With less than three weeks left in the 2024-25 NHL regular season, ending on April 17th, the playoff races are heating up.
Teams are battling for playoff spots and better seeding, and their remaining schedules can significantly influence their outcomes.
This week`s Power Rankings not only update team positions but also analyze each team`s schedule difficulty, thanks to data from Stathletes.
Ranking Methodology: ESPN`s panel of hockey experts, including commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors, submits weekly rankings from 1 to 32 based on games played through Wednesday. These polls are compiled to create the master list.
Note: Previous rankings refer to the edition published on March 21st. Point percentages are current as of Thursday`s games.
1. Washington Capitals
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 71.5%
Strength of schedule: 46.2%, 29th. Washington Capitals are in a strong position to secure the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference due to their easy remaining schedule, which could help Alex Ovechkin in his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky`s goal-scoring record.
Next seven days: vs. BUF (March 30), @ BOS (April 1), @ CAR (April 2)
2. Winnipeg Jets
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 70.8%
Strength of schedule: 50.6%, 14th. The Winnipeg Jets appear comfortable in their Western Conference lead. However, the Presidents` Trophy, awarded to the league`s best team, is still within reach, although the Capitals have a schedule advantage.
Next seven days: vs. NJ (March 28), vs. VAN (March 30), @ LA (April 1), @ VGK (April 3)
3. Dallas Stars
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 68.1%
Strength of schedule: 47.9%, 25th. The Dallas Stars have a slight chance to overtake the Jets for the Central Division`s top seed, aided by a favorable remaining schedule.
Next seven days: @ SEA (March 29), @ SEA (March 31), vs. NSH (April 3)
4. Vegas Golden Knights
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 66.2%
Strength of schedule: 48.1%, 23rd. Despite a quiet trade deadline, the Vegas Golden Knights are expected to maintain their division lead, given their relatively easy remaining schedule.
Next seven days: @ CHI (March 28), @ NSH (March 29), vs. EDM (April 1), vs. WPG (April 3)
5. Carolina Hurricanes
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 63.4%
Strength of schedule: 48.6%, 21st. The Carolina Hurricanes are likely heading to the playoffs as the Metro Division`s No. 2 seed.
Next seven days: vs. MTL (March 28), vs. NYI (March 30), vs. WSH (April 2)
6. Colorado Avalanche
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 63.7%
Strength of schedule: 50.2%, 16th. A first-round matchup between the Colorado Avalanche and the Dallas Stars seems probable, with the question being home-ice advantage.
Next seven days: vs. STL (March 29), vs. CGY (March 31), @ CHI (April 2), @ CBJ (April 3)
7. Los Angeles Kings
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 62.7%
Strength of schedule: 51.7%, 10th. It`s unlikely the Los Angeles Kings will catch the Golden Knights for the division lead, based on schedule strength.
Next seven days: vs. TOR (March 29), vs. SJ (March 30), vs. WPG (April 1), @ UTA (April 3)
8. Florida Panthers
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 62.7%
Strength of schedule: 50.2%, 17th. Among the Atlantic Division contenders, the Florida Panthers face the toughest remaining schedule.
Next seven days: vs. UTA (March 28), vs. MTL (March 30), @ MTL (April 1), @ TOR (April 2)
9. Toronto Maple Leafs
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 62.5%
Strength of schedule: 49.9%, 19th. The Toronto Maple Leafs` first-round opponent depends on whether they win their division (potentially facing Ottawa) or slip in seeding (facing a Florida team).
Next seven days: @ LA (March 29), @ ANA (March 30), vs. FLA (April 2)
10. Edmonton Oilers
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 60.4%
Strength of schedule: 49.9%, 20th. The Edmonton Oilers` division title hopes are fading, but they are likely to face the Los Angeles Kings in the first round again, a team they have consistently defeated in prior series.
Next seven days: vs. CGY (March 29), @ VGK (April 1), @ SJ (April 3)
11. Tampa Bay Lightning
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 61.8%
Strength of schedule: 48.4%, 22nd. The top three Atlantic Division teams seem set, with only seeding to be decided. The Tampa Bay Lightning have the easiest schedule among them to finish the season.
Next seven days: vs. NYI (March 29), @ NYI (April 1), @ OTT (April 3)
12. St. Louis Blues
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 57.4%
Strength of schedule: 52.8%, 5th. Jordan Binnington`s strong performance internationally has carried over to the St. Louis Blues, who have surged into playoff contention after a slow start. It remains to be seen if they can fend off Vancouver and Calgary.
Next seven days: @ COL (March 29), vs. DET (April 1), vs. PIT (April 3)
13. Minnesota Wild
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 59.6%
Strength of schedule: 47.4%, 26th. Despite recent inconsistencies, the Minnesota Wild`s strong early season performance provides a cushion to maintain a playoff spot, especially with an easier schedule ahead.
Next seven days: vs. NJ (March 29), @ NJ (March 31), @ NYR (April 2)
14. New Jersey Devils
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 56.9%
Strength of schedule: 44.8%, 32nd. The New Jersey Devils have the easiest remaining schedule, which is beneficial as they navigate injuries to key players while trying to secure a playoff berth.
Next seven days: @ WPG (March 28), @ MIN (March 29), vs. MIN (March 31)
15. Ottawa Senators
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 57.0%
Strength of schedule: 47.3%, 27th. The Ottawa Senators` gradual improvement strategy has placed them in a playoff position heading into April, a trend expected to continue due to their remaining schedule.
Next seven days: vs. CBJ (March 29), @ PIT (March 30), vs. BUF (April 1), vs. TB (April 3)
16. Calgary Flames
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 55.6%
Strength of schedule: 51.7%, 9th. To reach a playoff spot, the Calgary Flames will need to overcome a challenging schedule and defeat strong opponents.
Next seven days: @ EDM (March 29), @ COL (March 31), @ UTA (April 1), vs. ANA (April 3)
17. Vancouver Canucks
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 55.6%
Strength of schedule: 52.6%, 6th. The Vancouver Canucks, former Pacific Division champions, require a strong winning streak and favorable results from other bubble teams to return to the playoffs.
Next seven days: @ CBJ (March 28), @ WPG (March 30), vs. SEA (April 2)
18. Montreal Canadiens
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 52.8%
Strength of schedule: 50.3%, 15th. Playoff hockey in Montreal remains a possibility. The Canadiens face a medium-difficulty schedule, slightly tougher than the Rangers and Blue Jackets, but easier than the Islanders.
Next seven days: @ CAR (March 28), @ FLA (March 30), vs. FLA (April 1), vs. BOS (April 3)
19. Utah Hockey Club
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 52.1%
Strength of schedule: 52.3%, 8th. The Utah Hockey Club`s playoff contention this late in the season is positive for their young team and fans, though securing a postseason spot is still a significant challenge.
Next seven days: @ FLA (March 28), @ CHI (March 30), vs. CGY (April 1), vs. LA (April 3)
20. New York Islanders
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 52.1%
Strength of schedule: 54.1%, 1st. The New York Islanders could still contend for a wild card spot in the East, but they face the most difficult remaining schedule.
Next seven days: @ TB (March 29), @ CAR (March 30), vs. TB (April 1)
21. New York Rangers
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 51.4%
Strength of schedule: 51.6%, 13th. Recent lackluster performance has reduced the New York Rangers` playoff chances after winning the Presidents` Trophy last season, but playoff qualification is still mathematically possible.
Next seven days: @ ANA (March 28), @ SJ (March 29), vs. MIN (April 2)
22. Columbus Blue Jackets
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 52.1%
Strength of schedule: 51.6%, 12th. Despite dropping from the first wild-card spot after the trade deadline, the Columbus Blue Jackets still have a slim chance to make the postseason.
Next seven days: vs. VAN (March 28), @ OTT (March 29), vs. NSH (April 1), vs. COL (April 3)
23. Detroit Red Wings
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 50.0%
Strength of schedule: 53.5%, 4th. It appears Detroit Red Wings fans will have to wait until next season to see their team in the playoffs.
Next seven days: vs. BOS (March 29), @ STL (April 1)
24. Pittsburgh Penguins
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 46.6%
Strength of schedule: 46.1%, 30th. The Pittsburgh Penguins` easy remaining schedule would have been more impactful if they had performed better earlier in the season to contend for a playoff spot.
Next seven days: vs. OTT (March 30), @ STL (April 3)
25. Boston Bruins
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 47.3%
Strength of schedule: 46.5%, 28th. The Boston Bruins` playoff hopes are slim, and their post-trade deadline performance suggests they will likely have a high draft pick.
Next seven days: @ DET (March 29), vs. WSH (April 1), @ MTL (April 3)
26. Anaheim Ducks
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 49.3%
Strength of schedule: 50.0%, 18th. The Anaheim Ducks` young team showed progress this season but will again participate in the draft lottery.
Next seven days: vs. NYR (March 28), vs. TOR (March 30), vs. SJ (April 1), @ CGY (April 3)
27. Seattle Kraken
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 46.6%
Strength of schedule: 53.5%, 3rd. The Seattle Kraken`s first season under Dan Bylsma has not met expectations, and their difficult schedule suggests more losses are coming.
Next seven days: vs. DAL (March 29), vs. DAL (March 31), @ VAN (April 2)
28. Nashville Predators
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 43.1%
Strength of schedule: 54.1%, 2nd. The Nashville Predators have had a disappointing season and are expected to make changes in the offseason.
Next seven days: vs. VGK (March 29), @ PHI (March 31), @ CBJ (April 1), @ DAL (April 3)
29. Philadelphia Flyers
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 45.3%
Strength of schedule: 46.0%, 31st. Interim coach Brad Shaw has an opportunity to improve the Philadelphia Flyers` record with their favorable remaining schedule. His performance may influence his chances for a permanent coaching position.
Next seven days: vs. BUF (March 29), vs. NSH (March 31)
30. Buffalo Sabres
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 46.5%
Strength of schedule: 52.5%, 7th. The Buffalo Sabres opted for minimal changes in the offseason and at the trade deadline. As they approach their 14th consecutive season without playoffs, significant changes might be imminent.
Next seven days: @ PHI (March 29), @ WSH (March 30), @ OTT (April 1)
31. Chicago Blackhawks
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 35.4%
Strength of schedule: 51.7%, 11th. The Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks are competing for the NHL`s worst record, aiming for the best odds in the draft lottery to secure the No. 1 pick.
Next seven days: vs. VGK (March 28), vs. UTAH (March 30), vs. COL (April 2)
32. San Jose Sharks
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 34.5%
Strength of schedule: 48.0%, 24th. In the race to the bottom of the standings and the top of the draft lottery rankings, the San Jose Sharks have a slightly easier schedule than the Chicago Blackhawks.
Next seven days: vs. NYR (March 29), @ LA (March 30), @ ANA (April 1), vs. EDM (April 3)
