NHL Teams Navigate Post-Christmas Landscape
As the NHL season unfolds, some teams find themselves riding high while others struggle. The Vegas Golden Knights and New Jersey Devils have emerged as frontrunners in their respective conferences, showcasing impressive performances throughout the 2024-25 season. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers are grappling with internal strife and appear to be on the brink of a major restructuring, barely months after coming close to the Stanley Cup Final. With the holiday season behind them, teams are gearing up for intense competition on the ice as they vie for positioning leading into the new year.
In the latest power rankings released by Moneyline, the Golden Knights have claimed the top spot after winning nine of their last eleven games. They are currently on a four-game winning streak and lead the Pacific Division with a record of 23-8-3. Close behind, the Winnipeg Jets hold the highest overall points in the NHL despite being ranked second in Moneyline's rankings after going 7-2-1 in their last ten games. Kyle Connor, a notable contributor, is enjoying a five-game point streak, adding eleven points during this stretch.
The Devils have successfully ascended to the lead in the Metropolitan Division, boasting a record of 7-2-1 in their last ten games, including back-to-back shutouts against rivals Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers. Jack Hughes played a significant role in this success with a remarkable four-point performance against the Rangers. Meanwhile, notable injuries may affect team dynamics, with Washington Capitals' Alexander Ovechkin edging closer to a return as he recovers from a broken fibula.