NHL Power Rankings: Week 27
12 days folks. Just 12 days away from the start of the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. 16 teams will begin their offseason, and 16 others will start their quest for Lord Stanley’s. The best part of this is it feels like the playoffs are starting tonight. In the Pacific Division, the Ducks, Oilers, and Knights all sit with 77 GP and 87/86 points. One of these teams fired their coach recently and have seen a bounce, another has seen a little turn of the page on their defensive game, and another is having a tough stretch at the worst time. The West WC2 race is just as tight with 3 teams vying for 1 single spot. It may come down to tie breakers for these teams. The East has its own battle for WC2. Playoffs are here guys. The final 4-6 games mean so much now.
#16 New York Islanders (42-31-5; 89 Points)
Previously #14
I left this team in because this is a moment to say to my fellow podcast boys - You are not a good team if you are firing your coach with 4 games left. You are not a good team when you have an amazing goalie and Marianas Trench of shittiness behind it (aside from the incredible Schaefer). Will Deboer bring this team to the playoffs with just 4 games to go? That remains to be seen but this team is not good. They are lucky to be in this position based on their ability to be absolutely caved in on a nightly basis.
#15 Utah Mammoth (40-30-6; 86 Points)
Previously Unranked
The Mammoth are sitting pretty comfortable in the WC1 for the West and they have been just playing a steady brand of hockey. They are very strong and have room to grow there even. I will watch how this young and quiet team plays against the top Pacific Division team.
#14 Anaheim Ducks (41-31-5; 87 Points)
Previously #12
This is not the ideal run of games for the Ducks. They will need to find a way to turn things around this week if they want to win the division. They will likely draw Vegas or Edmonton, both of which have immense playoff experience. But something that isn’t appreciated is how teams who are playing with house money can just play loose and upset even the best teams. An Oilers/Ducks series would undoubtedly be the most fun series in the West in round 1.
#13 Vegas Golden Knights (35-26-16; 86 Points)
Previously Unranked
The Knights gave the Oilers a friendly reminder that they are still a team to be feared in some capacity. The firing of Cassidy and the hiring of Tortorella has been very beneficial for this team. Jack Eichel seems to be back to normal or at least trending as such and Mitch Marner is looking very very good as well. If they get goaltending, they might be a problem. And I say this after crapping on them for a while now. They look much better right now.
#12 Edmonton Oilers (39-29-9; 87 Points)
Previously #16
The last two games haven’t been as hot for the Oilers but let’s be real, the Knights needed that win over the Oilers who have absolutely stomped them for several games now. Defensively the Oilers seem better on paper and on the eye test. They haven’t been as sharp the last two games but the bones of a team that knows what’s on the line are showing. Their PP is horrendous and you wonder how much Leon Draisaitl has to do with that. Methinks they will need their German boy back if they want to be a favorite in round 1.
#11 Boston Bruins (43-26-9; 95 Points)
Previously #10
This is a three man team that just can’t stop winning. They will draw the likes of the Bolts, Sabres, or Carolina, so godspeed to this team who will just get crushed when it matters. This is all my opinion of course. Pasta has been fantastic alongside Charlie McAvoy. And the entire season has been on the back of the resurging Jeremy Swayman. I just don’t think itll be enough to compete in round 1.
#10 Philadelphia Flyers (39-26-12; 90 Points)
Previously #15
The Flyers continue to push their way up the standings and what a time to peak for this team. 7-3 in their last 10 and sit just 1 point up from the struggling Islanders with a game at hand. They control their fate and this week. Games against the Devils and Red Wings will give them a chance to book some points and solidify their spot.
#9 Ottawa Senators (40-27-10; 90 Points)
Unchanged
Since the Olympics, the Sens have gone 12-5-3 and they sit in the second wild card spot with a game at hand on the teams looking up. They host both Florida teams and will look to establish their spot a little more permanently than they are now. What a run for this team who’s had their fair share of ups and downs this season.
#8 Pittsburgh Penguins (40-22-16; 96 Points)
Unchanged
The Penguins will clinch this week and will be the home team in their 1st round matchup. The Pens have been scoring at a white hot pace. They have clearly had to outscore some issues both on the backend and between the pipes but again, we have seen those types of goalies go on runs and make something of a playoff series or two. Rickard Rakell has been incredible scoring 7 goals in just 5 games. Awesome stuff for him.
#7 Montreal Canadiens (45-22-10; 100 Points)
Unchanged
I think Cole Caulfield will get his 50th on home ice this week. This team is a fun team and a team that might be a thorn in the side of either the Bolts or Sabres when things finally shake out. Congrats on your playoff berth and I hope you bring that electric play to the playoffs.
#6 Minnesota Wild (44-21-12; 100 Points)
Unchanged
Minnesota has played very well as of late, with 3 straight wins under their belt going into the week. They are actually in contention to take home ice advantage over the Dallas Stars and everyone should circle that Thursday night Stars game because that could be a pivotal game for the home ice spot and a very fun 1st round preview.
#5 Buffalo Sabres (46-23-8; 100 Points)
Unchanged
Sabres aren’t firing on those cylinders we have seen just a month ago, but guys, the Buffalo Sabres clinched a playoff series. I can’t believe I am saying this but they did it and now the New York Jets are the joke of the 4 Majors. This deep will beat you with depth and if you can’t compete with their bottom 6, you could be in trouble.
#4 Dallas Stars (45-20-12; 102 Points)
Previously #2
What a tough stretch for the Stars here. That Avalanche and Stars game on the weekend was quite the marquee matchup and I just always find myself tuning in for these games. Scoring was limited until the end but man those games are fierce, fast, and skillful.
#3 Tampa Bay Lightning (48-22-6; 102 Points)
Unchanged
The Bolts have been much better as of late and now sit with the lead in the Atlantic Division. They sit 2 points ahead of the Buffalo Sabres and own the tie breaker in Regulation Wins. They play the Sabres tonight and a Sabres win in regulation would keep things super interesting. My hunch says that if the Bolts win tonight, they will likely clinch the top spot despite it not being official yet.
#2 Carolina Hurricanes (49-22-6; 104 Points)
Previously #4
Goaltending was better this week as they rattled off 3 straight wins. Their lack of finish still scares me for this team. They play the game so well and do most things the right way every night, but their lack of scoring will remain the story until its not.
#1 Colorado Avalanche (50-16-10; 110 Points)
Unchanged
Colorado appears to be the team to beat in the NHL and will likely be everyone’s pick to win the Cup. Their speed is incredible and their firepower is there when everyone is firing. At this point it seems like the Avs Cup to lose.