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ESPN employeesNov 1, 2024, 07:00 AM ET
The second calendar month of the 2024-25 NHL season is right here. However which video games are essentially the most tantalizing within the subsequent 30 days?
For this version of the Energy Rankings, we have recognized the sport (or video games) of the month for all 32 groups, whether or not it is a rivalry matchup, a reunion with an outdated teammate or a key early season conflict between prime Stanley Cup contenders.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 ballot primarily based on the video games by Wednesday, which generates our grasp record right here.
Be aware: Earlier rating for every group refers back to the earlier version, published Oct. 25. Factors percentages are by Thursday’s video games.
1. Winnipeg Jets
Earlier rating: 2
Factors proportion: 90.00%
Nov. 7 vs. the Avalanche. The Jets’ promising 2024 playoff entry ended fairly shortly by the hands of the Avalanche this previous spring. A single recreation in November is not going to be ample for vengeance, however because the Jets proceed to show themselves as a prime contender, beating different top-tier groups is a requirement.
Subsequent seven days: @ CBJ (Nov. 1), vs. TB (Nov. 3), vs. UTA (Nov. 5), vs. COL (Nov. 7)
2. Dallas Stars
Earlier rating: 3
Factors proportion: 77.78%
Nov. 1, 2 vs. the Panthers. It is one other spherical of the NHL World Sequence. Although the Devils-Sabres collection in Prague proved one-sided, this pairing of Finn-loaded contenders will probably be a delight to the hundreds within the constructing in Tampere.
Subsequent seven days: vs. FLA (Nov. 1), vs. FLA (Nov. 2), vs. CHI (Nov. 7)
3. New York Rangers
Earlier rating: 1
Factors proportion: 72.22%
Nov. 23 on the Oilers. Not solely is that this the “Mark Messier matchup” — and one that will’ve made an incredible Stanley Cup Remaining this previous spring — however these two groups have the shortest Cup-winner odds of their respective conferences, per ESPN BET. Maybe we’ll get these two iconic franchises within the Cup Remaining this season?
Subsequent seven days: vs. OTT (Nov. 1), vs. NYI (Nov. 3), vs. BUF (Nov. 7)
4. Minnesota Wild
Earlier rating: 4
Factors proportion: 77.78%
Nov. 19 on the Blues. The Wild and Blues fell simply shy of the playoffs final season, and given the power of the Central Division, one imagines there will not be room for each of them within the 2025 postseason. Can the Wild get revenge for the Blues’ 4-1 win again on Oct. 15?
Subsequent seven days: vs. TB (Nov. 1), vs. TOR (Nov. 3), vs. LA (Nov. 5), @ SJ (Nov. 7)
5. Vegas Golden Knights
Earlier rating: 8
Factors proportion: 68.18%
Nov. 17 vs. the Capitals. It isn’t typically {that a} participant will get traded on the identical day he is scheduled to do a meet-and-greet with followers. However such was the case for goaltender Logan Thompson. He’ll make his return to Vegas along with his new teammates for this one, after stopping 24 of 26 pictures to beat his outdated group 4-2 on Oct. 15 in D.C.
Subsequent seven days: vs. UTA (Nov. 2), @ EDM (Nov. 6)
6. Washington Capitals
Earlier rating: 10
Factors proportion: 77.78%
Nov. 8 vs. the Penguins. Though Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby are on the proverbial back-nine of their careers, each are nonetheless acting at a excessive stage; that makes any Capitals-Penguins recreation a must-see (even when Sid’s Penguins are severely lagging behind Ovi’s Capitals within the standings).
Subsequent seven days: vs. CBJ (Nov. 2), @ CAR (Nov. 3), vs. NSH (Nov. 6)
7. Tampa Bay Lightning
Earlier rating: 6
Factors proportion: 70.00%
Nov. 27 vs. the Capitals. Lengthy reside the Southeast Division. The Lightning and Capitals are each in playoff place as of this writing — and may nicely be on the finish of the month when this recreation takes place, too. An vital recreation for every membership as they hope to stay within the postseason combine by season’s finish.
Subsequent seven days: @ MIN (Nov. 1), @ WPG (Nov. 3), @ STL (Nov. 5), vs. PHI (Nov. 7)
8. Carolina Hurricanes
Earlier rating: 12
Factors proportion: 77.78%
Nov. 27 vs. the Rangers. The Hurricanes’ playoff run this previous spring was terminated by the Blueshirts, and this will probably be their first showdown with their divisional foes.
Subsequent seven days: vs. WSH (Nov. 3), vs. PHI (Nov. 5), vs. PIT (Nov. 7)
9. Florida Panthers
Earlier rating: 11
Factors proportion: 68.18%
Nov. 16, 19 towards the Jets. November is a unusual month within the Panthers’ schedule: They’ve 4 occurrences of consecutive video games towards the identical opponent. We’ll spotlight prevalence No. 3 for this spot, because the Jets look each bit as superior as their NFL namesakes don’t. A possible Stanley Cup Remaining matchup.
Subsequent seven days: vs. DAL (Nov. 1), vs. DAL (Nov. 2), vs. NSH (Nov. 7)
10. New Jersey Devils
Earlier rating: 9
Factors proportion: 61.54%
Nov. 12, 14 on the Panthers. The Panthers signify the usual to which all prime Japanese Convention contenders are evaluating themselves. So this pair of video games in Dawn will probably be important for the Devils, a group that desires to rely itself in that cohort.
Subsequent seven days: @ CGY (Nov. 1), @ EDM (Nov. 4), vs. MTL (Nov. 7)
11. Toronto Maple Leafs
Earlier rating: 7
Factors proportion: 59.09%
Nov. 5 vs. the Bruins. Regardless of which group is increased within the standings — or favored within the playoff collection — the Maple Leafs have had main hassle beating the Bruins in current seasons. Because the Bruins’ season is off to a tepid begin, it could possibly be time for an announcement victory for the Leafs.
Subsequent seven days: @ STL (Nov. 2), @ MIN (Nov. 3), vs. BOS (Nov. 5)
12. Vancouver Canucks
Earlier rating: 16
Factors proportion: 61.11%
Nov. 9 vs. the Oilers. There’s nothing like a heated playoff collection to throw extra gasoline on a rivalry’s hearth. So after the gamers (and followers) acquired after each other within the second spherical this previous spring, what can we count on within the opening conflict between these Pacific contenders?
Subsequent seven days: @ SJ (Nov. 2), @ ANA (Nov. 5), @ LA (Nov. 7)
13. Los Angeles Kings
Earlier rating: 14
Factors proportion: 63.64%
Nov. 29 on the Geese. This SoCal rivalry is not as heated because it was when each groups had been contenders, however there’s all the time a little bit further juice once they match up. And, with two of this season’s best uniform redesigns, it will likely be aesthetically pleasing, too.
Subsequent seven days: vs. CHI (Nov. 2), @ NSH (Nov. 4), @ MIN (Nov. 5), vs. VAN (Nov. 7)
14. Calgary Flames
Earlier rating: 5
Factors proportion: 55.00%
Nov. 3 vs. the Oilers. Few rivalries in skilled sports activities are as persistently nasty because the Battle of Alberta. The Flames needed to watch their cross-province antagonists get to inside a recreation of a Stanley Cup this previous spring. Will they proceed their pursuit of derailing one other Edmonton playoff run by taking one other W from them, as they did again on Oct. 13?
Subsequent seven days: vs. NJ (Nov. 1), vs. EDM (Nov. 3), @ MTL (Nov. 5), @ BOS (Nov. 7)
15. Ottawa Senators
Earlier rating: 15
Factors proportion: 55.56%
Nov. 12 on the Maple Leafs. The Battle of Ontario is one other glorious NHL rivalry — the latest flare-up occurring in February when Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly took umbrage to Ridly Greig‘s enthusiastic empty-net aim. Will this subsequent bout function comparable fireworks?
Subsequent seven days: @ NYR (Nov. 1), vs. SEA (Nov. 2), @ BUF (Nov. 5), vs. NYI (Nov. 7)
16. Seattle Kraken
Earlier rating: 18
Factors proportion: 50.00%
Nov. 20 vs. the Predators. It was fairly a low-scoring affair on Oct. 15 because the Seahawks beat the Titans 7-3 … oh wait, it was a hockey recreation. Because it seems, the full of 10 objectives in that recreation has been matched twice since in Kraken video games, each of which Seattle has gained. Will it’s one other offensive onslaught on this return match towards the Preds?
Subsequent seven days: @ OTT (Nov. 2), @ BOS (Nov. 3), @ COL (Nov. 5)
17. Utah Hockey Club
Earlier rating: 13
Factors proportion: 54.55%
Nov. 2, 15, 30 towards the Golden Knights. The Golden Knights set the benchmark for early success as an enlargement group, getting all the best way to the Stanley Cup Remaining. The Utah Hockey Membership is not technically an enlargement group, however because the NHL’s latest membership, they hope to chart an identical path of early success. A win (or three) towards Vegas in November would signify they’re nicely on their means.
Subsequent seven days: @ VGK (Nov. 2), @ WPG (Nov. 5), @ STL (Nov. 7)
18. Columbus Blue Jackets
Earlier rating: 27
Factors proportion: 61.11%
Nov. 5-12, towards the Sharks, Kings, Geese, Kraken. To the shock of some, the Blue Jackets stay on the (early) playoff bubble within the Japanese Convention. An prolonged West Coast journey can assist deliver a group collectively, and grabbing some Ws does not harm both.
Subsequent seven days: vs. WPG (Nov. 1), @ WSH (Nov. 2), @ SJ (Nov. 5)
19. Colorado Avalanche
Earlier rating: 19
Factors proportion: 45.45%
Nov. 29 on the Stars. Get pleasure from watching elite puck-moving defensemen? Circle this recreation in your calendar, as Colorado’s Cale Makar will go to Dallas’ Miro Heiskanen.
Subsequent seven days: @ NSH (Nov. 2), vs. SEA (Nov. 5), @ WPG (Nov. 7)
20. St. Louis Blues
Earlier rating: 20
Factors proportion: 45.45%
Nov. 12, 16 towards the Bruins. Goalie objectives are a factor of magnificence. Goalie fights are a factor of magnificence … in one other means. Jordan Binnington has been on the verge of 1 for years — and nearly got in one towards the Senators this week — whereas Bruins netminder Jeremy Swayman additionally has the fighting spirit, as one may say.
Subsequent seven days: vs. TOR (Nov. 2), vs. TB (Nov. 5), vs. UTA (Nov. 7)
21. Boston Bruins
Earlier rating: 17
Factors proportion: 40.91%
Nov. 9 vs. the Senators. It is Linus Ullmark-Jeremy Swayman reunion evening! Although Ullmark did not play for the B’s so long as Steven Stamkos did for the Lightning, he did win the Vezina Trophy for a group that set an NHL file for regular-season dominance. What’s going to the reception be like at TD Backyard?
Subsequent seven days: @ PHI (Nov. 2), vs. SEA (Nov. 3), @ TOR (Nov. 5), vs. CGY (Nov. 7)
22. Buffalo Sabres
Earlier rating: 24
Factors proportion: 45.00%
Nov. 2, 5 towards Purple Wings, Senators. For the previous few seasons, we have been ready for one in every of these three rising Atlantic Division groups to take the following step and qualify for the playoffs. Is that this the season? These two video games for the Sabres will probably be barometer of the place they stand particularly.
Subsequent seven days: vs. NYI (Nov. 1), @ DET (Nov. 2), vs. OTT (Nov. 5), @ NYR (Nov. 7)
23. Edmonton Oilers
Earlier rating: 21
Factors proportion: 50.00%
Nov. 30 on the Avalanche. The Oilers and Avalanche are usually not precisely the place many predicted they’d be within the standings. And the lack of Connor McDavid for the following two to 3 weeks does not assist issues for Edmonton. However with McDavid again in time (hopefully) for this matchup, this needs to be measuring stick for each golf equipment.
Subsequent seven days: @ CGY (Nov. 3), vs. NJ (Nov. 4), vs. VGK (Nov. 6)
24. Detroit Red Wings
Earlier rating: 26
Factors proportion: 45.00%
Nov. 9 vs. the Rangers. Sooner or later, the Purple Wings have to show a nook again towards rivalry. Will this Authentic Six matchup be that turning level, following two losses to the Blueshirts in October?
Subsequent seven days: vs. BUF (Nov. 2), @ CHI (Nov. 6)
25. Anaheim Ducks
Earlier rating: 25
Factors proportion: 50.00%
Nov. 3, 19 towards the Blackhawks. There was no uncertainty about who needs to be the No. 1 choose within the 2023 NHL draft; and certain sufficient, Connor Bedard was chosen by the Blackhawks. Nevertheless, the Geese’ number of Leo Carlsson at No. 2 raised some eyebrows on the time. Not anymore, because the Swede is second on his group in scoring this season. This pair of matchups will probably be a showcase for 2 of the league’s brightest younger stars.
Subsequent seven days: vs. CHI (Nov. 3), vs. VAN (Nov. 5)
26. New York Islanders
Earlier rating: 22
Factors proportion: 40.00%
Nov. 3 on the Rangers. Maybe this Sunday matinee towards their archrivals will stir one thing within the Isles, who have not gotten off to one of the best begin within the first full season with Patrick Roy behind the bench.
Subsequent seven days: @ BUF (Nov. 1), @ NYR (Nov. 3), vs. PIT (Nov. 5), @ OTT (Nov. 7)
27. Nashville Predators
Earlier rating: 28
Factors proportion: 35.00%
Nov. 2, 11 towards the Avalanche. The reality is, we might record all 15 video games in November right here; excessive preseason expectations have led to underwhelming early outcomes, making each recreation rely from right here. However we’ll choose this pair towards the Avalanche, as Nathan MacKinnon & Co. have been in that higher tier of rivalry (to which the Preds aspire) for the previous handful of seasons.
Subsequent seven days: vs. COL (Nov. 2), vs. LA (Nov. 4), @ WSH (Nov. 6), @ FLA (Nov. 7)
28. Montreal Canadiens
Earlier rating: 30
Factors proportion: 40.91%
Nov. 26 vs. the UHC. On the 2022 NHL draft in Montreal, the Canadiens shocked lots of their followers in attendance by choosing Juraj Slafkovsky first general. Two picks later, the Coyotes took Logan Cooley. A lot has occurred since then — together with the Coyotes reworking into the Utah Hockey Membership — however this recreation will one other showcase for 2 rising stars from that class.
Subsequent seven days: @ PIT (Nov. 2), vs. CGY (Nov. 5), @ NJ (Nov. 7)
29. Chicago Blackhawks
Earlier rating: 29
Factors proportion: 31.82%
Nov. 6 vs. the Purple Wings. Two iconic franchises. One of the crucial aesthetically pleasing uniform matchups in professional sports activities. No, they don’t seem to be precisely on prime of the standings as they as soon as had been, however there’s one thing particular about this old-school Norris Division showdown.
Subsequent seven days: @ LA (Nov. 2), @ ANA (Nov. 3), vs. DET (Nov. 6), @ DAL (Nov. 7)
30. Philadelphia Flyers
Earlier rating: 31
Factors proportion: 40.91%
Nov. 7 on the Lightning. Matvei Michkov, the Flyers’ first-round choose in 2023, has taken the NHL by storm, with 9 factors by 10 video games. On this matchup, he’ll be sharing the ice with two of one of the best Russian gamers in current historical past, winger Nikita Kucherov and goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy.
Subsequent seven days: vs. BOS (Nov. 2), @ CAR (Nov. 5), @ TB (Nov. 7)
31. Pittsburgh Penguins
Earlier rating: 23
Factors proportion: 37.50%
Nov. 19 vs. the Lightning. Jake Guentzel misplaced his first recreation as a non-Penguin in Pittsburgh (with the Hurricanes, after final season’s commerce deadline). Will his second journey again to the guests locker room go any higher — and the way will followers greet him?
Subsequent seven days: vs. MTL (Nov. 2), @ NYI (Nov. 5), @ CAR (Nov. 7)
32. San Jose Sharks
Earlier rating: 32
Factors proportion: 33.33%
Nov. 16 on the Penguins. In 2016, these two groups met within the Stanley Cup Remaining. This season, they’re assembly within the basement of the standings — with one in every of their appearances extra stunning than the opposite’s. Can the Sharks punctuate this mini East Coast journey with a win towards Sidney Crosby & Co.?
Subsequent seven days: vs. VAN (Nov. 2), vs. CBJ (Nov. 5), vs. MIN (Nov. 7)
