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!
Former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy, accused of causing a crash that killed a 78-year-old man on Dec. 17 and then fleeing the scene without rendering aid or calling authorities, turned himself in to authorities Sunday night, was jailed and then released on $151,000 bail, according to police records.
Lafourche (Louisiana) Parish Sheriff’s Office records indicate that Lacy was charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run with death and reckless operation of a vehicle.
A warrant had been issued for Lacy’s arrest, and police on Friday said they had been in contact with Lacy and his attorney to turn himself in.
According to a news release from Louisiana State Police on Friday, Lacy was allegedly driving a 2023 Dodge Charger on Louisiana Highway 20 and “recklessly passed multiple vehicles at a high rate of speed by crossing the centerline and entering the northbound lane while in a designated no-passing zone.”
“As Lacy was illegally passing the other vehicles, the driver of a northbound pickup truck abruptly braked and swerved to the right to avoid a head-on collision with the approaching Dodge,” a Louisiana State Police news release said.
“Traveling behind the pickup was a 2017 Kia Cadenza whose driver swerved left to avoid the oncoming Dodge Charger. As the Kia Cadenza took evasive action to avoid impact with the Dodge, it crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a southbound 2017 Kia Sorento.”
Police alleged that Lacy, 24, drove around the crash scene and fled “without stopping to render aid, call emergency services, or report his involvement in the crash.”
Herman Hall, of Thibodaux, Louisiana, who was a passenger in the Kia Sorento, later died from injuries suffered in the crash, according to state police. Hall was 78.
The drivers of the Cadenza and Sorento also sustained moderate injuries, according to police.
Lacy’s agent, Rocky Arceneaux, said in a statement that his client is “fully cooperating with the authorities.”
Lacy played two seasons at Louisiana before transferring to LSU in 2022. This past season, he had 58 catches for 866 yards with nine touchdowns and declared for the NFL draft on Dec. 19, two days after the crash.
ESPN’s Mark Schlabach contributed to this report.
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Jake Trotter, ESPN Senior Writer
ARLINGTON, Texas — As the confetti fell around him, Jack Sawyer raised his arms, lifted his head and closed his eyes. As a boy growing up in a Columbus suburb playing catch with his dad in the backyard wearing a scarlet and gray jersey, Sawyer had often dreamed that one day he might become an Ohio State hero with an iconic moment that would go down in Buckeyes history.
On Friday night, playing against Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, that moment finally happened.
On fourth-and-goal with just over two minutes remaining, Texas needed one play to tie the score and potentially force overtime. Instead, Sawyer ended the Longhorns’ season and catapulted the Buckeyes to the CFP National Championship game, where they will face Notre Dame.
Sawyer screamed past right tackle Cameron Williams and sailed toward Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, his freshman-year roommate at Ohio State. As he crashed into Ewers’ back, the ball popped loose. Off one bounce, Sawyer scooped it up and raced 83 yards for a touchdown that won’t be forgotten in Columbus.
“I almost blacked out when I saw nothing but green grass ahead of me,” he said.
With that play, the Buckeyes defeated Texas 28-14. And Sawyer cemented an Ohio State legacy.
“To make a play like that in that moment. … You want to leave a legacy behind? You become a legend. He just became a legend at Ohio State,” Buckeyes coach Ryan Day told ESPN on the field after the game.
The longing for just that moment is why Sawyer put off the NFL to come back for his senior season. After three losses to Michigan with no Big Ten championships or national titles, Sawyer and several other Ohio State seniors who could have been Day 1 or 2 NFL draft picks opted to return for “one last ride,” as he put it.
Their disappointing 2023 season ended with a deflating loss to Missouri in the same Cotton Bowl stadium. Sawyer said he just couldn’t stomach ending his Ohio State career that way.
“I wanted to go to the NFL and chase my dream more than the next guy,” Sawyer told ESPN over the summer. “But I haven’t won a championship. And you walk around the Woody [Hayes Athletic Center] and all you see is championships and championship posters and banners. Having not helped our team win any of those, it’s something that wears on me and it’s something that motivates me every day.”
Sawyer nearly had that moment six weeks ago. Yet, in a turn, what followed was a career low point for him and the Buckeyes.
He intercepted Michigan quarterback Davis Warren at the goal line midway through the fourth quarter. But with the score tied, the Buckeyes couldn’t capitalize on the turnover. On their ensuing possession, the Wolverines nailed a game-winning field goal for a stunning 13-10 victory, handing the Buckeyes — and Sawyer — their fourth straight loss in the series.
As Michigan’s players planted their flag at midfield of The Horseshoe, Sawyer charged in along with his teammates and ripped it away, leading to a melee that lasted five minutes and was finally broken up by police with pepper spray.
But with the expanded 12-team playoff, Ohio State’s seniors got one final chance to end their careers with hardware. With his scoop-and-score, Sawyer brought the Buckeyes within a game of winning their first national championship since 2014.
“The resiliency of this team from a month ago has been incredible,” said Sawyer, who became the first FBS player in a decade to produce multiple pass breakups and a sack in three straight games, according to ESPN Research, all coming during Ohio State’s playoff run. “We sat up here last year with a sore taste in our mouth and heard a lot of things. We come back and heard the same things a month ago. But we kept swinging.”
The underdog Longhorns kept swinging too.
After the Buckeyes took a 21-14 lead, Ewers led Texas all the way to the Ohio State 1-yard line. But on second-and-goal, safety Lathan Ransom dropped Texas running back Quintrevion Wisner for a 7-yard loss on a risky sweep.
“We had a plan to try to get the ball on the edge,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said. “It’s one of those plays if you block it all right, you get in the end zone — and we didn’t.”
After an incompletion, Texas faced fourth-and-goal from the 8. Ewers, who began his career at Ohio State before transferring to Texas after one season, said he thought he had time to get off the pass. But his onetime roommate got to him before he could.
“Obviously, it’s not like I tried to give him the game,” Ewers said. “He is a great player, great individual, great person. … It sucks, but Jack’s a good player and he made a great play.”
Sawyer’s fumble recovery was the longest in CFP and Cotton Bowl history. As Ohio State quarterback Will Howard took a knee, Day jumped into Sawyer’s arms.
“I don’t know if there’s a guy … who loves being a Buckeye more,” Day said. “This is somebody … who has always wanted to be a Buckeye, who has always wanted for a moment like this. So to see him get the moment that he had today — I mean, he’s become like family to me.”
Day and Sawyer both cautioned that their last ride together isn’t over quite yet. They have one game left and a national title still to win. But they also both acknowledged the magnitude of the moment. And Sawyer’s looming place in Ohio State history.
“I love Columbus, I love the state of Ohio, I love Ohio State football,” Sawyer said. “And I’m so fortunate to be playing in the national championship my last year here.”
ESPN’s Dave Wilson contributed to this report.
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