NHL Ranking: Avalanche leads, Hope for each team?

Alofoke Deportes presents the weekly NHL ranking, where the panel of experts continues to highlight the Colorado Avalanche as the league’s leading team.

Week’s Analysis

This week, the ranking shows significant movements. The Tampa Bay Lightning, Minnesota Wild, and Los Angeles Kings move up positions, while the Pittsburgh Penguins, Winnipeg Jets, and Chicago Blackhawks experience declines. Here, we will analyze the reasons for optimism for each team, based on the mid-season report and the prospects of the teams in the West and East.Methodology: The ranking is prepared by a panel of commentators, analysts, and reporters from Alofoke Deportes, who base their votes on the results of the matches played until Wednesday.

1. Colorado Avalanche

Previous position: 1

Percentage of points: 84.8%

Reason for hope: Nathan MacKinnon could win his second Hart Trophy and Cale Makar, his third Norris. In addition, the team seems to have a supporting cast that contributes consistently, making the Avalanche a fearsome team in the NHL. At this rate, they could surpass the Bruins’ regular season points record.Next 7 days: @ MIN (November 28), vs. MTL (November 29), vs. VAN (December 2), @ NYI (December 4)2. Dallas StarsPrevious position: 4

Percentage of points: 70.8%

Reason for hope: Glen Gulutzan’s second stint at the helm of the Stars could be defined by its efficiency. Although they are in the top 10 in goals per game and have the second-best power-play unit in the NHL.Next 7 days: vs. UTA (November 28), vs. OTT (November 30), @ NYR (December 2), @ NJ (December 3)3. Carolina HurricanesPrevious position: 2

Percentage of points: 65.2%

Reason for hope: The Hurricanes thrive on Rod Brind’Amour’s defensive structure. Their offense has also stood out this season, with Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho leading the way. Goalie Pyotr Kochetkov has been excellent. Overall, the Hurricanes are deep, detailed, and disciplined.Next 7 days: vs. WPG (November 28), vs. CGY (November 30), vs. TOR (December 4)

4. Anaheim Ducks

Previous position: 3

Percentage of points: 63%

Reason for hope: Leo Carlsson’s performance is indicative of the Ducks’ good form. Carlsson could have one of the best individual seasons in team history and threatens Teemu Selanne’s points record.Next 7 days: vs. LA (November 28), @ CHI (November 30), @ STL (December 1), vs. UTA (December 3)5. Tampa Bay LightningPrevious position: 13

Percentage of points: 65.2%

Reason for hope: This team adapts to circumstances and remains dangerous. Jake Guentzel and Nikita Kucherov lead the offense. The Lightning also have Anthony Cirelli and Victor Hedman.Next 7 days: @ DET (November 28), @ NYR (November 29), @ NYI (December 2), vs. PIT (December 4)6. New Jersey DevilsPrevious position: 5 {“content”: “Percentage of points: 67.4%”}Reason for hope: New Jersey’s stellar offense has produced at a solid pace. The Devils’ goaltending is another strength thanks to Jake Allen. Simon Nemec has flourished.Next 7 days: @ BUF (November 28), vs. PHI (November 29), vs. CBJ (December 1), vs. DAL (December 3)

7. Vegas Golden Knights

Previous position: 7

Percentage of points: 60.9%

Reason for hope: The Golden Knights were expected to score many goals this season, and they have. They have established one of the most consistent defensive structures in the NHL.Next 7 days: vs. MTL (November 28), vs. SJ (November 29), vs. CHI (December 2)

8. Minnesota Wild

Previous position: 19

Percentage of points: 62.5%

Reason for hope: Consistently being able to count on the same squad. The impact of this has been reflected in their defensive line.Next 7 days: vs. COL (November 28), vs. BUF (November 29), @ EDM (December 2), @ CGY (December 4)

9. Los Angeles Kings

Previous position: 11

Percentage of points: 60.9%

Reason for hope: They have allowed the fewest goals per game.

Next 7 days: @ ANA (November 28), vs. VAN (November 29), vs. WSH (December 2), vs. CHI (December 4)10. New York IslandersPrevious position: 12

Percentage of points: 58.3%

Reason for hope: Matthew Schaefer, the rookie defenseman, has been better than expected. Maxim Shabanov has also performed great.Next 7 days: vs. PHI (November 28), vs. WSH (November 30), vs. TB (December 2), vs. COL (December 4)

11. Seattle Kraken

Previous position: 16

Percentage of points: 60.9%

Reason for hope: The Kraken has performed well in terms of save percentage and defensive structure.Next 7 days: vs. EDM (November 29th), @ EDM (December 4th)12. Washington CapitalsPrevious position: 20

Percentage of points: 58.3%

Reason for hope: Alex Ovechkin is still playing at a high level. Logan Thompson has also been exceptional.Next 7 days: vs. TOR (November 28), @ NYI (November 30), @ LA (December 2), @ SJ (December 3)

13. Utah Mammoth

Previous position: 17

Percentage of points: 56.3%

Reason for hope: They have shown that they can perform well with their current squad.Next 7 days: @ DAL (November 28), @ STL (November 29), @ SJ (December 1), @ ANA (December 3)

14. Detroit Red Wings

Previous position: 10Percentage of points: 56.3%Reason for hope: Detroit is having its best start in a decade. Todd McLellan is maximizing Detroit’s potential.Next 7 days: vs. TB (November 28), @ BOS (November 29), vs. BOS (December 2), @ CBJ (December 4)

15. Pittsburgh Penguins

Previous position: 8

Point Percentage: 61.4%

Reason for hope: Dan Muse is bringing out the best in the players. Pittsburgh is conceding the fewest goals this season.Next 7 days: @ CBJ (November 28), vs. TOR (November 29), @ PHI (December 1), @ TB (December 4)16. Ottawa SenatorsPrevious position: 18

Percentage of points: 60.9%

Reason for hope: The Senators are allowing the fewest shots per game.Next 7 days: @ STL (November 28), @ DAL (November 30), @ MTL (December 2), vs. NYR (December 4)

17. Montreal Canadiens

Previous position: 15

Percentage of points: 61.4%

Reason for hope: Jakub Dobes has been key to the initial success. The Habs have been stronger in the neutral zone.Next 7 days: @ VGK (November 28), @ COL (November 29), vs. OTT (December 2), vs. WPG (December 3)18. Winnipeg JetsPrevious position: 6

Percentage of points: 54.6%

Reason for hope: The Jets can score goals in different ways. They have generated goals at a high rate despite the absence of Connor Hellebuyck.Next 7 days: @ CAR (November 28), @ NSH (November 29), @ BUF (December 1), @ MTL (December 3)

19. Florida Panthers

Previous position: 21

Percentage of points: 54.4%

Reason for hope: Depth and resilience are their weapons. They’re getting the best hockey from Brad Marchand.Next 7 days: vs. CGY (November 28), vs. TOR (December 2), vs. NSH (December 4)

20. Chicago Blackhawks

Previous position: 9

Percentage of points: 54.4%

Reason for hope: Questions about Connor Bedard have been replaced by others. The goaltending could signify how much the team has changed.Next 7 days: vs. NSH (November 28), vs. ANA (November 30), @ VGK (December 2), @ LA (December 4)21. Philadelphia FlyersPrevious position: 22

Point Percentage: 61.4%

Reason for hope: They find ways to win with a solid defensive game. Dan Vladar has been a reliable starter. Trevor Zegras leads the offense.Next 7 days: @ NYI (November 28), @ NJ (November 29), vs. PIT (December 1), vs. BUF (December 3)22. Boston BruinsPrevious position: 14

Percentage of points: 56%

Reason for hope: Marco Sturm has implemented a defensive structure that Boston has adopted. David Pastrnak has been dynamic.Next 7 days: vs. NYR (November 28), vs. DET (November 29), @ DET (December 2), vs. STL (December 4)23. San Jose SharksPrevious position: 26

Percentage of points: 52.1%

Reason for hope: They could finish with more than 80 points for the first time since 2018-19. They have seen the progress of their young core.Next 7 days: vs. VAN (November 28), @ VGK (November 29), vs. UTA (December 1), vs. WSH (December 3)24. Columbus Blue JacketsPrevious position: 23

Percentage of points: 54.2%

Reason for hope: Zach Werenski always delivers. Kirill Marchenko and Adam Fantilli show offensive potential.Next 7 days: vs. PIT (November 28), @ NJ (December 1), vs. DET (Dec