NHL Power Rankings: Latest updated poll, plus each team’s strength of schedule
There are fewer than three weeks remaining in the 2024-25 NHL regular season, which ends April 17.
The races for playoff spots and seeding continue to be waged, and the opponents on each club’s remaining schedule can be a differentiating factor.
This week, along with an updated set of Power Rankings, we’ll also examine each team’s strength of schedule, courtesy of Stathletes.
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.
Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published March 21. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 71.5%
Strength of schedule: 46.2%, 29th. As Alex Ovechkin chases Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record, the Caps appear to be well-positioned to maintain the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference based on their remaining schedule.
Next seven days: vs. BUF (March 30), @ BOS (April 1), @ CAR (April 2)
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 70.8%
Strength of schedule: 50.6%, 14th. The Jets’ spot atop the Western Conference appears reasonably secure, but there’s still the matter of the Presidents’ Trophy as the league’s top team in the standings. And based purely on relative strength of schedule, the Capitals have the upper hand.
Next seven days: vs. NJ (March 28), vs. VAN (March 30), @ LA (April 1), @ VGK (April 3)
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 68.1%
Strength of schedule: 47.9%, 25th. There is a small but non-zero chance that the Stars catch the Jets for the Central Division’s No. 1 seed, and they’ve got the strength of schedule (or lack thereof) down the stretch to pull it off.
Next seven days: @ SEA (March 29), @ SEA (March 31), vs. NSH (April 3)
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 66.2%
Strength of schedule: 48.1%, 23rd. Although the Golden Knights’ most memorable move at the trade deadline was a social media post, they simply keep chugging along atop the division, a fact that is unlikely to change given the games remaining on the schedule.
Next seven days: @ CHI (March 28), @ NSH (March 29), vs. EDM (April 1), vs. WPG (April 3)
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 63.4%
Strength of schedule: 48.6%, 21st. The Canes are rolling toward another playoff berth, and it’s overwhelmingly likely they’ll do so as the Metro Division’s No. 2 seed.
Next seven days: vs. MTL (March 28), vs. NYI (March 30), vs. WSH (April 2)
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 63.7%
Strength of schedule: 50.2%, 16th. A first-round matchup with the Stars — where they’ll square off with old friend Mikko Rantanen — seems all but destined; it’s just a matter of which team gets home-ice advantage.
Next seven days: vs. STL (March 29), vs. CGY (March 31), @ CHI (April 2), @ CBJ (April 3)
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 62.7%
Strength of schedule: 51.7%, 10th. Can the Kings catch the Knights for the division crown? Not likely, at least according to their relative strengths of schedule.
Next seven days: vs. TOR (March 29), vs. SJ (March 30), vs. WPG (April 1), @ UTA (April 3)
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 62.7%
Strength of schedule: 50.2%, 17th. Of the three teams battling for the Atlantic Division crown, the Panthers have the most challenging schedule down the homestretch.
Next seven days: vs. UTA (March 28), vs. MTL (March 30), @ MTL (April 1), @ TOR (April 2)
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 62.5%
Strength of schedule: 49.9%, 19th. Which first-round opponent would the Maple Leafs prefer? A division title likely gets them a Battle of Ontario showdown with the Senators, while slipping to second (or third) gets them one of the Florida teams.
Next seven days: @ LA (March 29), @ ANA (March 30), vs. FLA (April 2)
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 60.4%
Strength of schedule: 49.9%, 20th. The bad news for Oilers fans is that their chances of a division title are slipping by the day (and it doesn’t help that the Golden Knights’ strength of schedule is even easier than theirs). The good news is that the team appears destined for another first-round matchup against the Kings, whom the Oilers have beaten in three straight opening-round series.
Next seven days: vs. CGY (March 29), @ VGK (April 1), @ SJ (April 3)
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 61.8%
Strength of schedule: 48.4%, 22nd. The top three of the Atlantic Division appear all but set; it’s just a matter of seeding — and the Lightning happen to have the easiest final stretch of the three teams involved.
Next seven days: vs. NYI (March 29), @ NYI (April 1), @ OTT (April 3)
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 57.4%
Strength of schedule: 52.8%, 5th. A defiant Jordan Binnington backstopped Canada to 4 Nations Face-Off glory, and his NHL club has charged into playoff position after a mushy first half. Can the Blues hold off the Canucks and Flames?
Next seven days: @ COL (March 29), vs. DET (April 1), vs. PIT (April 3)
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 59.6%
Strength of schedule: 47.4%, 26th. Although the Wild have been a bit wobbly in recent weeks, their strong start might have given them enough of a buffer to hold off the competition, particularly given the relative ease of their final stretch.
Next seven days: vs. NJ (March 29), @ NJ (March 31), @ NYR (April 2)
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 56.9%
Strength of schedule: 44.8%, 32nd. Some team had to have the easiest schedule from here on out, and the Devils get the nod. That’s good, because thanks to a rash of injuries to key players, they’ll take any edge they can get to hold on to a playoff spot.
Next seven days: @ WPG (March 28), @ MIN (March 29), vs. MIN (March 31)
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 57.0%
Strength of schedule: 47.3%, 27th. The Senators stuck to their strategy of a slow build — without the splashy moves of some other Ontario-based teams — and it has resulted in the team being in playoff position as we head into April, a trend that should continue based on the club’s remaining slate.
Next seven days: vs. CBJ (March 29), @ PIT (March 30), vs. BUF (April 1), vs. TB (April 3)
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 55.6%
Strength of schedule: 51.7%, 9th. If the Flames are going to make a run into playoff position, they’re going to have to beat some very good teams to get there.
Next seven days: @ EDM (March 29), @ COL (March 31), @ UTA (April 1), vs. ANA (April 3)
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 55.6%
Strength of schedule: 52.6%, 6th. The reigning Pacific Division champs will need to go on a heater — and get some help with other playoff bubble teams losing — in order to make it back to the tournament.
Next seven days: @ CBJ (March 28), @ WPG (March 30), vs. SEA (April 2)
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 52.8%
Strength of schedule: 50.3%, 15th. Is playoff hockey finally coming back to la belle province? The Habs face a medium-strength schedule down the stretch, slightly more difficult than the Rangers’ and Blue Jackets’ but easier than the Islanders’.
Next seven days: @ CAR (March 28), @ FLA (March 30), vs. FLA (April 1), vs. BOS (April 3)
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 52.1%
Strength of schedule: 52.3%, 8th. The fact that the UHC is still alive in the playoff race this late in the season is good for the young roster and for the fans who get to see meaningful hockey. But it’s definitely an uphill climb to earn a spot in the postseason.
Next seven days: @ FLA (March 28), @ CHI (March 30), vs. CGY (April 1), vs. LA (April 3)
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 52.1%
Strength of schedule: 54.1%, 1st. The Isles might yet overtake the field to grab one of the Eastern wild cards. But it certainly won’t be an easy path, given the teams on their schedule.
Next seven days: @ TB (March 29), @ CAR (March 30), vs. TB (April 1)
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 51.4%
Strength of schedule: 51.6%, 13th. Uninspired play as of late has diminished the Blueshirts’ chances at a playoff return (after winning the Presidents’ Trophy last season). But the road to a postseason berth has not been closed completely.
Next seven days: @ ANA (March 28), @ SJ (March 29), vs. MIN (April 2)
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 52.1%
Strength of schedule: 51.6%, 12th. The day after the trade deadline, the Blue Jackets held the first wild-card spot in the East. They have tumbled since then, but the door to the postseason remains slightly ajar.
Next seven days: vs. VAN (March 28), @ OTT (March 29), vs. NSH (April 1), vs. COL (April 3)
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 50.0%
Strength of schedule: 53.5%, 4th. It would appear at this point that Hockeytown’s faithful will need to wait ’til next year to see the Wings back in the postseason.
Next seven days: vs. BOS (March 29), @ STL (April 1)
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 46.6%
Strength of schedule: 46.1%, 30th. If only the Penguins had won a few more games earlier in the season, a strength of schedule like this would have been quite useful to author a thrilling run into a playoff spot. Alas.
Next seven days: vs. OTT (March 30), @ STL (April 3)
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 47.3%
Strength of schedule: 46.5%, 28th. Boston’s playoff hopes weren’t entirely sealed by Don Sweeney’s trade deadline moves, but the team’s results thereafter ensure it will be picking in (or near) the top 10 this summer.
Next seven days: @ DET (March 29), vs. WSH (April 1), @ MTL (April 3)
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 49.3%
Strength of schedule: 50.0%, 18th. The Ducks’ youthful roster made some progress this season, but they will be in the draft lottery again.
Next seven days: vs. NYR (March 28), vs. TOR (March 30), vs. SJ (April 1), @ CGY (April 3)
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 46.6%
Strength of schedule: 53.5%, 3rd. The first season of the Dan Bylsma era of Kraken hockey didn’t go as well as planned. Based on that opposing win percentage, it looks like a few more L’s will be added before Game No. 82.
Next seven days: vs. DAL (March 29), vs. DAL (March 31), @ VAN (April 2)
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 43.1%
Strength of schedule: 54.1%, 2nd. Things haven’t gone the Predators’ way this season, and they’re certainly a team to watch for changes this summer.
Next seven days: vs. VGK (March 29), @ PHI (March 31), @ CBJ (April 1), @ DAL (April 3)
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 45.3%
Strength of schedule: 46.0%, 31st. Interim coach Brad Shaw will have a chance to post a strong record down the stretch here given the Flyers’ schedule. Will he earn a promotion to long-term status?
Next seven days: vs. BUF (March 29), vs. NSH (March 31)
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 46.5%
Strength of schedule: 52.5%, 7th. The Sabres did not rock the boat with any major moves this past offseason, and the trade deadline brought about one essentially lateral move. As they approach their 14th straight playoff-less spring, are more substantial changes on the way this time?
Next seven days: @ PHI (March 29), @ WSH (March 30), @ OTT (April 1)
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 35.4%
Strength of schedule: 51.7%, 11th. The Blackhawks and Sharks are battling it out for the NHL’s worst record and the best chances at getting the No. 1 pick via the draft lottery.
Next seven days: vs. VGK (March 28), vs. UTAH (March 30), vs. COL (April 2)
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 34.5%
Strength of schedule: 48.0%, 24th. In the race to the bottom of the standings — but top of the draft lottery rankings — the Sharks’ strength of schedule is quite a bit easier than the Blackhawks’.
Next seven days: vs. NYR (March 29), @ LA (March 30), @ ANA (April 1), vs. EDM (April 3)
It’s 2025 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby day in Atlanta!
Some of the most dynamic home run hitters in baseball will be taking aim at the Truist Park stands on Monday (8 p.m. ET on ESPN) in one of the most anticipated events of the summer.
While the prospect of a back-to-back champion is out of the picture — 2024 winner Teoscar Hernandez is not a part of this year’s field — a number of exciting stars will be taking the field, including Atlanta’s own Matt Olson, who replaced Ronald Acuna Jr. just three days before the event. Will Olson make a run in front of his home crowd? Will Cal Raleigh show off the power that led to 38 home runs in the first half? Or will one of the younger participants take the title?
We have your one-stop shop for everything Derby related, from predictions to live updates once we get underway to analysis and takeaways at the night’s end.
MLB Home Run Derby field
Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners (38 home runs in 2025)
James Wood, Washington Nationals (24)
Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays (23)
Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins (21)
Brent Rooker, Athletics (20)
Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves (17)
Jazz Chisholm Jr., New York Yankees (17)
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (16)
Live updates
Who is going to win the Derby and who will be the runner-up?
Jeff Passan: Raleigh. His swing is perfect for the Derby: He leads MLB this season in both pull percentage and fly ball percentage, so it’s not as if he needs to recalibrate it to succeed. He has also become a prolific hitter from the right side this season — 16 home runs in 102 at-bats — and his ability to switch between right- and left-handed pitching offers a potential advantage. No switch-hitter (or catcher for that matter) has won a Home Run Derby. The Big Dumper is primed to be the first, beating Buxton in the finals.
Alden Gonzalez: Cruz. He might be wildly inconsistent at this point in his career, but he is perfect for the Derby — young enough to possess the stamina required for a taxing event that could become exhausting in the Atlanta heat; left-handed, in a ballpark where the ball carries out better to right field; and, most importantly, capable of hitting balls at incomprehensible velocities. Raleigh will put on a good show from both sides of the plate but will come in second.
Buster Olney: Olson. He is effectively pinch-hitting for Acuna, and because he received word in the past 72 hours of his participation, he hasn’t had the practice rounds that the other competitors have been going through. But he’s the only person in this group who has done the Derby before, which means he has experienced the accelerated pace, adrenaline and push of the crowd.
His pitcher, Eddie Perez, knows something about performing in a full stadium in Atlanta. And, as Olson acknowledged in a conversation Sunday, the park generally favors left-handed hitters because of the larger distances that right-handed hitters must cover in left field.
Jesse Rogers: Olson. Home-field advantage will mean something this year as hitting in 90-plus degree heat and humidity will be an extra challenge in Atlanta. Olson understands that and can pace himself accordingly. Plus, he was a late addition. He has got nothing to lose. He’ll outlast the young bucks in the field. And I’m not putting Raleigh any lower than second — his first half screams that he’ll be in the finals against Olson.
Jorge Castillo: Wood. His mammoth power isn’t disputed — he can jack baseballs to all fields. But the slight defect in his power package is that he doesn’t hit the ball in the air nearly as often as a typical slugger. Wood ranks 126th out of 155 qualified hitters across the majors in fly ball percentage. And he still has swatted 24 home runs this season. So, in an event where he’s going to do everything he can to lift baseballs, hitting fly balls won’t be an issue, and Wood is going to show off that gigantic power en route to a victory over Cruz in the finals.
Who will hit the longest home run of the night — and how far?
Passan: Cruz hits the ball harder than anyone in baseball history. He’s the choice here, at 493 feet.
Gonzalez: If you exclude the Coors Field version, there have been just six Statcast-era Derby home runs that have traveled 497-plus feet. They were compiled by two men: Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. James Wood — all 6-foot-7, 234 pounds of him — will become the third.
Olney: James Wood has the easy Stanton- and Judge-type power, and he will clear the Chophouse with the longest homer. Let’s say 497 feet.
Rogers: Hopefully he doesn’t injure himself doing it, but Buxton will break out his massive strength and crush a ball at least 505 feet. I don’t see him advancing far in the event, but for one swing, he’ll own the night.
Castillo: Cruz hits baseballs hard and far. He’ll crush a few bombs, and one will reach an even 500 feet.
Who is the one slugger fans will know much better after the Derby?
Passan: Buxton capped his first half with a cycle on Saturday, and he’ll carry that into the Derby, where he will remind the world why he was baseball’s No. 1 prospect in 2015. Buxton’s talent has never been in question, just his health. And with his body feeling right, he has the opportunity to put on a show fans won’t soon forget.
Olney: Caminero isn’t a big name and wasn’t a high-end prospect like Wood was earlier in his career. Just 3½ years ago, Caminero was dealt to the Rays by the Cleveland Guardians in a relatively minor November trade for pitcher Tobias Myers. But since then, he has refined his ability to cover inside pitches and is blossoming this year into a player with ridiculous power. He won’t win the Derby, but he’ll open some eyes.
What’s the one moment we’ll all be talking about long after this Derby ends?
Gonzalez: The incredible distances and velocities that will be reached, particularly by Wood, Cruz, Caminero, Raleigh and Buxton. The hot, humid weather at Truist Park will only aid the mind-blowing power that will be on display Monday night.
Rogers: The exhaustion on the hitter’s faces, swinging for home run after home run in the heat and humidity of Hot-lanta!
Castillo: Cruz’s 500-foot blast and a bunch of other lasers he hits in the first two rounds before running out of gas in the finals.
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