Nearly two months into the 2025-26 NHL season, the Boston Bruins hold a strong position near the top of the Atlantic Division and sit mid-league overall. Notably, they are the sole team to have defeated the Colorado Avalanche in regulation this season. On October 25, Boston ended Colorado’s impressive eight-game streak (5-0-3) with a 3-2 home victory. Since then, the Avalanche have racked up 16 straight wins (13-0-3), including back-to-back games in a condensed four-day stretch last week where they lost to the Minnesota Wild in shootouts but convincingly beat the Montreal Canadiens 7-2 on Saturday.
Last week saw four teams go undefeated in their games, while the other four, along with the Avalanche, split wins and losses in regulation. Six teams failed to register a win, with the Utah Mammoths struggling the most, dropping their first three road games. Each week of the season, the top 10 NHL teams are ranked based on their recent and overall 2025-26 season performances, with explanations provided for each ranking.
The Week 9 power rankings place the Colorado Avalanche at number one, boasting an 18-1-6 record and maintaining a defensive streak by conceding fewer than three goals in five consecutive games. Key players like Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog have been instrumental, with MacKinnon leading the league in goals (20) and points (44), while Landeskog has bounced back after injury. Following closely are the Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Carolina Hurricanes, all showing strong winning streaks and standout individual performances. Other teams like the Minnesota Wild, Washington Capitals, and Anaheim Ducks have also demonstrated notable improvements and key player contributions, while teams such as the Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, and Vegas Golden Knights showed mixed results but remain competitive.
Fan Take: This update highlights the intense competition and evolving dynamics of the NHL, showcasing incredible streaks and standout players who are shaping the season. For hockey fans, it means an exciting and unpredictable journey ahead, with each week potentially shaking up the standings and intensifying rivalries in the race for the Stanley Cup.
