As the NHL playoffs approach, it’s time to take a look back at the preseason expectations for each team and how they have performed so far. Here are the power rankings for the top teams in the league:
1. Tampa Bay Lightning – The Lightning were expected to be a top team this season and they have not disappointed. They currently sit atop the league standings with 75 points and have a league-best goal differential of +44.
2. Boston Bruins – The Bruins were also expected to be a top team this season and they have lived up to those expectations. They currently sit in second place in the league standings with 68 points and have a goal differential of +31.
3. St. Louis Blues – The defending Stanley Cup champions were expected to have a bit of a hangover this season, but they have proven that they are still a top team. They currently sit in third place in the Western Conference with 63 points.
4. Washington Capitals – The Capitals were expected to be a top team in the Eastern Conference and they have lived up to those expectations. They currently sit in first place in the Metropolitan Division with 67 points.
5. Pittsburgh Penguins – The Penguins were expected to be a playoff team this season and they have done just that. They currently sit in second place in the Metropolitan Division with 62 points.
6. Colorado Avalanche – The Avalanche were expected to be a playoff team this season and they have exceeded expectations. They currently sit in second place in the Western Conference with 64 points.
7. Dallas Stars – The Stars were expected to be a playoff team this season and they have done just that. They currently sit in third place in the Central Division with 60 points.
8. Vegas Golden Knights – The Golden Knights were expected to be a top team in the Western Conference and they have lived up to those expectations. They currently sit in first place in the Pacific Division with 64 points.
9. Toronto Maple Leafs – The Maple Leafs were expected to be a top team in the Eastern Conference and they have struggled at times this season. They currently sit in third place in the Atlantic Division with 57 points.
10. Carolina Hurricanes – The Hurricanes were expected to be a playoff team this season and they have done just that. They currently sit in fourth place in the Metropolitan Division with 56 points.
Overall, the top teams in the league have lived up to expectations for the most part. However, there have been some surprises along the way, such as the Avalanche exceeding expectations and the Maple Leafs struggling at times. As the playoffs approach, it will be interesting to see how these teams perform under pressure and if any surprises will arise.
