{"id":520082,"date":"2026-03-24T12:53:22","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T12:53:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/520082\/"},"modified":"2026-03-24T12:53:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T12:53:22","slug":"stanley-cup-power-rankings-in-the-final-week-of-march-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/520082\/","title":{"rendered":"Stanley Cup Power Rankings in the final week of March 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are fewer than 14 games remaining in the regular season. The past few weeks have seen major shakeups in the playoff seedings. The Buffalo Sabres continue to be one of the NHL\u2019s hottest teams and are starting to add separation in the Atlantic Division standings. The two Eastern and Western Conference wild cards are shaping up to be a race to the final days of the regular season. Here are the Stanley Cup power rankings heading into the Week of March 23.<\/p>\n

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20. Nashville Predators<\/p>\n

Nashville has jumped into the second Western Conference wild card. While their Western Conference competition has struggled, the Predators have done their best to add points to the standings. The team\u2019s underwhelming defense and goaltending will be tested if they reach the playoffs.<\/p>\n

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

\"\"Oct 18, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mitch Marner (93) congratulates goaltender Adin Hill (33) after the Golden Knights defeated the Calgary Flames 6-1 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The Golden Knights have struggled since the end of February. Since February 27th, the team has lost 10 of 14 games. Vegas must right the ship as they enter the playoffs.<\/p>\n

18. Edmonton Oilers<\/p>\n

The Oilers are having issues with consistency. They either win by 2+ goals or lose by 2+ goals. This has been the story throughout the season, and they are set to play the rest of the regular season and postseason without Leon Draisaitl.<\/p>\n

15. Philadelphia Flyers<\/p>\n

The Flyers have their work cut out for them as they chase an Eastern Conference wild-card spot. They\u2019ve done their best to win, but the teams they are chasing continue to win as well. If Philadelphia misses the playoffs, the cause will be a lack of offense throughout the season.<\/p>\n

14. Anaheim Ducks<\/p>\n

The Ducks are leading the Pacific Division after the recent struggles of their division foes. Anaheim\u2019s offense has been on a tear, averaging close to five goals per game over its last four contests. The team\u2019s offense is ready for the playoffs, but the same can\u2019t be said of their defense and goaltending.<\/p>\n

13. Ottawa Senators<\/p>\n

\"\"Feb 5, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Ottawa Senators center Tim St\u009ftzle (18) celebrates his game-winning goal with right wing Claude Giroux (28) against the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The Senators have played their best hockey of the season since January 25th. During that span, the team has been on fire, with their offense continuing to be its bright spot on the ice.<\/p>\n

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

The Islanders are fighting to hold onto the final wild card in the Eastern Conference. The team\u2019s defense continues to keep the team in contention on a nightly basis. If New York misses the playoffs, offensive struggles will be the reason.<\/p>\n

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

It wasn\u2019t that long ago that Detroit sat atop the Atlantic Division. The team has struggled since the end of January and are playing for an Eastern Conference wild card. The Red Wings need to string off a week of wins.<\/p>\n

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

The Blue Jackets looked like a team on the outside looking in. However, a recent stretch of wins has the team third in the Metropolitan Division. If they continue adding points to the standings, they will reach the playoffs.<\/p>\n

9. Boston Bruins<\/p>\n

\"\"Jan 29, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center Fraser Minten (93) controls the puck from Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale (9) during the third period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Now isn\u2019t the time to struggle for Boston. The team\u2019s inconsistent play had led to dropping valuable points. The Bruins have a tough stretch of games as March comes to an end.<\/p>\n

8. Montreal Canadiens<\/p>\n

Montreal\u2019s offense continues to lead the team. The Canadiens rank 3rd in goals per game and are much better than their defense and goaltending. The team\u2019s offense will need to cover defensive issues in the playoffs.<\/p>\n

7. Pittsburgh Penguins<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh has struggled over its last 10 games. The team\u2019s Metropolitan standing is starting to dwindle. It\u2019s vital for the Penguins to add points in the final weeks of the season.<\/p>\n

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

\"\"Mar 7, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov (86) warms up before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The Lightning are starting to pull out of late-season struggles. The end of February saw the team lose four consecutive games for the first time since the middle of October. Tampa Bay\u2019s focus is on getting its roster fully healthy as the playoffs start.<\/p>\n

5. Minnesota Wild<\/p>\n

Minnesota is ready for the playoffs to start. The offense hasn\u2019t been as hot, but they still rank as one of the NHL\u2019s best. The team\u2019s excellent defense and goaltending will be another strength in the playoffs.<\/p>\n

4. Buffalo Sabres<\/p>\n

Buffalo continues to be the league\u2019s hottest team. Since January 25th, the Sabres have lost two games. In that span, the team\u2019s offense has provided their best output of the season.<\/p>\n

3. Carolina Hurricanes<\/p>\n

Carolina has played consistent hockey throughout the season. The team has the 3rd\u2013most points in the NHL and has chased Dallas and Colorado for much of the season. The Hurricanes are one of the few teams that see their offense and defense rank in the top 10.<\/p>\n

2. Dallas Stars<\/p>\n

Dallas has chased Colorado throughout the season for the top spot in the Central Division. It is unlikely they will overtake their division foes, but they have one last regular-season meeting on April 4th. The Western Conference Finals will be must-see TV if the Stars meet the Avalanche.<\/p>\n

1. Colorado Avalanche<\/p>\n

\"\"Mar 2, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Martin Necas (88) and center Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrate after a goal against the LA Kings in the first period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The Avalanche are heading to end the season with the most points in the league. Colorado has been the league\u2019s best team since day one. On the season, the Avalanche ranks first in offensive and defensive efficiency.<\/p>\n

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

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