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With just under three weeks remaining in the regular season, the NHL power rankings continue to fluctuate as teams continue their push for the postseason. Most teams in the NHL have ten or fewer games remaining in the season, and yet only three teams have clinched their spots in the playoffs so far.
"We. Just. Clinched. Devils fans, you know what to do…#NJDevils | @CitizensBank" - x - New Jersey Devils
While there is a chance that this list will be completely different a week from now, here is a closer look at the top ten teams in the NHL power rankings.
#1 The Boston Bruins remain at the top of the NHL power rankings
What can one say about the Boston Bruins that hasn't already been said?
The mighty Bruins have not only clinched a playoff spot but have already secured the Atlantic Division crown. The B's are currently riding a seven-game winning streak and are sitting at 119 points, an incredible 16 more than the second-place team in the NHL.
This means they sit atop the latest NHL power rankings.
"MATCHED THE MARK." - @NHLBruins
#2 Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes have the unfortunate luck of playing in the same season as the 2022-2023 Boston Bruins. If it weren't for the Bruins, the Hurricanes would be leading the entire NHL. Instead, they currently sit 16 points behind the Eastern Conference leaders.
That being said, the Hurricanes look primed for a deep postseason run. A lot of this is down to the depth of their roster and strong seasons from Sebastian Aho, Brent Burns, and Martin Necas.
Overall, the Carolina Hurricanes are sitting pretty in the Metropolitan Division and have undeniably enjoyed an excellent season so far.
#3 New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils find themselves third in the NHL power rankings this season. They largely have superstar Jack Hughes and one of the most exciting rosters in the league to thank for that.
Hughes also just became the first Devils player to score 40 or more goals in a season since the 2008-2009 campaign. If he continues to play at a high level, New Jersey will certainly fancy their chances of a solid postseason run.
"40 goals for Jack Hughes! @NJDevils | #NJDevils" - NHL Network
#4 Vegas Golden Knights
The first team from the Western Conference to make an appearance on this list, the Vegas Golden Knights are the current leaders in the west with 98 points. However, in a closely contested conference, it may not be long before the Golden Knights fall out of the top spot.
"New NHL POWER RANKINGS from @scotmaxw: Franchise-best points streak vaults #GoKingsGo into top five, the #GoBolts are freefalling and more." - Daily Faceoff
While the team has struggled with health at times, the acquisition of Jonathan Quick has provided some stability in goal for Vegas. They will also hope Quick's addition helps them make some noise in the postseason.
#5 Toronto Maple Leafs
It may be an outrage among Toronto Maple Leafs fans that they are not number one in this NHL power rankings list. However, there is a good enough reason for that as they are currently 28 points behind the Bruins.
At 97 points, the Maple Leafs are hot on the heels of the New Jersey Devils, going 6-3-1 in their last ten games. They have been benefitting from a hot streak from superstar Auston Matthews, who has registered five goals and five assists in his last six games.
#6 New York Rangers
As one of the hottest teams in the NHL, the New York Rangers are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games. With nine games remaining, it's not difficult to imagine the Rangers climbing the NHL power rankings before the end of the regular season.
The Rangers have some key matchups coming up against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, and New Jersey Devils. Those matches could go a long way in dictating their final standing.
#7 Los Angeles Kings
Similar to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Los Angeles Kings have soared up in a loaded Western Conference, winning eight of their last 10 games. At 96 points, the Kings are currently second in the west and looking to make another deep postseason run.
"The Los Angeles Kings are a team I liked a lot in the offseason. They surpassed their 94.5 point total last night. They're currently 35-1 to win the Stanley Cup. 16-1 in some spots. The crew @FTNBets are riding a 45-1 ticket on them from June." - Chris Meaney
#8 Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild have been spearheaded by a two-headed goalie tandem of Marc-Andre Fleury and Filip Gustavsson this season. Thanks to their star duo, they sit on top of the Central Division with a 42-22-9 record.
However, the Wild are one of the teams that will likely see movement in the NHL power rankings as they are only one point ahead of the Colorado Avalanche.
#9 Colorado Avalanche
See above. The defending Stanley Cup champions Colorado Avalanche have not looked like the dominant team they have been in the last few weeks. However, they still sit with a commendable 92 points.
Given how close the Western Conference is, there is a chance that the Avalanche will walk away with the conference title.
#10 Edmonton Oilers
While the Dallas Stars currently have more points than the Edmonton Oilers, how can one deny the top player in the NHL, Connor McDavid?
The Oilers undeniably have a deeply flawed roster. However, being able to dress McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in every game makes them a contender, night in and night out.
"Great opportunity to ask Draisaitl how it feels to hit a personal Career High of 111 Points or about a close fought game with a top division rival OR Just make condescending comments towards him with this absolute train wreck of a 'question' - Captain Jack
The Oilers are only seven points behind the Vegas Golden Knights. As a result, don't be surprised if they climb the NHL power rankings before the end of the regular season.
