As the NHL reaches American Thanksgiving, power rankings highlight the Colorado Avalanche as the top team with a strong record and high playoff odds. The Dallas Stars follow closely as a key challenger, while struggling teams like the Nashville Predators sit at the bottom. Historical trends suggest three-quarters of current playoff-positioned teams will qualify.
The latest NHL power rankings, timed with American Thanksgiving, evaluate teams' standings and playoff prospects. The Colorado Avalanche lead at No. 1 with a 16-1-5 record and +38 goal differential, five points ahead of the Dallas Stars. They boast a 99.3 percent playoff probability and the best Stanley Cup odds at +400, supported by strong forward and goaltending play, including the league's top defenseman.
The Dallas Stars rank second at 14-5-4 with +15 goal differential, positioned as the Avalanche's main rival despite +1400 Cup odds. Other contenders include the Anaheim Ducks at No. 3 (14-7-1, +11), on pace for playoffs since 2017-18, and the Carolina Hurricanes at No. 4 (14-6-2, +13), though facing rotation challenges with +800 Cup odds.
Mid-pack teams like the Winnipeg Jets (12-9-0, +8) hold a 74.4 percent playoff chance but risk pressure from rising squads. The Florida Panthers (12-9-1, +2) lurk with 71.3 percent odds, just one point from playoffs despite injuries. Struggling sides include the Edmonton Oilers (10-10-5, -18) at 26 percent odds after an 8-3 loss, and the Nashville Predators at No. 32 (6-12-4, -29), drawing criticism from coach Barry Trotz.
Six playoff teams from last season, including finalists, are currently outside positions, underscoring the tight race. Playoff odds from moneypuck.com and Cup odds from BetMGM inform these assessments, with the West looser than the East.