NHL Power Rankings: The Final 16
This is the 13th edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for the 2022-23 season and the first for the playoffs. Check back after Round 1 for updated rankings.
In this edition, we rank the 16 teams that advanced to the postseason.
1. Boston Bruins (62-12-5)Previous rank: 1st
Can the most successful regular-season team in NHL history overcome the burden of the Presidents' Trophy? Only eight teams have ever won the Stanley Cup after claiming the league's best record, but it would be lunacy to have the mighty Bruins anywhere other than the top spot.
2. Edmonton Oilers (50-23-9)Previous rank: 8th
The Oilers enter the playoffs on a nine-game win streak, Connor McDavid has raised his game to yet another stratospheric level, and Stuart Skinner has given Edmonton some much-needed stability in goal. Plus, Leon Draisaitl is healthy this time around. He was incredible in last season's playoffs while basically playing on one leg. This could be the Oilers' year.
3. Carolina Hurricanes (52-21-9)Previous rank: 2nd
The Hurricanes had the NHL's second-best regular-season record in 2022-23. But the two-time defending Metropolitan Division champions ranked fifth in regulation or overtime wins and eighth in goal differential. The club also won't have the injured Andrei Svechnikov all spring. Still, Carolina was the league's best possession team in five-on-five expected goals for percentage.
4. Colorado Avalanche (51-24-7)
Michael Martin / National Hockey League / GettyPrevious rank: 7th
The defending champion Avalanche have endured a slew of injuries this season and won't have captain Gabriel Landeskog for a single game in 2022-23. But Colorado won eight of its final 10 contests to claim the Central Division title by a point. Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Mikko Rantanen, and Co. appear primed for another deep run.
5. Toronto Maple Leafs (50-21-11)Previous rank: 9th
The Maple Leafs' inability to get past the first round is well documented, and they're up against the same Tampa Bay Lightning team that vanquished them last season. Aside from durability concerns in goal, the Leafs seem capable of winning a series for the first time in nearly two decades thanks to some added versatility and depth.
6. Dallas Stars (47-21-14)Previous rank: 12th
Dallas enters the playoffs as a dark horse for some. However, the Stars ended their regular season on a six-game win streak while owning the league's second-best goal differential and missing the Central Division title by a single point. Don't be shocked if Dallas makes some noise in the Western Conference bracket.
7. Vegas Golden Knights (51-22-9)Previous rank: 3rd
The Golden Knights won the Pacific Division for the third time since 2018, and they're on the verge of getting two-way stalwart Mark Stone back from injury. Vegas tied Toronto for fourth in the league with 111 points in the standings but ranked ninth in goal differential. Despite being the best in the West in the regular season, the Knights' concerns with their forward depth and goaltending could make them vulnerable to a first-round upset.
8. New Jersey Devils (52-22-8)
Rich Graessle / National Hockey League / GettyThe high-octane Devils are back in the playoffs and locked into one of the most intriguing first-round matchups against their biggest rivals, the New York Rangers. New Jersey has been near the top of the standings all campaign and has the stats to prove it's legit. But it remains to be seen if New Jersey's inexperienced core can get it done in the postseason.
Previous rank: 5th
9. New York Rangers (47-22-13)Previous rank: 6th
The Rangers didn't have a dominant regular season. However, they're built for the playoffs with an elite goalie in Igor Shesterkin and plenty of depth up front and on defense. New York has postseason experience after reaching the Eastern Conference Final last campaign, but the Blueshirts will be in tough against the upstart Devils.
10. Tampa Bay Lightning (46-30-6)Previous rank: 11th
The Lightning have lost some of their shine. They tied for 10th in the NHL in regulation or overtime wins and ranked 11th in goal differential while finishing third in the Atlantic Division. Still, Tampa Bay boasts Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, Brayden Point, and the rest of its playoff-tested core, along with some skilled role players. Count the Bolts out at your own peril.
11. Los Angeles Kings (47-25-10)Previous rank: 4th
The Kings are faced with the unenviable task of shutting down Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl for the second straight year. It didn't go great in 2022, but Los Angeles has four deep lines that can match up well against Edmonton. L.A. also appears to have found an answer in goal with Joonas Korpisalo, who posted a .921 save percentage after Columbus traded him to the Kings.
12. Minnesota Wild (46-25-11)
Harrison Barden / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious rank: 10th
The Wild racked up 103 points in a tight Central Division on the back of excellent defense and goaltending. But Minnesota's lack of firepower and questions regarding top-line center Joel Eriksson Ek's health are major concerns against the well-rounded Stars.
13. Winnipeg Jets (46-33-3)Previous rank: 14th
The Jets have to face the Golden Knights in the first round and are clear underdogs. However, don't count Winnipeg out, as it has perennial Vezina Trophy contender Connor Hellebuyck. He can steal a game or two and swing a series the Jets' way.
14. New York Islanders (42-31-9)Previous rank: 15th
New York's recipe for an upset lies in the hands of star goalie Ilya Sorokin, who led all NHL netminders in goals saved above expected this season. He's more than capable of stealing a series, especially for a battle-tested Islanders team that knows how to muck it up and win ugly. New York utilized that formula to make back-to-back conference final appearances in 2020 and 2021, using primarily the same group as now.
15. Seattle Kraken (46-28-8)Previous rank: 13th
The Kraken have been a great story this season, but the tale may be nearing its end with Seattle matched up against the Avalanche in Round 1. Of course, anything can happen in a best-of-seven series, but there are major question marks in goal between Philipp Grubauer and Martin Jones. Seattle ranked 30th in the NHL with a team save percentage of .886.
16. Florida Panthers (42-32-8)
Eliot J. Schechter / National Hockey League / GettyPrevious rank: 17th
The Panthers had the fewest points among all playoff teams and are up against the league's top dog. Florida got hot down the stretch to make the cut, which could give it some carried-over momentum. Still, the likelihood of a Round 1 upset looks bleak for the Cats.
(Analytics sources: Evolving Hockey, Natural Stat Trick)
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