NHL Power Rankings: New 1-32 poll, each team's top March game - ESPN

Friday is the NHL's trade deadline for the 2025-26 season, and after the deals are done the playoff races really heat up.

Though many teams might look different from the way they look Friday morning, the end of the work week means that it's time for another set of the ESPN NHL Power Rankings. This week, in addition to a new set of rankings, we've identified the most captivating game on each club's schedule for the rest of March.

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.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Feb. 27. Points percentages are through Thursday's games. All odds are by DraftKings Sportsbook, subject to change.

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 75.8%

Key game: March 6 at the Stars. The Avs and Stars staged one of the best playoff series in recent memory last spring, and are battling for both the Central Division crown as well as the top overall seed in the NHL. This will be their penultimate regular-season showdown of 2025-26, as they'll play again on March 18 in Denver.

Next seven days: @ DAL (March 6), vs. MIN (March 8), vs. EDM (March 10), @ SEA (March 12)

Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 69.7%

Key game: March 21 at the Wild. Yes, the Stars have two matchups against the Avalanche this month. But if they fail to eclipse Colorado in the standings, their most likely first-round playoff matchup will be against Minnesota, which means there is potential for some «message sending» in this showdown.

Next seven days: vs. COL (March 6), vs. CHI (March 8), vs. VGK (March 10), vs. EDM (March 12)

Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 68.9%

Key game: March 14 at the