The Alofoke Deportes expert panel has issued its weekly rankings, and once again, the Colorado Avalanche lead the table. Below, we present a detailed analysis of each team.
NHL Weekly Standings
This week, significant movements were observed in the rankings. The Tampa Bay Lightning, Minnesota Wild, and Los Angeles Kings moved up positions, while the Pittsburgh Penguins, Winnipeg Jets, and Chicago Blackhawks suffered drops.
For each team, we highlight a reason for hope based on the season’s analysis. The ranking is based on the votes of commentators, analysts, and reporters from Alofoke Deportes, considering the matches up to Wednesday.Illustration of Alofoke Deportes
1. Colorado Avalanche
Reason for hope: Nathan MacKinnon could win his second Hart Trophy and Cale Makar, his third Norris Trophy. The team seems to have a supporting cast capable of providing consistent contributions. The Avalanche could be the best team in the NHL.Next seven days: @ MIN (November 28), vs. MTL (November 29), vs. VAN (December 2), @ NYI (December 4).
2. Dallas Stars
Reason for hope: Glen Gulutzan’s second stint at the helm of the Stars could be defined by efficiency. Despite some doubts regarding scoring chances, the team has the second-best power play unit in the NHL and ranks tenth in goals per game.Next seven days: vs. UTA (November 28), vs. OTT (November 30), @ NYR (December 2), @ NJ (December 3).
3. Carolina Hurricanes
Reason for hope: The Hurricanes thrive on coach Rod Brind’Amour’s defensive structure. Their offense has stood out this season, with Seth Jarvis leading in goals and Sebastian Aho in points. Goalie Pyotr Kochetkov has been excellent. The team is deep, detailed, and disciplined.Next seven days: vs. WPG (November 28), vs. CGY (November 30), vs. TOR (December 4).
4. Anaheim Ducks
Reason for hope: Leo Carlsson’s projected scoring pace is an indication of how well the Ducks are playing this season. Carlsson could have one of the best individual seasons in team history.Next seven days: vs. LA (November 28), @ CHI (November 30), @ STL (December 1), vs. UTA (December 3).
5. Tampa Bay Lightning
Reason for hope: This team adapts to circumstances and remains dangerous. Jake Guentzel and Nikita Kucherov lead the offense, and the team has Anthony Cirelli and Victor Hedman. The Lightning are a solid defensive group 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 Devils
Reason for hope: The Devils’ offense has been producing at a solid pace. The goaltending is another strength, thanks to Jake Allen. Simon Nemec has flourished after a while, taking on a heavy workload.Next seven days: @ BUF (November 28), vs. PHI (November 29), vs. CBJ (December 1), vs. DAL (December 3).
7. Vegas Golden Knights
Reason for hope: The Golden Knights have proven to be defensively consistent. They have been a top three team in shots per 60 minutes and limiting high-danger scoring chances.Next seven days: vs. MTL (November 28), vs. SJ (November 29), vs. CHI (December 2).
8. Minnesota Wild
Reason for hope: The ability to count on the same team consistently. The impact of this has been reflected in their defense.Next seven days: vs. COL (November 28), vs. BUF (November 29), @ EDM (December 2), @ CGY (December 4).
9. Los Angeles Kings
Reason for hope: They have started the season allowing few goals per game, which suggests they are adept at playing close matches.Next seven days: @ ANA (November 28), vs. VAN (November 29), vs. WSH (December 2), vs. CHI (December 4).
10. New York Islanders
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
Reason for hope: Natural Stat Trick’s metrics show that the Kraken led the NHL in team save percentage at 5-on-5 play earlier this week.Next seven days: vs. EDM (November 29), @ EDM (December 4).
12. Washington Capitals
Reason for hope: Alex Ovechkin is still playing at a high level. There are also other veterans contributing.Next seven days: vs. TOR (November 28), @ NYI (November 30), @ LA (December 2), @ SJ (December 3).
13. Utah Mammoth
Reason for hope: They have shown that they could have something good with their current squad.Next seven days: @ DAL (November 28), @ STL (November 29), @ SJ (December 1), @ ANA (December 3).
14. Detroit Red Wings
Reason for hope: Detroit is having its best start in a decade. Coach Todd McLellan is maximizing Detroit’s potential.Next seven days: vs. TB (November 28), @ BOS (November 29), vs. BOS (December 2), @ CBJ (December 4).
15. Pittsburgh Penguins
Reason for hope: Coach Dan Muse’s new system is bringing out the best in the players. Pittsburgh has conceded the fewest goals this season.Next seven days: @ CBJ (November 28), vs. TOR (November 29), @ PHI (December 1), @ TB (December 4).
16. Ottawa Senators
Reason for hope: They have changed their defensive mindset, which has been a radical change. The Senators are allowing few shots per game.Next seven days: @ STL (November 28), @ DAL (November 30), @ MTL (December 2), vs. NYR (December 4).
17. Montreal Canadiens
Reason for hope: Jakub Dobes has been fundamental to their success. The Canadiens have been more defensively consistent.Next seven days: @ VGK (November 28), @ COL (November 29), vs. OTT (December 2), vs. WPG (December 3).
18. Winnipeg Jets
Reason for hope: The Jets can score goals, sometimes in large quantities, with different line and defense combinations.Next seven days: @ CAR (November 28), @ NSH (November 29), @ BUF (December 1), @ MTL (December 3).
19. Florida Panthers
Reason for hope: Florida has shown that depth and resilience can be a weapon. The Panthers are getting the best of Brad Marchand.Next seven days: vs. CGY (November 28), vs. TOR (December 2), vs. NSH (December 4).
20. Chicago Blackhawks
Reason for hope: Questions about Connor Bedard have been replaced with other questions. The goaltending could indicate how much has changed with the Blackhawks.Next seven days: vs. NSH (November 28), vs. ANA (November 30), @ VGK (December 2), @ LA (December 4).
21. Philadelphia Flyers
Reason for hope: Rick Tocchet’s group is finding ways to win games with solid defensive play. Goalie Dan Vladar has been a reliable starter.Next seven days: @ NYI (November 28), @ NJ (November 29), vs. PIT (December 1), vs. BUF (December 3).
22. Boston Bruins
Reason for hope: Coach Marco Sturm has implemented a defensive structure that Boston has adopted. David Pastrnak has been dynamic and Morgan Geekie is a rising offensive star.Next seven days: vs. NYR (November 28), vs. DET (November 29), @ DET (December 2), vs. STL (December 4).
23. San Jose Sharks
Reason for hope: They are on track to finish with more than 80 points for the first time since the 2018-19 season. They have seen progress in their young core.Next seven days: vs. VAN (November 28), @ VGK (November 29), vs. UTA (December 1), vs. WSH (December 3).
24. Columbus Blue Jackets
Reason for hope: Zach Werenski always delivers. Kirill Marchenko, Dmitri Voronkov, and Adam Fantilli show how promising Columbus’ present and future are on offense.Next seven days: vs. PIT (November 28), @ NJ (December 1), vs. DET (December 2)
