The NHL has completed its second week of the 2026-2027 season. Certain teams are off to rough starts, while others are playing as well as they could have hoped. The biggest blow occurred to the New York Rangers. Starting goaltender Igor Shesterkin is ruled out for the remainder of the season. Now is the time for Dylan Garand to start between the pipes. Here are NHL team power rankings entering Week 3.
MORE: NHL stock watch: Risers & fallers after Week 2
Ranks 32-24
Oct 3, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Calgary Flames forward Matt Coronato (27) follows the flying puck against the Vancouver Canucks in the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
32. Calgary Flames
It’s a rough start for the Flames. The team is building for the future and does not look competitive through two weeks. Offense is a glaring issue in Calgary.
31. Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers have been on the wrong side of production. The team is having issues winning games. Now isn’t the time for injuries to occur.
30. Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks have endured a tough schedule. The team hasn’t fared well during these tough matchups. Chicago badly needs the return of superstar Connor Bedard.
29. Detroit Red Wings
Detroit is off to a slow start. However, Dylan Larkin made his return to the ice and scored a goal. It’s only a matter of time before the disgruntled star is traded.
28. Los Angeles Kings
The Kings are off to a slow start. The team struggled at home and on the road. It’s early, but now isn’t the time to dig a deep hole.
27. Vancouver Canucks
Offensively, Vancouver is keeping pace with its opponents. However, defense is another story. Goaltending and defense are keys to a successful season.
26. Buffalo Sabres
It’s been a slow start for Buffalo. The offense hasn’t started where it left off last season. It’s only a matter of time before the team heats up.
25. New York Islanders
Defensively, the Islanders are playing well. The story is different on offense. This is the same issue the team had last season.
24. Columbus Blue Jackets
The outcomes haven’t matched the effort. It’s a slow start to the season. The Blue Jackets went on a run later into last season.
Ranks 23-16
Oct 8, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Nashville Predators goalie Juuse Saros (74) makes a save against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
23. Nashville Predators
Nashville has been on the right and wrong sides of games. They’ve shown the ability to overcome deficits. However, they’ve also blown leads.
22. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins are having a slow start to the season. In time, captain Sidney Crosby will get the team heading in the right direction. They will be in the playoffs.
21. St. Louis Blues
Struggles on the road are evident through two weeks. Not to mention, the team has been outscored by opponents. It’s hard to believe the Blues will compete for the playoffs.
20. Montreal Canadiens
Goaltending isn’t up to par to start the season. However, the offense has as much firepower as any NHL team. Montreal needs its defense and goaltending to play better.
19. New Jersey Devils
The Devils are beating the teams they should beat. However, they’ve struggled against better teams. New Jersey is a mid-range team.
18. Toronto Maple Leafs
What do you know, Gavin McKenna is heating up. It was only a matter of time before the #1 pick started adding points. The team will start ascending through the power rankings.
17. Dallas Stars
Goaltending has been fantastic for Dallas. The same can be said for the team’s defense. The offense will start catching up.
16. San Jose Sharks
Macklin Celebrini is the team’s lifeline. When he plays, the Sharks will always have a chance. He will continue carrying the team on his shoulders.
Ranks 15-11
Sep 29, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) and left wing Brady Tkachuk (8) celebrate after defeating the Carolina Hurricanes in overtime at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
15. Florida Panthers
The Panthers are competing while anxiously awaiting season debuts from a handful of players. Florida is looking to rebound following a down year. They are a force to be reckoned with.
14. Winnipeg Jets
Winnipeg is off to a better start than anyone could have predicted. Even without Connor Hellebuyck, the team is competing. Now is the time to anxiously await Hellebuyck being dealt.
13. Seattle Kraken
Seattle is receiving increased production on offense. This was badly needed a season ago. Through two weeks, the team is headed in the right direction.
12. Ottawa Senators
As of now, the Senators are playing well. However, this may not last deep into the season. It’s a great story for two weeks.
11. Minnesota Wild
Minnesota is a strong team and is playing well. Defenseman Quinn Hughes has gotten off to a hot start. The Wild will continue to be a tough matchup.
Top 10
Oct 1, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka (70) watches play against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
10. Utah Mammoth
The Mammoth’s offense is hot. They’ve been especially hot on the power play. Look for Utah to continue rising in the standings.
9. Washington Capitals
In his final season, Alex Ovechkin is looking for one more deep playoff run. As of now, the team is heading in the right direction. Washington has as good of an upside as any team.
8. Colorado Avalanche
Well, this is a slow start that no one saw coming. These issues arise on defense. In terms of offense, Colorado is as good as any team.
7. Boston Bruins
The Bruins are playing well. The key will be to stay consistent throughout the season. Last year, late-season woes hindered the team.
6. Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim’s offense has been solid. The team is playing well and winning games. They are heading toward the playoffs.
Top 5
Apr 26, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) smirks against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
5. Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay’s defense has been productive. The team is receiving great play from veterans and its youth. A hot start is what the team needs.
4. New York Rangers
Alex Lafreniere was as hot as any player. His great play and the team’s defense have been keys early on. Now, the team must find a way not to slow down with news that Igor Shesterkin is out for the remainder of the season.
3. Vegas Golden Knights
They’re hot, and they’re winning. Jack Eichel has played out of this world. The Golden Knights have their eyes on the Cup.
2. Edmonton Oilers
How about Edmonton’s defensemen? The team has received a huge boost on defense. Now, will the team’s goaltenders play consistently throughout the season?
1. Carolina Hurricanes
The defending champions are playing fantastic hockey. They played tough through two weeks. They’re the top dogs until another team proves otherwise.
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