New York, November 27, 2025
The NHL’s 2025-26 season has reached its quarter point with the Colorado Avalanche firmly leading the standings at 14-1-5, followed closely by the Carolina Hurricanes who have asserted themselves as the second-best team. Notable shifts within the league include the Anaheim Ducks’ dramatic climb into the top four, underpinned by a potent offense, while traditional contenders face varied challenges as playoff races tighten.
Elite Performance at the Top
The Colorado Avalanche continue to showcase dominance on the ice with a commanding record and sustained consistency. Their performance places them as the benchmark for excellence so far this season. The Carolina Hurricanes follow as the league’s second-best, demonstrating reliable execution and steady form, solidifying their reputation as key championship contenders.
Surging Teams Shake Up the Rankings
The Anaheim Ducks have emerged as a surprising powerhouse, vaulting from 27th to 4th in power rankings within weeks. Their offensive unit ranks second in the league for scoring, positioning them at the top of the Pacific Division. However, their goaltending remains an area for potential improvement to maintain or surpass this standing.
The Chicago Blackhawks also mark a significant ascent, entering the top ten rankings partly due to rookie star Connor Bedard, who fuels their 13th-ranked offense. Chicago balances strong home and away performances and ranks eighth in goals allowed per game, indicative of an improving defensive structure.
Mid-Tier Contenders Battle for Consistency
Occupying the league’s midsection are the Dallas Stars, who hold the second-most points and feature a top-ten offense. They, along with the New Jersey Devils, Winnipeg Jets, and Vegas Golden Knights, are in the hunt to refine aspects of their games—whether deepening scoring options or tightening defense—to solidify playoff credentials.
Playoff Bubble Teams Face Challenges
Teams such as the New York Islanders, Minnesota Wild, Seattle Kraken, and Boston Bruins remain in contention but hover near the margins. The Islanders demonstrate stronger road performances and boast a defense ranked ninth in goals against. The Boston Bruins show signs of resurgence, winning six of their last ten games, driven by David Pastrnak’s position as fifth in league points, highlighting individual impact on team momentum.
As the NHL progresses past the initial segment of the season, the mix of established dominance and evolving contenders illustrates a dynamic league landscape. Individual MVP-level performances have been key drivers of success, exemplified by stars like Sidney Crosby elevating the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pastrnak boosting Boston’s fortunes. The remainder of the season promises intricate battles for playoff seeding and potential shifts in power that will captivate stakeholders and fans alike.