14 Days Left and Every Game Matters: Your Updated NHL Power Rankings
We're in the final stretch of the 2025-26 NHL regular season, and it's do-or-die time. With fewer than 14 days left and every team down to fewer than 10 games remaining, each matchup carries real weight. Some games will make or break playoff hopes. Others will determine seeding. We've got your updated ESPN NHL Power Rankings through Wednesday's games, plus the single most important matchup left for all 32 teams.
The Top Tier: No. 1 Colorado, No. 2 Carolina
The Colorado Avalanche are still sitting pretty at the top of the rankings with a 73.0% points percentage. They were the first team to clinch a playoff spot and are looking like they'll lock down the No. 1 overall seed. Their biggest game left? April 4 against the Dallas Stars, the next closest team in the West. A win there gets them closer to their ultimate regular-season goal.
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👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiThe Carolina Hurricanes jumped up to No. 2 with a 68.0% points percentage. Here's what's wild: they could face the Boston Bruins in the first round if things shake out a certain way. The Canes and Bruins had an epic seven-game battle in the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs. If it happens again, expect April 7 to be electric.
The Hunt: Buffalo, Dallas, and Tampa Bay Battle It Out
Buffalo Sabres sit at No. 3 with a 65.8% points percentage. Remember their 8-7 win over the Lightning on March 8? That put them in first place and sent a message. The Atlantic Division crown is still up for grabs, and their April 6 showdown against Tampa Bay could decide everything.
Dallas Stars are at No. 4 (down from No. 2) with a 67.1% points percentage. The Wild could technically still catch them for home-ice advantage in their likely first-round series, but Dallas isn't taking chances. April 9 against Minnesota could get chippy.
Tampa Bay Lightning round out the top five at No. 5 with a 66.7% points percentage. The division title is still undecided, and they're poised as the No. 2 seed in the Atlantic. April 9 against Montreal is crucial, especially if it sets up a rematch of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.
Check back as we track these rankings daily. The next 14 days will define the entire postseason.
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