NHL Power Rankings: Playoff Positioning and Strength of Schedule Breakdown

As the 2024-25 NHL regular season enters its final weeks, the battle for playoff spots intensifies. With only three weeks left before the postseason begins on April 17, every game carries massive weight in determining seeding and wild-card berths.

In this edition of our NHL Power Rankings, we not only evaluate where each team stands but also examine their strength of schedule (SOS)—a crucial factor in assessing their chances down the stretch. Data courtesy of Stathletes.

How We Rank

Our panel of ESPN hockey analysts, reporters, and editors submits 1-32 rankings based on recent performances up to Wednesday’s games. Points percentages reflect results through Thursday’s matchups.

Key Takeaways:

• Washington Capitals maintain their top spot with the easiest remaining schedule (29th SOS, 46.2%), positioning them well for the Eastern Conference #1 seed.
• Winnipeg Jets hold firm in the West but face a tougher slate than the Caps—will they claim the Presidents’ Trophy?
• Dallas Stars have a favorable 25th-ranked SOS (47.9%), making a late push for the Central Division lead possible.
• Vegas Golden Knights, despite a light schedule (23rd SOS), aim to fend off challengers in the Pacific.
• New Jersey Devils get the easiest remaining schedule (32nd SOS, 44.8%), a lifeline amid injuries.
• New York Islanders face the hardest schedule (1st SOS, 54.1%), making a wild-card push a tough grind.

NHL Power Rankings: March 28, 2025

1. Washington Capitals (▲ #1 | 71.5% PTS%)

   • Strength of schedule: 29th (46.2%)
   • Upcoming: vs. BUF (3/30), @ BOS (4/1), @ CAR (4/2)
   • Ovechkin’s pursuit of Gretzky’s record coincides with a smooth path to the playoffs.

2. Winnipeg Jets (▲ #2 | 70.8% PTS%)

   • Strength of schedule: 14th (50.6%)
   • Upcoming: vs. NJ (3/28), vs. VAN (3/30), @ LA (4/1), @ VGK (4/3)
   • A strong contender for the Presidents’ Trophy, but Washington has an edge in SOS.

3. Dallas Stars (▲ #4 | 68.1% PTS%)

   • Strength of schedule: 25th (47.9%)
   • Upcoming: @ SEA (3/29, 3/31), vs. NSH (4/3)
   • Could challenge Winnipeg for the Central lead.

4. Vegas Golden Knights (▲ #5 | 66.2% PTS%)

   • Strength of schedule: 23rd (48.1%)
   • Upcoming: @ CHI (3/28), @ NSH (3/29), vs. EDM (4/1), vs. WPG (4/3)
   • The absence of major deadline moves hasn’t slowed them down.

5. Carolina Hurricanes (▼ #3 | 63.4% PTS%)

   • Strength of schedule: 21st (48.6%)
   • Upcoming: vs. MTL (3/28), vs. NYI (3/30), vs. WSH (4/2)
   • Likely locked into the Metro #2 spot.

... (remaining rankings follow similar structure with additional insights) ...

32. San Jose Sharks (▼ #32 | 34.5% PTS%)
    • Strength of schedule: 24th (48.0%)
    • In the race for the top draft pick, the Sharks’ schedule is easier than Chicago’s.

Analysis & Predictions:
With most playoff spots nearly locked, the final battles center around home-ice advantage and wild-card positioning. Teams with soft schedules (WSH, NJ, DAL) have an edge, while others (NYI, DET, BUF) face uphill climbs. Expect late-season drama as teams jockey for seeding—or fight to stay alive.