NHL Power Rankings: Reason for hope for all 32 teams
The NHL’s holiday break can’t come soon enough for some teams, while other clubs seem to have hit a new stride as winter officially begins. How far did the New Jersey Devils fall this week? Which Eastern Conference team surged up seven spots?
We rank all 32 teams here, and offer a reason for optimism for every fan base.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors rates teams against one another — taking into account game results, injuries and upcoming schedule — and those results are tabulated to produce the list featured here.
Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the most recent edition, published Dec. 16. Points paces are through Thursday’s games.
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 84.38%
Next seven days: @ NJ (Dec. 23), @ OTT (Dec. 27), @ NJ (Dec. 28)
The Bruins’ unparalleled consistency has had them lording over the NHL standings since Week 1. Boston rarely turns in a bad performance, and if that continues to be the norm, then the only hope these Bruins can have left is of a long playoff run.
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 72.73%
Next seven days: vs. PHI (Dec. 23), vs. CHI (Dec. 27)
The Hurricanes are surging lately with an incomparable full-team attack that shows no signs of slowing. Martin Necas and Seth Jarvis appear rejuvenated. Jordan Staal is having a moment. Carolina’s defense is terrific. When the Hurricanes bring it all together like this, it’s impossible not to have high hopes for what’s to come.
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 70.59%
Next seven days: @ STL (Dec. 27), @ ARI (Dec. 29)
The Leafs lost three of their top four defensemen … and peeled off a 10-game point streak? That’s resiliency. Now TJ Brodie is back, and Morgan Rielly has resumed skating, putting Toronto closer to an ideal lineup. If the Leafs could thrive while undermanned, how hopeful is their future with a full complement of skaters?
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 69.70%
Next seven days: vs. BOS (Dec. 23), vs. BOS (Dec. 28)
The Devils have their health (mostly). That hasn’t always been the case. New Jersey has been slumping in December, but as long as their best players remain available there’s ample hope for a lengthy rebound ahead by a group that proved just weeks ago it knows how to win in bunches.
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 65.15%
Next seven days: @ WSH (Dec. 23), vs. MIN (Dec. 27), vs. VAN (Dec. 29)
The Jets are newly dealing with some key injuries, so what a beacon of hope to know that Nikolaj Ehlers — out since mid-October — is back on the ice following sports hernia surgery, and on track to be available early next month. Winnipeg’s next-man-up mentality just has to hold out a little longer.
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 67.14%
Next seven days: vs. STL (Dec. 23), @ LA (Dec. 27), @ ANA (Dec. 28)
The Golden Knights are exceptionally good on the road. As in, they’ve lost two games in regulation all season outside the desert. Not only does Vegas have a back-half schedule loaded with away opportunities, but there’s also hope it can channel that same energy into its own building — and secure its place as one of the league’s top contenders.
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 64.71%
Next seven days: vs. MTL (Dec. 23), @ NSH (Dec. 27), @ MIN (Dec. 29)
The Stars went from relying heavily on goaltender Jake Oettinger to being one of the league’s most dominant offensive squads thanks to a swell of young talents led by Jason Robertson. When the Stars can launch a balanced, tiered attack, there is hope they’ll beat anyone in their path.
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 65.15%
Next seven days: @ NYI (Dec. 27), vs. DET (Dec. 28)
The Penguins are a better team with Jason Zucker, and they were hopeful a recent injury wouldn’t hold him out for long. Zucker returned even sooner than expected, and was back to being a serious offensive factor, elevating Evgeni Malkin‘s line. The healthier Pittsburgh stays, the higher its hopes can climb.
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 64.06%
Next seven days: vs. MTL (Dec. 28), s. NYR (Dec. 29)
The Lightning lacked confidence early this season, but that chapter is hopefully closed. Tampa Bay is being led by a red-hot Nikita Kucherov — who’s fourth in league scoring — and a rejuvenated Andrei Vasilevskiy. When the Lightning’s stars come out, they’re hard to stop.
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 62.50%
Next seven days: vs. CGY (Dec. 28)
The Kraken don’t get enough credit for the top-10 offense they’ve been honing. Seattle’s hope of a first-time playoff berth rests with the likes of phenom Matty Beniers, consistent Jared McCann and multifaceted Jordan Eberle. A great run to start this season should hopefully set the Kraken up well for more second-half success.
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 60.61%
Next seven days: @ WPG (Dec. 27), vs. DAL (Dec. 29)
The Wild have depth to spare these days, and it has paid off in W’s. Whether it’s Kirill Kaprizov producing another highlight-reel goal, Filip Gustavsson emerging with big saves, or Ryan Reaves setting a tone, Minnesota’s hopes of being a major player in the West look stronger than ever.
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 61.43%
Next seven days: vs. WSH (Dec. 27), @ TB (Dec. 29)
New York has regained its mojo, and not a moment too soon. The Rangers have to hope the dramatic turnaround of late — which included a seven-game win streak — means their hardest struggle of the season has come and gone. Being a dominant Beast of the East is back on the table for good.
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 61.29%
Next seven days: @ NSH (Dec. 23), @ ARI (Dec. 27), vs. LA (Dec. 29)
The Avalanche have Cale Makar, a multihyphenate, award-winning, top-five NHL defenseman with a heart so pure he actually declined a power play this week over a phantom hook from Mathew Barzal. What more could you hope for in the (now probable) Lady Byng front-runner?
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 59.72%
Next seven days: @ ARI (Dec. 23), vs. VGK (Dec. 27), @ COL (Dec. 29)
The Kings have good reason to hope Pheonix Copley can turn things around in net. While Jonathan Quick is having a difficult season, Copley has played well in December (with a 5-1-0 record so far) and gives L.A. a great chance every night. If Copley can support Quick in finding his form post-holiday break, that’s even better.
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 57.14%
Next seven days: vs. WPG (Dec. 23), @ NYR (Dec. 27), vs. OTT (Dec. 29)
The Capitals of late look more akin to the Capitals of old, with a depth of attack that hopefully keeps giving opponents fits. Erik Gustafsson‘s hat trick, Nic Dowd‘s career night, Charlie Lindgren stepping up and Alex Ovechkin breaking records; you name it, Washington has had it going on.
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 55.88%
Next seven days: vs. FLA (Dec. 23), vs. PIT (Dec. 27), vs. CBJ (Dec. 29)
The Islanders aren’t a prolific scoring bunch, so their best hope for long-term success has rested heavily on their goaltending. And with good reason. Ilya Sorokin has been solid all season. Semyon Varlamov has played well (when healthy). If Sorokin can hold the fort now that Varlamov is sidelined by an injury, New York will hopefully have time to get its offensive support in line.
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 55.88%
Next seven days: vs. VAN (Dec. 23), @ CGY (Dec. 27)
The Oilers have Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid leading the league in offense. Again. Some things rarely change and hope will always spring eternal in Edmonton when those two turn it up.
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 53.13%
Next seven days: @ CBJ (Dec. 27), vs. DET (Dec. 29)
The Sabres just put together their first four-game win streak of the season, during which Tage Thompson scored five goals and nine points. Buffalo’s emerging star is top five in league scoring this season, and everything the Sabres could hope to build around for years to come.
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 54.41%
Next seven days: @ ANA (Dec. 23), vs. EDM (Dec. 27), @ SEA (Dec. 28)
The Flames are benefitting from the best of Elias Lindholm lately, as he has kept their offense propped up through a challenging stretch. Every team needs that player who can lift them out of a funk, and there’s hope Lindholm’s continued excellence can be a catalyst for sustained success.
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 50.00%
Next seven days: @ NYI (Dec. 23), vs. MTL (Dec. 29)
The Panthers swung for the fences in acquiring Matthew Tkachuk, and Tkachuk has delivered regular dynamic performances. Florida has to believe that the entire team will eventually feed off that energy. Speaking of good omens, the Panthers got lucky that Aleksander Barkov‘s recent injury won’t keep him sidelined for long.
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 54.69%
Next seven days: @ PIT (Dec. 28), @ BUF (Dec. 29)
The Red Wings are mired in a rough stretch, but reinforcements are on the way via Jakub Vrana and a hopefully reignited Dylan Larkin and Filip Hronek. Coach Derek Lalonde said Vrana — who has appeared in two games this season — brings goals, and that’s what Detroit needs. He’ll be the Red Wings’ hopeful shot in the arm.
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 51.61%
Next seven days: vs. COL (Dec. 23), vs. DAL (Dec. 27)
The Predators’ hopes of a brighter offensive future have been bolstered by Cody Glass‘ line with Nino Niederreiter and Tanner Jeannot. That unit (mostly) shut down Edmonton’s top skaters earlier this week, and earned positive reinforcement from coach Jon Hynes. Can the rest of Nashville’s skaters follow the Glass line’s lead?
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 50.00%
Next seven days: @ VGK (Dec. 23), vs. TOR (Dec. 27), vs. CHI (Dec. 29)
The Blues have been waiting for Jordan Kyrou to find a rhythm, and there’s reason to hope that has finally happened. Kyrou netted his first career hat trick this week to cap off a four-game, 10-point run that highlighted the best aspects of his offensive game. St. Louis needs more of those contributions and has to hope Kyrou’s upper-body injury won’t be a long-term issue.
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 50.00%
Next seven days: @ DAL (Dec. 23), @ TB (Dec. 28), @ FLA (Dec. 29)
The Canadiens are gaining valuable learning experience in a season that has gone better than expected. The franchise’s future hopes hinge on its young stars, and the fact Montreal has won important games, and been able to keep up with the competition, will hopefully pay dividends now and well into the team’s future.
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 46.97%
Next seven days: vs. BOS (Dec. 27), @ WSH (Dec. 29)
The Senators have reason to hope Josh Norris will, in fact, return to the lineup this season following a shoulder injury — and maybe sooner than later. Coach DJ Smith said Norris will be reevaluated after the holiday break, and if Norris gains clearance that’s a massive upgrade for the Senators’ second-half hopes.
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 42.65%
Next seven days: @ CAR (Dec. 23), @ SJ (Dec. 29)
The Flyers are jam-packed with young talent, from Cutter Gauthier to Tyson Foerster to Olle Lycksell and, of course, Cam York (who’s currently in the NHL lineup). Philadelphia will want a good shot at the Connor Bedard/Adam Fantilli sweepstakes, too, but there’s plenty of hope available already in its system.
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 48.44%
Next seven days: @ EDM (Dec. 23), vs. SJ (Dec. 27), @ WPG (Dec. 29)
The Canucks boast a bona fide star in Elias Pettersson. Vancouver on the whole has been through just about every scenario — positive and negative — this season, and nothing should make the team feel more hopeful than how Pettersson is breaking through.
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 34.38%
Next seven days: @ CHI (Dec. 23), vs. BUF (Dec. 27), @ NYI (Dec. 29)
The Blue Jackets have lost just about every major player to an injury this season except Johnny Gaudreau. As long as Gaudreau and his game-changing potential are available, Columbus has something about which to feel hopeful.
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 40.32%
Next seven days: vs. LA (Dec. 23), vs. COL (Dec. 27), vs. TOR (Dec. 29)
The Coyotes could hopefully have a new state-of-the-art facility to play in by the time they’re ready to really make some noise on the ice. Look good, feel good, all good. Sometimes patience is a virtue.
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 40.00%
Next seven days: @ VAN (Dec. 27), vs. PHI (Dec. 29)
The Sharks could have a top-tier trade option in Erik Karlsson who could spark a deal netting one or two important players or picks in return. That would give San Jose hope for a quick turnaround from what has been a frustrating season to date.
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 29.03%
Next seven days: vs. CBJ (Dec. 23), @ CAR (Dec. 27), @ STL (Dec. 29)
The Blackhawks (and their fans) should be glued to the World Junior tournament, as Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli and more make their case to be this year’s No. 1 overall pick. Chicago has to hope it has the inside track on deciding who that will be.
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 30.88%
Next seven days: vs. CGY (Dec. 23), vs. VGK (Dec. 28)
The Ducks might hope to be in the mix for that top pick in this year’s draft, where they can select Connor Bedard and potentially pair him with Mason McTavish — and those two can recreate the chemistry they’ve had internationally with Team Canada. Dream big!
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Greg Wyshynski
The Winnipeg Jets will be without star goalie Connor Hellebuyck for four to six weeks as he undergoes a minor arthroscopic procedure on his knee, a source confirmed to ESPN.
Hellebuyck has been dealing with the injury since training camp. Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel said the goalie has tried to play through it but felt soreness after games. The Jets and their star goalie felt it was best to address it now opposed to having it linger any longer. His surgery is scheduled for Saturday.
Hellebuyck, 32, has won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goaltender for two straight seasons and was trying to become the first netminder since Hall of Famer Dominik Hasek (1996-99) to win the award three straight times.
Overall, Hellebuyck has three Vezina Trophy wins and has been a finalist for the award five times.
He’s 8-6-0 with a .913 save percentage and a 2.51 goals-against average in 14 games for the Jets, who are third in the Central Division with a .632 points percentage. Hellebuyck last played Saturday at Calgary, stopping 31 of 34 shots and then three more in the Jets’ shootout win over the Flames.
Winnipeg recalled goaltender Thomas Milic from the AHL Manitoba Moose, and he will tandem with backup goalie Eric Comrie in Hellebuyck’s absence.
Hellebuyck is expected to be the starting goaltender for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy in February. He served in that role for the Americans at the 4 Nations Face-Off last season, losing in the gold medal game to Canada.
His injury was originally reported by TSN.
With another week of the 2025-26 NHL season in the books, ESPN’s panel of voters continues to believe the Colorado Avalanche are the top team in the league.
Beyond No. 1, there were some major swings this week, including the first top-10 appearance by the Chicago Blackhawks in quite some time, as Connor Bedard & Co. continue to be in the mix for a playoff spot with a quarter of the season complete.
Speaking of the quarter-season mark, as part of this week’s rankings we’ve identified the most valuable player for each team through 25% of the season.
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.
Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Nov. 14. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 82.5%
Quarter-season MVP: Nathan MacKinnon. With all due respect to the monster season thus far from Cale Makar, we have to give the nod to MacKinnon, who is leading the league in both points (36) and goals (16).
Next seven days: @ NSH (Nov. 22), @ CHI (Nov. 23), vs. SJ (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 70%
Quarter-season MVP: Seth Jarvis. Who else but the Hurricanes’ rising superstar, who continues to play in all situations and hover around a point-per-game pace while doing so.
Next seven days: @ WPG (Nov. 21), @ BUF (Nov. 23), vs. NYR (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 64.3%
Quarter-season MVP: Leo Carlsson. The Ducks’ selection of Carlsson at No. 2 overall in the 2023 draft over Adam Fantilli was puzzling to some observers. It is puzzling no more, as the 20-year-old Swede is at the front of the proverbial Flying V for a Ducks team that is in the mix atop the Pacific Division.
Next seven days: vs. VGK (Nov. 22), vs. VAN (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 69%
Quarter-season MVP: Mikko Rantanen. The Stars didn’t need to see how well Rantanen would perform on their roster before inking him to a long-term deal; that contract was signed the same day he was acquired from the Hurricanes. So far, so good.
Next seven days: @ CGY (Nov. 22), @ EDM (Nov. 25), @ SEA (Nov. 26)
0:43
Mikko Rantanen scores 300th career goal for Stars
Mikko Rantanen lights the lamp to score his 300th career goal for Stars.
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 67.5%
Quarter-season MVP: Jesper Bratt. Unfortunately, Bratt and the other Devils have experience playing without Jack Hughes in the lineup. They’ll get more of it for the next several weeks following No. 86’s “freak injury” at a steakhouse in Chicago last week.
Next seven days: @ PHI (Nov. 22), vs. DET (Nov. 24), vs. STL (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 63.2%
Quarter-season MVP: Mark Scheifele. The Jets’ top-line center has never hit the 50-goal or 100-point plateau in his NHL career, coming closest with 42 goals in 2022-23 and 87 points in 2024-25. He’s currently on pace for 50 tallies and 109 points.
Next seven days: vs. CAR (Nov. 21), vs. MIN (Nov. 23), @ WSH (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 65%
Quarter-season MVP: Jack Eichel. Though he has fallen off of his perch atop the goals and points races, Eichel led the Knights with 24 points through 19 games, making a strong push for his first Hart Trophy nod.
Next seven days: @ ANA (Nov. 22), @ UTA (Nov. 24), vs. OTT (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 63.2%
Quarter-season MVP: Sidney Crosby. Prior to the season, the trade rumors ran wild with potential new destinations for No. 87. Instead, he’s led a resurgent Penguins team to a spot near the top of the Metro Division, including six power-play goals for the NHL’s top man-advantage attack.
Next seven days: vs. MIN (Nov. 21), vs. SEA (Nov. 22), vs. BUF (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 60%
Quarter-season MVP: Connor Bedard. The Blackhawks might have something in this kid, after all. With 29 points through 19 games in his third NHL season, Bedard is on pace for 118 — and Chicago is right in the mix for a playoff spot after a quarter of the season.
Next seven days: @ BUF (Nov. 21), vs. COL (Nov. 23), vs. MIN (Nov. 26)
1:18
Connor Bedard nets hat trick for Blackhawks
Connor Bedard scores three goals for Chicago on Tuesday night against Calgary.
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 59.5%
Quarter-season MVP: Dylan Larkin. Larkin put the hockey world on notice with his performance during the 4 Nations Face-Off last season and has carried at least some of that momentum forward into this NHL season, scoring with 24 points (12 goals and 12 assists) through his first 20 games.
Next seven days: vs. CBJ (Nov. 22), @ NJ (Nov. 24), vs. NSH (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 59.5%
Quarter-season MVP: Adrian Kempe. With a new contract extension now in hand, Kempe has been able to completely put the business aspect out of mind and focus on his on-ice performance. With 19 points, he’s the Kings’ leading scorer through 20 games.
Next seven days: vs. BOS (Nov. 21), vs. OTT (Nov. 24)
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 61.9%
Quarter-season MVP: Matthew Schaefer. Honorable mention here to Bo Horvat and his team-leading 13 goals and 24 points, but the nod goes to the 2025 No. 1 pick, who leads the Isles in ice time per game (22:29), was recently added to Canada’s 90-man list of Olympic candidates, and may be responsible for a sudden positive surge in vibes on the Island.
Next seven days: vs. STL (Nov. 22), vs. SEA (Nov. 23), vs. BOS (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 60%
Quarter-season MVP: Jake Guentzel. Like the team in general, Guentzel didn’t get off to the best start this season. But, he has picked it up in November (with seven goals and three assists through the month’s first eight games), as the Lightning look to climb back up the Atlantic Division standings.
Next seven days: @ WSH (Nov. 22), vs. PHI (Nov. 24), vs. CGY (Nov. 26)
1:02
Jake Guentzel completes Lightning late show with OT winner
Jake Guentzel lights the lamp to win it for the Lightning in overtime.
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 54.6%
Quarter-season MVP: David Pastrnak. For the Bruins to make noise this season, a lot was going to have to go right. One of those factors was Pastrnak scoring like the top-tier player he is. So far, so good, as Pasta scored 27 points through his first 22 games, with the Bruins near the top of the division.
Next seven days: @ LA (Nov. 21), @ SJ (Nov. 23), @ NYI (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 57.5%
Quarter-season MVP: Jakub Dobes. Although he has cooled off a bit after winning all six of his starts in October, the Czech 24-year-old appears to be the Habs’ better option in net this season, as he stakes his own claim in the Calder Trophy race.
Next seven days: vs. TOR (Nov. 22), @ UTA (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 62.5%
Quarter-season MVP: Jaden Schwartz. The Kraken have been one of the season’s pleasant surprises, remaining in the mix for a playoff spot through the first quarter. It has been a full-team effort — only six players have double-digit points after 19 games, and no one is in double digits in the goals column — so we’ll give the nod to the venerable, 33-year-old who shared the team scoring lead through 19 games and led the team with a plus-8 rating.
Next seven days: @ PIT (Nov. 22), @ NYI (Nov. 23), vs. DAL (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 54.8%
Quarter-season MVP: Nick Schmaltz. In the club’s first official season as the Mammoth, Schmaltz has led the team in scoring (22 points) and is tied for game-winning goals (two, with Clayton Keller) through the first 20 games.
Next seven days: vs. NYR (Nov. 22), vs. VGK (Nov. 24), vs. MTL (Nov. 26)
1:03
Schmaltz nets second career hat trick in Mammoth’s win
Nick Schmaltz scores a trio of goals to lead Utah to a 6-3 win over San Jose.
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 60%
Quarter-season MVP: Tim Stutzle. The Sens had captain Brady Tkachuk for three games before the forward’s upper-body injury sidelined him. Stutzle answered the call to fill the scoring gap, with a point-per-game pace through 19 games and double-digit goals.
Next seven days: @ SJ (Nov. 22), @ LA (Nov. 24), @ VGK (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 57.1%
Quarter-season MVP: Jesper Wallstedt. Sure, Kirill Kaprizov has been incredible, but that was expected. Let’s give some credit to rookie netminder Wallstedt, who has gone 5-0-2 in seven starts, with a 2.10 goals-against average (second in the league) and .926 save percentage (first).
Next seven days: @ PIT (Nov. 21), @ WPG (Nov. 23), @ CHI (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 57.1%
Quarter-season MVP: Logan Thompson. Thompson was the last line of defense for a team that nearly won the Presidents’ Trophy in 2024-25. He isn’t winning as often this season, but his other numbers are even better: a league-leading 1.85 goals-against average, and .920 save percentage (third).
Next seven days: vs. TB (Nov. 22), vs. CBJ (Nov. 24), vs. WPG (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 57.5%
Quarter-season MVP: Brad Marchand. The Panthers headed into this season defending two straight Stanley Cup championships, but without captain Aleksander Barkov (out until April) and Matthew Tkachuk (December). The team’s big trade deadline addition from last season (and playoff star) has stepped up, scoring a team-leading 23 points through 18 games; that puts him on pace for 99 points, one shy of a career high set back in 2018-19.
Next seven days: vs. EDM (Nov. 22), @ NSH (Nov. 24), vs. PHI (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 60.5%
Quarter-season MVP: Trevor Zegras. Who knew that a change of scenery was all it took to get Zegras’ career back on an upward trajectory? The No. 9 pick of the 2019 draft had hit a wall in Anaheim, but is soaring in Philly.
Next seven days: vs. NJ (Nov. 22), TB (Nov. 24), @ FLA (Nov. 26)
0:18
Trevor Zegras goes five-hole for Flyers’ shootout winner
Trevor Zegras goes between the legs to score the lone goal in the shootout for the Flyers vs. the Blues.
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 57.1%
Quarter-season MVP: Jet Greaves. Are we witnessing a changing of the guard in Columbus’ crease in real time? Greaves finished the 2024-25 season strong, and has been the goalie of choice for Columbus thus far this season, with 12 starts to Elvis Merzlikins‘ eight (and better stats as well).
Next seven days: @ DET (Nov. 22), @ WSH (Nov. 24), vs. TOR (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 50%
Quarter-season MVP: Igor Shesterkin/Jonathan Quick. The Rangers are still trying to figure out the right formula on offense, but the goal-suppression effort has been superb. Shesterkin is putting forth another superb effort, with a 7-7-2 record, 2.43 goals-against average and .911 save percentage; Quick has him beat in both of the ratios — 1.42 and .951 (!) — though he has fallen victim to the same lack of goal support, with a 3-2-0 mark. Things would be much worse for the Blueshirts without them.
Next seven days: @ UTA (Nov. 22), vs. STL (Nov. 24), @ CAR (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 50%
Quarter-season MVP: Connor McDavid. Ho hum, another season of elite scoring from the game’s greatest talent. Through 22 games, McDavid’s 32 points are six clear of second-best on the team (Leon Draisaitl‘s 26), as the Oil look to climb out of another early-season hole in the standings.
Next seven days: @ FLA (Nov. 22), vs. DAL (Nov. 25)
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 54.8%
Quarter-season MVP: Macklin Celebrini. Celebrini went first overall in the 2024 draft — so we knew he’d be good. Did anyone expect him to be on pace to break the Sharks’ all-time scoring record in his second pro season?
Next seven days: vs. OTT (Nov. 22), vs. BOS (Nov. 23), @ COL (Nov. 26)
0:32
Macklin Celebrini’s hat trick wins it for Sharks in OT
Macklin Celebrini scores on the power play for San Jose Sharks
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 50%
Quarter-season MVP: William Nylander. It hasn’t been the greatest season in the storied history of the Maple Leafs — what with injuries to key skaters such as Auston Matthews and Chris Tanev, and the appearance of four goaltenders on the seasonal stat sheet due to injuries in the crease. But Nylander has been Mr. Reliable, with an impressive 27 points through 17 games, including some eye-popping highlights.
Next seven days: @ MTL (Nov. 22), @ CBJ (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 45.5%
Quarter-season MVP: Quinn Hughes. Rare is the team led in scoring by a defenseman, but such has been the case for the Canucks this season, with their captain leading the way en route to (likely) another Norris Trophy finalist spot.
Next seven days: vs. CGY (Nov. 23), @ ANA (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 45%
Quarter-season MVP: Tage Thompson. Some day, the Sabres will return to the playoffs, providing a payoff to one of the most passionate fan bases in the sport. For now, Thompson keeps scoring goals (10 of them so far), and might earn a spot to represent Team USA at the Milan-Cortina Olympics.
Next seven days: vs. CHI (Nov. 21), vs. CAR (Nov. 23), @ PIT (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 42.9%
Quarter-season MVP: Robert Thomas. Not a lot has gone right for the Blues this season after they snuck into the playoffs last season (and nearly knocked off the Jets). So, we’ll give the nod to Thomas, the only player on the roster who has played in more than one game and has a positive plus/minus rating (along with his 13 points through 16 games).
Next seven days: @ NYI (Nov. 22), @ NYR (Nov. 24), @ NJ (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 40%
Quarter-season MVP: Filip Forsberg. At this point, GM Barry Trotz needs to figure out who is going to be a part of the next competitive version of the Predators and who is not. We think that Forsberg — who has been around the past few versions — will still be there when Nashville makes the playoffs again.
Next seven days: vs. COL (Nov. 22), vs. FLA (Nov. 24), @ DET (Nov. 26)
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 34.1%
Quarter-season MVP: Nazem Kadri. It has been a rough season for the Flames, and this roster could look quite a bit different by season’s end (with trade rumors already circling Kadri, Rasmus Andersson, Blake Coleman and others). So, as the leading scorer, the veteran center earns the quarter-season MVP honors here.
Next seven days: vs. DAL (Nov. 22), VAN (Nov. 23), @ TB (Nov. 26)
AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn freshman quarterback Deuce Knight will make his first career start against Mercer on Saturday.
Interim coach DJ Durkin made the announcement Thursday, three days after saying Ashton Daniels would skip the game to preserve a year of eligibility. Daniels is expected to return to the starting lineup next week against No. 10 Alabama in the rivalry known as the Iron Bowl.
“He’s earned it,” Durkin said of Knight. “He’s done a great job, and we’re excited to see him go play.”
Knight hasn’t seen much action this season but did take a handful of snaps against Ball State. He completed 2 of 5 passes for 20 yards and added 16 yards rushing.
Knight got the nod over Jackson Arnold, who has played in nine games this season, throwing for 1,278 yards, with six touchdowns and two interceptions. However, both are expected to play.
“They’re both going to play in the game, and they’re both going to play well,” Durkin said. “They’re both prepared, and we have a good plan for both of them.”
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