NHL Central Division Showdown: Jets, Stars, and Avalanche Battle for Supremacy

The NHL Central Division is once again the epicenter of high-stakes hockey, featuring some of the league's most formidable teams. This season, the Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars, and Colorado Avalanche are locked in a fierce battle for divisional supremacy, each bringing their unique strengths to the ice.

Current Standings and Projections

Winnipeg Jets: Leading the pack with 94 points and 37 regulation wins in 66 games, the Jets are the team to beat. Their consistent performance has them projected to finish with 115.2 points.
Dallas Stars: Close on the Jets' heels, the Stars have 86 points and 35 regulation wins in 64 games. Projections place them at 106.7 points by season's end.
Colorado Avalanche: Despite being third, the Avalanche are a formidable contender with 81 points and 34 regulation wins in 66 games. They are projected to finish with 103.0 points and have the highest chance of winning the Stanley Cup at 15.3%.

Key Matchups and Playoff Implications

The Jets and Stars face off in a crucial game on Friday night, which could significantly impact the standings. The Avalanche, bolstered by recent trade deadline acquisitions, are also in the mix and could make a late-season push if their opponents falter.

Playoff Projections and Draft Lottery Outlook

As the regular season winds down, the race for playoff positioning intensifies. The Jets, Stars, and Avalanche are all but guaranteed playoff spots, but their seeding will be crucial. Additionally, teams at the bottom of the standings are eyeing the 2025 NHL draft lottery, with the San Jose Sharks currently holding the worst record.