Alofoke Deportes’ panel of experts continues to position the Colorado Avalanche as the leading team in the NHL in their weekly rankings.
Ranking Changes
This week, significant movements were observed in the table. The Tampa Bay Lightning, Minnesota Wild, and Los Angeles Kings moved up positions, while the Pittsburgh Penguins, Winnipeg Jets, and Chicago Blackhawks experienced declines. Here’s a detailed analysis of each team, highlighting the reasons to maintain hope and optimism, based on the season’s evaluations.
1. Colorado Avalanche
Previous Position: 1Points Percentage: 84.8%
Reason for Hope: Nathan MacKinnon could win his second Hart Trophy and Cale Makar, his third Norris Trophy. The team seems to have the support staff needed to ensure consistent contributions. The Avalanche could be the best team in the NHL and, at their current pace, could surpass the regular season points record set by the Bruins in 2022-23.Next seven days: @ MIN (November 28), vs. MTL (November 29), vs. VAN (December 2), @ NYI (December 4)
2. Dallas Stars
Previous position: 4Points percentage: 70.8%
Reason for hope: Glen Gulutzan’s second stint with the Stars could be defined by efficiency. Despite some doubts about his performance in shots and scoring chances, the team stands out for its power-play unit and its scoring ability.Next seven days: vs. UTA (November 28), vs. OTT (November 30), @ NYR (December 2), @ NJ (December 3)
3. Carolina Hurricanes
Previous position: 2Points percentage: 65.2%
Reason for hope: The Hurricanes excel thanks to Rod Brind’Amour’s defensive structure. Their offense has shined this season, led by Seth Jarvis, Sebastian Aho, and Jordan Staal. Goalie Pyotr Kochetkov has performed excellently.Next seven days: vs. WPG (November 28), vs. CGY (November 30), vs. TOR (December 4)
4. Anaheim Ducks
Previous position: 3Percentage of points: 63%
Reason for hope: Leo Carlsson’s performance is an indication of the good performance of the Ducks. Carlsson could have one of the best individual seasons in team history, approaching Teemu Selanne’s record.Next seven days: vs. LA (November 28), @ CHI (November 30), @ STL (December 1), vs. UTA (December 3)5. Tampa Bay LightningPrevious Position: 13
Points Percentage: 65.2%
Reason for Hope: The team adapts to the circumstances and remains dangerous. Jake Guentzel and Nikita Kucherov lead the offense, and the team has Anthony Cirelli and Victor Hedman. The Lightning have a solid defense and dominate on the penalty kill.Next seven days: @ DET (November 28), @ NYR (November 29), @ NYI (December 2), vs. PIT (December 4)6. New Jersey DevilsPrevious position: 5
Points percentage: 67.4%
Reason for hope: The Devils’ offense, with Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Nico Hischier, has performed well. The goaltending, with Jake Allen, is another strong point. Simon Nemec has shown great growth.Next seven days: @ BUF (November 28), vs. PHI (November 29), vs. CBJ (December 1), vs. DAL (December 3)
7. Vegas Golden Knights
Previous Position: 7Points Percentage: 60.9%
Reason for Hope: The Golden Knights have proven to be consistent on defense and have managed to score many goals. Despite the absence of Alex Pietrangelo, the team has remained solid.Next seven days: vs. MTL (November 28), vs. SJ (November 29), vs. CHI (December 2)8. Minnesota WildPrevious position: 19
Percentage of points: 62.5%
Reason for hope: Consistency in the squad has been key. Despite the challenges, several players have participated in most of the games, which has positively impacted their defense.Next seven days: vs. COL (November 28), vs. BUF (November 29), @ EDM (December 2), @ CGY (December 4)
9. Los Angeles Kings
Previous position: 11Points percentage: 60.9%
Reason for hope: They have shown the ability to play close games, allowing few goals per game.Next seven days: @ ANA (November 28), vs. VAN (November 29), vs. WSH (December 2), vs. CHI (December 4)10. New York IslandersPrevious position: 12
Points percentage: 58.3%
Reason for hope: Rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer has exceeded expectations. Maxim Shabanov has also performed outstandingly.Next seven days: vs. PHI (November 28), vs. WSH (November 30), vs. TB (December 2), vs. COL (December 4)
11. Seattle Kraken
Previous Position: 16Points Percentage: 60.9%
Reason for Hope: The Kraken have led the NHL in save percentage in 5-on-5 situations. Consistency in goal, with Joey Daccord, Philipp Grubauer, and Matt Murray, has complemented their defensive structure.Next seven days: vs. EDM (November 29), @ EDM (December 4)
12. Washington Capitals
Previous position: 20Points percentage: 58.3%
Reason for hope: Alex Ovechkin is still playing at a high level. Tom Wilson, John Carlson, and Jakob Chychrun have also contributed. Logan Thompson has performed outstandingly in goal.Next seven days: vs. TOR (November 28), @ NYI (November 30), @ LA (December 2), @ SJ (December 3)
13. Utah Mammoth
Previous position: 17Points percentage: 56.3%
Reason for hope: They have shown potential with their current squad, winning several matches at the beginning of the season. They have excelled in terms of goals and shots allowed.Next seven days: @ DAL (November 28), @ STL (November 29), @ SJ (December 1), @ ANA (December 3)14. Detroit Red WingsPrevious Position: 10
Points Percentage: 56.3%
Reason for Hope: They are having their best start in a decade. Todd McLellan is maximizing the team’s potential, with Dylan Larkin leading in goals and points.Next seven days: vs. TB (November 28), @ BOS (November 29), vs. BOS (December 2), @ CBJ (December 4)
15. Pittsburgh Penguins
Previous Position: 8Points Percentage: 61.4%
Reason for Hope: The team has shown improvements under the direction of Dan Muse. They have one of the best defenses in the league and a standout power play. The goaltending has benefited from the performance of Arturs Silovs and Tristan Jarry.Next seven days: @ CBJ (November 28), vs. TOR (November 29), @ PHI (December 1), @ TB (December 4)
16. Ottawa Senators
Previous position: 18Points percentage: 60.9%
Reason for hope: After an unstable start, their defense has improved. They are allowing few shots per game. Drake Batherson, Tim Stutzle, and Shane Pinto are contributing with goals, and Jake Sanderson is a key player.Next seven days: @ STL (November 28), @ DAL (November 30), @ MTL (December 2), vs. NYR (December 4)17. Montreal CanadiensPrevious position: 15
Points percentage: 61.4%
Reason for hope: Jakub Dobes has been key in the initial success. Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki lead the offense, and the team has improved its defense.Next seven days: @ VGK (November 28), @ COL (November 29), vs. OTT (December 2), vs. WPG (December 3)
18. Winnipeg Jets
Previous position: 6Percentage of points: 54.6%
Reason for hope: They are able to score many goals. Kyle Connor, Josh Morrissey and Mark Scheifele average more than one point per game. Despite the possible absence of Connor Hellebuyck, the team has a solid offense.Next seven days: @ CAR (November 28), @ NSH (November 29), @ BUF (December 1), @ MTL (December 3)
19. Florida Panthers
Previous position: 21Points percentage: 54.4%
Reason for hope: They have shown adaptability and resilience. Brad Marchand is playing at his best, and Sam Reinhart and Anton Lundell have had good starts. Team confidence is high.Next seven days: vs. CGY (November 28), vs. TOR (December 2), vs. NSH (December 4)
20. Chicago Blackhawks
Previous position: 9Points percentage: 54.4%
Reason for hope: Connor Bedard is generating a lot of expectations. The team has improved its save percentage, with Spencer Knight showing potential.Next seven days: vs. NSH (November 28), vs. ANA (November 30), @ VGK (December 2), @ LA (December 4)21. Philadelphia FlyersPrevious Position: 22
Points Percentage: 61.4%
Reason for Hope: They are winning games thanks to a solid defense and a good penalty kill. Dan Vladar has been a reliable goalie. Trevor Zegras and Travis Konecny lead the offense.Next seven days: @ NYI (November 28), @ NJ (November 29), vs. PIT (December 1), vs. BUF (December 3)22. Boston BruinsPrevious position: 14
Points percentage: 56%
Reason for hope: Marco Sturm has implemented an effective defensive structure. Nikita Zadorov has brought strength to the defense. Jeremy Swayman has returned to his best form, and the team is performing well on the power play and penalty kill. David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie are standouts on offense.Next seven days: vs. NYR (November 28), vs. DET (November 29), @ DET (December 2), vs. STL (December 4)23. San Jose SharksPrevious position: 26
Points percentage: 52.1%
Reason for hope: They are projected to surpass 80 points for the first time since 2018-19. There is progress in their young core. Macklin Celebrini could be selected for the Canadian Olympic team.Next seven days: vs. VAN (November 28), @ VGK (November 29), vs. UTA (December 1), vs. WSH (December 3)24. Columbus Blue JacketsPrevious position: 23
Points percentage: 54.2%
Reason for hope: Zach Werenski remains their most outstanding player. Kirill Marchenko, Dmitri Voronkov, and Adam Fantilli are showing the team’s potential. They have been successful in offense, especially in counterattacks.Next seven days: vs. PIT (November 28), @ NJ (December 1), vs. DET
