NHL Power Rankings: Where Do All 32 Teams Stand Ahead of Week 21?

March 9, 2026

Andy's NHL power rankings for all 32 teams heading into Week 21 of the 2025-2026 season. Where does each NHL team stand in our latest power rankings for the 2025-26 season?

With Week 20 of the NHL season in the books, it's time to update our power rankings. The playoff push is in full strength, and any short losing streak could seal a team's fate.

This week, we saw the Dallas Stars continue to rise in our rankings, while the Buffalo Sabres claimed the No. 1 spot in the Atlantic Division following a thrilling Sunday evening victory over the Lightning, which was a "Game of the Year" candidate.

All statistics and team records mentioned are updated as of Monday, March 9. Who were the biggest risers and fallers from this past week? Let's dive in!

No. 32 - Vancouver Canucks

Last Week Ranking - 32

In Week 20, the Canucks had a busy four-game slate but were unable to make much ground in the standings. Vancouver began the week, taking a tough 6-1 loss to the red-hot Dallas Stars on Monday night. On Wednesday, they then fell to the Eastern-heavyweight Carolina Hurricanes (6-4). While they got back in the win column on Friday (6-3) against the Blackhawks, they ended the week with a 3-2 overtime loss to the lowly Jets.

The Canucks carry a league-low 46 points into Week 21. They remain the only club in the sport that has yet to hit the 50-point mark. Over their last 10, they have won just two games.

No. 31 - Chicago Blackhawks

Last Week Ranking - 30

Chicago ended Week 19 with an impressive 4-0 shutout victory over the Utah Mammoth. However, they were unable to carry any momentum from that victory into Week 20 as they dropped all three of their games. However, they did manage to escape two of them with an overtime loser point (to the Stars and Jets).

Their regulation loss came at the hands of the Vancouver Canucks on Friday evening (6-3). The Blackhawks have now won just two of their last 10 games and are only one point ahead of the Rangers for the No. 30 spot in the overall league standings.

No. 30 - New York Rangers

Last Week Ranking - 31

The Rangers ended Week 20 with an upset victory over the Penguins and continued to find their footing early in Week 20, falling to the surging Blue Jackets (5-4) in overtime and then taking down the Maple Leafs (6-2) on Thursday night. However, their week ended with a loss to the Devils (6-3), thanks to a Jack Hughes hat trick.

While their top center, Vincent Trocheck, was heavily rumored to be moved ahead of the trade deadline, the Rangers opted to keep him on the roster and use him as a building block for their rebuild. Defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov was a bright spot in the sport department this week, netting three goals, tying Will Cuylle for the team lead.

No. 29 - Toronto Maple Leafs

Last Week Ranking - 26

The Leafs had a rough showing last week and continued to tumble in the Eastern Conference. In Week 20, they had a busy four-game slate and posted a 0-2-2 record, and have now won just three of their last 10 games. This week, they began with two shootout losses to the Flyers and the Devils, then fell in regulation to the Rangers and the Lightning.

Overall, the Leafs have lost all seven of their last games, with their last victory coming against the Edmonton Oilers on February 3. This team is in a complete free fall, and any hopes of sinking it into the postseason are long gone.

No. 28 - Calgary Flames

Last Week Ranking - 28

The Flames entered Week 20 in a two-game slump and saw those struggles persist at the start of the week. On Tuesday, they fell to the Dallas Stars by a commanding 6-1 score. In their second game, the Flames continued to slide down the standings, falling to the Senators (4-1). However, they did end their week with a 5-4 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Flames now carry a 25-30-7 record with a modest 4-5-1 record over their last 10 games. Young center Morgan Frost turned in a productive week, leading the team with four points over the three games.

🔥FLAMES GOAL🔥

Morgan Frost score on the power play! Zayne Parekh picks up his first point as a Calgary Flame on home ice!

🎥: Sportsnet | #Flames pic.twitter.com/yeyAu6VXk0

— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) March 8, 2026

No. 27 - St. Louis Blues

Last Week Ranking - 29

The Blues concluded Week 19 with an upset victory over the Minnesota Wild and continued to stay hot in Week 20. They opened the week with another two-straight victories, taking down the Seattle Kraken (3-2) and the San Jose Sharks (3-2 in overtime). On Sunday night, they stayed hot, picking up another two points by defeating the Pacific-leading Anaheim Ducks (3-0).

Top center, Robert Thomas was in several trade discussions ahead of Friday's deadline, but was not moved. This week, Thomas continued to lead the way on offense, tallying five points (three goals) over the three contests.

No. 26 - Florida Panthers

Last Week Ranking - 24

The Panthers were holding onto their playoff hopes for dear life, but another disappointing showing put much of that hope to rest. In Week 20, the reigning two-time champions posted a 1-2 record and now sit far out of the playoff picture. They began the week with two regulation losses to the Devils and Blue Jackets, before upsetting the Red Wings (3-1) on Friday night.

They will get another match against the Red Wings on Tuesday evening to open Week 21. Over their last 10, they carry a rough 3-7 record and sit with a 31-29-3 record.

No. 25 - Winnipeg Jets

Last Week Ranking - 27

While it was a disappointing season in Winnipeg, the Jets turned in another strong showing and continue to pad their point total. This week, the Jets posted a perfect 3-0 record, with two of their victories coming in overtime, against the Blackhawks and Canucks. Their lone regulation victory came against the Lightning (4-1) on Thursday.

A lone bright spot this season has been top center Mark Scheifele, and this week was no different. The 32-year-old center led the way, tallying eight points (three goals), pushing his yearly total to 78 over 62 games.

No. 24 - Los Angeles Kings

Last Week Ranking - 23

The Kings continued their inconsistent play in Week 20 and remain on the edge of the Western playoff bubble. After ending Week 19 with a 2-0 shutout victory over the Flames, the team began Week 20 with a 4-2 loss to the Avalanche. While they got back in the win column on Thursday, taking down the Islanders, they fell in their final game of the week, against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night.

Overall, they carry a modest 3-6-1 record in their last 10 contests but remain just a handful of points out of the Wild Card picture and even the final spot in the Pacific Division. Artemi Panarin has fit in nicely with his new club, totaling six points over his six games as a King, with his first goal coming on March 5 against the Islanders.

No. 23 - New Jersey Devils

Last Week Ranking - 25

The Devils took a big hit in last week's ranking but turned in a very productive showing in Week 20. While their playoff hopes remain dire, this was a much-needed bounce-back week and gives them something to build on as they head into the final stretch. They opened the week with three straight victories, taking down the Panthers, Leafs, and Rangers.

In their victory over the Rangers, center Jack Hughes continued his reign over the Blue Shirts, netting a hat trick, pushing his total to 32 points over 24 games against them. However, on Sunday, their brief surge would be cut short by the Red Wings in a tough 3-0 loss.

No. 22 - Nashville Predators

Last Week Ranking - 22

The Predators followed the typical pattern they have had in recent weeks, posting an awful record but remaining on the bubble in the postseason picture. This week, they dropped three of their four games in regulation (to the Red Wings, Blue Jackets, and Sabres), while their lone victory came on Thursday (6-3) against the Bruins.

Nashville holds a modest 4-4-2 record over its last 10, but like many teams in the West, remains within striking distance of the final Wild Card. Top winger Filip Forsberg led the way this week, tallying five points (three goals) over the four contests.

No. 21 - San Jose Sharks

Last Week Ranking - 21

The Sharks needed to stack points this week and got the job done. They began the week with a massive 7-5 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday evening. In this contest, MVP candidate Macklin Celebrini did much of the heavy lifting, tallying four points. In their final two games, the Sharks earned overtime loser points in losses to the Blues and Islanders.

San Jose now enters Week 21 with a 30-25-6 record and a 3-4-3 over their last 10. They will have several tall tasks awaiting them next week as they continue their Eastern trip, facing the Sabres, Bruins, and Canadiens.

Mack ties it up 🤩 pic.twitter.com/KdzgwMIea1

— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) March 8, 2026

No. 20 - Washington Capitals

Last Week Ranking - 15

The Capitals were involved in one of the major trades this past week, sending longtime defenseman John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks. Despite this transaction, the Capitals still remain "in the hunt" and could sneak into the Wild Card if they enjoy a late-season surge.

However, they did not get off to the best start in Week 20, dropping all three games in regulation. Their losses came against the Canadiens, Mammoth, and Bruins. This brought them to a 31-26-7 record (69 points), tying them alongside the Flyers in the current standings.

No. 19 - Edmonton Oilers

Last Week Ranking - 20

The Oilers continued their inconsistent play and remain in the logjam of the Western playoff picture. After ending last week with a loss to the Sharks. They were able to pick up a much-needed two points over the surging Senators (5-4) in an overtime victory on Tuesday night. Leon Draisaitl put the team on his back in this game, totaling five points.

However, they would drop their second game of the week to the Hurricanes (6-3) but would pick up a massive victory on Sunday night, taking down the Golden Knights in Las Vegas. They now enter Week 21 only two points behind them for the No. 2 seed in the Pacific Division.

No. 18 - Philadelphia Flyers

Last Week Ranking - 19

The Flyers had a massive three-game slate this week that could have sealed their postseason fate. Fortunately, Philadelphia picked up two victories and remains just outside the Eastern playoff picture. They began the week with a 3-2 shootout victory over the Maple Leafs and concluded with another shootout victory, this time against the Penguins.

Their lone regulation loss came at the hands of the Mammoth (3-0) on Thursday. The Flyers hold a 29-22-11 record and sit four points behind the Blue Jackets in the playoff race. They will face them this coming Saturday, which could very well make or break their season.

No. 17 - Seattle Kraken

Last Week Ranking - 17

The Kraken continue to sit near the middle of our rankings. This week, Seattle began with an impressive 2-1 victory over one of the top teams in the East, the Hurricanes. However, they would conclude their week with two disappointing regulation losses to the St. Louis Blues (3-2) and the Ottawa Senators (7-4).

Seattle now holds a modest 5-5 record in their last 10 and a 29-24-9 overall record. Despite their inconsistent play, they remain in the heart of the Western playoff picture and could easily make a push for the top three in the Pacific Division if they can enjoy any sustained success.

No. 16 - Vegas Golden Knights

Last Week Ranking - 14

Like many teams in the Western playoff picture, the Golden Knights have been unable to make much ground. In Week 20, the Golden Knights opened with a loss to the red-hot Sabres. While they earned a point in their overtime victory over the Red Wings, they fell in regulation to the Wild later in the week.

On Sunday, they faced the Oilers in a massive Pacific Division showdown but took another regulation loss, falling 4-2. They still sit second in the Pacific Division, but their 4-6 record in their last 10 has allowed several teams to catch up.

No. 15 - Detroit Red Wings

Last Week Ranking - 11

The Red Wings saw their inconsistent slump continue in Week 20, and they continued to fall in the Eastern standings. This week, the Wings had a busy four-game slate. They opened with a regulation win over the Predators (4-2), but would drop their next two games, falling to the Golden Knights in overtime (4-3) and then the Panthers in regulation (3-1).

On Sunday, they would pick up a massive two points, shutting out the Devils 3-0. In this victory, Norris candidate Moritz Seider led the way on the blue line, totaling three points, while netminder John Gibson picked up his fifth shutout of the season, stopping all 21 shots he saw.

No. 14 - Utah Mammoth

Last Week Ranking - 16

The Mammoth needed a big week, and they got it. After dropping two of three in regulation last week, the Mammoth rebounded well, posting a perfect 3-0 record to gain some footing in the crowded Western standings. This week, they took down the Capitals (3-2), Flyers (3-0), and the Blue Jackets (5-4 in overtime).

Forwards Clayton Keller and Dylan Guenther led the way this week, combining for 10 total points over these three games. Keller has been on an impressive run since the start of February, totaling 13 points (three goals) over eight contests.

No. 13 - Ottawa Senators

Last Week Ranking - 18

The Senators have been one of the hottest teams in the East since the Olympic break and have continued their climb in Week 20. They had three games on the slate and picked up five of their six points. Their lone loss came in overtime to the Oilers on Tuesday evening. They would conclude their week with victories against the Flames (4-1) and the Kraken (7-4).

They will conclude their Western road trip on Monday evening in Vancouver before returning home to face the Canadiens in a massive Atlantic Division showdown on Wednesday. The Senators have now held a 7-1-2 record in their last 10 and a 31-22-9 overall record.

No. 12 - Columbus Blue Jackets

Last Week Ranking - 12

After dropping their last two games in Week 19 (to the Bruins and Islanders), the Blue Jackets rebounded quite nicely in Week 20 to hold their footing in the Eastern playoff picture. They began their week with their second-straight overtime loss, this time to the Rangers. However, they would rebound well, taking down the Predators and Panthers in regulation on Tuesday and Thursday.

Their week would end with another overtime loss, this time to the surging Mammoth. Despite the "brief" skid, the Blue Jackets have still picked up at least one point in all but one of their last 10 games and enter Week 21 with 73 points, sitting just behind the Islanders and Penguins.

No. 11 - New York Islanders

Last Week Ranking - 10

The Islanders carried a five-game winning streak into Week 20, but saw their fortunes quickly flip. This week, the Islanders began the week, facing the Ducks (5-1) on the first leg of their western trip. They then dropped another game in regulation to the Kings (5-3), before ending their week with an overtime loss in San Jose (2-1).

This skid has now brought them just one point above the Penguins for the No. 2 seed in the Metropolitan Division. They will look to rebound on Tuesday night in St. Louis with a favorable tilt against the Blues.

No. 10 - Boston Bruins

Last Week Ranking - 9

The Bruins began Week 20 with a dominant 2-1 victory over the Penguins. While they fell to the Predators (6-3) on Thursday, they rebounded well on Saturday, taking down the Capitals (3-1), which all but pushed them out of the postseason race. They concluded their week with a rematch against the Penguins, but fell to the team in overtime.

Entering Week 21, the Bruins remain in the No. 2 Wild Card in the Eastern Conference, but their seat is getting hot as the Blue Jackets and Senators are just behind. Forward Pavel Zacha had one of the most productive weeks among forwards, scoring four goals and adding three helpers.

No. 9 - Anaheim Ducks

Last Week Ranking - 13

The Ducks were riding an impressive five-game winning streak into Week 20 but saw their momentum quickly stalled by the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night. In Anaheim, they fell to the top team in the sport, losing 5-1. However, the Ducks wasted little time to rebound, taking down the Islanders (5-1) on Wednesday and the Canadiens (6-5) on Friday in a shootout. On Sunday, they took a step back, falling to the Blues in a 3-0 shutout loss. They were unable to solve netminder Joel Hofer as he stopped all 22 shots he saw.

Outside of now sitting at the top of the Pacific Division, they were also involved in one of the largest trades at the deadline, acquiring Washington Capitals defenseman Carlson. The former Stanley Cup winner will bring much-needed veteran leadership to this young blue line as they eye a lengthy playoff run.

No. 8 - Montreal Canadiens

Last Week Ranking - 8

The Canadiens had a three-game slate and posted a 1-1-1 record. Their lone victory came against the Los Angeles Kings and fell to the Ducks in a shootout and the Sharks in regulation. They now carry a 6-1-3 record over their last 10 games and remain behind the Lightning and Sabres in the Atlantic Division.

Top center Nick Suzuki has been red-hot over the last 15 games and has remained the heartbeat of the offense. During this stretch, Suzuki has found the back of the net seven times and taken on an impressive 17 helpers.

No. 7 - Pittsburgh Penguins

Last Week Ranking - 6

The Penguins began the week in a bit of a skid, dropping games in regulation against the Bruins and Sabres. On Saturday, they escaped with a shootout loss against the Flyers and ended their week with a massive overtime victory over the Bruins. In this game, they trailed by two goals heading into the third period but forced overtime and secured the extra point thanks to a Tommy Novak overtime winner.

Without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins sit with 78 points, but their lead over the Islanders and Blue Jackets is quickly beginning to shrink. They have a gauntlet ahead of them in Week 21, facing the Hurricanes before heading out West to meet the Golden Knights, Mammoth, and Avalanche.

Tommy Novak calls game and the @penguins win a THRILLER in @Energizer OT! 👏 pic.twitter.com/qVmBZ5ENIt

— NHL (@NHL) March 8, 2026

No. 6 - Tampa Bay Lightning

Last Week Ranking - 2

The Lightning fell out of the No. 1 spot last week and continued to dip in our rankings once again. This week, the Bolts had a four-game slate but managed just two points and are seeing their lead in the Atlantic Division quickly fall away. Their lone victory came against the slumping Leafs, while they fell to the Sabers, Wild, and Jets in their other games.

During their thrilling 8-7 loss to the Sabres on Sunday evening, Norris Trophy candidate Darren Raddysh totaled three helpers from the blue line. Through 56 games, Raddysh has enjoyed a massive breakout season, scoring 17 goals with 41 helpers.

No. 5 - Minnesota Wild

Last Week Ranking - 5

After dropping their final two games of Week 19, the Wild rebounded quite well to open the new week. They took down the struggling Lightning (5-1) on Tuesday evening and stayed hot on Friday, taking down another top team, the Golden Knights (4-2) on Friday evening. On Sunday, they concluded their week with a Central Division showdown against the Avalanche, but came out on the losing end of a shootout.

Even with their rough showing last week, Minnesota carries a 7-2-1 record in its last 10 and sits comfortably with 85 points, just behind the Stars for the No. 2 spot in the division. Defensemen Brock Faber and Quinn Hughes drove much of the offense this week, combining for eight points.

No. 4 - Carolina Hurricanes

Last Week Ranking - 1

After sitting in the No. 1 spot last week, the Hurricanes will take a small dip following a modest showing in Week 20. They had a four-game slate and posted a modest 2-2 record, with their losses coming against the Kraken and the lowly Flames. Their victories came in the middle of the week, when they took down the Oilers and Canucks on their Western trip.

They now sit with a low 7-2-1 record over their last 10 but remain the top team in the Eastern standings. They will look to bounce back on Tuesday when they return to Raleigh to face the Penguins, who will be without Malkin (suspension) and Crosby (lower body).

No. 3 - Buffalo Sabres

Last Week Ranking - 7

The Buffalo Sabres need to be viewed as serious contenders. In Week 20, they extended their winning streak to seven games, picking up four straight victories over the Golden Knights, Penguins, Predators, and Lightning. They now sit at the top of the Atlantic Division with 84 points, and are only four behind the Hurricanes for the top seed in the East.

Over their last 10, the Sabres have posted an 8-1-1 record. They also carry an elite +32 GD, placing them fifth in the sport and just nine behind the Hurricanes. They are emerging as the favorite in the Eastern Conference.

No. 2 - Dallas Stars

Last Week Ranking - 4

The Stars were one of the hottest teams in the league heading into the break and have yet to slow down. They had a four-game schedule in Week 20 and took care of business, picking up seven of their eight possible points. Their one loss came in a shootout at the hands of the Avalanche.

Outside of that one game, they took down the Flames, Canucks, and Blackhawks by a combined 16-5 score. They have now held a 9-0-1 record in their last 10 games and are beginning to distance themselves from Minnesota for the No. 2 seed in the Central Division.

While Jason Robertson saw his point streak come to an end on Sunday afternoon, he has tallied an impressive 18 points over his last 11 games leading up to this tilt.

No. 1 - Colorado Avalanche

Last Week Ranking - 3

The Avalanche have strung together several inconsistent weeks throughout most of the New Year, but finally began to look like their early-season selves in Week 20. They posted a perfect 4-0 record and now sit with 95 points, the most in the sport. They are also the only team in the league that has hit the 90-point mark.

This week, they took down several top teams, including both the Stars and Wild in a shootout, and the current leader of the Pacific Division, the Anaheim Ducks. Martin Necas continued his career season, adding another eight points (three goals) during this four-game slate.

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