The NHL playoffs are officially underway. Five of the eight series have begun with the first game being played and two of the other three begin tonight. These rankings are influenced by recency bias (like how teams ended the regular season and started the playoffs), along with current and future possible playoff matchups. My honorable mentions are the Minnesota Wild, LA Kings, Dallas Stars, and the Washington Capitals.
8: Edmonton Oilers (Previously Ranked 6)
The Oilers have been decimated by injuries recently. They will be without at least three of their regulars for game one of the playoffs. Mattias Ekholm, Evander Kane, and Troy Stecher have all been ruled out for tonight’s game against the Kings. John Klingberg, Trent Frederic, Leon Draisaitl, and Jake Walman are all possibilities to play tonight. Despite the injuries, there’s reason for optimism. In some ways, this team is even better than last seasons. I like the defensive additions the team has made, making them even more dangerous in the transition game. I also feel they have gotten a little grittier this season. However, the offense is worse this season because of disappointing signings like Adam Henrique, Viktor Arvidsson, and Jeff Skinner and letting several forwards go in the off-season like Ryan McLeod, Warren Foegele, and Dylan Holloway. The goaltending inconsistencies also concern me. Last postseason Stuart Skinner got hot at the right time, but I am not sold that he will do that again. The Kings might finally give the Oilers some trouble, as the Oilers are the road team and are battling several injuries. Even with my concerns it is hard to bet against a team with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and if things break right for them another Stanley Cup appearance is very possible.
7: Florida Panthers (Previously ranked Honorable Mention (HM)
The Panthers’ roster was depleted with injuries over the second half of the year. They now finally have most of their lineup back. Matthew Tkachuk is likely to return early on in this series against the Lightning and Aaron Ekblad’s suspension is set to end after game two. The past couple of seasons the Panthers have proven themselves as a great playoff team. However, this season their roster is a little weaker, and they have a hard path in front of them. Getting Ekblad and Tkachuk back is huge, but their long absence could bring rust, especially at playoff pace. They are playing against the Lightning who have beefed up their roster for the playoffs, and the Panthers are the road team. Despite this I definitely would not count out the reigning Stanley Cup champions. There is a reason they won the Stanley Cup and made it to the past two Stanley Cup Finals. I am still confident in their core, depth, and coaching which is why I have them in the top eight.
6: Winnipeg Jets (Previously Ranked 7)
The Jets had another very successful regular season, winning the Central Conference. However, in past seasons their impressive regular season play has not transferred to the playoffs. They were able to pull off a win in their first playoff game this season, limiting the Blues to just 17 shots on goal, and controlled most of the play. The Jets have a great goalie in Connor Hellebuyck, play solid team defense, and have good scoring threats making them a potentially dangerous postseason threat, even if they have not shown it in their past couple of appearances. I like their odds of beating the Blues, and the Jets have the potential to do some damage this postseason.
5: Tampa Bay Lightning (Previously Ranked 5)
The Lightning were bold at this season’s trade deadline, acquiring Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde. I believe this is the best they have been since the 2021-22 season where they made it to the finals, losing to the Colorado Avalanche. With Andrei Vasilevskiy healthy and back to playing elite, Tampa’s solid depth, and the star power, I believe they are favored to defeat the reigning champs and make it to the second round.
4: Vegas Golden Knights (Previously Ranked 1)
The Golden knights have had a very successful regular season. They are very balanced and have very few holes in their lineup. They played well in their game one win against the Wild. I can see them going on a cup run just like the 2022-23 season.
3: Toronto Maple Leafs (Previously Ranked HM)
The Maple Leafs played great in their game one 5-2 win against the Ottawa Senators. This Maple Leaf team is different from the ones in the past. This season they have Craig Berube behind the bench as Head Coach, a deeper roster and more physicality with the elite offensive talent they have had in years past. This might be the year the Maple Leafs’ good regular season play, and top-notch skill translates to playoff success.
2: Colorado Avalanche (Previously Ranked 4)
The Avalanche have it all. They have high end talent, good depth, reliable goaltending, solid team defense and experience. I am also less confident in the Stars ability, with their end of regular season struggles, which was one of the things holding me back from giving the Avalanche a higher ranking in the March Power Rankings. I can see the Avalanche going on a long playoff push like the 2021-22 season.
1: Carolina Hurricanes (Previously Ranked 2)
In the past handful of years, the Canes have had good teams but have not been able to make it through the playoffs and have been eliminated in the middle rounds. This season the Canes have an easier path compared to some of the other teams. They play a good system and are very well balanced. I do worry that their goaltending might not be good enough. However, their team is good enough to overcome not having an elite goalie and their tandem is good enough to get the job done.
