NHL Power Rankings Update: Jets Surge to No. 1 as Playoff Race Intensifies

With less than two weeks remaining in the 2024-25 NHL regular season, the Winnipeg Jets have overtaken the Washington Capitals for the top spot in our rankings. Meanwhile, several teams are exceeding preseason expectations while others struggle to meet projections.

How We Rank

A panel of ESPN hockey experts evaluates all 32 teams based on recent performance, playoff potential, and consistency. Rankings reflect games through Wednesday, with point percentages updated through Thursday.

Top 5 Teams: Playoff Contenders Emerge

1. Winnipeg Jets (▲1)

   • Points %: 71.1% | Projected: 95.5 | Pace: 115.9
     After a dominant start (14 wins in first 15 games), the Jets remain strong Cup contenders. Their upcoming clash with Dallas (April 10) could decide the President’s Trophy race.

2. Washington Capitals (▼1)

   • Points %: 70.0% | Projected: 89.5 | Pace: 114.8
     Ovechkin’s historic chase overshadows their balanced play. A looming matchup vs. Carolina (April 10) tests their championship credentials.

3. Dallas Stars (▶)

   • Points %: 69.3% | Projected: 103.5 | Pace: 113.0
     Exceeding 100 points again, the Stars’ deep roster makes them a Western Conference favorite.

4. Vegas Golden Knights (▶)

   • Points %: 65.3% | Projected: 97.5 | Pace: 108.6
     Playoff veterans face tough schedule: @COL (April 8) could preview a first-round series.

5. Carolina Hurricanes (▶)

   • Points %: 64.9% | Projected: 100.5 | Pace: 106.4
     Brind’Amour’s system thrives, but April 10’s game @WSH may decide Metropolitan seeding.

Biggest Movers & Surprises

• St. Louis Blues (+4% vs projection): Surging late with physical play, now a wild-card threat.
• Boston Bruins (-24.1% vs projection): Stunning collapse after offseason roster changes.
• Columbus Blue Jackets: Defying 69.5-point projection, their youth movement pays off.

Playoff Watch: Bubble Battles

• Wild-Card Race: Devils (13th) cling to a spot despite injuries; Red Wings (22nd) fade fast.
• Pacific Shakeup: Oilers (11th) face Kings (9th) April 5 in a potential playoff preview.

Key Takeaways

• Jets’ Defense Wins: Hellebuyck’s goaltending (2.12 GAA) anchors their rise.
• Ovechkin Watch: 894 goals—6 shy of Gretzky—with 7 games left.
• Trade Deadline Impact: Tampa’s Gourde/Bjorkstrand additions fuel their 8-2 run.

Up next: Critical weekend matchups that could reshape playoff seeding.