NHL Power Rankings: Jets Remain At Top and Every Team's Projection for Points Progression vs Prediction

This week marks one month into the 2024-25 NHL season, but that doesn’t allow us to draw many definitive conclusions yet. Instead, for this edition of our Power Rankings we will examine preseason over/under point total futures from ESPN BET against each team’s current points pace and compare that. Which teams are furthest off their projections?Our ranking system: Our panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors conducts a 1-32 poll based on games through Wednesday that generates our master list here.Note that any previous rankings refer back to when this edition of Ranking Hockey appeared Nov 7th Points percentages through Thursday’s games. Previous ranking: 1, Points Percentage = 92.86%, Season O/U=95.5 and Current points pace=152.3The Jets were not expected to become one of the greatest teams ever seen before this season began, yet here we are today with 152.3 points already scored! The New Jersey Jets might not have been expected to become such an all-time great side but yet here they stand as champions! Due to balanced scoring and all-world goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, this team stands as the most complete after one month. Upcoming matches: Vs DAL on November 9; NYR and Tampa on November 12/14 respectively (Previous Ranking 8Positiion percentage = 83.33%Price tag is 1000.5CPace of Points is 136.7Reports that the Hurricanes may have fallen on hard times have been greatly exaggerated. No one told them otherwise and now appear poised to prove last season’s playoff appearance was no fluke. Within seven days: at Pittsburgh. PIT (Nov. 8), @ STL (Nov. 9) and TOR (Nov. 13). Their previous ranking: 5 Points percentage 73.08% Preseason O/U 97.5 Points pace:119.8. We learned in Jurassic Park movies that life always finds a way. In this instance, it’s the Golden Knights finding ways to stay near the top of their division despite constant roster turnover. Next week: @ SEA (Nov 8), at VAN (Nov. 13). CAR (Nov 11th) and @ANA (Nov. 13th). Their Points Percentage was 66.67% while they scored 103.5 O/U Points this Season and are on pace for 1093 points this Year; currently though some Stars have yet to score this Year! Although some Stars may lag in terms of points scoring this Year. Once they do, look out. Next week: WPG (Nov 9), PIT (Nov 11) and BOS (Nov 14). Previous ranking: 13Points percentage: 63.33%Preseason O/U: 96.5Current points pace: 103.9A third consecutive first-round playoff loss against Edmonton signalled it would likely not be their most fruitful campaign ahead.
There’s always the fear that something bad might happen… So I suggest getting to know each other by attending meetings together or going for walks together! Eventually you might just end up like me…! Preseason O/U: 81.5Current Points Pace: 93.7The Flames have been one of the biggest surprises of this first month, easily outshyltin their Battle of Alberta rivals — although many outside of Calgary believe they will catch them by season’s end.Next seven Days: @ Buffalo (Nov 9), vs Los Angeles 11 (Nov 11) & Vancouver 12 (Nov 12). Prior Ranking & Points Percentage = 46 -157%Preseason O/U 90.5Current Points Pace= 75.7The Senators have since gone cold after starting with four wins out of six straight matches out the gate with three straight victories against LA (Nov 11th) before losing four in succession at home against LA (Nov 11th).Next seven Days are @ Buffalo (Nov 9), LA 11th) before visiting Van (Nov 12th). Preseason O/U = 90.5 and Current Points Pace = 75 The Sens have since lost some steam after starting 4-2-0 start but remain within striking distance. Current Points Pace= 75.7The Sens have taken an impressive 42-0 start before cooling a 42-0 start before cooling slightly since four consecutive 2-0 starts that saw them 42-0-2 to start to end their 42-0-2 start on Nov 12th when Van van won 7th November 12).Previous Ranking 15 Points percentage 46.15% Pre Season O/U 99.5 and Current Pace 80 5/u 10.5 and Current Pace 10.5 and Current Pace is 75.7Imps 90.5 in comparison, at 75.7 as per Pace 88.5 90.5 O/U 99.5’ve dropped off since 90.5/94/5 current Pace 90.5 and current pace is 75.7 The Sens have seen off some. 75.7 which puts their opponents LA, before 112.5% but to lose out 9 and Van 12 but did come close as 14.5 against LA 6 11.12. 74-15 but as 90 1/2 C75.6 then 8/Ccurr.72 per Centu.775 Plus current Points Pace 75.6 so far 7.7 75.7 (72 57.5 C Current Pace 75 7570 current pointspaced, 95.5, O/Cpac 740.5 99.5 is 757% overall season O/ 95′ 95.5 current 75.5 9 and CCM 75.7 since 75% so far so far behind Ottawa 1s 36.575 but as C 66.15% before this summer will catchup). Now 75.7.725%Pre Season 80.5 with 85 5 +615)!. 615 for now 85.5)! 46.1 75.7). 75.7). Current points Pace 75 The Senator, so far) Current points pace 75.7Currently 90.5, so Far C current points pace 75 757% pre 9 1/2 90.5 which now being 757 in 75.7 Remarkably, vibes surrounding this team remain positive, leading us to believe they could stay competitive for a playoff berth. Over the next week or two: visiting Boston (Nov 9), taking on Toronto (Nov 12) and hosting Philadelphia (Nov 14), with sportsbooks expecting modest expectations from them this season that they have mostly met; next seven days see them facing WSH (Nov 9) before traveling to BOS on Nov. 12, in between being scheduled against Buffalo vs Buff on Nov 14 (next 7 Days); previous Ranking 23 Points Percentages Totaling 46.43%Preseason O/U 108.5Current Points Pace 751/800.6; Next seven Days Scheduled against BOS on Nov. 12 followed by BUF at Buffalo on Nov 14 next ; Next seven Days Scheduled Hockey Next seven Days Scheduled for Oilers… The Oilers currently trail behind expected point total by quite some margin. Next seven Days Scheduled BUS on November 9 for next seven day playoff matchup at 108.5…and @ BUF (Nov. 14). Next seven Days Scheduled Match Up to: 23Points Percentage 46.43%Pre Season O/U:108.5 Cur Current Points Pace=76 17.5The Oilers far behind projected points Total.Next 76.1 Next seven Days @ WSH then BC next Thursday/14 (Vs 9-13th)/Vs Playoff Schedulen 14Vs Setback against WSH9-vs), BOS 12 Vs 76.1 Vs against WSH9 (9th), BOS 108.5 + 17th Nov 14 for final).Next seven Day 13 Vs WSH23 Vs)WASH Vs against WSH (9th O/ U =108.5 (108.5Cur Current pace 76.1)Next 76.1- Current Pacepaci 5/66%Vs 76.1. CUB 198.5Vs 19.5), Buffalo at 89.5 C Current Point Pacec P70 But this team still stands a chance of turning things around. Though not expected at first glance, UHC managed to pull off an unexpected feat last season: making the playoffs without qualifying as one. Now they appear poised to do it all over again this time around. In their next seven days they face VAN (Nov 9), NYI (12 Nov), NSH 14 Nov). Previous Ranking 17 Points Percentage 53.57% 87.5 O/U 87.5 Pace of Scoring 879 It had long been anticipated that they’d find themselves right around playoff contention this year; after one month they’re almost there – already within reach! It seems they’ll make their playoff case! Will the front office use trade chips to add veteran support in the next seven days, starting with NSH (Nov 9)? CAR (Nov 13)Previous ranking: 19Points percentage: 42.86%Preseason O/U: 102.5Current points pace: 70.3Although off their projected pace for this season, Cale Makar appears to only experience short-term injury issues that should not prevent him from playing against New Orleans next Monday (Dec 5th)and Philadelphia Monday evening before meeting the Knicks the week following. Next seven days: At New Orleans. CAR (Nov. 9), NSH (Nov. 11), and LA (Nov 13). CAR’s points percentage was 50.00% last season while their O/U total reached 999.5 and they currently stand with an 82.0 points pace pace. With all that is going on with Jeremy Swayman contract negotiations and secondary scoring shortcircuiting (see @ STL on 11/12 and at DAL 14 on 14), should there be any clues regarding Swayman as cause, then DAL should get off on 14). Top stories this week from ESPN+ Content >>. Get exclusive access to over 10,000 articles written annually from top writers on various subjects and topics including * Grading MLB bold season predictions >> Premier League coaching hot seats >> NFL trade deadline winners/losers >> More ESPN+ content >>
Preseason Over/Under: 90.5Current Points Pace: 88.8Carryover Trend from 2023-24? Cam Talbot made his presence felt with the Kings early last season but quickly faltered after. Can he maintain this season’s promising first month? Next seven days: @ Toronto (Nov 8), vs New York Rangers (Nov 9) and at Pittsburgh (Nov 13). Previous ranking was 18Points percentage was 500.00%Preseason O/U was set at 69.5Current Points Pace was 82.0 For some teams, an 82 point pace may not seem encouraging but for Toronto it should serve as motivation to continue its fast start to this campaign. Blue Jackets fans should rejoice, as it looks promising for them in 2018. Their next seven games include visits to Los Angeles (Nov. 9), Anaheim (10), and Seattle (12), respectively; previous ranking was 22; points percentage = 46.433% / Over/Under was 88.5 and Current points pace stands at 76.1 At least in theory, they still may make this one count, but their current trajectory must significantly improve before that can happen.The Isles will play three opponents over the next week against CGY (Nov 9), MTL (Nov 11) and STL (Nov 14) with current rankings being 26 Points Percentage = 50.00% Preseason O/U 91.5 Current Points Pace 82.0 Last season was not kind to Lane Lambert so Patrick Roy was hired instead, leading them all the way into playoff contention and ultimately making up ground before going all-out against STL in Game 7. Can Roy turn around their season again this time around? Next seven days: against New Jersey on November 9, EDM on November 12 and VAN on November 14. Precedent Ranking 16Points Percentage 39.29%Preseason O/U 87.5Points Pace 64.4The Kraken are 21st in scoring goals this season while tied for 19th when it comes to stopping them – making for an interesting combination! One or both factors will need to change for them to get back on pace, which will require one of those two changes for them to return at full strength. Over the next week: games against New Jersey Devils on Nov 8; Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago on Nov 14; Previous Ranking 31Points Percentage 400.00%Preseason O/U 90.5Currently Points Pace of 65.6Thanks to Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, Penguins fans do at least have some milestones to mark during this season! At this juncture, a playoff run appears unlikely for Chicago. Over the next seven days: @ WSH on November 8, against DAL on November 11, and then DET (Nov 13). Previous ranking was 29 with points percentage at 36.67% Preseason O/U set at 73.5 and current points pace set at 600.1. Will Year Two of Connor Bedard reign be more fruitful than Year One? At present, they appear to be headed in the right direction after finishing last season with 52 points. Over the next seven days they play against Minnesota (November 10), Seattle (November 14) and are projected for an O/U total of 98.5 and are on pace with their points projection at 52.7 per game – only Toronto are further behind at this point! Based on returns thus far in 2024-25, it appears so. At least Matvei Michkov is enjoyable to watch (when not sidelined due to injury). Next week they play: @ FLA on Nov 9; vs SJ on Nov 11 and then Ottawa (Nov 14) with O/U of 63.5 points pace of 54 7.7%The Sharks may not be world beaters this year but have assembled an intriguing, competitive squad supported by one of the NHL’s premier prospect pipelines (Philadelphia/New Jersey/NYR). Their next three opponents: NJ on Nov 10, PHI 11 then NYR on Nov 14).Next seven days: @ FLA on Nov 9, then NYR before finals on Nov 14).