The NHL postseason is intensifying as the Stanley Cup playoffs approach May, highlighting the top contenders. The Colorado Avalanche lead the power rankings after a strong season and a first-round sweep of the Los Angeles Kings.
The NHL postseason is where everything changes. Matchups tighten. Stars emerge, and sometimes disappear. And as the intensity ramps up, the true contenders for the Stanley Cup begin to separate themselves from the rest. Here are the Stanley Cup Playoffs power rankings entering May, breaking down who looks like a true title threat and who might be running out of time.
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The Avalanche entered the playoffs as winners of this yearâs Presidents Trophy. Colorado was the leagueâs best team throughout the season. They end the season 1st in goals scored and goals allowed per game. In round one, they swept the Los Angeles Kings.
Carolinaâs season was overshadowed by Colorado. The Hurricanes were the top Eastern Conference team and ranked 2nd overall during the regular season. They ranked 2nd in goals scored per game, 8th in goals allowed per game, and 4th on the power play. In the first round of the playoffs, they swept the Ottawa Senators.
Minnesota is another team whose great season was overshadowed by foes not only in the same conference, but in the same division. The Wild were outstanding this season and were one of the leagueâs most consistent performers. They ranked 4th in defensive efficiency and take a 3-2 series lead into their game 6 matchup vs. Dallas tonight.
The Colorado Avalanche rank first in the NHL power rankings for the Stanley Cup playoffs entering May.
The Colorado Avalanche won the Presidents Trophy as the league's best team this season.
The Colorado Avalanche swept the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the playoffs.
The top contenders for the Stanley Cup include the Colorado Avalanche and the Carolina Hurricanes, among others.
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Dallas was consistent throughout the regular season, finishing as runners-up to Colorado in the Central Division. The Starsâ defense and goaltending ranked 2nd in goals allowed per game, anchoring the team throughout the season. The Edmonton Oilers were the only team ranked above the Stars in power play percentage. They are in a must-win situation tonight on the road in Game 6 against the Wild.
The Sabres were the best story of the season. They conquered the adversity they faced early in the season and propelled themselves to the top of the Atlantic Division. The young Buffalo team finished 5th in goals scored per game. They hold a 3-2 series lead over the Bruins as they head on the road to Boston for game 6 Friday night.
Montreal hit a rough stretch but ended the regular season on a high note. The Canadiensâ offense was electric throughout the season, finishing 6th in goals scored per game. They won a big Game 5 on the road against Tampa and can close out their series Friday night at home.
The Lightning had the leagueâs best hot streak from December 20th to February 25th. They catapulted to the top of the Atlantic Division and fell below 2nd place once. Tampa ended the regular season ranked 4th in goals scored and 3rd in goals allowed per game. They find themselves trailing Montreal 3-2 heading into Game 6 on Friday. If they can force Game 7, it will be back in Tampa.
Philadelphiaâs defense and goaltending carried the team throughout the regular season. However, the offense received an immediate boost when the team called up top prospect Porter Martone. He had barely 10 games of experience under his belt entering the playoffs, but scored a goal in each of the teamâs first 2 games and helped the Flyers beat the Penguins in six games.
The Golden Knights underachieved this season, but the regular season is over, and this Vegas roster is highly talented and has been putting their talent on display. The Golden Knights have a 3-2 series lead over Utah following their Game 5 win in double overtime.
The Ducksâ defense and goaltending finished the regular season ranked the lowest of any playoff-bound team, but their offense kept them in games. The Ducks finished the season ranked 18th in goals scored per game. They are surprisingly leading the Oilers 3-2 in their first-round series with a chance to close things out tonight.
Boston limped into the playoffs after struggling in April. Their defense gave the team a chance to win, but the offense went stagnant. They are currently losing 3-2 in their series to the Sabres, and were able to stay alive in the playoffs thanks to their 2-1 overtime victory in Buffalo on Tuesday night.
It will be tough for Edmonton to reach the Stanley Cup Finals for a third consecutive season. Defensively, the Oilers are one of the leagueâs worst teams. The teamâs glaring issue is playing this postseason without superstar Leon Draisaitl. They find themselves down 3-2 to the Ducks, and their season could end tonight in Game 6.
Utah was a dark horse entering the playoffs. The team is talented and has been a tough matchup in the opening round against Las Vegas. The Mammothâs offense didnât rank as high as other playoff teams, but their defense and goaltending are as good as any team in the playoffs, which could give them a chance to even the series up at 3-3 Friday night and force a Game 7.