There are just over a week remaining in the 2021-22 NHL regular-season. It’s time for us to evaluate what each 32 team has done so far.
We identified the stat that best represented each team’s performance this week for our Power Rankings. This included recent trends as well as season-long strengths and weaknesses.
How do we rank?A panel of ESPN analysts, journalists, commentators and reporters rates teams against each other, taking into account injuries, game results and the upcoming schedule. The results are then tabulated and produced this list.
Notice: Prior ranking for each team refers back to April 13, 2013. Points paces will be determined after Tuesday’s games.
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage 0.763
There are still games@ SEA (April. 20), @ EDM 22), @ EDM (Apr. 24), vs. STL 26), vs. STL (Apr. 26), vs. NSH (Apr. 29)
It would shock you to learn that there is another category where an Avalanche player leads a league. Well, defenseman Devon ToewsLeading the NHL in secondary assistance at even strength (25).
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage 0.763
There are still games vs. DET (Apr. 21), vs. DET (Apr. 23), vs.TOR (Apr. 24), @ BOS (Apr. 26), @ OTT, Apr. 26), @ OTT (Apr. 29)
There are many similarities in life. The league’s most successful team with eight goals or more is tied by the Panthers (3), while they are also tied for the league’s best record for shutting out the least number of times (0).
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage 0.701
There are still games@ TB, Apr. 21), @ FLA 22), @ FLA (Apr. 24), vs. DET (Apr. 26), vs. BOS (Apr. 29)
The league leader in shorthanded goals with winger, the Maple Leafs are leading. Ilya MikheyevThey tallied four, which was tied for second in all categories.
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage 0.675
There are still gamesvs. DAL 21), vs. VAN 23), vs. VAN (Apr. 26), @ NSH (Apr. 26), @ MIN, Apr. 29)
While the defense pairing of the Flames has scored 78 goals, they have scored a total of 78 goals. Rasmus Andersson Noah HanifinThe highest defense pairing in the league, he has been on the ice the most.
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage 0.669
There are still games@ SJ 21), @ ARI, (Apr. 23), @ ARI, (Apr. 24), @ANA (Apr. 26), @ COL, (Apr. 29)
The NHL’s hottest player in April is the forwards, who leads the NHL’s hottest team. Robert ThomasThis month, has 20 points
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage 0.658
There are still gamesvs. TOR, Apr. 21), vs. NSH. 23), @ FLA 23), @ FLA 26), @ CBJ 26), @ CBJ, Apr. 29)
Depth helped the Lightning win back-to-back Stanley Cups. It gives them a chance to win a third. The Lightning’s roster has 10 15-goal scorers, which is tied for the most in the NHL.
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage 0.688
There are still gamesWPG (Apr. 21), @ NJ 23), @ NJ (Apr. 23), @ NYI, Apr. 26), @ NYR, Apr. 28)
The Hurricanes are coming out strong this season. They surrendered the second fewest goals to opponents (58) in the third frame, and also posted the second highest goal differential (38) in that final frame.
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage 0.688
There are still games@ NYI (Apr. 21), @ BOS (Apr. 23), vs. CAR (Apr. 26), vs. MTL(Apr. 26), vs. MTL (Apr. 29)
Chris KreiderHe has 25 power-play goals, with six games left. Atlanta Thrashers legend will be broken if he scores three more power-play goals. Ilya KovalchukThe record for most power play goals in a single season was set by, during the salary cap period.
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage 0.651
There are still games@ PIT, Apr. 21), vs. New York (Apr. 23), @ MTL 24), @ MTL, Apr. 26), vs. FLA (Apr. 26), vs.BUF (Apr. 29)
The Bruins have the largest margin of victory at home of any playoff team (2.01) which is why they are a league-worst-1028 against the spread at TD Garden.
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage 0.678
There are still gamesVAN (April. 21), vs. SEA, (Apr. 22), @ NSH 24), @ NSH (Apr. 26), vs. ARI (Apr. 26), vs. CGG (Apr. 29)
With 21 goals scored, the Wild lead the league after pulling the goalie. Similar to the previous statement, but not surprising, the Wild are the most aggressive in pulling the goalie. In total, they spent 87 minutes without a net.
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage 0.630
There are still games vs. BOS (Apr. 21), @ DET (Apr. 23), @ DET, Apr. 24), @ PHI (Apr. 26), vs. CBJ, (Apr. 29)
The Penguins will be happy to not have to go to the shootout when the calendar turns towards the playoffs. The playoff-bound Penguins have lost more shootouts than any other team, currently sitting at 3-7.
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage 0.618
There are still gamesvs. DAL 20), vs. CBJ (Apr. 22), @ CBJ 24), @ CBJ, (Apr. 26), @ PIT (Apr. 28), vs. SJ (Apr. 29)
Mike SmithWith six wins, two shutouts and an astounding.955 save percent, has been the league’s top goalie since April.
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage 0.604
There are still games@ TB, Apr. 23), vs. MIN 23), vs. MIN, Apr. 26), @ CO (Apr. 28), @ COL (Apr. 29)
If your fantasy league counts penalty minutes, then you can make a killing off the Predators duo. Mark Borowiecki Tanner JeannotNo. In penalty minutes taken, 1 and 2 are respectively.
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage 0.632
There are still games@ VGK, Apr. 20), @ AR (Apr. 22), @ ARI (Apr. 24), vs. NYI, Apr. 26), @ NYI 26), @ NYI (Apr. 29)
From our friends at ESPN Stats & Info: Alex OvechkinHe has been credited with scoring on 159 goaltenders during his career, which is fourth in NHL history. Jaromir Jagr, Patrick MarleauAnd Mark Messier.
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage 0.599
There are still games@ EDM, Apr. 20), @ CGY 21), vs. SEA 23), vs. SEA, (Apr. 26), Vs. VGK (Apr. 26), vs. ARI (Apr. 29)
Jason RobertsonWith 70 points, he leads the league as a forward entering restricted free agency. He will see a significant increase in his points from the $750,000 he earned this season.
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage 0.565
There are still gamesvs. WSH, Apr. 20), vs. SJ 24), @ DAL 26), @ DAL, Apr. 26), @ CHI (Apr. 29)
Goalie Logan ThompsonHe has won five of six previous starts and has a.938 save rate. Is it possible for the Golden Knights to turn the net more often to rookie Thompson, who is skating for their playoff lives?
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage 0.565
There are still games@ MIN (Apr. 21), @ CGY 23), vs. SEA, (Apr. 26), vs. LA (Apr. 28), @ EDM 29)
Can the Canucks get into the playoffs without a win? The outcome of this is still uncertain, but the Canucks will not be denied their chance. Vancouver was third in the NHL with 240 minutes of lead time in its seven first games, which is just after the playoff-bound Blues and Flames.
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage 0.526
There are still games@ CAR (Apr. 21), vs. COL (Apr. 24), vs. PHI, Apr. 27), vs. CGY, (Apr. 29), vs. CGY (Apr.
Although there aren’t many league categories where the Jets are leading, they’re tied in Gordie Howe Hat Tricks, which is a goal-, assist-, and fight by the same player in a single game.
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage 0.590
There are still gamesCHI (Apr. 21), vs. CHI, (Apr. 23), @ SEA 27), @ SEA, Apr. 28)
The Kings are a combination of Stanley Cup-winning veterans and high draft picks. This is evident in the roster which features the fifth most games played by players with entry-level contracts and the fifth-most played by players over 34.
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage 0.526
There are still gamesvs. NYR 21), @ BUF(Apr. 23), vs. CAR (Apr. 24), @ WSH(Apr. 26), @ WSH (Apr. 28), vs. TTB (Apr. 29)
Signing up for an agent at no cost Zdeno CharaAlthough he hasn’t had much to report on the stats this season, he scored his first goal since January 12, 2001. That goal was the first of 59 NHL players, and two franchises.
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage 0.474
There are still games@ LA (April. 23), vs. STL 24), @ SJ 26), @ DAL, Apr. 29)
The retirement Ryan GetzlafHe is the last Ducks player who played for them when they were called the Mighty Ducks (1993-1994 to 2005-06). When he retires his long-time teammate Corey PerryThis will be the NHL’s last Mighty Duck.
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage 0.474
There are still gamesvs. STL 21), vs. CHI 23), @ VGK 23), @ VGK (Apr. 26), @ EDM 26), @ EDM (Apr. 29)
Timo MeierHe has strong arguments for being the fantasy hockey MVP in 2022. The Sharks forward was selected in the 16th round on ESPN’s fantasy hockey games, but performed at the same level that a player who was drafted in Round 2.
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage 0.494
There are still gamesvs. OTT 22), vs. EDM 24), @ TB 26), vs.TB (Apr. 26), vs. TB (Apr. 29)
Patrik LaineHe has experienced a career rebound in his first full Columbus season. This season will be his first point per game season and his highest shooting percentage since 2017-18.
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage 0.455
There are still gamesFLA (April. 21), vs. 21), vs. 23), @ NJ, Apr. 23), @ NJ (Apr. 26), @ TOR, Apr. 29)
Why should we be optimistic? Red Wings’ points percentage rose to.453, which is the club’s highest level since 2005. Henrik ZetterbergThey were lacing them up and notching 18 wins at home, which was their highest single-season total since they moved to Little Caesars Arena in 2017-18.
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage 0.442
There are still games@ NJ (Apr. 21), vs. NYI. 23), @ BOS (Apr. 28), vs. CHI 29)
The Sabres have been 13-14-3 since February 17 for 29 points. While the Golden Knights are only 13-14-2 for only 28 points, they are now 13-14-3. Is there a connection between these teams and the date? Oh, I don’t know…
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage 0.401
There are still games21), vs. BUF 21), vs. 21), vs. 23), vs. DET (Apr. 24), @ OTT 26), @ OTT, (Apr. 28), vs. DET (Apr. 29)
A record-breaking 107 goalies played at least one NHL game this season, with the Devils’ starting seven leading the charge.Nico Daws, Mackenzie Blackwood, Jon Gillies, Jonathan Bernier, Akira Schmid, Andrew Hammond Scott Wedgewood).
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage 0.401
There are still games@ ARI (Apr. 20), @ LA 21), @ LA, Apr. 23), @ SJ (Apr. 25), vs. VGK, (Apr. 26), vs. VGK (Apr. 29)
There are many contradictions in life. The Blackhawks share the league lead for most games with eight goals or more (3). They also hold the league lead for most shutouts (8).
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage 0.422
There are still games@ CBJ (Apr. 22), vs. MTL. 23), vs. NJ, Apr. 26), vs. FLA. (Apr. 28), @PHI (Apr. 29)
The Senators will be out of the playoffs for the fifth season in a row, but one bright spot must be their development of young talent. The Senators are the NHL’s top team in points and goals scored by players on entry level contracts.
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage 0.373
There are still gamesvs. 20), @ DAL (Apr. 22), @ MIN (Apr. 23), @ DAL, Apr. 26), vs. LA (Apr. 26), vs. Los Angeles (Apr. 27), vs. SJ (Apr.
They have 34 draft picks, which is a record for the league, that the Kraken can use to add organizational depth or bundle them together to make a huge trade.
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage 0.370
There are still games@ MTL (Apr. 21), vs. 21), vs. 24), @ CHI 25), @ CHI, Apr. 26), @ WPG (Apr. 29)
The Flyers are now in a rebuilding phase and have lost some of the home-ice dominance they enjoyed in seasons past. They surrendered 50 home tie-breaking goals this season, which is league-worst.
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage 0.331
There are still gamesvs. PHI 21), @ OTT 23), vs. BOS (Apr. 24), @ NYR 27), @ NYR, Apr. 29)
Despite being at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the Canadiens have a third-highest margin for victory when they win at Bell Centre. Problem is? They have only 10 home wins.
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage 0.322
There are still gamesCHI (Apr. 20), vs. WSH (20 Apr. 22), vs. STL 23), vs. STL 26), @ MIN (Apr. 26), @ DAL (Apr. 29)
Although the Coyotes don’t have many second-period leads they are able to keep their cool when they do. The Yotes are an 8-0 team when it comes to protecting second-period leads away from Gila River Arena. Perhaps the problem is in the building.