NHL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, each team’s game of the month

Tim Kavanagh, ESPN.comMar 1, 2024, 07:00 AM ET

CloseTim Kavanagh is a senior editor for ESPN digital editorial. He’s a native of upstate New York.

We’re now one week 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 as we saw with this week’s Chris Tanev deal.

The Florida Panthers remain atop the Power Rankings this week, with some big moves elsewhere on the list. And this week, we’ve identified the most captivating game(s) in the month of March for each club.

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. 23. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 70.00%

Game of the month: March 26 vs. the Bruins. The Panthers shocked the sports world with their upset of the record-breaking Bruins in the 2023 playoffs. Boston won’t need Paul Revere to let it know the Panthers are coming this time around, and this will be the penultimate matchup between the two Atlantic Division powers prior to the 2024 postseason tourney.

Next seven days: @ DET (March 2), @ NYR (March 4), @ NJ (March 5), vs. PHI (March 7)

Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 69.17%

Game of the month: March 28 at the Avalanche. The Rangers have some big matchups against conference foes lined up this month, but this mile-high tilt could well be a Stanley Cup Final preview — featuring a number of superstars currently in the mix for season-ending awards. The Rangers won the first matchup between the clubs, 2-1 in OT on Feb. 5.

Next seven days: @ TOR (March 2), vs. FLA (March 4)

Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 69.17%

Game of the month: March 7 at the Golden Knights. “To be the man, you gotta beat the man.” Ric Flair’s famous quote isn’t entirely…

Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39625686/nhl-power-rankings-2023-2024-best-teams-standings-playoffs

Author : Tim Kavanagh

Publish date : 2024-03-01 11:03:25

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