NHL Energy Rankings: A brand new No. 1, and the sport(s) of the month for all 32 groups

The second calendar month of the 2024-25 NHL season is right here. However which video games are probably 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the sport (or video games) of the month for all 32 groups, whether or not it is a rivalry matchup, a reunion with an outdated teammate or a key early season conflict between high Stanley Cup contenders.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 ballot based mostly on the video games by means of Wednesday, which generates our grasp checklist right here.

Word: Earlier rating for every staff refers back to the earlier version, published Oct. 25. Factors percentages are by means of 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 rapidly by the hands of the Avalanche this previous spring. A single sport in November won’t be enough for vengeance, however because the Jets proceed to show themselves as a high 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 Collection. Although the Devils-Sabres collection in Prague proved one-sided, this pairing of Finn-loaded contenders might 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 might’ve made a terrific Stanley Cup Last 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 Last 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 energy 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 together with his new teammates for this one, after stopping 24 of 26 photographs to beat his outdated staff 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 sport 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 dwell the Southeast Division. The Lightning and Capitals are each in playoff place as of this writing — and would possibly effectively be on the finish of the month when this sport takes place, too. An vital sport 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 might 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 incidence No. 3 for this spot, because the Jets look each bit as superior as their NFL namesakes don’t. A possible Stanley Cup Last 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 high Jap Convention contenders are evaluating themselves. So this pair of video games in Dawn might be vital for the Devils, a staff that wishes 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. Irrespective of which staff is larger within the standings — or favored within the playoff collection — the Maple Leafs have had main bother beating the Bruins in latest seasons. Because the Bruins’ season is off to a tepid begin, it could possibly be time for a press release 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 gas on a rivalry’s fireplace. So after the gamers (and followers) bought after each other within the second spherical this previous spring, what can we anticipate 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 have been contenders, however there’s at all times somewhat further juice once they match up. And, with two of this season’s best uniform redesigns, it is going to 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 sport 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 wonderful 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 characteristic related 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 sport. Because it seems, the entire of 10 objectives in that sport has been matched twice since in Kraken video games, each of which Seattle has received. 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 staff, getting all the way in which to the Stanley Cup Last. The Utah Hockey Membership is not technically an enlargement staff, however because the NHL’s latest membership, they hope to chart an analogous path of early success. A win (or three) towards Vegas in November would signify they’re effectively 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 Jap Convention. An prolonged West Coast journey may help convey a staff collectively, and grabbing some Ws does not damage 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. Take pleasure in watching elite puck-moving defensemen? Circle this sport 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 would possibly 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 staff that set an NHL document for regular-season dominance. What is 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 all these three rising Atlantic Division groups to take the subsequent step and qualify for the playoffs. Is that this the season? These two video games for the Sabres might be a great 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 aren’t precisely the place many predicted they’d be within the standings. And the lack of Connor McDavid for the subsequent two to a few weeks does not assist issues for Edmonton. However with McDavid again in time (hopefully) for this matchup, this ought to be a great 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 Unique 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 ought to be the No. 1 decide within the 2023 NHL draft; and positive sufficient, Connor Bedard was chosen by the Blackhawks. Nonetheless, the Geese’ number of Leo Carlsson at No. 2 raised some eyebrows on the time. Not anymore, because the Swede is second on his staff in scoring this season. This pair of matchups might 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 the very 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 checklist all 15 video games in November right here; excessive preseason expectations have led to underwhelming early outcomes, making each sport rely from right here. However we’ll decide 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 total. 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 sport 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. Probably the most aesthetically pleasing uniform matchups in professional sports activities. No, they are not precisely on high of the standings as they as soon as have 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 decide in 2023, has taken the NHL by storm, with 9 factors by means of 10 video games. On this matchup, he’ll be sharing the ice with two of the very best Russian gamers in latest 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 sport 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 Last. This season, they’re assembly within the basement of the standings — with one in all their appearances extra surprising 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)