Power Ranking NHL Teams' Ability to Pick Up Points Starting March 20

We're hitting the home stretch for the NHL regular season—a time where every point counts for most teams.  

Often, the playoff teams, if not the matchups are beginning to be determined around now, but that isn't the case this year. The race for the eighth spot in both conferences is tight—as well as the top spot in every conference except the Northeast and possibly the Central.  

With the end of the season nearing, the amount of games remaining and the opponents, play a huge role in a team's ability to pick up points.  

The following is a list ranking NHL teams in order of ability to pick up points between Tuesday, March 20 and the end of the regular season.  

30. Colorado Avalanche

Games Remaining: 8

Home Games Remaining: 4

Average Opponent Ranking: 13.75

Key Games: March 20 vs. Calgary, March 22 @ Phoenix, March 26 @ San Jose, March 30 @ Calgary

What this means: Sitting in eighth in the West, the Colorado Avalanche appear to have an advantage over Los Angeles, San Jose and Calgary. 

In reality, due to just eight games remaining, and many against playoff or bubble teams, the Avalanche find themselves unlikely to make the postseason.  

While all their remaining games are of great importance, the four key games are must-wins for the team. If the Avalanche lose any of these four games, don't be surprised to see them drop in the standings and miss the playoffs.  

29. Ottawa Senators

Games Remaining: 9

Home Games Remaining: 4

Average Opponent Ranking: 14.89

Key Games: March 20 vs. New Jersey, April 5 vs. Boston, April 7 @ New Jersey

What this means: With a six point advantage over the ninth place Buffalo Sabres, this likely won't threaten their playoff position. That said, falling 29th on this list makes it very unlikely that the Senators overtake the Boston Bruins for No. 1 in the Northeast. 

The two key games against New Jersey may be critical games, as Ottawa has the opportunity to move up to sixth in the East.  

28. Anaheim Ducks

Games Remaining: 8

Home Games Remaining: 4

Average Opponent Ranking: 14.86

Key Games: March 28 vs. San Jose, March 31 @ Phoenix

What this means: Essentially, this means nothing. After an admirable comeback into the playoff picture, the Anaheim Ducks failed to pick up important wins—ultimately leaving them on the outside looking in. 

The Ducks may not make the playoffs this season, but in their key games against San Jose and Phoenix, they have the opportunity to play spoiler against division rivals who are fighting for playoff appearances of their own. 

27. Chicago Blackhawks

Games Remaining: 9

Home Games Remaining: 4

Average Opponent Ranking: 12.89

Key Games: March 25 vs. Nashville, March 31 @ Nashville, April 7 @ Detroit

What this means: With a five point lead over the seventh place Phoenix Coyotes, odds are Chicago will finish in sixth in the West. 

Wins in three key games, however, could move the Blackhawks up in the standings. With many remaining games against high-ranked teams, don't hold your breath. 

If all goes as planned, Chicago will face the winner of the Pacific Division—which is a good thing for Hawks' fans.  

26. New York Islanders

Games Remaining: 10

Home Games Remaining: 4

Average Opponent Ranking: 14.6

Key Games: None

What this means: These numbers mean nothing for the struggling New York Islanders. The only thing to play for at this point in the season is to not finish last in the conference—or should they?

25. Montreal Canadiens

Games Remaining: 9

Home Games Remaining: 4

Average Opponent Ranking: 15.44

Key Games: April 7 vs. Toronto

What this means: Much like the Islanders, the Montreal Canadiens are at a point in the season where they have nothing to play for other than to stay out of last place.  

They do have one meaningful game—as the Canadiens wrap up their season with a home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This season may have been a disappointment, but nothing would pump fans up more for next season like beating the rival Maple Leafs on home ice. 

24. Dallas Stars

Games Remaining: 10

Home Games Remaining: 5

Average Opponent Ranking: 12.4

Key Games: March 20 vs. Phoenix, March 24 vs. Calgary, March 26 @ Calgary, March 31 @ San Jose, April 3 vs. San Jose

What this means: Third place in the West should sound like a secure spot to be, but given how tight the Pacific is, as well as the playoff race, it's anything but that.  

Despite 10 games remaining and five at home, the Dallas Stars finish their season against some very good teams—many of which are fighting for playoff spots like Dallas.  

If Dallas loses some of the key games listed, they could not only find themselves overtaken in the Pacific division, but out of a playoff position as well. 

23. Calgary Flames

Games Remaining: 9

Home Games Remaining: 5

Average Opponent Ranking: 14.67

Key Games: March 20 @ Colorado, March 24 @ Dallas, March 26 vs. Dallas, March 28 vs. Los Angeles, March 30 vs. Colorado

What this means: After back-to-back losses against non-playoff teams, the Calgary Flames have slipped to 11th in the West—making every game essential. 

Five of their nine remaining games, however, are against teams also fighting for a playoff position.

This is bad news for Flames fans, as losses in any of these games (especially on March 28) will result in their team falling further and further from a playoff position.  

22. Winnipeg Jets

Games Remaining: 10

Home Games Remaining: 3

Average Opponent Ranking: 15.1

Key Games: March 23 @ Washington

What this means: The Winnipeg Jets are eight games below .500 on the road this season, which really makes the fact that seven of their remaining games are away sting.  

Everything must go right for the Winnipeg Jets to make the postseason, but beating Washington trumps all for importance. 

As great as it would be to see the franchise reach the playoffs in their first season back, a loss on March 23 will likely shoot that dream down.  

21. St. Louis Blues

Games Remaining: 9

Home Games Remaining: 4

Average Opponent Ranking: 15.11

Key Games: None

What this means: This doesn't really mean much for the first place St. Louis Blues. Unless they suddenly lose their way, the Blues will finish with the Presidents' Trophy.  

In the unlikely chance that the New York Rangers overtake St. Louis as top in the league, it won't be detrimental to their season—as they'll still have guaranteed home ice advantage for the first four rounds.  

20. Carolina Hurricanes

Games Remaining: 9

Home Games Remaining: 4

Average Opponent Ranking: 17.11

Key Games: None

What this means: This means nothing for the Carolina Hurricanes. While their admirable play has seen them rise in the standings recently, they'll still fall short of the playoffs.  

If they continue to rise and put themselves ahead of the other non-playoff teams, the outlook going into the summer could be more positive.  

19. Buffalo Sabres

Games Remaining: 9

Home Games Remaining: 4

Average Opponent Ranking: 15.22

Key Games: March 27 @ Washington

What this means: Like so many other teams, the Buffalo Sabres are in a position where every game counts. With many remaining games against strong teams, the Sabres are in for a rough ride. 

A loss in their key game March 27 in Washington could be it for Buffalo—as it appears that Washington is the only team that could be knocked out. 

18. Detroit Red Wings

Games Remaining: 9

Home Games Remaining: 6

Average Opponent Ranking: 13.44

Key Games: March 30 vs. Nashville, April 7 vs. Chicago

What this means: There was a time in the season where six remaining games at home would be a deadly stat for the Red Wings. But given their recent struggles and the teams they play against in the upcoming games, that's no longer the case.  

Finishing ahead of Chicago on this list, Detroit likely won't slip into sixth place in the West. On the other hand, it'll be difficult to advance.  

In a deadlock with Nashville for home ice advantage in the first round, Detroit is emerging as the underdog. Wins in their two key games will surely keep it interesting down the stretch though.  

17. Phoenix Coyotes

Games Remaining: 9

Home Games Remaining: 5

Average Opponent Ranking: 15.56

Key Games: March 20 @ Dallas, March 22 vs. Colorado, March 24 @ San Jose, March 29 vs. San Jose

What this means: Falling in the middle of the pack as a middle of the pack team doesn't tilt the table either way for the Phoenix Coyotes.  

Ranking ahead of three of the six teams in that tight battle for the playoffs is good news. But losses in the key games can still easily put an end to the Coyotes dream.  

If things play out as they appear, however, the Phoenix Coyotes will be making the playoffs in what may be their last season in Arizona.  

16. Minnesota Wild

Games Remaining: 10

Home Games Remaining: 6

Average Opponent Ranking: 12.5

Key Games: None

What this means: The Minnesota Wild don't play a single game for the rest of the season against a team that doesn't at least have a shot at the playoffs. With no chance themselves, we can expect to see quite a bad record to end the season.  

This season isn't to be overlooked, however, as the Wild were leading the Northwest before some key injuries put a stop to the team.

15. Edmonton Oilers

Games Remaining: 10

Home Games Remaining: 3

Average Opponent Ranking: 16.7

Key Games: None

What this means: This means nothing you didn't already know—the Edmonton Oilers are going to have to wait until next year to start dominating.  

The concussion to Taylor Hall was the salt in the wound, as the Oilers are now depleted with nothing to play for.  

14. New Jersey Devils

Games Remaining: 9

Home Games Remaining: 5

Average Opponent Ranking: 15.67

Key Games: March 20 @ Ottawa, April 7 vs. Ottawa

What this means: Ottawa has a tough schedule to end the season, making catching the New Jersey Devils unlikely, but still possible.  

Catching up to Philadelphia is also unlikely.  

Unless New Jersey loses both key games against Ottawa, they're solidified in sixth in the East.  

13. Nashville Predators

Games Remaining: 10

Home Games Remaining: 6

Average Opponent Ranking: 13.4

Key Games: March 30 @ Detroit

What this means: It's not so much the fact that they're 13th on the list that makes this good news for the Nashville Predators, but the fact that they're ahead of Detroit—that and the tweet by Alexander Radulov that he's on his way this morning.  

The March 30 game is not just important because it could separate the two teams as they battle for home ice, but because it's also a first-round preview—as they'll likely be facing Detroit in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.  

12. Philadelphia Flyers

Games Remaining: 10

Home Games Remaining: 7

Average Opponent Ranking: 14.6

Key Games: April 1 @ Pittsburgh, April 7 @ Pittsburgh

What this means: Ranking higher than New Jersey, Philadelphia will likely hold on to the fifth spot in the East. With Sidney Crosby back in the lineup, catching Pittsburgh is unlikely; although, wins on the road in their two games against the Penguins increases their chances.  

If this list plays out as planned, don't expect to see Philadelphia move anywhere in the standings.  

11. Columbus Blue Jackets

Games Remaining: 10

Home Games Remaining: 6

Average Opponent Ranking: 14.6

Key Games: None

What this means: Nothing. The Blue Jackets are just having fun at this point. Even if they win every game for the rest of the season, they'll most likely be awarded the first overall draft pick.  

10. Boston Bruins

Games Remaining: 10

Home Games Remaining: 4

Average Opponent Ranking: 16.2

Key Games: April 5 @ Ottawa

What this means: With a significant advantage over the Ottawa Senators on this list, the Boston Bruins will likely hold on to second place in the East—but that's not to say their games don't matter.

After their 8-0 win over Toronto yesterday, all they need to do is feed off that momentum and they'll be fine.  

9. Washington Capitals

Games Remaining: 9

Home Games Remaining: 5

Average Opponent Ranking: 16.11

Key Games: March 23 vs. Winnipeg, March 27 vs. Buffalo, April 5 vs. Florida

What this means: The Washington Capitals are finally playing well, and so is Alex Ovechkin. With just a two point lead over the ninth place Sabres, they still have work to do.  

As the season comes to an end, expect to see the Capitals pull away from Buffalo, but gain no ground on the Southeast leading Florida Panthers.

And prepare yourself for a first round match-up against the New York Rangers—or Pittsburgh Penguins?

8. Toronto Maple Leafs

Games Remaining: 9

Home Games Remaining: 6

Average Opponent Ranking: 17.56

Key Games: None

What this means: Even if the team capitalizes on this opportunity to pick up points, the outlook in Toronto will be miserable. They collapsed at the worst possible time to end their season.  

The 13 shots for, and eight goals against, in yesterdays game against Boston is a hint of how much drive and determination is left in Toronto.  

7. New York Rangers

Games Remaining: 10

Home Games Remaining: 5

Average Opponent Ranking: 16

Key Games: April 5 @ Pittsburgh

What this means: The Rangers have the ability to pick up points, but Pittsburgh has yet to be named on this list. It's hard to imagine something more worrisome than a healthy and determined Sidney Crosby fighting to catch you in the standings.  

The Rangers will have to play their hearts out every game for the remainder of the season. 

Don't be surprised to see the top spot in the East determined by the winner of the April 5 game in Pittsburgh.  

6. San Jose Sharks

Games Remaining: 10

Home Games Remaining: 5

Average Opponent Ranking: 15.1

Key Games: March 20 @ Los Angeles, March 24 vs. Phoenix, March 26 vs. Colorado, March 29 @ Phoenix, March 31 vs. Dallas, April 3 @ Dallas, April 5 @ Los Angeles, April 7 vs. Los Angeles

What this means: There is no team that will have a more intense ending to the season than the San Jose Sharks, who play eight of their remaining 10 games against teams who are also battling for the playoffs.  

The difference maker could just be Martin Havlat, who's been dominant since returning.  

This really could play out either way, but I believe the Sharks will make the playoffs.  

5. Pittsburgh Penguins

Games Remaining: 11

Home Games Remaining: 7

Average Opponent Ranking: 13.09

Key Games: April 5 vs. New York Rangers

What this means: The amount of games and home games remaining is huge for the Pittsburgh Penguins—who may be the best team in the league.

As mentioned, however, whether or not they take over first could come down to whether they win or lose the game on April 5.  

4. Tampa Bay Lightning

Games Remaining: 10

Home Games Remaining: 4

Average Opponent Ranking: 19.1

Key Games: April 2 vs. Washington

What this means: This doesn't mean much for the Lightning—who have fallen out of the playoff race after losing three straight.  

Other than to help Steven Stamkos build on his incredible season and stick it to their Washington rivals, the Lightning don't have anything to play for.  

3. Los Angeles Kings

Games Remaining: 10

Home Games Remaining: 5

Average Opponent Ranking: 15.7

Key Games: March 20 vs. San Jose, March 28 @ Calgary, April 5 vs. San Jose, April 7 @ San Jose

What this means: Much like San Jose, Los Angeles' place in the final standings will very much depend on how they perform in the key games.  

With games against teams like Edmonton and Minnesota, the outcome looks good for L.A.  

Don't be surprised to see them claim top spot in the Pacific by the end of the season.  

2. Florida Panthers

Games Remaining: 11

Home Games Remaining: 4

Average Opponent Ranking: 21.45

Key Games: April 5 @ Washington

What this means: This is bad news for Washington Capitals' fans with hope of Washington catching Florida. The Panthers have won four straight games and will continue their winning ways.  

Florida has more games remaining than any other teams in the league, and almost every one is against a non-playoff team.  

In the next few weeks, expect Florida to expand on their Southeast lead and give Boston a run for their money for second in the East.  

1. Vancouver Canucks

Games Remaining: 10

Home Games Remaining: 6

Average Opponent Ranking: 17.2

Key Games: None

What this means: The Canucks are in a great position at the moment, with no chance of finishing worst than second in the West. If they do have the ability to turn this slump around and capitalize on this opportunity, the Canucks could possibly catch St. Louis—although I wouldn't hold my breath.  

The only true unknown for the Canucks at this point is who they'll be facing in the first round.  

Projected Standings Based on This List

Eastern Matchups

No. 1 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 8 Washington Capitals

No. 2 Boston Bruins vs. No. 7 Ottawa Senators

No. 3 Florida Panthers vs. No. 6 New Jersey Devils

No. 4 New York Rangers vs. No. 5 Philadelphia Flyers

Western Matchups

No. 1 St. Louis Blues vs. No. 8 Phoenix Coyotes

No. 2 Vancouver Canucks vs. No. 7 San Jose Sharks

No. 3 Los Angeles Kings vs. No. 6 Chicago Blackhawks

No. 4 Nashville Predators vs. No. 5 Detroit Red Wings