Things are getting intense across the league as we near the Olympic break: The first midseason coaching firing place, a new frontrunner for the Hart Trophy has emerged, and teams’ playoff standings drastically change by the day. It’s time for the first NHL Power Rankings for The Hoosier Network in the calendar year 2026.
1. Colorado Avalanche
Record: 33-4-8
Previous Ranking: 1
It’s rare for an NHL team to have a grand total of zero weaknesses, but the 2025-2026 Colorado Avalanche are one of those rare exceptions. Whether it’s Nathan MacKinnon’s Hart Trophy tour, Cale Makar’s world-class talent on the blue lines, or the best goaltending duo in hockey being brick walls for opposing teams, no one has found answers for this Colorado team yet.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning
Record: 29-13-3
Previous Ranking: 7
Despite all of their injuries, the Lightning continue to win games, and in-fact their current 11-game win streak is tied for the longest in franchise history. No Victor Hedman, no Ryan McDonagh, and recently no Brayden Point. No problem. If this season doesn’t cement Jon Cooper’s Hockey Hall of Fame case, I’m not sure if anything will.
3. Carolina Hurricanes
Record: 28-15-4
Previous Ranking: 4
Rookie goaltender Brandon Bussi continues to shine for Carolina, as he has now won 16 of his 20 starts while posting a .904 save percentage. With the Metropolitan Division not being as stacked as recent seasons, the Hurricanes have taken advantage and built themselves a comfortable lead in the standings.
4. Montreal Canadiens
Record: 26-14-7
Previous Ranking: 10
Everything is coming together for Martin St. Louis’ squad. The offense is frontloaded with a bundle of young talent, headlined by Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Goaltender Jacob Fowler has been a nice surprise as of late, providing much needed stability at a position the Canadiens have struggled to figure out all season long.
5. Minnesota Wild
Record: 26-12-9
Previous Ranking: 3
Acquiring Quinn Hughes took the Wild from the middle of the pack in the Central Division to bonafide Stanley Cup Contenders. Hughes, who has 16 points in 15 games since joining Minnesota, has lived up to the high expectations of impatient Wild fans. Goaltenders Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt continue to shine, specifically Wallstedt, who like Bussi has been a major surprise as a rookie.
6. Dallas Stars
Record: 27-11-9
Previous Ranking: 2
The Stars have lost eight of their last ten games, and some of their weaknesses are beginning to show. Their offense is simply too top heavy, and the bottom six depth is extremely concerning. Dallas simply cannot rely on its power play to carry them to a Stanley Cup. In addition, what kind of Jake Oettinger will we get once playoff time arrives?
7. Detroit Red Wings
Record: 28-16-4
Previous Ranking: 6
The Red Wings have played outstanding over the last month, and this is the best this team has looked in quite some time. They are sitting in second place of what may be the most stacked division in hockey. John Gibson, who had a rough start to the season, has been one of hockey’s best goaltenders over the last few weeks, and any debate between him and Cam Talbot should be put away for good.
8. Vegas Golden Knights
Record: 21-11-12
Previous Ranking: 8
The Golden Knights have been frustratingly inconsistent this season. Their goaltending is a major problem right now, as none of the four netkeepers they’ve used this season have proven to be reliable options. Vegas does everything else pretty much flawlessly, and if they can fix their goaltending, they are right up there with Colorado for favorite in the Western Conference.
9. Edmonton Oilers
Record: 23-16-8
Previous Ranking: 11
Whether you love the Oilers or you hate them, we should all be grateful that we have a talent like Connor McDavid to appreciate in this era of hockey. McDavid could very well go down as the second greatest player of all time, and somehow not even be the best Oiler. Regardless of that, it really feels like a matter of when and not if Edmonton hoists the Stanley Cup. The talent level of McDavid, along with having another top five player in the world in Leon Drasaitl, is simply too good to keep coming up short every year,
10. New York Islanders
Record: 25-16-5
Previous Ranking: 12
The Islanders, like the Lightning, have dealt with a ridiculous amount of injuries this season. Somehow, they have managed to look the best they have since at least 2021 when they made the Eastern Conference Finals. They have been without Bo Horvat since New Years’ Day with an injury, and yet they continue to stack wins. Matthew Schaefer is showing why he was the No. 1 overall pick, as he leads the team in points with 37.
11. Washington Capitals
Record: 24-17-6
Previous Ranking: 9
The Capitals have quite a lot of young exciting talent, however, it’s been the veterans who have done the heavy lifting this year. Players like Tom Wilson and John Carlson have been aging like fine wines, and Alex Ovechkin is still going strong at age 40. While Washington’s special teams are basically useless, they play such disciplined hockey that it really doesn’t matter.
12. Toronto Maple Leafs
Record: 23-16-7
Previous Ranking: 26
The Maple Leafs are by far one of the biggest risers, as over the last three weeks, they have completely turned their season around. Their offense has woken up significantly, and the penalty killing ranks third in the league. Joseph Woll has saved Toronto’s goaltending woes, and if he keeps his play up there is no reason the Maple Leafs can’t win once the playoffs come around.
13. Buffalo Sabres
Record: 24-16-4
Previous Ranking: 22
The Buffalo Sabres in the top half of the rankings? At the beginning of the season I thought that was unfathomable, but here we are in the month of January with Buffalo in prime position to snap their 15-year playoff drought. The Sabres simply don’t give up goals. Both their goaltending and penalty killing are among the best in the league. Offensively, there has been enough to get by for now, but with their recent hot stretch you wonder if they consider buying at the trade deadline.
14. Florida Panthers
Record: 24-18-3
Previous Ranking: 13
Yes, the Panthers currently sit seventh in the Atlantic Division and are fighting to stay alive in the playoff race. However, I remember the 2022-2023 season when they barely snuck into the playoffs and went all the way to the finals. I’m not saying that will happen again, all I’m saying is once they get Matthew Tkachuk back, this team is as dangerous as any.
15. Philadelphia Flyers
Record: 22-14-8
Previous Ranking: 17
The Flyers are in a similar boat as the Sabres where it’s their ability to prevent goals that has allowed them to win. However, Philadelphia’s offense is on a whole other level of bad, as they have the absolute worst power play in hockey. You have to give a lot of credit to goalie Dan Vladar. With Vladar protecting the net and the Flyers aggressively checking in front of him, they have managed to stay in the race for the playoffs.
16. Boston Bruins
Record: 26-19-2
Previous Ranking: 16
Remember when Morgan Geekie was sitting second in the league in goals when the team MVP articles came out? Well, he is now on a 10-game goalless skid and has yet to register a point in the month of January. However, thanks to world-class forward David Pastrnak and netkeeper Jeremy Swayman, Boston has managed to shadow their weaknesses and remain competitive in the Atlantic.
17. Seattle Kraken
Record: 21-15-8
Previous Ranking: 31
Despite the Kraken having the league’s worst penalty killing, their goaltending has been one of the best in the league. The offense is about as inconsistent as they come, but their efficiency on the power play has been enough so far. Seattle reminds me a lot of the St. Louis Blues last year, where while there are no superstars anywhere, a combination of depth and team chemistry leads to great success.
18. Utah Mammoth
Record: 23-20-4
Previous Ranking: 19
Karel Vejmelka has had his best stretch of the season over the last week, as he has won each of his last four starts while only giving up six total goals. Utah’s offense continues to get the job done with guys such as Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz. If the offense and Vejmelka can click at the same time, Utah can assert themselves in a weak Western Conference.
19. Pittsburgh Penguins
Record: 21-14-10
Previous Ranking: 23
Sidney Crosby continues to play at an elite level well into his late thirties, while other veterans such as Bryant Rust and Erik Karlsson have also stepped up tremendously. However, I believe this roster is too old and broken down to be true contenders, and don’t see them as anything more than a first round exit at the moment.
20. San Jose Sharks
Record: 23-19-3
Previous Ranking: 21
What a season it’s been for the Sharks, who have asserted themselves as playoff contenders in what was supposed to be a rebuilding season in the Bay Area. Macklin Celebrini is having an MVP-caliber season, and San Jose has done everything else well enough to put themselves in playoff position.
21. Los Angeles Kings
Record: 19-16-10
Previous Ranking: 18
It is absolutely amazing how the Kings don’t have a worse record than they do. They currently possess the sixth worst power play unit, along with the fifth worst penalty killing in the league. Offensively, it’s been the Adrian Kempe show for the most part. With Los Angeles in danger of slipping out of playoff contention, I think Jim Hiller could be the next coach to receive a pink slip.
22. New Jersey Devils
Record: 23-21-2
Previous Ranking: 14
Simply put, the Devils have embarrassed themselves over the last month. After finishing top three in the Metropolitan Division last season, they have looked like a broken team this year, especially over the last month. Simply put, if Jack Hughes isn’t putting up elite offensive numbers, New Jersey won’t be successful. Goaltender Jake Allen deserves some more help, as he has put up a .908 save percentage in 24 starts, far outplaying Jacob Markstrom up to this point.
23. Anaheim Ducks
Record: 22-21-3
Previous Ranking: 5
One of the biggest fallers all season, Anaheim’s dream season has completely fallen apart. And in full honesty, I’ve seen it coming for weeks. The goaltending has been too unreliable all season long, and at some point Leo Carlsson was going to have a cold stretch. Sure enough, Carlsson had a pointless seven game stretch during a recent nine game losing streak that was just recently snapped.
24. Ottawa Senators
Record: 21-19-5
Previous Ranking: 15
Ottawa is not a bad team by any means. They are simply stuck in a loaded Atlantic Division, and they have been playing catch-up all season. The offense is way too reliable on its power play, and there are no true game changers up front other than Tim Stutzle right now. The atrocious goaltending has shown no signs of improving, and you have to believe that they are going to address that at the trade deadline.
25. Nashville Predators
Record: 22-20-4
Previous Ranking: 28
Ever since General Manager Barry Trotz called out his locker room, something has seemed to click in Nashville. The Predators have won 9 of their last 12 games, and that has allowed them to enter the Wild Card race. I believe Trotz has a massive decision at the trade deadline. Does he want to go all in and acquire more talent for a playoff push, or does he want to capitalize on their recent success and maximize return value for their veteran players? I’m very interested to see what the former Stanley Cup champion head coach decides to do once March approaches.
26. Chicago Blackhawks
Record: 19-20-7
Previous Ranking: 32
Connor Bedard has made his much anticipated return to the lineup, and at the perfect time, as Chicago is 6-3-1 in their last 10 games. Spencer Knight has been the unsung hero for the Blackhawks, and he is all but assured as the goaltender of the future. Chicago awaits the return of fellow young star Frank Nazar, who should be back within the next few weeks.
27. Winnipeg Jets
Record: 18-22-5
Previous Ranking: 25
The Jets have won three in a row, and are starting to show signs of life. A down season from Connor Hellebuyck shouldn’t overshadow the seasons Mark Scheifle and Kyle Connor are having. The two veteran forwards have combined for 108 points on the season, while playing in every game this season. Hellebuyck looks to be getting healthier and healthier each night following knee surgery early this season, and for that reason Winnipeg can’t be counted out.
28. Columbus Blue Jackets
Record: 20-19-7
Previous Ranking: 30
Dean Evason was the first head coach to be dismissed this season, and it came at the surprise of absolutely no one. Columbus has failed to build on an 89-point season in 2024-2025, and haven’t taken advantage of a weaker Metropolitan Division. Legendary coach Rick Bowness has come out of retirement, and his tenure got off to a solid start with a 5-3 win over Calgary Tuesday night.
29. New York Rangers
Record: 20-21-6
Previous Ranking: 20
The Rangers are in an all-out freefall right now. Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin are both on injured reserve, and this team’s veterans have not played up to their standards at all. There is a true lack of culture in Manhattan, which is such a shame for one of hockey’s most historic teams. I expect the Rangers to be massive sellers at the deadline.
30. St. Louis Blues
Record: 18-21-8
Previous Ranking: 24
The Blues have not exactly had their way with injuries this season, as most of their key starters have missed ample amounts of time this season. The main reason, however, for their struggles has been the regression of Jordan Binnington. Binnington, who was St. Louis’ hero in the 2019 Stanley Cup Final, has been one of the worst goaltenders in the league this season. Joel Hofer should be the top goalie moving forward.
31. Calgary Flames
Record: 19-23-4
Previous Ranking: 27
Thanks to tremendous goaltending from Dustin Wolf and Devin Cooley, Calgary hasn’t been as atrocious as their stats show. They have no player in the forward group they can rely on for consistent scoring, and the same can be said about the blue line corps. I expect veterans such as Nazem Kadri to garner interest at the deadline.
32. Vancouver Canucks
Record: 16-25-5
Previous Ranking: 29
With Quinn Hughes gone, Vancouver has sunken all the way to the bottom of the league standings. The Canucks desperately need to get younger, and I expect many more of their veterans to be dealt away before the trade deadline. As of right now, they have to be the favorite to land the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
