NHL Power Rankings — Week of March 23, 2026

All 32 NHL teams ranked by Elo rating — a strength-of-schedule-adjusted metric that reflects each team's true quality based on game results. Rankings update every Monday with 7-day performance summaries, expected goals share (xGF%), Corsi possession metrics (CF%), and original analytics-driven commentary. Unlike opinion-based power rankings, these are computed entirely from data.

Week:

1
Colorado Avalanche
(47-13-10)
Elo: 1576+5 this week7-day: 2-1-1xGF% 61.1CF% 64.8
The Colorado Avalanche enter the rankings at No. 1 with an Elo rating of 1576. They went 2-1-1 over the past week with their Elo steady at 1576 (+5). Their 61.1% expected goals share at 5-on-5 shows dominant territorial control. Their 64.8% Corsi confirms they drove play at 5-on-5. Season record: 47-13-10.
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2
Dallas Stars
(43-17-11)
Elo: 1555-7 this week7-day: 1-2-1xGF% 45.3CF% 41.9
The Dallas Stars enter the rankings at No. 2 with an Elo rating of 1555. They went 1-2-1 over the past week with their Elo falling at 1555 (-8). Their 45.3% xGF at 5-on-5 was slightly below average. A 41.9% Corsi indicates they struggled to generate shot attempts. Season record: 43-17-11.
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3
Tampa Bay Lightning
(44-21-5)
Elo: 1555+10 this week7-day: 3-0-1xGF% 56.7CF% 57.2
The Tampa Bay Lightning enter the rankings at No. 3 with an Elo rating of 1555. They went 3-0-1 over the past week with their Elo rising at 1555 (+10). Their 56.7% expected goals share at 5-on-5 shows dominant territorial control. They outscored opponents 20-10 during the stretch. Their 57.2% Corsi confirms they drove play at 5-on-5. Season record: 44-21-5.
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4
Carolina Hurricanes
(45-20-6)
Elo: 1549-3 this week7-day: 3-1-0xGF% 52.5CF% 56.7
The Carolina Hurricanes enter the rankings at No. 4 with an Elo rating of 1549. They went 3-1-0 over the past week with their Elo steady at 1549 (-3). A solid 52.5% xGF at 5-on-5 reflects positive underlying play. Their 56.7% Corsi confirms they drove play at 5-on-5. Season record: 45-20-6.
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5
Buffalo Sabres
(44-20-7)
Elo: 1540+8 this week7-day: 3-0-1xGF% 47.1CF% 48.9
The Buffalo Sabres enter the rankings at No. 5 with an Elo rating of 1540. They went 3-0-1 over the past week with their Elo rising at 1540 (+8). Their 47.1% xGF at 5-on-5 was slightly below average. They outscored opponents 16-7 during the stretch. Season record: 44-20-7.
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6
Ottawa Senators
(38-24-9)
Elo: 1524+9 this week7-day: 2-1-0xGF% 65.0CF% 59.4
The Ottawa Senators enter the rankings at No. 6 with an Elo rating of 1524. They went 2-1-0 over the past week with their Elo rising at 1524 (+9). Their 65.0% expected goals share at 5-on-5 shows dominant territorial control. Their 59.4% Corsi confirms they drove play at 5-on-5. Season record: 38-24-9.
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7
Washington Capitals
(35-28-9)
Elo: 1519+2 this week7-day: 2-0-1xGF% 49.2CF% 44.3
The Washington Capitals enter the rankings at No. 7 with an Elo rating of 1519. They went 2-0-1 over the past week with their Elo steady at 1519 (+2). A 44.3% Corsi indicates they struggled to generate shot attempts. Season record: 35-28-9.
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8
Winnipeg Jets
(30-29-12)
Elo: 1514-1 this week7-day: 1-1-2xGF% 56.3CF% 54.7
The Winnipeg Jets enter the rankings at No. 8 with an Elo rating of 1514. They went 1-1-2 over the past week with their Elo steady at 1514 (-1). Their 56.3% expected goals share at 5-on-5 shows dominant territorial control. They were outscored 17-11 on the week. Their 54.7% Corsi confirms they drove play at 5-on-5. Season record: 30-29-12.
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9
Minnesota Wild
(40-20-12)
Elo: 1513-6 this week7-day: 2-1-0xGF% 51.5CF% 49.8
The Minnesota Wild enter the rankings at No. 9 with an Elo rating of 1513. They went 2-1-0 over the past week with their Elo falling at 1513 (-6). Season record: 40-20-12.
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10
Montreal Canadiens
(39-21-10)
Elo: 1512+3 this week7-day: 2-1-0xGF% 61.9CF% 58.4
The Montreal Canadiens enter the rankings at No. 10 with an Elo rating of 1512. They went 2-1-0 over the past week with their Elo steady at 1512 (+3). Their 61.9% expected goals share at 5-on-5 shows dominant territorial control. Their 58.4% Corsi confirms they drove play at 5-on-5. Season record: 39-21-10.
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11
Vegas Golden Knights
(32-26-14)
Elo: 1511-9 this week7-day: 1-3-0xGF% 62.0CF% 62.1
The Vegas Golden Knights enter the rankings at No. 11 with an Elo rating of 1511. They went 1-3-0 over the past week with their Elo falling at 1511 (-9). Their 62.0% expected goals share at 5-on-5 shows dominant territorial control. They were outscored 12-4 on the week. Their 62.1% Corsi confirms they drove play at 5-on-5. Season record: 32-26-14.
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12
Edmonton Oilers
(35-28-9)
Elo: 1510-1 this week7-day: 1-2-0xGF% 47.4CF% 46.2
The Edmonton Oilers enter the rankings at No. 12 with an Elo rating of 1510. They went 1-2-0 over the past week with their Elo steady at 1510 (-1). Their 47.4% xGF at 5-on-5 was slightly below average. They were outscored 12-7 on the week. Season record: 35-28-9.
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13
Columbus Blue Jackets
(38-22-11)
Elo: 1509+8 this week7-day: 3-1-0xGF% 55.7CF% 52.0
The Columbus Blue Jackets enter the rankings at No. 13 with an Elo rating of 1509. They went 3-1-0 over the past week with their Elo rising at 1509 (+8). Their 55.7% expected goals share at 5-on-5 shows dominant territorial control. They outscored opponents 16-7 during the stretch. Season record: 38-22-11.
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14
Pittsburgh Penguins
(35-20-16)
Elo: 1506-5 this week7-day: 2-1-1xGF% 43.1CF% 41.8
The Pittsburgh Penguins enter the rankings at No. 14 with an Elo rating of 1506. They went 2-1-1 over the past week with their Elo falling at 1506 (-6). A concerning 43.1% xGF at 5-on-5 suggests they were outplayed at even strength. A 41.8% Corsi indicates they struggled to generate shot attempts. Season record: 35-20-16.
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15
Boston Bruins
(39-24-8)
Elo: 1505+3 this week7-day: 2-0-2xGF% 41.1CF% 41.9
The Boston Bruins enter the rankings at No. 15 with an Elo rating of 1504. They went 2-0-2 over the past week with their Elo steady at 1504 (+3). A concerning 41.1% xGF at 5-on-5 suggests they were outplayed at even strength. They outscored opponents 15-10 during the stretch. A 41.9% Corsi indicates they struggled to generate shot attempts. Season record: 39-24-8.
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16
Los Angeles Kings
(28-25-18)
Elo: 1501-4 this week7-day: 1-1-2xGF% 52.8CF% 51.7
The Los Angeles Kings enter the rankings at No. 16 with an Elo rating of 1501. They went 1-1-2 over the past week with their Elo steady at 1501 (-4). A solid 52.8% xGF at 5-on-5 reflects positive underlying play. Season record: 28-25-18.
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17
Toronto Maple Leafs
(30-29-13)
Elo: 1501-3 this week7-day: 0-2-1xGF% 38.1CF% 39.3
The Toronto Maple Leafs enter the rankings at No. 17 with an Elo rating of 1501. They went 0-2-1 over the past week with their Elo steady at 1501 (-3). A concerning 38.1% xGF at 5-on-5 suggests they were outplayed at even strength. They were outscored 12-6 on the week. A 39.3% Corsi indicates they struggled to generate shot attempts. Season record: 30-29-13.
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18
Detroit Red Wings
(38-25-8)
Elo: 1501-4 this week7-day: 2-1-0xGF% 49.8CF% 47.0
The Detroit Red Wings enter the rankings at No. 18 with an Elo rating of 1501. They went 2-1-0 over the past week with their Elo steady at 1501 (-4). Season record: 38-25-8.
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19
Utah Mammoth
(37-29-6)
Elo: 1500-3 this week7-day: 3-1-0xGF% 48.1CF% 48.6
The Utah Mammoth enter the rankings at No. 19 with an Elo rating of 1500. They went 3-1-0 over the past week with their Elo steady at 1500 (-3). They outscored opponents 15-10 during the stretch. Season record: 37-29-6.
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20
Florida Panthers
(35-32-3)
Elo: 1500-3 this week7-day: 1-2-0xGF% 53.0CF% 57.4
The Florida Panthers enter the rankings at No. 20 with an Elo rating of 1500. They went 1-2-0 over the past week with their Elo steady at 1500 (-3). A solid 53.0% xGF at 5-on-5 reflects positive underlying play. Their 57.4% Corsi confirms they drove play at 5-on-5. Season record: 35-32-3.
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21
St. Louis Blues
(29-30-11)
Elo: 1497+6 this week7-day: 1-0-1xGF% 65.4CF% 61.5
The St. Louis Blues enter the rankings at No. 21 with an Elo rating of 1496. They went 1-0-1 over the past week with their Elo rising at 1496 (+6). Their 65.4% expected goals share at 5-on-5 shows dominant territorial control. Their 61.5% Corsi confirms they drove play at 5-on-5. Season record: 29-30-11.
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22
New York Islanders
(40-27-5)
Elo: 1494-3 this week7-day: 2-2-0xGF% 40.5CF% 46.5
The New York Islanders enter the rankings at No. 22 with an Elo rating of 1494. They went 2-2-0 over the past week with their Elo steady at 1494 (-3). A concerning 40.5% xGF at 5-on-5 suggests they were outplayed at even strength. Season record: 40-27-5.
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23
Nashville Predators
(34-28-9)
Elo: 1482+9 this week7-day: 4-0-0xGF% 42.7CF% 43.1
The Nashville Predators enter the rankings at No. 23 with an Elo rating of 1482. They went 4-0-0 over the past week with their Elo rising at 1482 (+9). A concerning 42.7% xGF at 5-on-5 suggests they were outplayed at even strength. They outscored opponents 14-7 during the stretch. A 43.1% Corsi indicates they struggled to generate shot attempts. Season record: 34-28-9.
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24
New Jersey Devils
(36-32-2)
Elo: 1480+5 this week7-day: 2-1-0xGF% 58.2CF% 57.6
The New Jersey Devils enter the rankings at No. 24 with an Elo rating of 1480. They went 2-1-0 over the past week with their Elo steady at 1480 (+5). Their 58.2% expected goals share at 5-on-5 shows dominant territorial control. Their 57.6% Corsi confirms they drove play at 5-on-5. Season record: 36-32-2.
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25
Calgary Flames
(30-34-7)
Elo: 1476+4 this week7-day: 3-1-0xGF% 48.2CF% 47.7
The Calgary Flames enter the rankings at No. 25 with an Elo rating of 1476. They went 3-1-0 over the past week with their Elo steady at 1476 (+4). Season record: 30-34-7.
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26
Anaheim Ducks
(40-27-4)
Elo: 1476+7 this week7-day: 2-0-1xGF% 43.8CF% 47.5
The Anaheim Ducks enter the rankings at No. 26 with an Elo rating of 1476. They went 2-0-1 over the past week with their Elo rising at 1476 (+7). A concerning 43.8% xGF at 5-on-5 suggests they were outplayed at even strength. Season record: 40-27-4.
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27
Philadelphia Flyers
(34-24-12)
Elo: 1474+1 this week7-day: 3-0-0xGF% 53.6CF% 43.6
The Philadelphia Flyers enter the rankings at No. 27 with an Elo rating of 1474. They went 3-0-0 over the past week with their Elo steady at 1474 (+1). A solid 53.6% xGF at 5-on-5 reflects positive underlying play. They outscored opponents 11-6 during the stretch. A 43.6% Corsi indicates they struggled to generate shot attempts. Season record: 34-24-12.
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28
Seattle Kraken
(31-29-10)
Elo: 1472-8 this week7-day: 0-3-0xGF% 45.6CF% 42.3
The Seattle Kraken enter the rankings at No. 28 with an Elo rating of 1472. They went 0-3-0 over the past week with their Elo falling at 1472 (-8). Their 45.6% xGF at 5-on-5 was slightly below average. They were outscored 14-5 on the week. A 42.3% Corsi indicates they struggled to generate shot attempts. Season record: 31-29-10.
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29
New York Rangers
(28-34-9)
Elo: 1469-9 this week7-day: 0-3-1xGF% 43.3CF% 47.1
The New York Rangers enter the rankings at No. 29 with an Elo rating of 1469. They went 0-3-1 over the past week with their Elo falling at 1469 (-9). A concerning 43.3% xGF at 5-on-5 suggests they were outplayed at even strength. They were outscored 19-9 on the week. Season record: 28-34-9.
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30
Vancouver Canucks
(21-41-8)
Elo: 1435-5 this week7-day: 1-2-0xGF% 35.9CF% 38.8
The Vancouver Canucks enter the rankings at No. 30 with an Elo rating of 1435. They went 1-2-0 over the past week with their Elo falling at 1435 (-5). A concerning 35.9% xGF at 5-on-5 suggests they were outplayed at even strength. A 38.8% Corsi indicates they struggled to generate shot attempts. Season record: 21-41-8.
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31
Chicago Blackhawks
(27-31-13)
Elo: 1434+5 this week7-day: 1-1-2xGF% 44.2CF% 45.7
The Chicago Blackhawks enter the rankings at No. 31 with an Elo rating of 1434. They went 1-1-2 over the past week with their Elo rising at 1434 (+5). A concerning 44.2% xGF at 5-on-5 suggests they were outplayed at even strength. A 45.7% Corsi indicates they struggled to generate shot attempts. Season record: 27-31-13.
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32
San Jose Sharks
(32-31-6)
Elo: 1427-10 this week7-day: 0-3-0xGF% 55.2CF% 56.2
The San Jose Sharks enter the rankings at No. 32 with an Elo rating of 1427. They went 0-3-0 over the past week with their Elo falling at 1427 (-10). Their 55.2% expected goals share at 5-on-5 shows dominant territorial control. They were outscored 14-4 on the week. Their 56.2% Corsi confirms they drove play at 5-on-5. Season record: 32-31-6.
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How Are These Rankings Calculated?

Unlike traditional media power rankings based on opinion, Living Hockey's power rankings are computed entirely from data. Each team's position is determined by their Elo rating — a proven strength metric adapted from chess that accounts for opponent quality, margin of victory, and home-ice advantage.

Elo ratings start at 1500 and adjust after every game. Beating a strong team earns more points than beating a weak team, and winning in regulation is worth more than an overtime or shootout victory. The weekly movement reflects how much a team's rating changed over the past seven days.

Each team's narrative includes analytics context from our proprietary expected goals (xG) model and Corsi shot-attempt metrics at 5-on-5. A team with a high xGF% is generating more quality scoring chances than they're allowing — a strong indicator of sustainable success regardless of recent results.

Rankings are generated automatically every Monday morning from the previous week's games. Historical weeks are available via the dropdown above, allowing you to track how teams have risen or fallen throughout the season.

NHL Power Rankings — Week of March 23, 2026

Colorado Avalanche

Dallas Stars

Tampa Bay Lightning

Carolina Hurricanes

Buffalo Sabres

Ottawa Senators

Washington Capitals

Winnipeg Jets

Minnesota Wild

Montreal Canadiens

Vegas Golden Knights

Edmonton Oilers

Columbus Blue Jackets

Pittsburgh Penguins

Boston Bruins

Los Angeles Kings

Toronto Maple Leafs

Detroit Red Wings

Utah Mammoth

Florida Panthers

St. Louis Blues

New York Islanders

Nashville Predators

New Jersey Devils

Calgary Flames

Anaheim Ducks

Philadelphia Flyers

Seattle Kraken

New York Rangers

Vancouver Canucks

Chicago Blackhawks

San Jose Sharks

How Are These Rankings Calculated?