The NHL trade deadline was March 6.DayAnd a handful of players ended up on playoff-bound teams. With less than 20 games remaining, some teams are solidifying their playoff spots, while others are making one last push to secure a wild card spot. The wild card spots in both conferences are expected to change in the final week of the season. As the 2025-2026 season enters the twilight of the regular season, here are our Stanley Cup Power Rankings heading into the week of March 9.Day.
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20. Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia has little time left to secure an Eastern Conference wild card spot. The Flyers were sellers at the deadline, which could mean the front office doesn’t think they have enough money to make the playoffs. The inability to score goals has plagued the team all season.
19. Seattle Kraken
The Kraken are doing everything they can to secure a spot in the final Western Conference wild card. But there are four teams in the Western Conference race that are getting closer to Seattle. The Kraken will need to continue adding points in the final week of the season.
18. Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton is currently preparing for the playoffs. But the team can no longer afford to stay at .500. The Oilers added defensive help at the trade deadline and will look to solidify their playoff position with the acquisition.
17. Washington Capitals
The Capitals were sellers at the trade deadline and need a lot of help to reach the playoffs. The biggest surprise was that longtime defenseman John Carlson was traded to the Ducks. This move alone suggests the team is preparing to miss the playoffs.
16. Ottawa Senators
Ottawa is making things interesting ahead of the final week of the season. They have produced as well as any other NHL team over the last 10 games. To make the playoffs, a team’s goalie must play his best hockey of the season.
15. Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks were active at the trade deadline. The team added veteran defenseman John Carlson, who will help stabilize the team’s blueline. Anaheim’s biggest challenge was on defense.
14. Utah Mammoth
The Mammoths are a team to watch in the playoffs. The team’s offense is below the top 10, and its defense is among the best in the league. Utah will give their opponents problems in the playoffs.
13. Columbus Blue Jackets
The Bluejacks continue to play well. They have added valuable points over the last 10 games and show no signs of giving up the white flag. Columbus added veteran forward Conor Garland during Friday’s trade deadline.
12. Vegas Golden Knights
Now is not the time to struggle and Vegas continues to drop points. The team is currently in the playoffs, but their possession numbers are decreasing by the day. The Golden Knights must right the ship.
11. Boston Bruins
Boston is another team with a wild card gone. The team is struggling and can no longer afford to continue struggling. It’s now or never for the Bruins.
10. New York Islanders
New York struggled with offensive production. It was a problem throughout the regular season. The Islanders’ defensemen and goalies need to be at their best in the playoffs.
9. Montreal Canadians
Montreal’s offense continues to be one of the best in the NHL. They are in the top three in points per game. The most glaring problem is defense.
8. Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh is a strong team in the playoffs. The Penguins’ veteran team has its eyes set on the Stanley Cup Finals. Pittsburgh needs Sidney Crosby to return healthy.
7. Detroit Red Wings
Detroit added offense at the trade deadline. That was the team’s biggest need and was in action Friday. Regardless, the Red Wings’ defense will be heavily relied upon in the playoffs.
6. Buffalo Sabers
They’re hot and looking for first place in the Atlantic Division. It’s becoming a two-team race between Buffalo and Tampa Bay. Which team will slip out of that first?
5. Tampa Bay Lightning
They are doing their best to maintain their lead in the Atlantic Division. Even if they take second place, the Lightning will be a tough matchup in the playoffs. They are one of the best in the league on both ends of the ice.
4. Minnesota Wild
The Wild will be a dark horse for a spot in the Western Conference Finals. If it weren’t for Colorado and Dallas, Minnesota would be the best team in the conference. The team is as confident as anyone else in the NHL.
3. Dallas Stars
Dallas entered Friday undefeated in its last 10 games. They have the heater on and it’s at the perfect time. They are within 10 points of Colorado for first place in the Central Division.
2. Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina has been the best team in the Eastern Conference all season. They are one of the few teams to have success on both offense and defense. It would be disappointing to not make it to the conference finals.
1. Colorado Avalanche
There’s a reason the Avalanche are the best team in the league. They excel in all aspects of the game. They have the best offense, defense, and goaltending.
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