There is no official midseason mark for the NHL season, but with many teams having played 41 games or more, it’s a good time to take another look at each team’s performance based on preseason expectations.
To measure “expectations,” we’re using the over/under point totals for each team from ESPN BET sportsbook.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors votes in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which creates our master list.
Note: The previous rankings are from the Jan. 3 edition. Points percentages and paces are based on Thursday’s games.
- Vegas Golden Knights
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 71.95%
Preseason O/U: 97.5
Current points pace: 118.0
The Golden Knights continue to dominate the Western Conference. They are well ahead of their expected point total pace, aiming for a deeper playoff run than last season’s first-round exit.
Next eight days: vs. NYR (Jan. 11), vs. MIN (Jan. 12), @ NSH (Jan. 14)
- Washington Capitals
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 70.73%
Preseason O/U: 89.5
Current points pace: 116.0
While the season was supposed to focus on Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record, the Capitals have shocked everyone by sitting atop the Eastern Conference, far exceeding their expected point total.
Next eight days: vs. MTL (Jan. 10), @ NSH (Jan. 11), vs. ANA (Jan. 14), @ OTT (Jan. 16)
- Winnipeg Jets
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 69.05%
Preseason O/U: 95.5
Current points pace: 113.2
Though they started the season on a blistering pace, the Jets have slowed down but still lead the Central Division, well ahead of their preseason expectations.
Next eight days: vs. LA (Jan. 10), vs. COL (Jan. 11), vs. VAN (Jan. 14), vs. SEA (Jan. 16)
- Toronto Maple Leafs
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 65.12%
Preseason O/U: 102.5
Current points pace: 106.8
Despite injuries to key players like Auston Matthews, the Maple Leafs are in first place in the Atlantic Division, with a solid points pace and a new voice behind the bench in Craig Berube.
Next eight days: vs. VAN (Jan. 11), vs. DAL (Jan. 14), vs. NJ (Jan. 16)
- Minnesota Wild
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 66.67%
Preseason O/U: 93.5
Current points pace: 109.3
The Wild have been one of the biggest surprises this season, showing they are legitimate contenders, even without Hart Trophy candidate Kirill Kaprizov at full strength.
Next eight days: @ SJ (Jan. 11), @ VGK (Jan. 12), vs. EDM (Jan. 15)
- Los Angeles Kings
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 67.11%
Preseason O/U: 96.5
Current points pace: 110.1
After a tough playoff loss to the Oilers, the Kings have bounced back and been strong, going 11-2-2 since American Thanksgiving.
Next eight days: @ WPG (Jan. 10), @ CGY (Jan. 11), @ EDM (Jan. 13), @ VAN (Jan. 16)
- Edmonton Oilers
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 64.63%
Preseason O/U: 108.5
Current points pace: 106.0
The Oilers came close to winning the Stanley Cup last season. While they aren’t at the top of the standings, Connor McDavid & Co. remain a top team in the league on any given night.
Next eight days: @ CHI (Jan. 11), vs. LA (Jan. 13), @ MIN (Jan. 15), @ COL (Jan. 16)
- Dallas Stars
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 66.25%
Preseason O/U: 103.5
Current points pace: 108.7
The Stars have their sights set on making a deep playoff run, and with a strong points pace, they’re positioning themselves well for that goal.
Next eight days: @ MTL (Jan. 11), @ OTT (Jan. 12), @ TOR (Jan. 14), vs. MTL (Jan. 16)
- New Jersey Devils
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 61.36%
Preseason O/U: 101.5
Current points pace: 100.6
After a disappointing 2023-24 season, the Devils are back in the playoff race, with Jack Hughes leading the way. Strong goaltending additions have helped improve their position.
Next eight days: vs. TB (Jan. 11), vs. FLA (Jan. 14), @ TOR (Jan. 16)
- Florida Panthers
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 61.91%
Preseason O/U: 102.5
Current points pace: 101.5
Despite the expected Stanley Cup hangover, the Panthers have been dominant, holding a strong position in the Atlantic Division, making them a tough opponent for anyone in the postseason.
Next eight days: vs. BOS (Jan. 11), @ PHI (Jan. 13), @ NJ (Jan. 14), vs. DET (Jan. 16)
- Carolina Hurricanes
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 61.91%
Preseason O/U: 100.5
Current points pace: 101.5
The Hurricanes have continued to meet expectations under coach Rod Brind’Amour, and it seems the sportsbooks have caught on to that too.
Next eight days: vs. VAN (Jan. 10), vs. ANA (Jan. 12), @ BUF (Jan. 15)
- Colorado Avalanche
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 61.63%
Preseason O/U: 102.5
Current points pace: 101.1
After a slow start due to injuries, the Avalanche are back among the league’s best. A recent addition, goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, might be a hidden gem.
Next eight days: @ WPG (Jan. 11), vs. NYR (Jan. 14), vs. EDM (Jan. 16)
- Tampa Bay Lightning
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 58.97%
Preseason O/U: 98.5
Current points pace: 96.7
The Lightning might finally miss the playoffs one of these years, but it doesn’t look like this will be the season. They’re still picking up points and maintaining a strong goal differential.
Next eight days: @ NJ (Jan. 11), @ PIT (Jan. 12), @ BOS (Jan. 14), vs. ANA (Jan. 16)
- Vancouver Canucks
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 57.50%
Preseason O/U: 99.5
Current points pace: 94.3
The Canucks are dealing with internal issues but have continued to show some strong performances. There’s talk of a possible trade, but will it help them come spring?
Next eight days: @ CAR (Jan. 10), @ TOR (Jan. 11), @ WPG (Jan. 14), vs. LA (Jan. 16)
- Calgary Flames
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 56.25%
Preseason O/U: 81.5
Current points pace: 92.3
The Flames, after trading many of their key players in the past year, have found themselves in the thick of the playoff race. A big reason for this is standout rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf, who is in the running for the Calder Trophy.
Next eight days: vs. LA (Jan. 11), @ CHI (Jan. 13), @ STL (Jan. 14), @ STL (Jan. 16)
- Ottawa Senators
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 51.25%
Preseason O/U: 90.5
Current points pace: 84.1
The Senators are among the “Atlantic rising” teams, and they seem closest to returning to the playoffs. However, the extended absence of goaltender Linus Ullmark could affect their chances.
Next eight days: @ PIT (Jan. 11), vs. DAL (Jan. 12), @ NYI (Jan. 14), vs. WSH (Jan. 16)
- Montreal Canadiens
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 51.25%
Preseason O/U: 76.5
Current points pace: 84.1
The Canadiens have become an exciting team to watch, with young players like Lane Hutson and a resurgent Patrik Laine leading the charge, even if they don’t make the playoffs.
Next eight days: @ WSH (Jan. 10), vs. DAL (Jan. 11), @ UTA (Jan. 14), @ DAL (Jan. 16)
- Columbus Blue Jackets
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 52.38%
Preseason O/U: 69.5
Current points pace: 85.9
The Blue Jackets weren’t expected to make much of an impact in the Eastern Conference, but they are currently in the race for a wild-card spot at the season’s midpoint.
Next eight days: @ STL (Jan. 11), vs. PHI (Jan. 14), vs. SJ (Jan. 16)
- Boston Bruins
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 51.14%
Preseason O/U: 99.5
Current points pace: 83.9
The Bruins’ season started in chaos with Jeremy Swayman’s contract situation and a slow start that led to Jim Montgomery’s firing. Despite that, they are still in the playoff race, though not quite at their expected pace.
Next eight days: @ FLA (Jan. 11), vs. TB (Jan. 14)
- St. Louis Blues
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 51.16%
Preseason O/U: 86.5
Current points pace: 83.9
After narrowly missing the playoffs last year, the Blues are still in a similar position this season, as expected.
Next eight days: vs. CBJ (Jan. 11), vs. CGY (Jan. 14), vs. CGY (Jan. 16)
- Utah Hockey Club
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 51.25%
Preseason O/U: 87.5
Current points pace: 84.1
The Utah Hockey Club had a strong start that made fans hopeful for a playoff run in their first season. However, their performance has been uneven since then, and they’ll need another winning streak to get back into a wild-card spot.
Next eight days: vs. SJ (Jan. 10), vs. NYI (Jan. 11), vs. MTL (Jan. 14), vs. NYR (Jan. 16)
- Detroit Red Wings
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 50.00%
Preseason O/U: 90.5
Current points pace: 82.0
The Red Wings are hoping to make the playoffs soon. To do so, they need to keep winning, especially after their recent five-game winning streak.
Next eight days: vs. CHI (Jan. 10), vs. SEA (Jan. 12), vs. SJ (Jan. 14), @ FLA (Jan. 16)
- Pittsburgh Penguins
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 51.16%
Preseason O/U: 90.5
Current points pace: 83.9
This could be the last chance for Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang to compete for a championship together. The Penguins are still in the wild-card race, but they need to be more consistent in the second half of the season.
Next eight days: vs. OTT (Jan. 11), vs. TB (Jan. 12), vs. SEA (Jan. 14)
- Philadelphia Flyers
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 46.43%
Preseason O/U: 85.5
Current points pace: 76.1
The Flyers are known for being tough to beat under coach John Tortorella, but they’ve struggled to win consistently. They need to surpass other teams to get into a playoff spot.
Next eight days: vs. ANA (Jan. 11), vs. FLA (Jan. 13), @ CBJ (Jan. 14), @ NYI (Jan. 16)
- New York Rangers
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 48.78%
Preseason O/U: 100.5
Current points pace: 80.0
If it weren’t for the Predators, the Rangers would be considered the biggest disappointment this season. After winning the Presidents’ Trophy in 2023-24, they’ve fallen short of expectations so far.
Next eight days: @ VGK (Jan. 11), @ COL (Jan. 14), @ UTA (Jan. 16)
- New York Islanders
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 47.56%
Preseason O/U: 91.5
Current points pace: 78.0
After a short playoff appearance last season, the Islanders made few changes over the summer. This has not worked out as expected so far.
Next eight days: @ UTA (Jan. 11), vs. OTT (Jan. 14), vs. PHI (Jan. 16)
- Anaheim Ducks
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 47.56%
Preseason O/U: 72.5
Current points pace: 78.0
While it’s still too early to declare the Ducks’ rebuild over, their progress is visible. Some of their players have been mentioned in trade rumors, but things seem to be improving.
Next eight days: @ PHI (Jan. 11), @ CAR (Jan. 12), @ WSH (Jan. 14), @ TB (Jan. 16)
- Seattle Kraken
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 44.05%
Preseason O/U: 87.5
Current points pace: 72.2
After a disappointing 2023-24 season, the Kraken replaced coach Dave Hakstol with Dan Bylsma. However, they have not yet shown much improvement and are still outside the playoff picture.
Next eight days: @ BUF (Jan. 11), @ DET (Jan. 12), @ PIT (Jan. 14), @ WPG (Jan. 16)
- Buffalo Sabres
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 44.05%
Preseason O/U: 88.5
Current points pace: 72.2
The Sabres are in danger of missing the playoffs for the 14th straight year. They need to put together a winning streak soon to salvage their season.
Next eight days: vs. SEA (Jan. 11), vs. CAR (Jan. 15)
- Nashville Predators
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 40.24%
Preseason O/U: 98.5
Current points pace: 66.0
The Predators have been the biggest letdown this season compared to their preseason expectations. Major changes could be coming before the trade deadline.
Next eight days: vs. WSH (Jan. 11), vs. VGK (Jan. 14), vs. CHI (Jan. 16)
- Chicago Blackhawks
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 36.59%
Preseason O/U: 73.5
Current points pace: 60.0
No one expected the Blackhawks to make a playoff run with Connor Bedard in his second season, but their poor results have led to the firing of coach Luke Richardson. The team is still near the bottom of the standings and has many issues to address.
Next eight days: @ DET (Jan. 10), vs. EDM (Jan. 11), vs. CGY (Jan. 13), @ NSH (Jan. 16)
- San Jose Sharks
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 37.21%
Preseason O/U: 63.5
Current points pace: 61.0
The Sharks have been one of the most entertaining “bad” teams this season, with a goal differential of minus-41, but they still feature Macklin Celebrini, who impresses with highlight-reel plays almost every game.
Next eight days: @ UTA (Jan. 10), vs. MIN (Jan. 11), @ DET (Jan. 14), @ CBJ (Jan. 16)
