LATEST NEWS: The Carolina Hurricanes have reached an agreement with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the acquisition of Auston Matthews, with the contract valued at $51.2 million USD.

As April begins and baseball season kicks off, signaling the end of the NHL regular season, teams are securing playoff spots, hinting at the impending excitement. Despite the playoff race unfolding differently than expected, with only a few bubble teams in contention, the recent clinches highlight that the thrilling playoff period is mere weeks away.

Mike and I present our co-op power rankings for another week, employing my consistent system that integrates six statistical metrics (points %, 5-on-5 goal differential, 5-on-5 xGF/60, 5-on-5 xGA/60, power play xGF/60, and shorthanded xGA/60 from Natural Stat Trick) to formulate an unbiased list. Additionally, we adhere to the rule that no team can rank above one more than five points ahead in the standings and that teams yet to secure playoff spots cannot surpass those that have.

1. Carolina Hurricanes
Achieving two consecutive wins against the Red Wings and Canadiens, the Hurricanes assert their dominance, especially with Jake Guentzel’s impactful performance post-trade.

2. Dallas Stars
Securing a seven-game winning streak, the Stars maintain their position despite shifts in rankings, with Roope Hintz’s resurgence adding depth to their playoff prospects.

3. Florida Panthers
Marking their fifth consecutive playoff appearance, the Panthers exhibit consistency, led by Aleksander Barkov’s stellar play and Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s resurgence.

4. Colorado Avalanche
While encountering a couple of setbacks, including the end of their nine-game winning streak and Nathan MacKinnon’s home point streak, the Avalanche remain strong contenders for the Central Division title.

5. New York Rangers
Alexis Lafrenière’s breakthrough performance and the cohesion in the Rangers’ top six highlight their upward trajectory, despite challenges like Barclay Goodrow’s underwhelming contract.

6. Boston Bruins
Facing a recent dip in form, the Bruins vie for the Atlantic Division’s top spot alongside the Panthers, with the Maple Leafs looming as potential contenders.

7. Vancouver Canucks
Continuing their consistent performance, the Canucks display resilience, with Dakota Joshua’s unexpected contribution bolstering their lineup.

8. Edmonton Oilers
Responding to previous struggles with three consecutive wins, the Oilers reassert themselves in the Pacific Division race, led by Connor McDavid’s pursuit of personal milestones.

9. Toronto Maple Leafs
Despite Auston Matthews’ remarkable achievements, including his 60th goal of the season, the Maple Leafs’ online presence doesn’t reflect their on-ice success, underscoring areas for improvement.

10. Nashville Predators
A bittersweet end to their impressive point streak sees the Predators emerging as formidable playoff contenders, supported by their offense and Juuse Saros’s goaltending prowess.

11. Vegas Golden Knights
Rebounding with a six-game point streak, the Golden Knights reclaim their position as playoff contenders, poised to strengthen further with the return of key players.

12. Winnipeg Jets
Struggling amidst a six-game losing streak, the Jets face challenges but possess the potential to overcome their slump, with players like Sean Monahan showcasing resilience amid adversity.