NHL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, big question for each team

Kristen Shilton, ESPN NHL reporterJan 12, 2024, 07:00 AM ET

CloseKristen Shilton is a national NHL reporter for ESPN.

Another week, another new No. 1 team atop the Power Rankings!

Beyond the rankings, we’ve noticed a lot of drama around the NHL this week, from all the takes regarding William Nylander’s contract extension to everyone having an opinion on the circumstances of Cutter Gauthier’s trade from the Flyers to the Ducks. So along with our updated rankings, we’re asking a “dramatic” question for each team heading into the second half.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors each send in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list here.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Jan. 5. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.

Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 73.17%
Next seven days: vs. PHI (Jan. 13), vs. NYI (Jan. 16)

Can the Jets maintain their defensive excellence? Winnipeg soared atop the standings last week in typical under-the-radar fashion. Make no mistake, though; these Jets are defensive-minded demons on a mission. They’ve been airtight since early November with a league-leading 2.00 goals-against per game, and are stifling teams off the rush. Winnipeg honing those habits into the second half could have them primed for a long spring.

Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 70.24%
Next seven days: @ BUF (Jan. 13), @ CBJ (Jan. 15), vs. ARI (Jan. 18)

When (and for how much and how long) should the Canucks re-sign Elias Pettersson? Vancouver is having a season for the ages. So that leaves room to focus on what superstar Elias Pettersson’s next contract should look like, and when the Canucks might get it done. The pending restricted free agent is playing his way into a big-time payday, and the better Petterson’s second half is, the greater chance that average annual value climbs. Strategy is everything here for Vancouver.

Previous ranking:…

Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39288893/nhl-power-rankings-2023-2024-best-teams-standings-questions

Author : Kristen Shilton

Publish date : 2024-01-12 11:34:01

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