NFL

1-32 poll, toughest remaining stretch for each team

11 March، 2023

13 1 minute read

The 2022-23 NHL trade deadline has passed. The grades have been handed out to GMs of all 32 teams. Now, it’s time for the rush to the playoffs to begin.

For this week’s edition of the NHL Power Rankings, we have identified the toughest remaining stretch for each team for the duration of the season. These games will have an outsized impact on the playoff races — and the draft lottery.

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 the most recent edition, published Feb. 24. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 81.75%
Next seven days: vs. DET (March 11), @ DET (March 12), @ CHI (March 14), @ WPG (March 16)

Boston makes everything look easy this season. But the Bruins do have a short road trip coming up against three teams banking on points to keep pace in the playoff race: Winnipeg, Minnesota and Buffalo. The latter two are back-to-back tilts, and Boston could have its hands full fending off some desperation-fueled clubs.

Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 74.60%
Next seven days: vs. VGK (March 11), @ NJ (March 12), vs. WPG (March 14)

Carolina will need all hands on deck at month’s end when, in a week’s span, it takes on the Rangers (twice), Maple Leafs, Bruins and Lightning. That’s a heavyweight schedule to handle for any team — even one so impressive as the Hurricanes.

Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 67.19%
Next seven days: vs. EDM (March 11), vs. BUF (March 13), vs. COL (March 15)

Toronto steps right past the trade deadline into a six-day, four-game homestand against Edmonton, Buffalo, Colorado and Carolina. All of those teams are in playoff position, or battling for a spot. Lineups filled with star players. One after the other. At least the Leafs have home-ice…