Here’s a rewritten version of the content:
1. Avalanche: Gabriel Landeskog is showing no signs of rust, having earned 10 points over his last 14 games with impressive overall stats, especially considering he missed three seasons. Record: 21-2-7.
2. Stars: Despite some average performances, Jake Oettinger is regaining form with solid recent stats of a 2.39 goals-against average and a .955 save percentage. Record: 21-5-5.
3. Capitals: Jakob Chychrun has become Washington’s top defenseman, dominating play with a 57.1% expected goal share and a plus 24 goal difference at 5-on-5 in his second season. Record: 18-9-3.
4. Hurricanes: Logan Stankoven’s first full season in Carolina has been a mixed bag; he scored 12 goals in 29 games but has been goal-less for the past month, highlighting the team’s need for more scoring support. Record: 18-9-2.
5. Ducks: Pavel Minchukov faces trade rumors as younger defensemen have overtaken him, and he recently was a healthy scratch, raising questions if Anaheim should pursue more proven talent. Record: 19-10-1.
6. Wild: Marcus Johansson is experiencing a scoring surge with nine goals, though his shooting percentage of 20% is well above his career average, suggesting some regression could occur. Record: 16-9-5.
7. Lightning: Brayden Point is struggling with only four goals this season and poor 5-on-5 impact; Tampa’s playoff hopes look bleak if his form doesn’t improve. Record: 17-11-2.
8. Islanders: Bo Horvat has been heating up offensively with 19 goals, on pace for a career-high 33, a key factor in the Islanders’ strong standing in the Metro Division. Record: 17-11-3.
9. Golden Knights: Mark Stone, despite injuries limiting him to 13 games, has scored consistently and collected 22 points since returning late November. Record: 14-6-9.
10. Flyers: Philadelphia has unexpectedly overperformed but faces long-term challenges without a game-breaking player and likely won’t secure a top draft pick. Record: 16-9-3.
11. Kings: Quinton Byfield has potential as a two-way forward but has underperformed offensively so far, projecting only 11 goals in a team relying on collective scoring. Record: 14-8-7.
12. Bruins: Boston excels thanks to strong special teams, ranking 6th in power play and 9th in penalty kill, compensating for weaker 5-on-5 play. Record: 18-13-0.
13. Penguins: Evgeni Malkin, now on injured reserve, was having an exceptional season for his age, making Pittsburgh’s playoff push tougher in his absence. Record: 14-7-7.
14. Panthers: Carter Verhaeghe’s return has energized Florida’s offense with six goals and five assists in six games. Record: 14-12-2.
15. Devils: After a tough stretch capped by a five-game losing streak, New Jersey’s struggles continue, awaiting contributions from Quinn Hughes. Record: 17-12-1.
16. Senators: Ottawa excels at 5-on-5 with a strong expected goal share but suffers from poor goaltending, ranking near the bottom in save percentage. Record: 13-12-4.
17. Red Wings: James van Riemsdyk is quietly thriving with a four-game scoring streak, greatly aiding Detroit’s puck control. Record: 16-11-3.
18. Canadiens: Montreal lacks depth beyond its top forwards, making it difficult for the team to be a serious playoff contender. Record: 15-11-3.
19. Maple Leafs: Energized by goalies Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby, Toronto’s recent strong goaltending might help them climb in the standings. Record: 14-11-4.
20. Rangers: Igor Shesterkin remains a Vezina Trophy candidate with substantial goals saved and a solid save percentage this season. Record: 15-12-4.
21. Oilers: Edmonton can’t find momentum, losing a chance at a three-game streak and still struggling to meet expectations; hopes remain pinned on improvement by 2026. Record: 13-11-6.
22. Sharks: San Jose’s early strong start has fizzled amid poor 5-on-5 expected goal share, indicating a stagnant team performance. Record: 14-14-3.
23. Blue Jackets: Elvis Merzlikins has struggled, allowing at least three goals in his last nine starts, suggesting Columbus should consider giving Jett Greaves more starts. Record: 13-11-6.
24. Jets: Logan Stanley has been a defensive liability, with the Jets posting a low expected goal share when he’s on ice, signaling a potential need for change. Record: 14-14-1.
25. Kraken: Seattle’s losing streak now at five regulation losses, with poor finishing despite outshooting opponents. Record: 11-10-6.
26. Blackhawks: Though Connor Bedard impresses, Chicago’s lack of depth and defensive issues have caught up, signaling a tough season ahead. Record: 12-11-6.
27. Mammoth: Utah faces a downturn after Logan Cooley’s serious leg injury, needing to recover quickly to stay competitive. Record: 14-14-3.
28. Flames: Nazem Kadri has boosted his trade value with 15 points in 11 games since mid-November, possibly earning a high return from Calgary. Record: 12-15-4.
29. Blues: With the league’s worst goal differential, St. Louis must significantly improve its goaltending to have any chance of progress. Record: 11-13-7.
30. Sabres: Buffalo is the only Eastern Conference team under .500 and likely the least hopeful for playoffs after consecutive regulation losses. Record: 12-14-4.
31. Predators: Steven Stamkos is showing signs of a rebound with four goals and two assists in six games. Record: 11-14-4.
32. Canucks: Vancouver continues to disappoint even to season devouts, lacking positivity or progress. Record: 11-16-3.
Fan Take: This comprehensive ranking reveals the dynamic ebbs and flows among NHL teams, highlighting stars rising from adversity and those struggling with depth or injuries. For hockey fans, these insights reinforce why staying updated through the season is exciting—every game can shift the playoff picture and the future of franchises.
