Kristen Shilton, ESPN NHL reporterFeb 23, 2024, 07:00 AM ET
CloseKristen Shilton is a national NHL reporter for ESPN.
We’re officially two weeks away from the NHL trade deadline on March 8, and teams will be making moves between now and then to either bolster their Stanley Cup chances or build for the future.
Along with a new No. 1 team on the Power Rankings this week, we are breaking down each team’s updated playoff chances, as determined by Stathletes projections.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends 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 Feb. 16. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 68.42%
Playoff chances: 99.9%. Florida could be the first team to make consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances since their state rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning, did it in 2020 and 2021 (and 2022 as well). And this time, the Panthers have a better opportunity to come away victorious.
Next seven days: vs. WSH (Feb. 24), vs. BUF (Feb. 27), vs. MTL (Feb. 29)
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 68.97%
Playoff chances: 99.9%. Boston experienced last spring how anything can happen once the postseason begins. The key for the Bruins is not to be haunted by the past in their next playoff opportunity.
Next seven days: @ VAN (Feb. 24), @ SEA (Feb. 26), vs. VGK (Feb. 29)
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 67.80%
Playoff chances: 99.9%. Vancouver has shocked the hockey world as this season’s breakout club. Even the current slump shouldn’t hurt their chances of a playoff berth. Vancouver has excelled from top to bottom more often than not, so the real icing on their cake will be racking up series wins in the postseason.
Next seven days: vs. BOS (Feb. 24), vs. PIT (Feb. 27), vs. LA (Feb. 29)
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 69.30%
Playoff chances: 99.9%. New York has been…
Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39576814/nhl-power-rankings-2023-2024-best-teams-standings-playoffs
Author : Kristen Shilton
Publish date : 2024-02-23 11:11:22
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