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Stanley Cup Power Rankings in final week of March 2026
There are fewer than 14 games remaining in the regular season. The past few weeks have seen major shakeups in the playoff seedings. The Buffalo Sabres continue to be one of the NHL’s hottest teams and are starting to add separation in the Atlantic Division standings. The two Eastern and Western Conference wild cards are shaping up to be a race to the final days of the regular season. Here are the Stanley Cup power rankings heading into the Week of March 23.
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20. Nashville Predators
Nashville has jumped into the second Western Conference wild card. While their Western Conference competition has struggled, the Predators have done their best to add points to the standings. The team’s underwhelming defense and goaltending will be tested if they reach the playoffs.
19. Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights have struggled since the end of February. Since February 27th, the team has lost 10 of 14 games. Vegas must right the ship as they enter the playoffs.
18. Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are having issues with consistency. They either win by 2+ goals or lose by 2+ goals. This has been the story throughout the season, and they are set to play the rest of the regular season and postseason without Leon Draisaitl.
15. Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers have their work cut out for them as they chase an Eastern Conference wild-card spot. They’ve done their best to win, but the teams they are chasing continue to win as well. If Philadelphia misses the playoffs, the cause will be a lack of offense throughout the season.
14. Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks are leading the Pacific Division after the recent struggles of their division foes. Anaheim’s offense has been on a tear, averaging close to five goals per game over its last four contests. The team’s offense is ready for the playoffs, but the same can’t be said of their defense and goaltending.
13. Ottawa Senators
The Senators have played their best hockey of the season since January 25th. During that span, the team has been on fire, with their offense continuing to be its bright spot on the ice.
12. New York Islanders
The Islanders are fighting to hold onto the final wild card in the Eastern Conference. The team’s defense continues to keep the team in contention on a nightly basis. If New York misses the playoffs, offensive struggles will be the reason.
11. Detroit Red Wings
It wasn’t that long ago that Detroit sat atop the Atlantic Division. The team has struggled since the end of January and are playing for an Eastern Conference wild card. The Red Wings need to string off a week of wins.
10. Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets looked like a team on the outside looking in. However, a recent stretch of wins has the team third in the Metropolitan Division. If they continue adding points to the standings, they will reach the playoffs.
9. Boston Bruins
Now isn’t the time to struggle for Boston. The team’s inconsistent play had led to dropping valuable points. The Bruins have a tough stretch of games as March comes to an end.
8. Montreal Canadiens
Montreal’s offense continues to lead the team. The Canadiens rank 3rd in goals per game and are much better than their defense and goaltending. The team’s offense will need to cover defensive issues in the playoffs.
7. Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh has struggled over its last 10 games. The team’s Metropolitan standing is starting to dwindle. It’s vital for the Penguins to add points in the final weeks of the season.
6. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning are starting to pull out of late-season struggles. The end of February saw the team lose four consecutive games for the first time since the middle of October. Tampa Bay’s focus is on getting its roster fully healthy as the playoffs start.
5. Minnesota Wild
Minnesota is ready for the playoffs to start. The offense hasn’t been as hot, but they still rank as one of the NHL’s best. The team’s excellent defense and goaltending will be another strength in the playoffs.
4. Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo continues to be the league’s hottest team. Since January 25th, the Sabres have lost two games. In that span, the team’s offense has provided their best output of the season.
3. Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina has played consistent hockey throughout the season. The team has the 3rd–most points in the NHL and has chased Dallas and Colorado for much of the season. The Hurricanes are one of the few teams that see their offense and defense rank in the top 10.
2. Dallas Stars
Dallas has chased Colorado throughout the season for the top spot in the Central Division. It is unlikely they will overtake their division foes, but they have one last regular-season meeting on April 4th. The Western Conference Finals will be must-see TV if the Stars meet the Avalanche.
1. Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche are heading to end the season with the most points in the league. Colorado has been the league’s best team since day one. On the season, the Avalanche ranks first in offensive and defensive efficiency.
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