NHL Power Rankings: New 1-32 poll, over/under bet for each team

The 2026 Olympic ice hockey tournament is complete, and all players have returned to their teams -- some to the ice, others to injured reserve (most notably Kevin Fiala, Sidney Crosby and Mikko Rantanen).

So as the next segment of the NHL season begins, it's time to take the temperature with another set of Power Rankings. In addition to a new 1-32 poll, this week ESPN analysts Sean Allen (Eastern Conference) and Victoria Matiash (Western Conference) are assessing the over/under points total for each club and indicating whether an "over" or "under" bet makes the most sense at this point.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Feb. 6. Points percentages are through Thursday's games. All odds are by DraftKings Sportsbook, subject to change.

1. Colorado Avalanche

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 74.6%

O/U 119.5 (over -115; under -115). Post-Olympic fatigue doesn't appear to be much of an issue, as Brock Nelson, Martin Necas, Gabriel Landeskog and Cale Makar all hit the scoresheet in their first game back -- a victory over Utah in which they could afford to rest Nathan MacKinnon. Already the cream of the NHL crop, and with new defender Brett Kulak aboard, the Avs could be even stronger via trade by next week. Pick: Over (-115)

Next seven days: vs. CHI (Feb. 28), @ LA (March 2), @ ANA (March 3)

2. Tampa Bay Lightning

Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 70.2%

O/U 113.5 (over -110; under -120). The Bolts remain the class of the East, on pace to claim the division with some breathing room at the end. But 113.5 is still a bold line. Especially if they manage to get there before the final week of the season and rest some key players in the final games. Pick: Under (-120)

Next seven days: vs. BUF (Feb. 28), @ MIN (March 3), @ WPG (March 5)

3. Carolina Hurricanes

Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 69%

O/U 110.5 (over -115; under -115). Going over 110 points is a tall order for the Canes, even with Brandon Bussi's breakout season. A savvy trade could tip the scales toward the over, but the margin is thin. Pick: Under (-115)

Next seven days: vs. DET (Feb. 28), @ SEA (March 2), @ VAN (March 4)

4. Minnesota Wild

Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 67.8%

O/U 106.5 (over -115; under -115). Since trading for Quinn Hughes, Minnesota is 15-5-5 and GM Bill Guerin might not be done yet fiddling with his playoff-bound squad. While the well-balanced Wild won't likely catch the Avalanche, don't be surprised if they narrow the gap. Pick: Over (-115)

Next seven days: @ UTA (Feb. 27), vs. STL (March 1), vs. TB (March 3)

5. Dallas Stars

Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 68.1%

O/U 107.5 (over -120; under -110). The way they're competing right now, the Stars should have little issue winning 14 of their last 24. And that's even without Rantanen, who hopefully suits back up before the end of the season. You can bet GM Jim Nill is also endeavoring to improve his already strong club further before next Friday. Pick: Over (-120)

Next seven days: vs. NSH (Feb. 28), @ VAN (March 2), @ CGY (March 3)

6. Montreal Canadiens

Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 62.9%

O/U 100.5 (over -110; under -120). With the knowledge that they can pull Jacob Fowler into the mix if the goaltending slumps again, the Habs have all the pieces to drive this to the finish line. Juraj Slafkovsky just played his best hockey of the season in Italy, and there is some flexibility for the Habs to carefully improve at the deadline, too. Pick: Over (-110)

Next seven days: vs. WSH (Feb. 28), @ SJ (March 3)

7. Pittsburgh Penguins

Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 63.2%

O/U 95.5 (over -120; under -110). The Penguins were on pace for second in the Metropolitan, but a tough remaining schedule -- including crossover games against Vegas, Colorado, and Dallas, plus three against Carolina -- could limit them. Still, they have enough cushion to make the playoffs and top the 95.5 number. Pick: Over (-120)

Next seven days: @ NYR (Feb. 28), vs. VGK (March 1), @ BOS (March 3), vs. BUF (March 5)

8. Detroit Red Wings

Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 62.7%

O/U 97.5 (over -115; under -115). After a slow start, the Red Wings are still on track for an Atlantic playoff spot. The key will be how they handle the Panthers and Lightning, with three and two matchups remaining, respectively. Pick: Over (-115)

Next seven days: @ CAR (Feb. 28), @ NSH (March 2), vs. VGK (March 4)

9. Buffalo Sabres

Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 62.1%

O/U 97.5 (over -130; under +100). One small stumble could derail the Sabres' long-awaited playoff push, though there's no pressing concern if the new regime hangs on to Alex Tuch (and possibly gets a contract extension done too). This 97.5 line is fair, as the Sabres can reach 98. Pick: Over (-130)

Next seven days: @ FLA (Feb. 27), @ TB (Feb. 28), vs. VGK (March 3), @ PIT (March 5)

10. Vegas Golden Knights

Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 60.3%

O/U 99.5 (over -105; under -125). Which form of Adin Hill do we see in the final weeks? If it's the one that surrendered a single goal on 33 shots to the Kings ahead of the Olympic break, Vegas should have no issue hitting 100 points. But the version that has floated a .854 save percentage and 3.61 goals-against average since returning on Jan. 15 casts greater doubt. Still, the Knights are probably stacked enough otherwise to eke it out. Pick: Over (-105)

Next seven days: @ WSH (Feb. 27), @ PIT (March 1), @ BUF (March 3), @ DET (March 4)

11. Boston Bruins

Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 61.2%

O/U 93.5 (over -120/ under -110). The Bruins probably won't boost the roster at the trade deadline, but they still have enough of a tail wind to extend the season into the playoffs with a wild-card spot. This 93.5 line feels bearish -- no pun intended -- given the games remaining and pace they've been on this season. Pick: Over (-120)

Next seven days: @ PHI (Feb. 28), vs. PIT (March 3), @ NSH (March 5)

12. New York Islanders

Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 60.2%

O/U 94.5 (over -125; under -105). With Ilya Sorokin and Matthew Schaefer playing the way they are (as the favorites for the Vezina and Calder Trophies), the Isles can beat anyone. Working in their favor is that going over this line would probably mean bypassing the wild-card spots into the third Metropolitan berth. Pick: Over (-125)

Next seven days: @ CBJ (Feb. 28), vs. FLA (March 1), @ ANA (March 4), @ LA (March 5)

13. Columbus Blue Jackets

Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 57%

O/U 93.5 (over -120; under -110). Columbus faces a tough finish, including three games against Carolina. The line feels fair, but the Jackets aren't likely to buy at the deadline and missing the playoffs wouldn't be a shock -- or a major setback long term. Pick: Under (-110)

Next seven days: vs. NYI (Feb. 28), @ NYR (March 2), vs. NSH (March 3), vs. FLA (March 5)

14. Utah Mammoth

Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 55.2%

O/U 93.5 (over -110; under -120). Sitting in the top wild-card spot, the Mammoth would have to earn another 30 points in 24 games to satisfy this line. Here's why they do it: With a healthy Logan Cooley back in the fold, the squad is finally back on the ice, back to front. Plus they're facing the fifth-easiest schedule to wrap, including 13 games at home. Pick: Over (-110)

Next seven days: vs. MIN (Feb. 27), vs. CHI (March 1), @ WSH (March 3), @ PHI (March 5)

15. Anaheim Ducks

Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 57%

O/U 91.5 (over -120; under -110). With top forward Leo Carlsson back, this is the healthiest the Ducks have been in some time. Tearing into the break with a 10-2-0 record, one of the hottest teams in the league faces the third-easiest schedule (by record) going forward. Twenty-seven points in 25 games should be no great ask. Pick: Over (-120)

Next seven days: vs. WPG (Feb. 27), vs. CGY (March 1), vs. COL (March 3), vs. NYI (March 4)

16. Washington Capitals

Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 55.8%

O/U 91.5 (over -125; under -105). With among the fewest remaining games in the NHL and a softer schedule, the Capitals should come close to the 91.5 line. Whether they can push past it -- or mount a playoff run in the East -- might hinge on how effectively Pierre-Luc Dubois extends the offense now that he's back from injury. Pick: Under (-105)

Next seven days: vs. VGK (Feb. 27), @ MTL (Feb. 28), vs. UTA (March 3)

17. Edmonton Oilers

Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 55%

O/U 92.5 (over -130; under +100). As Leon Draisaitl suggests, everyone needs to be better through the season's final stretch. While the Oilers have only 23 games left to stave off potential charges from divisional rivals such as the Kings and Sharks, a .417% pace -- floated through their past dozen -- isn't going to cut it. If the goaltending doesn't improve quickly, not even Connor McDavid will be able to drag this squad into the postseason. Pick: Under (+100)

Next seven days: @ SJ (Feb. 28), vs. OTT (March 3)

18. Ottawa Senators

Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 55.2%

O/U 91.5 (over -115; under -115). The Senators have their work cut out for them. This line feels overly optimistic about the rest of the season, asking for the team to suddenly shift their point accrual into the next gear. That only happens if Linus Ullmark finds his former Vezina-winning form and quickly. Pick: Under (-115)

Next seven days: @ TOR (Feb. 28), @ EDM (March 3), @ CGY (March 5)

19. Seattle Kraken

Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 54.3%

O/U 87.5 (over -125; under -105). Currently occupying a playoff spot, the Kraken probably deserve a little more respect. Not to suggest they'll be in the postseason mix by the season's conclusion, only that 25 points in 25 games seems doable for a team batting .553. Pick: Over (-125)

Next seven days: vs. VAN (Feb. 28), vs. CAR (March 2), vs. STL (March 4)

20. Toronto Maple Leafs

Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 53.4%

O/U 89.5 (over -125; under -105). The Maple Leafs face a tall order down the stretch. Missing the playoffs in the first season post-Mitch Marner would sting, and this 89.5 line undersells the urgency of their push. They'll likely surpass 90 points, though it might not be enough to keep playing into May. Pick: Over (-125)

Next seven days: vs. OTT (Feb. 28), vs. PHI (March 2), @ NJ (March 4), @ NYR (March 5)

21. Los Angeles Kings

Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 51.7%

O/U 91.5 (over -110; under -120). The loss of Kevin Fiala hurts. However, the addition of Artemi Panarin provides some much-needed scoring pop, and GM Ken Holland likely isn't done yet. Plus, the Kings face the easiest schedule to conclude the season, against teams with a combined points percentage of only .524%. Pick: Over (-110)

Next seven days: vs. CGY (Feb. 28), vs. COL (March 2), vs. NYI (March 5)

22. Florida Panthers

Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 54.3%

O/U 91.5 (over -110; under -120). They don't project for the playoffs and will need more than 91.5 points to get there, but don't count out the Panthers, especially now that they have a swagger-laden Matthew Tkachuk back in the lineup. Pick: Over (-110)

Next seven days: vs. BUF (Feb. 27), @ NYI (March 1), @ NJ (March 3), @ CBJ (March 5)

23. Philadelphia Flyers

Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 54.3%

O/U 88.5 (over +100; under -130). It's not going to punch them into the postseason, but getting past 88 points is still on the table for the surprising Flyers. But even being in the mix will be looked back on as a successful campaign. With no pressure and untapped upside still on the roster, a respectable finish should be expected. Pick: Over (+100)

Next seven days: vs. BOS (Feb. 28), @ TOR (March 2), vs. UTA (March 5)

24. San Jose Sharks

Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 51.8%

O/U 85.5 (over -115; under -115). Emerging from the break, the Sharks play their first six at home where they've enjoyed significantly more success than on the road. Four projected wins through that half-dozen -- including tilts with the Flames and Blues -- would place a hungry Macklin Celebrini & Co. on a clearer path to reaching 86 points. By the numbers, only the Kings face an easier concluding schedule. Pick: Over (-115)

Next seven days: vs. EDM (Feb. 28), vs. WPG (March 1), vs. MTL (March 3)

25. Nashville Predators

Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 52.6%

O/U 85.5 (over -110; under -120). Is Ryan O'Reilly still a member of the Predators after next Friday? What about Jonathan Marchessault, Steven Stamkos and others? The next few days will help determine which direction GM Barry Trotz takes before March 6. Another concern is the Preds face more away games than home games, where they haven't been as competitive. Pick: Under (-120)

Next seven days: @ DAL (Feb. 28), vs. DET (March 2), @ CBJ (March 3), vs. BOS (March 5)

26. New Jersey Devils

Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 49.2%

O/U 86.5 (over -115; under -115). The Devils are at a major crossroads as the trade deadline approaches. On paper, they should be adding to fuel a deeper playoff run. But they probably aren't making the postseason without even more standout Jack Hughes performances than we saw at the Olympics. Pick: Under (-115)

Next seven days: @ STL (Feb. 28), vs. FLA (March 3), vs. TOR (March 4)

27. Winnipeg Jets

Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 47.4%

O/U 80.5 (over -120; under -110). Despite being nine points short of the final wild-card spot in the West, the Jets don't fancy themselves out of it yet. Riding high from his gold-medal-clinching performance in Italy, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck appears in peak form. Pick: Over (-120)

Next seven days: @ ANA (Feb. 27), @ SJ (March 1), vs. CHI (March 3), vs. TB (March 5)

28. Calgary Flames

Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 47.4%

O/U 76.5 (over -110; under -120). If top producer Nazem Kadri and others such as Blake Coleman are moved ahead of the trade deadline as anticipated, it will be even more difficult for the Flames to carve out the necessary number of wins to finish above the aforementioned mark. Headed into Thursday's game in San Jose, this team had just eight road victories. Pick: Under (-120)

Next seven days: @ LA (Feb. 28), @ ANA (March 1), vs. DAL (March 3), vs. OTT (March 5)

29. Chicago Blackhawks

Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 45.7%

O/U 74.5 (over -125; under -105). After a promising start, the Blackhawks are now in tumble mode. Already looking to next season, GM Kyle Davidson is likely to deal a lineup regular (or more) before the March 6 trade deadline. Wins could be scarce for Connor Bedard and friends down the stretch. Pick: Under (-105)

Next seven days: @ COL (Feb. 28), @ UTA (March 1), @ WPG (March 3)

30. New York Rangers

Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 44%

O/U 74.5 (over +100; under -130). Despite trading Artemi Panarin and heading to the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the Rangers should clear this low bar. Even if Vincent Trocheck is also traded, they still have game-changers on the blue line and in goal, and their remaining schedule is much softer than what got them here. Pick: Over (+100)

Next seven days: vs. PIT (Feb. 28), vs. CBJ (March 2), vs. TOR (March 5)

31. St. Louis Blues

Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 44%

O/U 74.5 (over -120; under -110). Why would we expect a club that has averaged 0.86 points per outing thus far -- one with a minus-56 goal-differential -- to all of a sudden bang out 26 in their last 25 games? Especially when one or more prominent performers are likely to be traded elsewhere? Pick: Under (-110)

Next seven days: vs. NJ (Feb. 28), @ MIN (March 1), @ SEA (March 4)

32. Vancouver Canucks

Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 37.1%

O/U 64.5 (over -115; under -115) With several prominent players likely out the door by the time the deadline hits, Vancouver will struggle to collect more victories. After the Canucks won just two of their past 20, asking them to emerge triumphant in nine of their last 24, plus earn a few overtime loss points, is a lot. Pick: Under (-115)

Next seven days: @ SEA (Feb. 28), vs. DAL (March 2), vs. CAR (March 4)