With the one-month mark within the rearview mirror — with the requisite awards presented to their winners — groups are definitely starting to indicate tendencies which can be extra than simply early-season tendencies.
For this week’s energy rankings — which noticed a brand new No. 1 — we establish that key tendency for all 32 golf equipment.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors charges groups towards each other — taking into consideration recreation outcomes, accidents and upcoming schedule — and people outcomes are tabulated to supply the checklist featured right here.
Word: Earlier rating for every workforce refers to final week’s rankings, revealed on Nov. 10. Factors percentages are by the video games of Tuesday.
Earlier rating: 3
Factors share: 0.733
Upcoming schedule: vs. WPG (Nov. 18), vs. CHI (Nov. 20), @ DAL (Nov. 23)
Most definitely to finish up on a spotlight reel. Look, Edmonton had two gamers (Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid) mix for 50 factors within the first 12% of the season. McDavid can single-handedly destroy defenses. Draisaitl already has a league-high 5 game-winning objectives. There is a purpose the Oilers have began so effectively this season and a giant a part of it’s their top-end expertise main the cost (and producing video clicks!).
Earlier rating: 2
Factors share: 0.857
Upcoming schedule: @ ANA (Nov. 18), @ LA (Nov. 20), @ SJ (Nov. 22)
Most definitely to close the door. The Hurricanes have been a tricky out all season, thanks largely to Frederik Andersen and a robust protection corps. Carolina averages the third fewest photographs towards (27.9 per recreation), and what’s getting by hasn’t flustered Andersen a bit. He is 9-2-0, with a .939 save share and 1.78 goals-against common. No marvel the Hurricanes are permitting the fewest objectives within the NHL (1.93). Andersen is locked in and locking it down.
Earlier rating: 1
Factors share: 0.781
Upcoming schedule: vs. NJ (Nov. 18), vs. MIN (Nov. 20)
Most definitely to guard the home. There is not a lot the Panthers have not accomplished effectively all through this season. Like taking part in glorious hockey at house. Florida is 7-0-0 in Broward County, in comparison with 3-2-3 in every single place else, and the Panthers have outscored opponents 33-16 in their very own constructing. So whereas their streak because the final undefeated NHL membership could have come to an finish final week, Florida’s dominance on house ice stays unmatched.
Earlier rating: 5
Factors share: 0.600
Upcoming schedule: vs. SJ (Nov. 18), @ DAL (Nov. 20), vs. VGK (Nov. 22)
Most definitely to be (wrongfully) neglected. The Blues simply go about their enterprise. A blue-collar group, if you’ll. In addition they do not get talked about practically sufficient after we discuss of the highest groups within the league. Granted, that they had a tough weekend, dropping three video games in 4 nights (and a loss Tuesday to the Coyotes), and so they’ve additionally began sturdy with out a true star participant courting headlines. On any given night time, it may very well be Jordan Kyrou, Vladimir Tarasenko, Robert Thomas or Jordan Binnington main the best way. And so they’re nonetheless seventh total in scoring (3.43 objectives per recreation). Do not sleep on St. Louis.
Earlier rating: 6
Factors share: 0.719
Upcoming schedule: @ LA (Nov. 17), @ SJ (Nov. 20), @ SEA (Nov. 21)
Most definitely to make historical past. That is purely attributable to Alex Ovechkin and absolutely the tear he is on. The Capitals as a workforce are having a superb season; Ovechkin is having an amazing one. The 36-year-old just lately handed Brett Hull to take over fourth place on the NHL all-time scoring checklist with 742 objectives, and he is averaging practically two factors per recreation up to now. It will not be lengthy earlier than Ovechkin surpasses Jaromir Jagr‘s 766 objectives and strikes into the highest three. Historical past within the making, each night time.
Earlier rating: 8
Factors share: 0.679
Upcoming schedule: @ PHI (Nov. 18), vs. NJ (Nov. 20), vs. MIN (Nov. 21), vs. PHI (Nov. 23)
Most definitely to interrupt the blah. It is a variety of work successful back-to-back Stanley Cups. That may very well be why this season has been so (comparably) common for the reigning champs. Tampa hasn’t seemed unhealthy. However it hasn’t seemed persistently nice, both. The Lightning are middle-of-the-pack in scoring (3.07 objectives per recreation) however their energy play has been fumbling much less of late (19.1%) as accidents proceed so as to add up (Erik Cernak is the most recent man misplaced). By way of all of it, Tampa has constructed a strong file (8-3-3) and loads of previous expertise to make use of getting again on a scorching streak.
Earlier rating: 4
Factors share: 0.656
Upcoming schedule: @ BUF (Nov. 18), @ NYI (Nov. 20), @ BOS (Nov. 21), vs. CHI (Nov. 23)
Most definitely to smother you. Shifting the puck towards Calgary is tough. Darryl Sutter designed it that means. So the Flames will forecheck with the most effective of them, flip pucks free within the impartial zone and drive groups again (at 5-on-5 and the penalty kill) till frustration units in. That is helped Calgary to publish the second fewest objectives towards per recreation (2.13) and fifth fewest photographs towards per recreation (28.8) this season. And within the meantime, Johnny Gaudreau, Elias Lindholm and Andrew Mangiapane are busy lighting the lamp.
Earlier rating: 21
Factors share: 0.676
Upcoming schedule: vs. CAR (Nov. 18), @ NSH (Nov. 22)
Most definitely to outperform expectations. The Pacific Division has actually heated up in November, and Anaheim is main the best way. Shedding seven of their first 9 video games was a nasty approach to begin the marketing campaign, however out of the blue these Geese look unstoppable. Anaheim is 6-0-0 in November, it’s fourth in league scoring (3.56 objectives per recreation), fourth on the facility play (28.3%) and Troy Terry has been sensational on a league-high 14-game scoring streak (he has 20 factors within the span). And Terry has been good for linemate Ryan Getzlaf, who matched his identical level whole (17) from 48 video games a season in the past in simply 16 video games this season (one objective, 16 assists).
Earlier rating: 7
Factors share: 0.667
Upcoming schedule: vs. DAL (Nov. 18), @ FLA (Nov. 20), @ TB (Nov. 21)
Most definitely to maintain their composure. The Wild appear to relish being an underdog. Getting down in video games agrees with them greater than most. Minnesota leads the league in come-from-behind wins (7), have the second most wins after trailing first (5) and among the best successful percentages (.625) when trailing first. It is no marvel the Wild have been among the many most profitable third-period groups this season.
Earlier rating: 11
Factors share: 0.676
Upcoming schedule: vs. NYR (Nov. 18), vs. PIT (Nov. 20), @ NYI (Nov. 21)
Most definitely to trip (or die) on star energy. Have you ever heard in regards to the Core 4? As a result of Mitchell Marner, John Tavares, William Nylander and Auston Matthews have been having a second in November. Toronto has scored 22 objectives this month, 16 of which got here from a star ahead. It mixed for eight objectives by 9 video games in October (though Matthews solely appeared in six). Level is, as their stars go, so do the Leafs — and everyone seems to be flying excessive at 6-1-0 since Nov. 1.
Earlier rating: 16
Factors share: 0.615
Upcoming schedule: @ PHI (Nov. 20), vs. CGY (Nov. 21)
Most definitely to humble you within the dot. It is not simply that Boston is likely one of the greatest faceoff groups within the league (54.9%). However the Bruins have good depth on attracts, with eight gamers who’re above 50% this season. That is helped make the Bruins one of many high possession groups of the season too (54%).
Earlier rating: 15
Factors share: 0.600
Upcoming schedule: vs. WSH (Nov. 17), vs. CAR (Nov. 20), vs. ARI (Nov. 21)
Most definitely to recapture the magic. It is harmful to make these statements, however right here we go. L.A. has made the playoffs twice since successful the Stanley Cup in 2014, falling within the first spherical each occasions. The Kings may very well be again on observe now. The Kings didn’t begin effectively (1-5-1) however they have been buzzing ever since (7-0-1). In that current eight-game stretch, L.A. has given up greater than two objectives solely as soon as, outscoring opponents 26-14. The ability play wants extra — L.A. has given up essentially the most short-handed objectives of the season (4) — however all of the items are lined up for achievement.
Earlier rating: 10
Factors share: 0.719
Upcoming schedule: @ TOR (Nov. 18), vs. BUF (Nov. 21)
Most definitely to commerce for a defenseman. And no, it isn’t as a result of Connor McDavid just lately carved by the workforce like a scorching knife by butter. At the least not completely. The Rangers have relied on Igor Shesterkin to win too many video games, whereas their protection corps might use a lift typically. They do not have a single blueliner above 50 in Corsi for share or in anticipated objectives for share, and so they’ve been giving up too many high-danger appears. Shesterkin can solely cease the bleeding for therefore lengthy.
Earlier rating: 17
Factors share: 0.542
Upcoming schedule: @ VAN (Nov. 17), @ SEA (Nov. 19), vs. OTT (Nov. 22)
Most definitely to climate the storm. Issues have been simply beginning to go proper for Colorado when Cale Makar acquired harm and Nathan MacKinnon was positioned on injured reserve. Effectively, Makar is again and the Avalanche are a barely higher than .500 workforce. Have they got what it takes to rise, even with out MacKinnon? Certain. Nazem Kadri is getting scorching on the proper time (10 factors in six video games), whereas Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen are wholesome and rolling. And Bowen Byram continues to blossom on the Avs’ blue line, skating with Makar or not.
Earlier rating: 26
Factors share: 0.563
Upcoming schedule: vs. DET (Nov. 18), vs. CBJ (Nov. 20), @ STL (Nov. 22)
Most definitely to shut the place down. A spate of accidents this season has compelled Vegas to do extra with much less. And that features how it’s locking up tight video games. The Golden Knights are excellent this season in one-goal video games (4-0-0), displaying that even with their depleted lineup they’ll nonetheless maintain down the fortress in a pinch.
Earlier rating: 13
Factors share: 0.567
Upcoming schedule: @ STL (Nov. 18), vs. WSH (Nov. 20), vs. CAR (Nov. 22)
Most definitely to hope for penalties. When your penalty kill is pretty much as good as San Jose’s, do you even thoughts being within the field? By way of 14 video games, San Jose allowed solely 4 power-play objectives towards (89.7%) whereas scoring two shorthanded objectives, giving it a league-high web PK% (94.9). It is sufficient to throw any opponent’s energy play mojo off, figuring out how shortly San Jose’s penalty kill can pounce.
Earlier rating: 9
Factors share: 0.462
Upcoming schedule: vs. CGY (Nov. 20), vs. TOR (Nov. 21)
Most definitely to be in your (capturing) lane. We will not lie — the Islanders like huge blocks. They’re on the high of the league in blocks per 60 minutes this season (17.5), and never due to one fundamental contributor. It is extra like a workforce way of life. Ryan Pulock (8.04 blocks/60), Noah Dobson (7.77) and Scott Mayfield (7.03) are all top-20 in NHL shot blocks. That is helped drive the Islanders to be among the many high 10 groups in objectives towards.
Earlier rating: 14
Factors share: 0.643
Upcoming schedule: vs. TB (Nov. 18), vs. BOS (Nov. 20), @ TB (Nov. 23)
Most definitely to steal your thunder. If the Flyers have been a home visitor, nobody would ask them again. Philadelphia has earned among the best street information within the league this season (4-2-1), topping heavyweights like Carolina, Washington and Edmonton on their turf. In reality, it was the Flyers who handed the Hurricanes their first lack of the season at house, in comeback trend no much less. How impolite.
Earlier rating: 20
Factors share: 0.594
Upcoming schedule: @ MTL (Nov. 20), vs. ANA (Nov. 22)
Most definitely to remain in rhythm. From a city as glitzy as Nashville, the Predators gradual construct this season hasn’t earned a lot hype. They have been streaky to begin, however 8-1-1 since Oct. 24. Matt Duchene and Mikael Granlund are high 20 in league scoring. Juuse Saros has the seventh-best save share (.925) amongst goalies with no less than 10 begins. And Roman Josi is, effectively, Roman Josi. Duchene mentioned final week there is a “totally different vibe” to the Predators this season; it is time to choose up on that.
Earlier rating: 12
Factors share: 0.700
Upcoming schedule: @ EDM (Nov. 18), @ VAN (Nov. 19), vs. PIT (Nov. 22)
Most definitely to kill ’em with kindness. In case you’re a proficient offensive workforce (which the Jets are, averaging 3.23 objectives per recreation) with an terrible penalty kill (65.8%, thirtieth total), what do you do? Effectively, you cease taking penalties. Winnipeg has taken the second fewest penalties in November, sitting round 2.4 per recreation in comparison with 4.7 per contest in October. Play to your strengths. The Jets get that.
Earlier rating: 18
Factors share: 0.615
Upcoming schedule: @ ARI (Nov. 18), @ VGK (Nov. 20), @ BUF (Nov. 22)
Most definitely to mount a third-period comeback. The Blue Jackets have been a bit dramatic this season. They’ve earned essentially the most victories (4) and boast the third-highest successful share (.571) when trailing after two durations.
Earlier rating: 19
Factors share: 0.467
Upcoming schedule: @ MTL (Nov. 18), @ TOR (Nov. 20), @ WPG (Nov. 22)
Most definitely to really feel a bit determined. The Penguins have not seen something near a wholesome lineup this season. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Bryan Rust and Jeff Carter have all missed vital time; even coach Mike Sullivan hasn’t been behind the bench for a stretch attributable to COVID protocols. The short-handed Penguins made a valiant effort to remain afloat, however are actually 3-5-2 of their previous 10 video games. To contend within the aggressive Metro Division, Pittsburgh has to select up its tempo.
Earlier rating: 22
Factors share: 0.607
Upcoming schedule: @ FLA (Nov. 18), @ TB (Nov. 20)
Most definitely to be most improved. The Devils have been a pleasant story this season. Rookie Dawson Mercer is on the rise, changing the injured Jack Hughes. Jonathan Bernier is having a revitalized season in web for the injured Mackenzie Blackwood. Andreas Johnsson appears like a 20-goal scorer once more. Nico Hischier is discovering confidence. And that claims nothing of the addition Dougie Hamilton has been (when wholesome). New Jersey is on its means up.
Earlier rating: 24
Factors share: 0.500
Upcoming schedule: @ MIN (Nov. 18), vs. STL (Nov. 20), vs. EDM (Nov. 23)
Most definitely to need further time. The Stars did not win a recreation in regulation in the course of the first month of the season. To get these 4 preliminary victories, Dallas wanted three overtimes and one shootout. So whereas its post-regulation file was fairly strong (4-1), it is the regulation file (1-6) that is actually held Dallas again.
Earlier rating: 23
Factors share: 0.533
Upcoming schedule: vs. CGY (Nov. 18), @ NYR (Nov. 21), vs. CBJ (Nov. 22)
Most definitely to embrace the longer term. It is no shock Buffalo regressed (badly) from its terrific 5-1-1 begin. The Sabres are 1-5-1 since, with a Jack Eichel commerce slapped in there for good measure. The Eichel transfer was a very long time coming and introduced in Alex Tuch (who will help earlier than later) and Peyton Krebs, who will likely be a contributor down the street. GM Kevyn Adams mentioned the Sabres are in a “construct,” and their stats are middle-of-the-road throughout the board. Issues might all the time change this season, however the Sabres could have to attend a bit longer for his or her breakthrough.
Earlier rating: 25
Factors share: 0.500
Upcoming schedule: @ VGK (Nov. 18), @ ARI (Nov. 20)
Most definitely to make you’re feeling outdated. The Crimson Wings’ youth continues serving them effectively. On the forefront are 19-year-old Lucas Raymond and 20-year-old Moritz Seider, sitting one-two in NHL rookie scoring. Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic has the most effective save share amongst rookies (.918). Then there’s a phalanx of 20-somethings in Dylan Larkin (13 factors in 13 video games), Filip Hronek (discovering his type) and naturally Tyler Bertuzzi (17 factors in 14 video games) all collaborating to make Detroit near a must-watch group.
Earlier rating: 27
Factors share: 0.375
Upcoming schedule: vs. COL (Nov. 17), vs. WPG (Nov. 19), vs. CHI (Nov. 21)
Most definitely to flush the primary interval. There’s lots to unpack in Vancouver proper now. However let’s speak about what’s taking place — or not — within the first interval these days. The Canucks have been outscored 18-8 within the first interval this season. They’ve led after the primary interval as soon as since Oct. 19 and scored first in a recreation twice since Oct. 21. It is arduous to win if you’re all the time behind early.
Earlier rating: 28
Factors share: 0.300
Upcoming schedule: @ COL (Nov. 22)
Most definitely to desire a do-over. There was a short second there, when Ottawa was 2-1 out of the gate and future captain Brady Tkachuk signed a long-term deal, that the Senators have been poised for an amazing begin. After which, disasters struck. Plural. The Senators are 2-9-1 of their previous 11 contests, with 10 gamers and one assistant coach in COVID protocols earlier than they have been lastly shut down this week till Nov. 20. To high it off, the Senators additionally misplaced minute-munching defenseman Artem Zub to harm. Ottawa wanted extra than simply an hour turned again on its clocks; it wanted a couple of month.
Earlier rating: 29
Factors share: 0.300
Upcoming schedule: vs. CHI (Nov. 17), vs. COL (Nov. 19), vs. WSH (Nov. 21)
Most definitely to not be rewarded. Until you are the Golden Knights, it is arduous being an growth membership. Beneath coach David Hakstol, the Kraken have cultivated a defensive construction that is permitting the fewest photographs towards per recreation this season (26.1), however their goaltending is poor (as Philipp Grubauer‘s .880 save share can attest), and Seattle has misplaced essentially the most video games this season when outshooting their opponent (7). That is a variety of victory salmon not being tossed.
Earlier rating: 30
Factors share: 0.278
Upcoming schedule: vs. PIT (Nov. 18), vs. NSH (Nov. 20)
Most definitely to wish a scorching scorer. The Canadiens rating fewer objectives than virtually any workforce within the league (2.11 per recreation, thirty first total). Their best participant has been Nick Suzuki, whose 14 factors in 17 video games lead the workforce; his 4 objectives are tied for the highest spot for the membership. It is simply not sufficient for Montreal. Cole Caufield is again within the AHL (for now) to search out his recreation; can anybody step up in his absence to fill the void?
Earlier rating: 31
Factors share: 0.333
Upcoming schedule: @ SEA (Nov. 17), @ EDM (Nov. 20), @ VAN (Nov. 21), @ CGY (Nov. 23)
Most definitely to agree change is sweet. Jeremy Colliton is out, Derek King is in and out of the blue the Blackhawks are successful video games. They’re taking part in more durable. They’re extra organized. Extra energized. Patrick Kane is rolling. Jonathan Toews is re-establishing his recreation. The younger gamers are making their mark. There’s purpose to be optimistic about the place Chicago is headed on the ice.
Earlier rating: 32
Factors share: 0.156
Upcoming schedule: vs. CBJ (Nov. 18), vs. DET (Nov. 20), @ LA (Nov. 21)
Most definitely to win the draft lottery. Actually, a shot at Shane Wright is likely to be the most effective factor to come back out of this season for the Coyotes.