NHL Power Rankings and Remaining Schedule Analysis

Previous ranking: 1

Points percentage: 71.5%

Strength of schedule: 46.2%, 29th (easiest)

As Alex Ovechkin pursues Wayne Gretzky`s all-time goal record, the Capitals seem well-positioned to secure the top seed in the Eastern Conference due to their favorable remaining schedule.

Next seven days: vs. BUF (March 30), @ BOS (April 1), @ CAR (April 2)

Previous ranking: 2

Points percentage: 70.8%

Strength of schedule: 50.6%, 14th

The Jets` leading position in the Western Conference looks solid. However, the Presidents` Trophy, awarded to the league`s best regular-season team, is still in play. The Capitals have an advantage in this race based on schedule difficulty.

Next seven days: vs. NJ (March 28), vs. VAN (March 30), @ LA (April 1), @ VGK (April 3)

Previous ranking: 4

Points percentage: 68.1%

Strength of schedule: 47.9%, 25th (easier)

There`s a slight chance the Stars could overtake the Jets for the Central Division`s top seed, benefiting from a less demanding schedule down the stretch.

Next seven days: @ SEA (March 29), @ SEA (March 31), vs. NSH (April 3)

Previous ranking: 5

Points percentage: 66.2%

Strength of schedule: 48.1%, 23rd (easier)

Despite a quiet trade deadline, the Golden Knights continue to lead their division and are likely to maintain their position due to their remaining schedule.

Next seven days: @ CHI (March 28), @ NSH (March 29), vs. EDM (April 1), vs. WPG (April 3)

Previous ranking: 3

Points percentage: 63.4%

Strength of schedule: 48.6%, 21st (easier)

The Hurricanes are headed towards another playoff appearance, most likely securing the Metro Division`s second seed.

Next seven days: vs. MTL (March 28), vs. NYI (March 30), vs. WSH (April 2)

Previous ranking: 7

Points percentage: 63.7%

Strength of schedule: 50.2%, 16th

A first-round playoff series against the Stars, potentially pitting them against former player Mikko Rantanen, appears probable. Home-ice advantage is the remaining question.

Next seven days: vs. STL (March 29), vs. CGY (March 31), @ CHI (April 2), @ CBJ (April 3)

Previous ranking: 11

Points percentage: 62.7%

Strength of schedule: 51.7%, 10th

Overhauling the Golden Knights for the division title seems unlikely for the Kings, considering their schedule difficulty.

Next seven days: vs. TOR (March 29), vs. SJ (March 30), vs. WPG (April 1), @ UTA (April 3)

Previous ranking: 6

Points percentage: 62.7%

Strength of schedule: 50.2%, 17th

Among the three teams vying for the Atlantic Division lead, the Panthers face the toughest remaining schedule.

Next seven days: vs. UTA (March 28), vs. MTL (March 30), @ MTL (April 1), @ TOR (April 2)

Previous ranking: 8

Points percentage: 62.5%

Strength of schedule: 49.9%, 19th

The Maple Leafs` potential first-round opponent depends on their final seeding. A division title could lead to a matchup with the Ottawa Senators, while a lower seed might mean facing a Florida team.

Next seven days: @ LA (March 29), @ ANA (March 30), vs. FLA (April 2)

Previous ranking: 9

Points percentage: 60.4%

Strength of schedule: 49.9%, 20th

Oilers fans might be concerned about their division title hopes fading, especially with the Golden Knights having an easier schedule. However, a likely first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings, whom they`ve defeated in the past three playoffs, could be seen as positive.

Next seven days: vs. CGY (March 29), @ VGK (April 1), @ SJ (April 3)

Previous ranking: 10

Points percentage: 61.8%

Strength of schedule: 48.4%, 22nd (easier)

The top three spots in the Atlantic Division seem fairly locked in, with seeding being the main point of contention. The Lightning possess the easiest schedule among these three teams for the final stretch.

Next seven days: vs. NYI (March 29), @ NYI (April 1), @ OTT (April 3)

Previous ranking: 15

Points percentage: 57.4%

Strength of schedule: 52.8%, 5th (harder)

Jordan Binnington`s strong performance in the 4 Nations Face-Off has carried over to the Blues, who have surged into playoff contention after a slow start. Their ability to maintain this position against the Canucks and Flames remains to be seen.

Next seven days: @ COL (March 29), vs. DET (April 1), vs. PIT (April 3)

Previous ranking: 12

Points percentage: 59.6%

Strength of schedule: 47.4%, 26th (easier)

Despite recent inconsistencies, the Wild`s solid start to the season may have built a sufficient cushion to fend off competitors, especially given their relatively easy remaining schedule.

Next seven days: vs. NJ (March 29), @ NJ (March 31), @ NYR (April 2)

Previous ranking: 13

Points percentage: 56.9%

Strength of schedule: 44.8%, 32nd (easiest)

The Devils have the easiest remaining schedule, a welcome advantage given their injury challenges as they aim to secure a playoff berth.

Next seven days: @ WPG (March 28), @ MIN (March 29), vs. MIN (March 31)

Previous ranking: 14

Points percentage: 57.0%

Strength of schedule: 47.3%, 27th (easier)

The Senators` patient approach, focused on gradual improvement rather than splashy acquisitions, has placed them in a playoff position as April approaches. Their remaining schedule suggests this trend could continue.

Next seven days: vs. CBJ (March 29), @ PIT (March 30), vs. BUF (April 1), vs. TB (April 3)

Previous ranking: 18

Points percentage: 55.6%

Strength of schedule: 51.7%, 9th (harder)

If the Flames intend to make a playoff push, they will need to overcome a challenging schedule against strong opponents.

Next seven days: @ EDM (March 29), @ COL (March 31), @ UTA (April 1), vs. ANA (April 3)

Previous ranking: 16

Points percentage: 55.6%

Strength of schedule: 52.6%, 6th (harder)

The reigning Pacific Division champions need a strong winning streak and favorable results from other bubble teams to return to the playoffs.

Next seven days: @ CBJ (March 28), @ WPG (March 30), vs. SEA (April 2)

Previous ranking: 17

Points percentage: 52.8%

Strength of schedule: 50.3%, 15th

Could playoff hockey return to Montreal? The Canadiens face a moderately challenging schedule, slightly easier than the Islanders` but tougher than the Rangers` and Blue Jackets`.

Next seven days: @ CAR (March 28), @ FLA (March 30), vs. FLA (April 1), vs. BOS (April 3)

Previous ranking: 19

Points percentage: 52.1%

Strength of schedule: 52.3%, 8th (harder)

The fact that the Utah Hockey Club is still in playoff contention at this point in the season is encouraging for the young team and their fans. However, securing a playoff spot remains a significant challenge.

Next seven days: @ FLA (March 28), @ CHI (March 30), vs. CGY (April 1), vs. LA (April 3)

Previous ranking: 21

Points percentage: 52.1%

Strength of schedule: 54.1%, 1st (hardest)

The Islanders could still contend for an Eastern Conference wild card, but their challenging remaining schedule presents a difficult path.

Next seven days: @ TB (March 29), @ CAR (March 30), vs. TB (April 1)

Previous ranking: 20

Points percentage: 51.4%

Strength of schedule: 51.6%, 13th

Recent lackluster play has diminished the Rangers` playoff hopes after winning the Presidents` Trophy last season. However, a postseason berth is still within reach.

Next seven days: @ ANA (March 28), @ SJ (March 29), vs. MIN (April 2)

Previous ranking: 22

Points percentage: 52.1%

Strength of schedule: 51.6%, 12th

Following the trade deadline, the Blue Jackets held a wild-card spot in the East but have since slipped. Despite this, playoff contention is still possible.

Next seven days: vs. VAN (March 28), @ OTT (March 29), vs. NSH (April 1), vs. COL (April 3)

Previous ranking: 23

Points percentage: 50.0%

Strength of schedule: 53.5%, 4th (harder)

It appears Detroit fans may need to wait until next season to see the Red Wings back in the playoffs.

Next seven days: vs. BOS (March 29), @ STL (April 1)

Previous ranking: 26

Points percentage: 46.6%

Strength of schedule: 46.1%, 30th (easiest)

If the Penguins had performed better earlier in the season, their current easy schedule could have fueled a playoff push. Unfortunately, that`s not the case.

Next seven days: vs. OTT (March 30), @ STL (April 3)

Previous ranking: 24

Points percentage: 47.3%

Strength of schedule: 46.5%, 28th (easier)

Boston`s playoff chances weren`t entirely decided by trade deadline moves, but their subsequent performance suggests they will be drafting high this summer.

Next seven days: @ DET (March 29), vs. WSH (April 1), @ MTL (April 3)

Previous ranking: 25

Points percentage: 49.3%

Strength of schedule: 50.0%, 18th

The Ducks` young team showed some progress this season, but they are expected to participate in the draft lottery again.

Next seven days: vs. NYR (March 28), vs. TOR (March 30), vs. SJ (April 1), @ CGY (April 3)

Previous ranking: 27

Points percentage: 46.6%

Strength of schedule: 53.5%, 3rd (harder)

The first season under coach Dan Bylsma hasn`t gone as Seattle hoped. Their difficult schedule suggests more losses are likely before the end of the season.

Next seven days: vs. DAL (March 29), vs. DAL (March 31), @ VAN (April 2)

Previous ranking: 30

Points percentage: 43.1%

Strength of schedule: 54.1%, 2nd (hardest)

This season has been challenging for the Predators, making them a team to watch for potential changes in the offseason.

Next seven days: vs. VGK (March 29), @ PHI (March 31), @ CBJ (April 1), @ DAL (April 3)

Previous ranking: 28

Points percentage: 45.3%

Strength of schedule: 46.0%, 31st (easiest)

Interim coach Brad Shaw has an opportunity to achieve a strong record to close out the season given the Flyers` schedule. This performance could impact his chances of securing a long-term coaching position.

Next seven days: vs. BUF (March 29), vs. NSH (March 31)

Previous ranking: 29

Points percentage: 46.5%

Strength of schedule: 52.5%, 7th (harder)

The Sabres opted for minimal changes in the offseason and at the trade deadline. As they approach their 14th consecutive season without playoffs, more significant changes might be on the horizon.

Next seven days: @ PHI (March 29), @ WSH (March 30), @ OTT (April 1)

Previous ranking: 31

Points percentage: 35.4%

Strength of schedule: 51.7%, 11th

The Blackhawks and Sharks are essentially competing for the NHL`s worst record, aiming for the best odds in the draft lottery to secure the No. 1 overall pick.

Next seven days: vs. VGK (March 28), vs. UTAH (March 30), vs. COL (April 2)

Previous ranking: 32

Points percentage: 34.5%

Strength of schedule: 48.0%, 24th (easier)

In the race to the bottom of the standings, and the top of the draft lottery, the Sharks have a noticeably easier schedule compared to the Blackhawks.

Next seven days: vs. NYR (March 29), @ LA (March 30), @ ANA (April 1), vs. EDM (April 3)