NHL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, plus trendspotting every team from the past month

The NHL's 2021-22 season continues to see some shifts in the schedule due to COVID-19 postponements, but some teams have weathered the storm a bit better than others. What is the key takeaway from each team's play since mid-December? We break it all down here, while unveiling the latest 1-32 rankings.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors rates teams against one another — taking into account game results, injuries and upcoming schedule — and those results are tabulated to produce the list featured here.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the last edition, published on Jan. 12. Points percentages are through Tuesday's games.

Previous ranking: 2Points percentage: 0.731Next seven days: @ EDM (Jan. 20), @ VAN (Jan. 21), @ SEA (Jan. 23), @ WPG (Jan. 25)

Takeaway: Best in the business. The Panthers have spent the past month on easy mode, and it shows. Florida hasn't suffered a loss since Dec. 16, is averaging six (!) goals per game, has been perfect short-handed and is firing nearly 40 shots on goal per game during that span. And there's no sign the Panthers will be slowing down.

Previous ranking: 3Points percentage: 0.736Next seven days: @ ANA (Jan. 19), @ LA (Jan. 20), vs. MTL (Jan. 22), vs. CHI (Jan. 24)

Takeaway: It's Cale Makar's world… and we're lucky to be living in it! No, really. The Avalanche have continued to stupefy teams with their explosive offense (hello, Mikko Rantanen!) but Makar's game has been a revelation for Colorado. The 23-year-old has serious swagger locking down the blue line and scoring highlight-reel goals. The total package.

Previous ranking: 1Points percentage: 0.750Next seven days: vs. NYR (Jan. 21), @ NJ (Jan. 22), vs. VGK (Jan. 25)

Takeaway