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NHL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, early surprises for each team

We are just over two weeks into the NHL season. Frozen Frenzy is in the books, and in the distance is the triumphant return of best-on-best international hockey at the 4 Nations Face-off.

There’s a lot of season left, but there is enough of a sample size to identify the biggest surprise of the season for all 32 teams, presented here along with an updated set of Power Rankings.

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 Oct. 19. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.

Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 78.57%

Biggest surprise: Alexis is (still) on fire. The french word for brakes is “freins”, but it’s been all gas and no “freins” for Alexis Lafreniere, who continues to build off of his 14 points in 16 playoff games. It’s not easy being a No. 1 overall pick, where many demand you be great now. It’s been a marathon not a sprint for the Quebec native, and the improvements are tangible. You have to wonder how much Team Canada consideration he will get for February’s 4 Nations Face-off.

Next seven days: vs. ANA (Oct. 26), @ WSH (Oct. 29)

Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 100.00%

Biggest surprise: A perfect start. The Jets have been absolutely perfect: 7-0-0, with a plus-18 goal differential, and six players on or above a point-per-game rate out of the gates. This is the kind of dream start you remember if you fall into a slump later in the season and are still top of your division. The Central looked like a top-heavy slugfest with surprise potential before the season started, and the biggest positive surprise thus far has been Winnipeg.

Next seven days: @ CGY (Oct. 26), vs. TOR (Oct. 28), @ DET (Oct. 30)

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 75.00%

Biggest surprise: Logan Stankoven’s carry-over rookie campaign. The threshold for an NHL player to remain…


Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/41983358/nhl-power-rankings-2024-2025-best-teams-standings-playoffs-surprises

Author : Arda Ocal

Publish date : 2024-10-25 11:28:59

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