1-32 poll, plus what each team is ‘most likely’ to do

With the one-month mark in the rearview mirror — with the requisite awards presented to their winners — teams are certainly beginning to show tendencies that are more than just early-season trends.

For this week’s power rankings — which saw a new No. 1 — we identify that key tendency for all 32 clubs.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors rates teams against one another — taking into account game results, injuries and upcoming schedule — and those results are tabulated to produce the list featured here.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to last week’s rankings, published on Nov. 10. Points percentages are through the games of Tuesday.

Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 0.733
Upcoming schedule: vs. WPG (Nov. 18), vs. CHI (Nov. 20), @ DAL (Nov. 23)

Most likely to end up on a highlight reel. Look, Edmonton had two players (Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid) combine for 50 points in the first 12% of the season. McDavid can single-handedly destroy defenses. Draisaitl already has a league-high five game-winning goals. There’s a reason the Oilers have started so well this season and a big part of it is their top-end talent leading the charge (and generating video clicks!).

Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 0.857
Upcoming schedule: @ ANA (Nov. 18), @ LA (Nov. 20), @ SJ (Nov. 22)

Most likely to shut the door. The Hurricanes have been a tough out all season, thanks in large part to Frederik Andersen and a strong defense corps. Carolina averages the third fewest shots against (27.9 per game), and what is getting by hasn’t flustered Andersen a bit. He’s 9-2-0, with a .939 save percentage and 1.78 goals-against average. No wonder the Hurricanes are allowing the fewest goals in the NHL (1.93). Andersen is locked in and locking it down.

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 0.781
Upcoming schedule: vs. NJ (Nov. 18), vs. MIN (Nov. 20)

Most likely to protect the house. There isn’t much the Panthers haven’t done well…