headtopics
As the NHL season approaches the quarter mark—set at 21 games this year due to the expanded 84-game schedule—clear Stanley Cup contenders and early draft lottery favorites have begun to separate themselves. The Carolina Hurricanes, once again ranked No. 1 in the Power Rankings, are among the top group, but the focus this week shifts to how each team has fared compared to its preseason over/under point total.
ESPN's panel of hockey commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors submitted 1-32 ballots based on games through Wednesday, which were combined to produce the rankings. The results reveal some shockers, with teams like the Boston Bruins—widely doubted outside the 617 area code—emerging as one of the league's strongest clubs after nearly a quarter of the campaign.
Other notable storylines include a seemingly dangerous Connor McDavid, whose first-round playoff ouster in 2026 appears to have fueled a strong start. The Tampa Bay Lightning continue to defy expectations of a decline, remaining perennial playoff contenders for now. Health will remain a crucial factor for any team's success.
Key Analysis
The Vegas Golden Knights, who acquired a three-time Vezina Trophy winner, show no signs of a Stanley Cup Final hangover and are expected to finish in the top two of the Pacific Division. The Montreal Canadiens, a trendy preseason Cup pick, have had ups and downs but are delivering on their promise overall. For the Colorado Avalanche, a 106-point pace feels disappointing given their high expectations, yet their top gear may still be untapped. One Central Division powerhouse is chugging along right on schedule, slightly ahead of pace and in the division title mix.
The Nashville Predators, a major surprise, have roared back into the playoff conversation after finishing outside the picture in 2025-26. The Washington Capitals, despite a slow start, are in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. Three teams tied for the highest preseason over/under: the Hurricanes are smashing that number, the Avalanche are just under pace, and the Panthers are a bit off track, though plenty of season remains.
The Utah Mammoth have dipped below their projected pace after an uneven stretch, but another winning streak could get them back on track. The Anaheim Ducks have struggled with heightened expectations early on, while the Seattle Kraken have emerged as a pleasant surprise and must be taken seriously in the playoff race. The Buffalo Sabres, similar to the Ducks, find last season's playoff appearance distant as they struggle in the tough Atlantic Division.
The Detroit Red Wings have played admirably under difficult circumstances—with the Simon Edvinsson sagas unresolved—but remain below even modest expectations. The San Jose Sharks, popular preseason picks to return to the playoffs in 2027 after a superstar turn last season, are performing better than expected though slightly behind their projection. The Los Angeles Kings have been more competitive after losing six straight to open the season but are still well behind projections. The Philadelphia Flyers, like their in-state rivals in Pittsburgh, surprised in the 2026 playoffs, which may have raised preseason expectations too high.
Finally, Vancouver Canucks fans might want to keep an eye on Landon DuPont, a Western Canadian prospect now at the University of Michigan who ranks first on many 2027 NHL draft boards.
Originally reported by headtopics.