Going into the Olympic break, all 32 NHL teams have given the world a very good idea of what they’re capable of.
Some teams have established themselves as title contenders. Some teams are evidently rebuilding. Most are somewhere in between.
However, one thing is clear across the league: this season marks the largest season-to-season change in many years.
Over the past few years, the top eight teams have largely been the same. The top four teams so far this year have been in the mix for the better part of the past decade, but the other four are new to the table.
The Vegas Golden Knights, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, and Edmonton Oilers have usually had a seat in the discussion. The New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets, and Boston Bruins have been at the top of the food chain as well.
Yet, none of these teams are among the eight best this season. So which four new teams punched their tickets to the upper echelon? And which four remain atop the hill?
8. Montreal Canadiens
After a mediocre season in 2025, the Canadiens currently boast the second-best record in the Atlantic Division. The accomplishment is even more impressive considering they’ve had the eighth-toughest strength of schedule in the league thus far, the toughest of any team on this list.
The Nick Suzuki-led young team is hitting its stride and has had several marquee wins this season. In the five days ending January alone, the Canadiens defeated the Knights, Colorado Avalanche, and Buffalo Sabres.
The Canadiens’ biggest flaw is in the net. Their save percentage is below average at 88.3%. That must change if they want to be contenders. Furthermore, they’ve struggled with blown leads this season.
Their competition come playoff time will very likely include the Tampa Bay Lightning and possibly the Panthers, both of which are extremely resilient. Blowing leads, combined with a 25th-ranked penalty kill and inconsistent goaltending, won’t bode well with the postseason around the corner.
Their offense is great, but it can only carry them so far.
7. Buffalo Sabres
The difference between the Sabres and Canadiens is marginal, but the edge goes to the Sabres. Buffalo has the second-toughest strength of schedule and trails only the Canadiens by two points in the standings. Those two points can be deceiving, however, as the two teams have the same number of wins in the same number of games. The only difference is that Montreal lost two more games in overtime.
But Buffalo is +19 in point differential to Montreal’s +12, and has much better goaltending. Starting goalie Alex Lyon has a 91.2% save percentage, and all three goalies have a save percentage of at least 89.6%.
Both teams have shown up in big-time games against teams like the Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars, but defense wins championships, and the Sabres have done better in that department.
6. Minnesota Wild
Minnesota is neck-and-neck with Montreal and Buffalo. All three teams have traded wins with each other throughout the season.
Once again, though, the difference is defense. The Wild acquired top defenseman Quinn Hughes earlier this season, and they have a much better goalie tandem than either of the other two teams. Filip Gustavsson has a save percentage of 90.6%, while backup Jesper Wallstedt is sitting at 91.3%.
Hughes hasn’t been in Minnesota for more than a couple of months, but his impact is already palpable. He’s racked up 34 points in 26 games for the Wild, and that’s not even considering his impact on the defensive end. He’s on pace to set a career-high in blocks this season, and knows what it takes to lead a top team from playing for the top-seed Vancouver Canucks two seasons ago.
The Wild is also riding strong momentum heading into the Olympic break. They’re on a five-game winning streak and are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games. Two of those wins were over the Canadiens and Sabres. The Wild were already becoming a scary presence in an ever-competitive Central Division last season. They might be ready for a deep playoff run this year.
5. Pittsburgh Penguins
Some people might wish Sidney Crosby would go away at this point, but it’s not happening. In his 21st season, he’s still elite. While the Penguins, like the Canadiens, have a questionable trio of goalies, they’ve made up for it with elite special teams. They own the fourth-best power play in the league and the third-best penalty kill, making them the only team in the top four in both stats.
The Penguins are currently second in the Metropolitan Division with a solid +23 point differential. They’ve already cut down both the Lightning and the Hurricanes, along with defeating the Sabres in their latest matchup.
The Pens’ main concern is getting consistent, solid production from players behind Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, especially on defense. With defenseman Kris Letang injured, the Penguins should look to add some defensive and goalie help at the deadline.
The Canadiens, Sabres, Wild, and Penguins are all dangerous teams, but can’t crack the top-tier rank. Part two will explore which four teams are once again in the hunt and at the top of the hockey food chain.
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