NHL Power Rankings: Week 15
The NHL is over halfway done with their 2025-26 Regular Season and 30 teams are within 6 points or less of a playoff spot. That includes every single Eastern Team and 14 of the Western Conference Teams. The Buffalo Sabres are proof that a run of wins and a run of constistency can completely change the way a season plays out. Just a month or so ago we were talking about who Buffalo would be trading out for their rebuild, and now they have chance at a divisional spot in the playoffs. The American Thanksgiving milestone be damned!
#16 Florida Panthers (23-18-3, 49 Points)
Previously #7
This spot is simply a pedigree play. Florida is continuing their BS ways. Carter Verhaeghe got away with what should have been a sussy and you wonder how they continue to get away with their bull shit. I am sick of this team beyond control. The lack of discipline is insane and needs to be investigated.
#15 Toronto Maple Leafs (20-16-5, 45 Points)
Previously Unranked
Toronto has come back from the dead. Papi is scoring goals again and they are moving back up the standings. I am skeptical they can maintain this but so far they are pushing to make me look like an idiot.
#14 Philadelphia Flyers (22-13-8; 52 Points)
Previously #9
Pretty uneven week for the Flyers. Despite that, this team has been good. They are not a team I would want to play at any time right now as they are watching a Trevor Zegras really start to thrive and other pieces really start to go. The trajectory of this team is up by all indicators.
#13 Washington Capitals (23-17-6; 52 Points)
Previously #11
Capitals won only half their games this week and against the weaker teams within the group. They miss the Logan Thompson from the beginning of the season for sure. They and the entire country of Canada is hoping he returns to form soon.
#12 Pittsburgh Penguins (21-14-9; 51 Points)
Previously Unranked
Pitt has turned its season around yet again. 7-3 in their last 10 and despite losing their last 10. Malkin is back but things didn’t start out greats since his return. They are hoping things really turn here this week. It’s a reset week.
#11 Buffalo Sabres (24-15-4; 52 Points)
Previously #13
The Sabres run continues. Never would I have expected this team to move up in my power rankings. I thought their run would be brought down after they finally lost but they have another streak going. This team has saved its franchise so to speak and very well could be playoff bound for the first time in over 12 years. Finally, just when I decide to write them off despite being one of the more apologetic Sabres people….
#10 Edmonton Oilers (22-16-7; 51 Points)
Previously #13
Edmonton grabs 5 points out of 6 possible since they were able to finally practice. This is literally the only team ever that can sit in the doldrums of the league and find themselves back fighting for the top of the division before February. I think we have seen potentially seen the last of Calvin Pickard with Connor Ingram having a very solid start to his time in Edmonton, save for 1 game. He’s been very serviceable and Tristan Jarry is likely back this week. Should be an interesting week roster wise for the Oil.
#9 New York Islanders (25-15-5; 55 Points)
Previously #12
This is only team in and around New York metro area that is looking fantastic and they are allowed to quietly bank points as the likes of New Jersey and the Rangers are burning to the ground. The Islanders are more fun than they’ve ever been and don’t be surprised if they continue to move the positive direction. Coach Roy has this team humming. 6-2-2 in their last 10 games.
#8 Montreal Canadiens (25-14-6; 56 Points)
Unchanged
The Habs are quietly putting together a great season. We aren’t hearing anything from their team, at least negative. This is aided by the crazy issues happening in every Canadian franchise except maybe the Oilers as of late. Turmoil in the country and the Habs are having none of it.
#7 Vegas Golden Knights (21-11-12; 54 Points)
Previously #10
Winners of 4 straight and they handled the surging Sharks pretty handedly on Sunday evening. Carter Hart is injured and out awhile…not sorry about it. He’s been straight doo doo anyways, so it seems like a win for the Knights who’ve looked a lot better since his injury. Lets see if it continues and if the idiot will get another shot.
#6 Minnesota Wild (26-11-9; 61 Points)
Previously #3
Minnesota still is pushing for that 2nd spot in the division despite a rough patch of games. Good thing the Stars are in the same boat right now. I need to see more consistent offense from their team. They are a very strong defensive team but that will only get you so far.
#5 Detroit Red Wings (27-15-4; 58 Points)
Previously #6
7-2-1 in their last 10 and Detroit is continuing to surge. They have more games than the Bolts but they will jocky for positioning in that division. Their ability to score seems a bit modest relative to those other top teams but they find ways to win and sometimes that’s all that matters.
#4 Dallas Stars (26-10-9; 61 Points)
Unchanged
The Stars have dropped 7 of their last 8 since December 21 and that loss to the Sharks was quite a visual. However, underlying numbers suggest this is short term slump and Dallas is a strong game or two away from stabilizing. Not too much worry here.
#3 Carolina Hurricanes (28-14-3; 59 Points)
Previously #5
4 straight for the Canes and they are stabilizing a bit here. They have a nice stranglehold on the division, but the Islanders will push them the rest of the way!
#2 Tampa Bay Lightning (27-13-3; 57 Points)
Unchanged
9 straight is a fluke, 10 straight is a run” – Coach Jon Cooper. Cmon Bolts, your 9 game streak is nothing…
#1 Colorado Avalanche (33-4-7; 73 Points)
Unchanged
LOL you lost another game in regulation. Complete losers. .830 point percentage is absurd. That’s ahead of that 2023 Boston Bruins record team.