The National Hockey League is back with pivotal matches, with 10 matchups on 2 December 2025. This time, there are many behind-the-scenes factors affecting the game, both on and off the court. There couldn’t be a greater excitement for an NHL fan than having the NHL power rankings out. Knowing each team’s current form, ranging from best to worst, will give you an obvious pick for the games ahead. In this article, we have ranked the teams and provided complete team insights and NHL predictions. Go ahead and make sure your side wins. Bettingpremier is where you know every latest NHL buzz; explore the NHL craze here.
advertisement
NHL Power Rankings – Top 5 Experts’ Pick
Here are the top five picks for the current NHL season, based on overall performance, current form, and roster quality. Let’s dive in.
Want more ice hockey insights? Look here in Bettingpremier.
1. Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche comes first, given its perfect 17-1-5 record and dominant winning percentage this season. Players like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are explosive MVPs who have raised the team’s quality. Thus, they earned the first position.
2. Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars come next, with 36 points in the league and the second-highest positive goal differential. Jason Robertson and Casey DeSmith carry the entire team’s scoring and goaltending, and are ranked among the best in the league.
3. New Jersey Devils
The Devils are the obvious pick for 3rd place after their comeback following an average preseason. They consistently maintain a solid form and have rapid scoring efficiency.
4. Tampa Bay Lightning
Next comes the Tampa Bay Lightning with 15 wins and a solid +16 goal differential. They emphasize keeping active defenses while finding ways to score in every period.
5. Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are close to the Tampa Bay Lightning with the same 15-7-2 record. Their +15 goal differential explains their outstanding defensive side and 5th place in the power ranking.
Keep getting constant sports news and sensational buzz, exclusively on Bettingpremier.
NHL Schedule and Predictions
Rangers vs Stars
Event Details:
The New York Rangers and the Dallas Stars will clash in the upcoming NHL Regular Season at Madison Square Garden. It is scheduled to occur on 2 December 2025 at 07:00 p.m. ET.
Prediction:
The Rangers played 26 games so far and have an 11-9-5 record, which is a respectable record. While this shows average performance, the team lacks consistency. Throughout this season, they have been winning and losing irregularly. However, they are now on a three-game winning streak and have shown significant improvement. Yet, their overall stats indicate uncertainty.
The Dallas Stars, on the other hand, have a versatile squad that excels across the board. In particular, their scoring efficiency is a notable trait, as they have scored over 233 points this season. Players like Jason Robertson and Mikko Rantanen are the team’s offensive strengths, and their goaltending is elite. So, the Dallas Stars will win in this NHL clash.
Canadiens vs Senators
Event Details:
The Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators will face each other in the upcoming NHL game on 2 December 2025. This event will occur at Centre Bell at 07:00 p.m. ET.
Prediction:
The Montreal Canadiens are stronger, as they rank among the top of the conference and have a dominant record. Having played over 23 games, they won 13 and drew 3. Their overall goal differential is zero, highlighting their disappointing defensive side. But they are on a three-game winning streak and will have home crowd support this time.
Similar to the Canadiens, the Ottawa Senators have a gripping current form with host-upsetting potential. Besides, their defensive side is the same as the Canadiens, with 0 0-goal differential. Playing on the road against the Canadiens, the Senators will have struggles in goaltending. As a result, the Montreal Canadiens are predicted to win this NHL draw.
Red Wings vs Bruins
Event Details:
The Detroit Red Wings and the Boston Bruins are clashing on 2 December 2025 at Little Caesars Arena. This NHL game will start at 07:00 p.m. ET.
Prediction:
The Detroit Red Wings are ranked just below the Bruins in the same conference. Currently, they hold a 13-11-1 record, and their squad features a blend of young talent and veteran leadership. Mainly, Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, and Lucas Raymond bring a dynamic interplay. But goaltending and defensive play are their persisting issues. So, a home advantage won’t give them a decisive edge.
The Boston Bruins have built a strong defensive front and prefer a structured style of play. Defensively, they have a solid goaltender, Jeremy Swayman, and a reactive blue line. Their only concern is the lack of offensive depth since only a few players score every time. But their overall quality will overpower the Red Wings.
Islanders vs Lightning
Event Details:
Prepare to watch the upcoming “New York Islanders vs Tampa Bay Lightning” NHL game on 2 December 2025. This game will be held at UBS Arena at 07:00 p.m. ET.
Prediction:
The Islanders lack rhythm and momentum with an underwhelming league record. They are a playoff-contending team, yet their recent matches have been disastrous. Bo Horvat brings his tactical and rigorous offensive play. Their main setback is a poor power-play ratio; they ranked last in the league.
The Tampa Bay Lightning has strong strategic execution and is currently the top team. Their notable trait is their top penalty kill percentage. Additionally, they have an above-average goaltending ability that cripples nearly any team in the league. Although they play on the road, their better stats will allow them to outscore the Islanders. So, the Tampa Bay Lightning is the favorite.
Avalanche vs Canucks
Event Details:
The Colorado Avalanche vs the Vancouver Canucks will start at 09:00 p.m. ET on 2 December 2025 at Ball Arena.
Prediction:
The Colorado Avalanche has a sharp attacking squad and is defensively solid. They lead the NHL standings with 17 wins and a long winning streak, an intimidating record. Regarding points, they have 96 overall points, the highest in the league so far. Their most recent game was a loss, although. But in terms of overall quality, the Avalanche has the edge.
The Vancouver Canucks are struggling in the league with a poor performance lately. They struggle to score consistently and occasionally fail to prevent goals. Even their last ten games were poor, with only three wins, and they are in a challenging phase. Compared to the Avalanches, they are far poorer and won’t make it. Therefore, the Avalanche is the predicted winner.
Oilers vs Wild
Event Details:
The Minnesota Wild will visit the Edmonton Oilers on 2 December 2025 at 09:00 p.m. ET at Rogers Place.
Prediction:
The Edmonton Oilers have a 10-10-5 record, placing them in 25th place in the league. Given their negative goal differential, the Oilers might struggle to contain the Minnesota Wild even at home. Despite having key players like Connor McDavid, they suffer from injury lists. They are also inconsistent in recent matches, with a poor average goals-per-match. So, they have a lower likelihood of winning.
The Minnesota Wild are ranked 3rd in the Central Division but 6th in the league standings, boasting overall superiority. Players like Kirill Kaprizov bring forward their scoring sprees on demand. Although they have a decent quality, they occasionally struggle at away matches. Despite a close contest, the Oilers are predicted to win.
Kings vs Capitals
Event Details:
The Kings and the Capitals will play on 2 December 2025 at Crypto.com Arena, starting at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Prediction
The Los Angeles Kings are nearly similar to the Washington Capitals, but they rank below. With an 11-6-7 record, the Kings are looking to exploit their home advantage. But their quality is inadequate to face the Washington Capitals’ good away form. Currently, Adrian Kempe is their only hope with 16 points on the team. The Washington Capitals are significantly potent and have an above-average scoring potential. Mainly, their positive goal differential is high enough to prevent the Kings. Additionally, Tom Wilson backs the team, and his offense is singlehandedly threatening. Concisely, the Washington Capitals have the overall advantage to win.