NHL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, most intriguing upcoming games - ESPN

NHL teams will be taking a break in the middle of February for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, featuring star players from each team playing for the United States, Canada, Sweden and Finland.

But before that event begins, which games are the most intriguing? As part of this week's updated edition of the Power Rankings, we've identified the top captivating contest for all 32 teams — whether it's a game against a rival, one that takes on added value in the playoff races, or something else entirely.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Jan. 17. Points percentages and paces are through Thursday's games.

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 73.96%

Feb. 1 vs. Jets. Not only is this a potential Stanley Cup Final preview — sponsored by the letter W? — but thanks to their heritage as the Southeast Division's Atlanta Thrashers, the Jets franchise is the team against which Alex Ovechkin has scored the most goals in his career (55). How many will he get in this one?

Next eight days: @ VAN (Jan. 25), @ CGY (Jan. 28), @ OTT (Jan. 30)

Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 68.37%

Jan. 28 at Canadiens. Maybe this isn't for the entire team, but just for a couple of Jets in particular: Connor Hellebuyck and Kyle Connor. Though this game against the Canadiens obviously counts in the NHL standings, Hellebuyck and Connor will hit this same ice at the Bell Centre on Feb. 15 as the U.S. takes on Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off, the first best-on-best clash between these two countries since the semifinal round of the 2014