For the second consecutive week, the Colorado Avalanche secured six points, winning all their games. Through 19 games this season, Colorado State (13-1-5) has only once failed to earn any points, boasting an 8-0-2 record since their regulation loss to the Boston Bruins on October 25.
In Week 6 (Tuesday to Sunday), both the Dallas Stars and Los Angeles Kings finished undefeated with 3-0-0 records. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils emerged victorious in both their matches, winning in regulation time.
Two teams had particularly tough weeks: the Anaheim Ducks and Montreal Canadiens both went winless in three games. Anaheim lost all their games on the road, while Montreal dropped three home games, including a heavy 15-3 defeat. Consequently, neither team features in this week’s top 10 rankings.
Each week, a top 10 ranking of NHL teams will be compiled based on their recent and overall season performance, accompanied by brief summaries to explain the placement.
Here’s a breakdown of Week 6 power rankings with notable highlights:
1. Colorado Avalanche (3-0-0 in Week 6, 13-1-5 overall)
The Avalanche won by three points in all three home games last week. Nathan MacKinnon added four assists to extend his NHL points lead to 33 but ended his 11-game scoring streak on Sunday against the New York Islanders. Cale Makar led defensemen with 25 points, while Martin Necas scored four goals in three games. Despite missing Valeri Nichushkin due to injury, Brock Nelson returned strong with two goals and two assists in three games.
2. Dallas Stars (3-0-0; 12-4-3)
The Stars extended their winning streak to five games, outscoring opponents 15-3. Jason Robertson scored a hat trick in a 5-1 win over the Flyers and maintained a four-game point streak. Mikko Rantanen posted one goal and four assists, while Roope Hintz returned from injury with a six-game point streak.
3. New Jersey Devils (2-0-0; 13-4-1)
The Devils are on a five-game winning streak after overtime and shootout victories. Jack Hughes, who contributed two assists, is sidelined for up to two months after finger surgery. Simon Nemec scored a career-first hat trick, including an overtime winner.
4. Los Angeles Kings (3-0-0; 10-5-4)
Los Angeles won three straight games, including an overtime victory over Toronto. Quinton Byfield played a key role with goals and assists. Adrian Kempe, praised for his consistency, recently signed a new eight-year contract.
5. Carolina Hurricanes (1-1-1, 12-5-1)
The Hurricanes had mixed results but welcomed back Shayne Gostisbehere, who quickly delivered five assists in three games. Nikolaj Ehlers remains on a seven-game point streak.
6. Boston Bruins (2-1-0, 12-8-0)
The Bruins saw their seven-game winning streak end with a loss to Ottawa but rebounded against Montreal. David Pastrnak scored seven points and Morgan Geekie leads in points lately. There’s concern over Charlie McAvoy’s potential surgery for a puck-related injury.
7. Pittsburgh Penguins (1-0-1; 10-5-4)
The Penguins secured three points in two games, with Evgeni Malkin scoring consistently. Sidney Crosby scored his 12th goal, and newcomer Sergei Murashov earned his first career win with a perfect save record.
8. Chicago Blackhawks (1-0-1; 9-5-4)
Chicago extended a winning streak to five games after splitting results last week. Connor Bedard leads the team with 10 goals. Nick Foligno returned to the scoresheet but has been placed on injured reserve due to a hand injury.
9. Seattle Kraken (2-0-1; 9-4-5)
The Kraken earned five points with wins over Winnipeg and San Jose. Jordan Eberle and Jaden Schwartz each scored twice, while defenseman Jamie Oleksiak contributed three assists.
10. Detroit Red Wings (2-0-1; 11-7-1)
Detroit rebounded from a rough week with wins over Anaheim and New York and an overtime loss to Buffalo. Key contributors included Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Larkin, and Lucas Raymond, alongside veteran Patrick Kane.
Fan Take: This week’s power rankings highlight the Avalanche’s dominance and emerging talent across the league, making the NHL season highly competitive and exciting. Fans should watch closely as injuries and rising stars continue to influence playoff prospects and could shift the balance of power in hockey.
