Tigers. Dabo Swinney was 62-1 straight up when favored by two touchdowns or more. Alas, the Gamecocks don’t care about history. They only care about melting faces and covering spreads. South Carolina won outright, a money line payout of +430.


One bettor dropped $753,535 on a money line bet on Ohio State at -315. That wasn’t all that smart.

Michigan’s win will make for a lot of rough Sunday mornings in Ohio, and at least one in Las Vegas.


Trailing 31-10, Oregon State’s hopes of beating rival Oregon seemed slim. Vegas agreed. The live odds on the game topped out at +2500 at Caesars Sportsbook, meaning a $100 bet on the Beavers to win would’ve paid $2,500. And that’s exactly what happened, as Oregon State erased a 17-point deficit in five minutes of action in the fourth quarter and won 38-34, giving any bettors who still had faith a nice payday.

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NHL Power Rankings: A new No. 1, plus an early look at each team’s key offseason decision

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NHL Power Rankings: A new No. 1, plus an early look at each team's key offseason decision

Another week closer to the end of the regular season — and start of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs — and we have another new team sitting atop the throne of the NHL Power Rankings.

But in addition to a new order to our list, this week we took a break from the playoff (and draft lottery) race to look at a critical offseason decision that each club will have to make, whether it’s pending free agents, a coach (or GM) hire or a possible trade.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list here.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published March 22. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.

Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 69.86%

This offseason will include (another) decision to make on pending RFA Kaapo Kakko. The 23-year-old’s expiring two-year deal had a “prove it” undertone for leverage leading into another negotiation. What GM Chris Drury comes to the table with should indicate how highly the Rangers value Kakko into the future.

Next seven days: @ ARI (March 30), vs. PIT (Apr. 1), vs. NJ (Apr. 3)


Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 68.24%

Who’s going to round out the bottom two defensive pairs? Jani Hakanpaa and Chris Tanev are both free agents; Nils Lundkvist and Thomas Harley are up-and-coming RFAs. The Stars have had their issues getting it right on the blue line. Targeting the right personnel there moving forward is crucial.

Next seven days: @ SEA (March 30), vs. EDM (Apr. 3)


Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 66.89%

Boston is already talking an extension with pending RFA Jeremy Swayman — and his deal will have a ripple effect on Linus Ullmark‘s future. Swayman already went through one fraught negotiation with Boston last summer; will this year’s conversation be smoother? And can GM Don Sweeney work out a long-term pact to appease all parties?

Next seven days: @ WSH (March 30), @ NSH (Apr. 2), @ CAR (Apr. 4)


Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 67.12%

Colorado has a fascinating incoming contract negotiation with pending RFA Casey Mittelstadt. Buffalo swapped Mittelstadt (for defenseman Bowen Byram) in part because of the forward’s expiring deal — and the team’s projected inability to match his needs. Can Colorado find a satisfactory middle ground with the rising star this summer?

Next seven days: vs. NSH (March 30), @ CBJ (Apr. 1), @ MIN (Apr. 4)


Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 66.44%

Sam Reinhart takes priority among Florida’s pending free agents. The first-time 50-goal scorer’s career year has not only propelled the Panthers to greater heights this season but exemplified his worth well into the future. This summer will reveal how much is Florida willing — or able — to pay for Reinhart’s continued service.

Next seven days: vs. DET (March 30), @ TOR (Apr. 1), @ MTL (Apr. 2), @ OTT (Apr. 4)


Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 67.12%

Vancouver will be reengineering its blue line in the summer — one way or another. The Canucks have Quinn Hughes and Carson Soucy signed long term on the back end, and can either keep familiar faces or go in search of reinforcements elsewhere. Given how well this season has gone, though, Vancouver might not want to wander far from what has worked.

Next seven days: vs. ANA (March 31), @ VGK (Apr. 2), @ ARI (Apr. 3)


Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 66.89%

Carolina must address its defense sooner than later. The Hurricanes have three NHL regulars signed through just one more season; the rest are all UFAs in July. One of Carolina’s perennial strengths is its back end, and it’ll be a priority for GM Don Waddell to maintain that status quo — through internal or external moves.

Next seven days: @ MTL (March 30), vs. BOS (Apr. 4)


Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 64.79%

Edmonton could have a markedly different forward group after this summer. There’s a handful of upcoming UFAs, with the looming prospect of inking Leon Draisaitl‘s extension in a year’s time, too. Holland must be cognizant of a potential framework for Draisaitl’s deal as he handles the Oilers’ business this summer.

Next seven days: vs. ANA (March 30), @ STL (Apr. 1), @ DAL (Apr. 3)


Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 64.38%

Could there be another coaching conundrum this offseason? There’s a third-year option for Rick Bowness that the Jets can choose to exercise before July 1. Bowness has undoubtedly done well this season, but he also has faced health challenges that could factor into a mutual decision about whether he stays for another year.

Next seven days: vs. OTT (March 30), vs. LA (Apr. 1), vs. CGY (Apr. 4)


Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 63.19%

Toronto has two equally pressing priorities: defense and goaltending. Joseph Woll is its only netminder under contract for next season as starter Ilya Samsonov is set to hit free agency. Then there’s the back end that never benefited from signing John Klingberg (a UFA) and could see multiple veterans walk away in the offseason. The Leafs have work to do filling those holes.

Next seven days: @ BUF (March 30), vs. FLA (Apr. 1), vs. TB (Apr. 3)


Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 61.64%

The Preds’ “deadline addition” on defense was keeping Alexandre Carrier. He’s a pending UFA though, as is Tyson Barrie, leaving the Predators with gaps to fill on the blue line. Nashville’s back end has a few aging vets on big deals; will GM Barry Trotz target an infusion of youth to help them out?

Next seven days: @ COL (March 30), vs. BOS (Apr. 2), vs. STL (Apr. 4)


Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 60.42%

Tampa Bay has a delicate contract situation percolating with captain Steven Stamkos. The Lightning’s leader is a pending UFA, and the team has ongoing salary cap constraints. Will the 34-year-old take a hometown discount to stay in the fold? And would even that concession be enough for Tampa to get a solid deal done, especially with several other key players hitting free agency in due time?

Next seven days: vs. NYI (March 30), vs. DET (Apr. 1), @ TOR (Apr. 3), @ MTL (Apr. 4)


Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 60.42%

Los Angeles does not have a goalie under contract for next season. So, fixing that is priority one this summer. The Kings’ other task is assessing whether to keep interim coach Jim Hiller behind the bench, or launch a larger search for his replacement.

Next seven days: @ CGY (March 30), @ WPG (Apr. 1), vs. SEA (Apr. 3), @ SJ (Apr. 4)


Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 60.27%

Vegas is staring down some hard decisions — namely, whom to re-sign among pending UFAs like Chandler Stephenson, Jonathan Marchessault, Alec Martinez and more. The Golden Knights are (in)famous for getting creative with the salary cap, but the logjam of contracts coming up at once will put them to the test.

Next seven days: @ MIN (March 30), vs. VAN (Apr. 2)


Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 55.41%

The Flyers can expand on their surprisingly successful 2023-24 by bolstering their goaltending in the summer. Samuel Ersson would benefit from a capable veteran backup for the present, and Philadelphia should also be looking to stabilize that position for the long term (with a key draft prospect, perhaps?).

Next seven days: vs. CHI (March 30), vs. NYI (Apr. 1)


Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 56.25%

The major questions are in goal for the Caps. There’s veteran Darcy Kuemper signed at $5.25 million per season through 2026-27, and Charlie Lindgren inked through next season at $1.1 million. Should the Capitals attempt to move one of them in the offseason? Kuemper has a no-trade clause that could complicate matters, but it’s likely GM Brian MacLellan will explore the market to see what interest is out there — and identify a favorable return for the Capitals.

Next seven days: vs. BOS (March 30), @ BUF (Apr. 2), vs. PIT (Apr. 4)


Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 54.11%

GM Steve Yzerman believes in the Red Wings’ prospect pool. Now it’s time to see why. This offseason should be about identifying who’s ready to make the jump — and parting ways with players in the lineup (or pending free agents) taking up space Yzerman thinks should be going to the next wave of Red Wings.

Next seven days: @ FLA (March 30), @ TB (Apr. 1)


Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 54.86%

Minnesota was buried under defensive injuries this season, which could inspire GM Bill Guerin to recalibrate the team’s back end. That would go hand in hand with addressing the Wild’s goaltending. Marc-Andre Fleury is a pending UFA who, at age 39, will be contemplating retirement. Who replaces Fleury alongside Filip Gustavsson?

Next seven days: vs. VGK (March 30), vs. OTT (Apr. 2), vs. COL (Apr. 4)


Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 56.16%

St. Louis has the interim tag on head coach Drew Bannister. That leaves the Blues with options going into the offseason. Does a strong finish mean the Blues retain Bannister behind the bench? Or do they wait to see who else might become available around the league before handing out the long-term gig?

Next seven days: vs. SJ (March 30), vs. EDM (Apr. 1), @ NSH (Apr. 4)


Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 52.06%

New Jersey needs a stable starting goaltender. The Devils got their stopgap grabbing Jake Allen and Kaapo Kahkonen at the deadline, but that tandem is hardly a long-term solution, especially with Kahkonen hitting free agency. New Jersey is fortunate to have a core of high-level young talent, and it would be tragic to waste any of their years searching for consistent goaltending.

Next seven days: @ BUF (March 29), vs. PIT (Apr. 2), @ NYR (Apr. 3)


Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 53.47%

If the Islanders miss the playoffs, it’s on GM Lou Lamoriello to identify — and fix — what went wrong down the stretch. New York notably stood pat at the deadline and its old problem of not scoring goals has resurfaced. It’s a familiar refrain the Islanders can’t afford to repeat again next season.

Next seven days: @ TB (March 30), @ PHI (Apr. 1), vs. CHI (Apr. 2), @ CBJ (Apr. 4)


Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 50.00%

Buffalo didn’t get a third-line center at the deadline. And the Sabres need one — badly. Filling that slot and going into next season with stronger depth down the middle should keep GM Kevyn Adams plenty busy in another achingly long offseason for the Sabres.

Next seven days: vs. NJ (March 29), vs. TOR (March 30), vs. WSH (Apr. 2)


Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 51.39%

Are the Penguins on the precipice of monumental change? Does this disastrous season force GM Kyle Dubas to dismantle the Penguins’ aging core? Is it the end of the road for head coach Mike Sullivan? How can Pittsburgh get younger and faster, with or without a full-on rebuild? It’s unfathomable (right?) that Pittsburgh heads into next season without a notable shift in direction.

Next seven days: @ CBJ (March 30), @ NYR (Apr. 1), @ NJ (Apr. 2), @ WSH (Apr. 4)


Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 49.31%

Calgary let things linger with Jacob Markstrom to the point he wasn’t traded at the deadline and was not happy about it. That puts the Flames in an interesting spot. Granted, Markstrom has two years left on his deal, but Calgary can (and likely should) revisit moving him this summer — perhaps within the context of a wider roster overhaul to put the Flames back in future playoff contention.

Next seven days: vs. LA (March 30), vs. ANA (Apr. 2), @ WPG (Apr. 4)


Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 50.69%

New contracts for RFAs Matty Beniers and Eeli Tolvanen are the top priority. Getting those over the finish line satisfactorily is imperative for the Kraken’s present and future. After not doing much at the deadline — and seeing their postseason chances dwindle — it would behoove GM Ron Francis to be active in the summer to set Seattle up for better success.

Next seven days: vs. DAL (March 30), @ SJ (Apr. 1), @ LA (Apr. 3)


Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 45.89%

Arizona will need a defenseman (or six) under contract before next season to actually put a lineup together. Currently the Coyotes have a slew of pending free agents on the back end, and pondering the possibilities — inside and outside the organization — will occupy GM Bill Armstrong well past the spring. Oh, and finding a new place to play in the long term is up there on the priority list, too.

Next seven days: vs. NYR (March 30), vs. VAN (Apr. 3)


Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 47.22%

There were some good moments this season, but Montreal is veering toward “identity crisis.” This offseason could be where it steers out of the skid. The Canadiens have a core of players approaching their prime years and they’ll need the right support to reach the next tier of competitiveness. GM Kent Hughes must be strategic this summer in how he helps advance the Canadiens — and avoids holding them in a rebuild for too much longer.

Next seven days: vs. CAR (March 30), vs. FLA (Apr. 2), vs. TB (Apr. 4)


Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 47.22%

Ottawa needs its next solution behind the bench. We’re talking long-term, here-to-stay, taking-us-back-to-the-playoffs coach. The Senators retooled the entire front office, and it’ll be on those executives to pick the right person to guide Ottawa out of the (ideally) final phase of this prolonged downturn.

Next seven days: @ WPG (March 30), @ MIN (Apr. 2), vs. FLA (Apr. 4)


Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 39.73%

Half of Columbus’ roster needs new contracts, and that includes most of the young core. Prioritizing those extensions should be atop the Blue Jackets’ offseason to-do list. Butt who will do the wheeling and dealing? Columbus needs a new general manager (John Davidson has been the interim there since Jarmo Kekalainen’s firing), and installing that person first before making too many future decisions would be smart business.

Next seven days: vs. PIT (March 30), vs. COL (Apr. 1), vs. NYI (Apr. 4)


Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 35.62%

Anaheim has a long summer ahead to explore moving Trevor Zegras. The Ducks are deep into a rebuilding phase and Zegras’ best value might lie in what Anaheim could land in a trade that sets it up with players for the future — and allows Zegras to join a roster closer to win-now mode.

Next seven days: @ EDM (March 30), @ VAN (March 31), @ CGY (Apr. 2)


Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 32.19%

There’s a handful of RFAs to look at this offseason, and GM Kyle Davidson will certainly get to that. But the bigger task for the Blackhawks might just be to stay patient and continue focusing on building their culture. It’s easier said than done, particularly with talent like Connor Bedard in your midst — yet slow and steady should remain the approach.

Next seven days: @ PHI (March 30), @ NYI (Apr. 2)


Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 27.78%

It’s all about the draft lottery results. Because where the Sharks pick in this upcoming draft — and signing whom they select — will be their most important offseason decision. After that, GM Mike Grier can reel through a landslide of pending UFAs and figure out whom he wants to keep beyond this season, knowing only a small group of regulars are signed beyond 2024-25.

Next seven days: @ STL (March 30), vs. SEA (Apr. 1), vs. LA (Apr. 4)

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NHL playoff watch: Devils-Sabres is Friday’s key game to monitor

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NHL playoff watch: Devils-Sabres is Friday's key game to monitor

There have been fantastic nights on the NHL schedule recently, some might argue maybe even too much action for hockey fans to track in a given evening.

Friday is not one of those nights.

There is just one game on the schedule, as the New Jersey Devils visit the Buffalo Sabres (7 p.m. ET, NHL Network). This is a game that looked to have considerably more at stake when the schedule came out in the summer, but there are some notable implications for the outcome.

The Devils are five points behind the Washington Capitals for the East’s second wild-card spot, and six points behind the Philadelphia Flyers for the No. 3 seed in the Metro Division. Notably, New Jersey has more regulation wins than both clubs, so pulling even in the standings is all that’s required to get into the playoffs.

Buffalo’s playoff hopes rest on eclipsing a batch of teams and getting the wild card, as the No. 3-seeded Atlantic club, the Toronto Maple Leafs, are 18 points ahead.

Of course, this matchup also impacts the draft lottery standings, with the Sabres currently 10th and the Devils 12th in that register. The NHL’s four worst teams don’t appear to be in range for either club, but getting as high as the No. 5 position (currently held by the Arizona Coyotes) is in play mathematically.

As we traverse the final stretch of the regular season, it’s time to check in on all the playoff races — along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2024 NHL draft lottery.

Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.

Jump ahead:
Current playoff matchups
Friday’s schedule
Thursday’s scores
Expanded standings
Race for No. 1 pick

Current playoff matchups

Eastern Conference

A1 Boston Bruins vs. WC1 Tampa Bay Lightning
A2 Florida Panthers vs. A3 Toronto Maple Leafs
M1 New York Rangers vs. WC2 Washington Capitals
M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 Philadelphia Flyers

Western Conference

C1 Dallas Stars vs. WC2 Los Angeles Kings
C2 Colorado Avalanche vs. C3 Winnipeg Jets
P1 Vancouver Canucks vs. WC1 Nashville Predators
P2 Edmonton Oilers vs. P3 Vegas Golden Knights


Friday’s game

Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available via NHL Power Play, which is included in an ESPN+ subscription (local blackout restrictions apply).

New Jersey Devils at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. (NHLN)


Thursday’s scoreboard

Toronto Maple Leafs 5, Washington Capitals 1
Montreal Canadiens 4, Philadelphia Flyers 1
Ottawa Senators 2, Chicago Blackhawks 0
New York Islanders 3, Florida Panthers 2
Pittsburgh Penguins 3, Columbus Blue Jackets 2
Carolina Hurricanes 4, Detroit Red Wings 0
St. Louis Blues 5, Calgary Flames 3
Minnesota Wild 3, San Jose Sharks 1
Vegas Golden Knights 4, Winnipeg Jets 1
New York Rangers 3, Colorado Avalanche 2 (SO)
Edmonton Oilers 4, Los Angeles Kings 1
Dallas Stars 3, Vancouver Canucks 1
Arizona Coyotes 8, Nashville Predators 4
Seattle Kraken 4, Anaheim Ducks 2


Expanded standings

Atlantic Division

Points: 99
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 8
Points pace: 110
Next game: @ WSH (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 97
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 9
Points pace: 109
Next game: vs. DET (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 91
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 10
Points pace: 104
Next game: @ BUF (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 10
Points pace: 99
Next game: vs. NYI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 98.7%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 89
Next game: @ FLA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 24.5%
Tragic number: 16

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 82
Next game: vs. NJ (Friday)
Playoff chances: 1.4%
Tragic number: 10

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 77
Next game: @ WPG (Saturday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 7

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 77
Next game: vs. CAR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 7


Metropolitan Division

Points: 102
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 9
Points pace: 115
Next game: @ ARI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 99
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 8
Points pace: 110
Next game: @ MTL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 82
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 8
Points pace: 91
Next game: vs. CHI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 86.6%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 10
Points pace: 92
Next game: vs. BOS (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 65.1%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 88
Next game: @ TB (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 10.8%
Tragic number: 16

Points: 76
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 85
Next game: @ BUF (Friday)
Playoff chances: 11.7%
Tragic number: 13

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 84
Next game: @ CBJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 1.2%
Tragic number: 13

Points: 58
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 65
Next game: vs. PIT (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E


Central Division

Points: 101
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 8
Points pace: 112
Next game: @ SEA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 98
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 9
Points pace: 110
Next game: vs. NSH (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 94
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 9
Points pace: 106
Next game: vs. OTT (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 90
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 9
Points pace: 101
Next game: @ COL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.8%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 82
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 92
Next game: vs. SJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 4.3%
Tragic number: 14

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 90
Next game: vs. VGK (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 2%
Tragic number: 13

Points: 67
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 75
Next game: vs. NYR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Points: 47
Regulation wins: 15
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 53
Next game: @ PHI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E


Pacific Division

Points: 98
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 9
Points pace: 110
Next game: vs. ANA (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 92
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 11
Points pace: 106
Next game: vs. ANA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 88
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 9
Points pace: 99
Next game: @ MIN (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 94.5%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 10
Points pace: 99
Next game: @ CGY (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.3%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 83
Next game: vs. DAL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: 7

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 81
Next game: vs. LA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 7

Points: 52
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 58
Next game: @ EDM (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Points: 40
Regulation wins: 12
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 46
Next game: @ STL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

p — clinched Presidents’ Trophy
y — clinched division
x — clinched playoff berth
e — eliminated from playoff contention


Race for the No. 1 pick

The NHL uses a draft lottery to determine the order of the first round, so the team that finishes in last place is not guaranteed the No. 1 selection. As of 2021, a team can move up a maximum of 10 spots if it wins the lottery, so only 11 teams are eligible for the draw for the No. 1 pick. Full details on the process can be found here. Sitting No. 1 on the draft board for this summer is Macklin Celebrini, a freshman at Boston University.

Points: 40
Regulation wins: 12

Points: 47
Regulation wins: 15

Points: 52
Regulation wins: 18

Points: 58
Regulation wins: 18

Points: 67
Regulation wins: 25

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 18

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 23

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 28

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 24

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 28

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 27

Points: 76
Regulation wins: 31

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 23

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 25

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 28

Points: 82
Regulation wins: 29

* The Penguins’ first-round pick was traded to the Sharks as part of the Erik Karlsson trade. However, it is top-10 protected.

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MacKinnon’s home points streak ends in SO loss

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MacKinnon's home points streak ends in SO loss

DENVER — Nathan MacKinnon‘s 35-game home points streak ended Thursday in a 3-2 shootout loss to the New York Rangers at Ball Arena.

MacKinnon, who has 29 goals and 77 points at home this season, finished with the second-longest home points streak in NHL history behind Wayne Gretzky, who set the mark at 40 games during the 1988-89 season. Also ending was MacKinnon’s 19-game points streak, which was his second such streak of the season. It was also the first time in NHL history that one player had two 19-game point streaks in a season.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said after the game that the team would look at providing evidence to the NHL that MacKinnon should have been credited with an assist that tied the score at 2-2 with 7:13 left in regulation.

The Avalanche were in the Rangers’ zone when MacKinnon delivered a pass to Devon Toews for a one-timer from the point. It initially appeared that Toews’ shot was stopped by Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin with Jonathan Drouin collecting the rebound and scoring the game-tying goal.

The goal was deemed an own goal that was credited to Toews, with another angle of the goal revealing Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren appeared to have been the last person who touched the puck before it went in the net.

“There is a process,” Bednar said. “You can look at it if you have video proof that there’s an assist, and he would get one.”

When asked if the team would go through that process, Bednar said, “Yeah, we can look at it.”

Avs defenseman Cale Makar said he was surprised to learn MacKinnon was not credited with an assist on the game-tying goal.

“It’s one game,” Makar said. “I think it’s not like he took the night off. I feel like he was finding ways to generate and stuff like that. Just sometimes, those bounces don’t go your way.”

MacKinnon, who did not meet with the media after the game, finished with five shots while logging 27:53 in ice time over 30 shifts.

Four of MacKinnon’s shifts came in overtime. While it has become common for MacKinnon to be used in overtime, Bednar was asked if there was some motivation to get MacKinnon extra ice time to extend the shift.

“I don’t think about the streak while we’re playing,” Bednar said. “But certainly, we’ve been trying to keep it going. As a group, I think everyone’s excited for it. In overtime, usually with Nate, he’s going until he tells me he needs a breather or if I’m reading it, he needs a breather. … He’s our most dangerous guy, right? Out of the forward group especially. I like to move him around with a couple different guys.”

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