The NHL is experiencing an extraordinary level of parity early in the 2025-26 season, with more than 20 teams within four points of each other and 27 teams at a points percentage of .500 or better. The Colorado Avalanche continue to lead the power rankings, but the rest of the league remains tightly contested. Stats show 76 games tied after regulation, 90 overtime games, and 81 percent close games, the highest rates in history.
As the 2025-26 NHL season reaches its quarter mark, parity has defined the standings, making it difficult to predict the playoff picture ahead of American Thanksgiving. According to NHL Public Relations data as of Wednesday morning, 76 games have been tied after 55 minutes—the second-most ever at this stage—while 90 games have gone to overtime, the most recorded. Additionally, 81 percent of games have been close, decided by one goal or a two-goal margin with an empty-netter, marking the highest rate in league history. Comeback wins account for 43 percent of games, placing this season in the top three historically.
The Colorado Avalanche top both The Hockey News and Bleacher Report power rankings with a 13-1-5 record and +31 goal differential, on pace for 133 points. 'The Avs are on pace for 133 points, which would be the second-highest total in the cap era,' notes The Hockey News. Dallas Stars rank second in THN at 12-5-3 (+9), praised for Jason Robertson's offensive surge reminiscent of his 2022-23 Hart Trophy-contending season.
Other top teams include Winnipeg Jets (12-7-0, +12), Carolina Hurricanes (13-5-2, +15), and Anaheim Ducks (13-6-1, +11). Lower-ranked squads like Edmonton Oilers (9-9-4, -15) and New York Rangers (10-9-2, +1) struggle, with Oilers tied for last in regulation wins at four. Injuries impact teams, such as New Jersey Devils' Jack Hughes missing up to eight weeks after a finger injury, and Boston Bruins' Charlie McAvoy out indefinitely with a facial injury.
Rankings vary slightly between sources: THN places Hurricanes fourth and Ducks fifth, while Bleacher Report has them second and third, reflecting games through November 18-20. This parity underscores the need for teams outside the playoff picture to accumulate points soon.