{"id":453208,"date":"2026-02-10T13:26:27","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T13:26:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/453208\/"},"modified":"2026-02-10T13:26:27","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T13:26:27","slug":"nhl-power-rankings-at-2026-winter-olympic-break","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/453208\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Power Rankings at 2026 Winter Olympic break"},"content":{"rendered":"

The NHL <\/a>Winter Olympics break runs from February 6 to February 24. This two-week break will give players the chance to reset and allow any ailments to heal. Of course, there are many players partaking in the Milano Cortina Olympics after being selected to represent their respective countries. <\/p>\n

Once the NHL resumes play, front offices have 10 days until the March 6 trade deadline. The push for a playoff spot is heating up, and the rumor mill will gain traction soon. <\/p>\n

Here are the NHL team power rankings as the Winter Olympics begin.<\/p>\n

MORE: 2026 Olympic Hockey Preview as NHL stars return to the world stage<\/a><\/p>\n

32. Vancouver Canucks<\/p>\n

The Canucks continue to be the league\u2019s worst team. Vancouver has scored the fewest goals while surrendering one of the highest totals to opponents. They currently have the best odds at landing the top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.<\/p>\n

31. St. Louis Blues<\/p>\n

\"\"Jan 16, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn (10) skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The talent on the roster hasn\u2019t allowed St. Louis to compete this season. They own the league\u2019s worst record on the road and the 2nd\u2013worst goal differential. Between now and the trade deadline, the front office must trade players of value for future draft capital.<\/p>\n

30. New York Rangers<\/p>\n

The Rangers have completely fallen off the grid. Only the Vancouver Canucks have a worse record on home ice. The front office officially waved the white flag following Wednesday\u2019s trade of Artemi Panarin.<\/p>\n

29. Calgary Flames<\/p>\n

Calgary has an ongoing issue with offense. The team\u2019s defensemen and goaltenders keep them in games, but the offense can\u2019t produce goals. The franchise needs an electric goalscorer.<\/p>\n

28. Winnipeg Jets<\/p>\n

Winnipeg has endured a tumultuous season. The offense hasn\u2019t produced, and the team has ranked near the bottom in goals scored per game, penalty kill percentage, and power play percentage. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck hasn\u2019t been able to disguise the team\u2019s lack of offense as he\u2019s dealt with injuries while producing the second-worst statistics of his career.<\/p>\n

27. Chicago Blackhawks<\/p>\n

Chicago\u2019s still developing its youth and continues to wait for results. The team has slid since their hot start to the season. The offense and defense are both stagnant, ranking near the league\u2019s worst in goals scored per game, power play percentage, and goals allowed per game.<\/p>\n

26. Nashville Predators<\/p>\n

If Nashville can go on a run, following a return from the Olympic pause, a Wild Card spot is within reach. However, Nashville needs to see improvements from its defense and goaltenders. The season is heading towards crunch time, and a playoff spot is within 10 points.<\/p>\n

25. New Jersey Devils<\/p>\n

New Jersey\u2019s offense can\u2019t keep up with opposing teams and are tied for the worst shot percentage in the NHL. This has been an ongoing issue throughout the season. Center Jack Hughes has dealt with injuries this season, but a return to full health can help alleviate the team\u2019s offensive inconsistencies.<\/p>\n

24. San Jose Sharks<\/p>\n

San Jose\u2019s issues do not point towards the offense. The offense has done their part and rank top 10 in short percentage. The issue has been defense, sitting with the league\u2019s worst teams in goals allowed per game and save percentage.<\/p>\n

23. Florida Panthers<\/p>\n

\"\"Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Brad Marchand (63) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Lack of defense and goaltending production has haunted Florida throughout the season. The Panthers are one of the NHL\u2019s worst teams in goals allowed per game and save percentage. If the team cannot correct these issues, they will be the main reason the team misses the playoffs.<\/p>\n

22. Philadelphia Flyers<\/p>\n

The Flyers have been good but not great. They don\u2019t score at a high clip, but they are top 15 in shot percentage. Defensively, the team has issues preventing opponents from scoring. The team must improve on defense.<\/p>\n

21. Los Angeles Kings<\/p>\n

The Kings are within five points of a Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. Their main issue has been scoring goals. The front office took the first step in correcting this issue by acquiring left winger Artemi Panarin.<\/p>\n

20. Seattle Kraken<\/p>\n

Seattle has battled through struggles and has increased production since late December. The team\u2019s defense and goaltenders continue to lead the way. Before the trade deadline, the front office will look for offensive help and ways to improve penalty kills.<\/p>\n

19. Ottawa Senators<\/p>\n

The Senators are the only last-place conference team with a positive goal differential. The team\u2019s offense has performed at a top 10 level, but poor defense has led to opponents scoring frequently and the league\u2019s worst save percentage. Defensive improvements can put Ottawa in the hunt for a Wild Card spot.<\/p>\n

18. Utah Mammoth<\/p>\n

\"\"Jan 5, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Utah Mammoth defenseman Sean Durzi (50) reacts after being called for hooking during the third period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Utah has played consistent hockey, ranking in the top half in goals scored per game and 5th in goals allowed per game. The team\u2019s downfall is playing in the Central Division with Colorado, Minnesota, and Dallas. The Mammoth can be expected to add minor upgrades by the trade deadline.<\/p>\n

17. Anaheim Ducks<\/p>\n

The Ducks are back in playoff contention with strong performances over their last 10 games. Anaheim has struggled on and off this season, but finds ways to persevere. Improvements are needed on defense as the Ducks rank among the league\u2019s worst in goals allowed per game and save percentage.<\/p>\n

16. Columbus Blue Jackets<\/p>\n

The Blue Jackets have been hot over their last 10 games, moving within five points of an Eastern Conference Wild Card spot. Since January 22nd, Columbus has had three shutout wins. The team could use a boost on offense and help on penalty kills.<\/p>\n

15. Toronto Maple Leafs<\/p>\n

If the playoffs started today, the Maple Leafs would be out. Toronto\u2019s offense is not a problem, but defense and goaltending are glaring flaws. The Maple Leafs rank among the five-worst teams in goals allowed per game and total goals allowed.<\/p>\n

14. Washington Capitals<\/p>\n

This time last year, Washington went on a hot streak, and the team could use the same production following the Olympic break. The Capitals\u2019 offense has taken a step back and lacks production from the early parts of the season. Washington\u2019s front office will be busy leading up to the March 6th trade deadline.<\/p>\n

13. Edmonton Oilers<\/p>\n

\"NHLOct 4, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) handles the puck against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period at Rogers Arena. | Bob Frid-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Like Toronto, Edmonton possesses a high-powered offense but ranks among the league\u2019s worst in defense and goals allowed per game. Unlike Toronto, Edmonton is fighting for its division lead. If the Oilers want to win the Stanley Cup, they must add pieces to improve their defense.<\/p>\n

12. Vegas Golden Knights<\/p>\n

Vegas is headed to the playoffs, and it possesses one of the league\u2019s most well-rounded rosters. The team ranks among the league\u2019s leaders in nearly every offensive and defensive category. If any deals are made at the trade deadline, they will be to add depth to the roster.<\/p>\n

11. New York Islanders<\/p>\n

The Islanders are part of the group of teams chasing Carolina in the Metropolitan Division. They\u2019re currently settled into a playoff spot and are tied for the most wins among division opponents. New York must add offensive pieces before the trade deadline.<\/p>\n

10. Boston Bruins<\/p>\n

The Bruins\u2019 push for the playoffs is underway. The division is within reach, but they must improve on defense. Boston ranks among the league\u2019s worst in penalty kill percentage and total goals allowed.<\/p>\n

9. Pittsburgh Penguins<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh\u2019s increased production has moved the team up the Metropolitan Division standings. The team is chasing Carolina, but the Hurricanes are showing no signs of slowing down. The Penguins have one regulation loss against division opponents.<\/p>\n

8. Buffalo Sabres<\/p>\n

\"\"Feb 5, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon (34) looks to make a save during the third period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

From October 9th to December 8th, Buffalo suffered three or more consecutive losses four times. Since December 9th, the team has yet to lose three consecutive games. The Sabres can look to add defensive pieces at the trade deadline.<\/p>\n

7. Montreal Canadiens<\/p>\n

Before Tampa Bay went on a tear, Montreal was neck-and-neck with Detroit for the Atlantic Division lead. While the Lightning sit atop the division, the Canadiens are less than five points away from the top. Wins against divisional opponents will be crucial the rest of the way.<\/p>\n

6. Detroit Red Wings<\/p>\n

Detroit\u2019s consistency has made it one of the Metropolitan Division\u2019s best teams throughout the season. The key to the team\u2019s success has been defense. Adding offensive pieces will improve weaknesses that exist.<\/p>\n

5. Dallas Stars<\/p>\n

Dallas is part of a trio of Central Division teams that have led the NHL for much of the season. The Stars have faced adversity but are back on track. The team\u2019s defense and goaltending rank among the NHL\u2019s best, and the front office will undoubtedly add to the team at the trade deadline.<\/p>\n

4. Minnesota Wild<\/p>\n

The Wild suffered nine losses in October but rebounded quickly. Since their abysmal start to the season, the team lost eight games over a two-month period. Minnesota is a team to be reckoned with in the playoffs.<\/p>\n

3. Carolina Hurricanes<\/p>\n

The Hurricanes continue to have a healthy lead on the Metropolitan Division. They\u2019ve been one of the league\u2019s best at curbing losing streaks and haven\u2019t had a losing streak greater than three games. If Carolina makes a move, the front office will add a veteran who excels on penalty kills.<\/p>\n

2. Tampa Bay Lightning<\/p>\n

\"\"Oct 14, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) skates with the puck past Washington Capitals center Nic Dowd (26) in the second period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay has been the league\u2019s hottest team since December 20th. The offense and defense clicked, and the team quickly moved to first place in the Atlantic Division. The Lightning are second to the Avalanche in goals scored and goals allowed per game.<\/p>\n

1. Colorado Avalanche<\/p>\n

The Avalanche have led the NHL team power rankings each week of the regular season. They lead the league in goal differential, goals scored per game, goals allowed per game, and own the best home record. At this point in the season, the other playoff contenders are pondering how to beat Colorado.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead <\/a>\u2014<\/p>\n

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