Blackhawks trudge along as the season winds down in this week's power rankings

In this week’s power rankings, we are seeing some epic collapses by familiar teams as the playoffs approach. These power rankings are determined mainly by a team's win-loss record, but also by their recent performance, injuries, and the strength of the week's schedule. For example, if teams have similar records or point totals, they will receive a higher ranking based on who they played and the margins of victory. Teams will also be ranked higher or lower depending on how they have played over their last 10 games.

The Past Week (1-2-0)

The Blackhawks began their last road trip of the season by taking on the surging Oilers, who are preparing for another long run in the playoffs. Puck possession and shots on goal remained a problem, as Nick Lardis was the lone goal scorer, as they dropped the game. The team rebounded nicely in the next game at Seattle, which is currently on a six-game losing streak.

Chicago scored four goals and received contributions from many players. Connor Bedard led the way with two assists while Sacha Boisvert scored his first NHL goal. Finally, they finished their road trip in San Jose as the Sharks looked to exact revenge for their earlier loss this season. Spencer Knight, who has not won a game since March 19, allowed three goals as Frank Nazar added a goal and an assist, but it was not enough to overcome the Sharks.

Power Rankings

32 - Vancouver Canucks (22-47-8) (-)
31 - Chicago Blackhawks (28-36-14) (-)
30 - Calgary Flames (32-36-9) (-)
29 - Seattle Kraken (32-34-11) (-3)
28 - New York Rangers (33-36-9) (+1)
27 - Florida Panthers (37-37-4) (+1)
26 - Toronto Maple Leafs (32-31-14) (-3)
25 - St. Louis Blues (33-32-12) (+2)
24 - San Jose Sharks (37-32-7) (+1)
23 - Winnipeg Jets (34-31-12) (-1)
22 - Los Angeles Kings (32-26-19) (+2)
21 - New Jersey Devils (40-35-3) (-1)
20 - Anaheim Ducks (41-32-5) (-9)
19 - Washington Capitals (39-30-9) (-3)
18 - Nashville Predators (37-31-10) (+3)
17 - Detroit Red Wings (40-29-9) (-)

16 - New York Islanders (42-31-5) (-6)
15 - Vegas Golden Knights (36-26-16) (+4)
14 - Edmonton Oilers (39-29-10) (-)
13 - Utah Mammoth (41-30-6) (+5)
12 - Columbus Blue Jackets (39-27-12) (-)
11 - Philadelphia Flyers (40-26-12) (+2)
10 - Ottawa Senators (41-27-10) (+5)
9 - Boston Bruins (43-26-10) (-2)
8 - Pittsburgh Penguins (40-22-16) (+1)
7 - Minnesota Wild (45-21-12) (+1)
6 - Dallas Stars (46-20-12) (-1)
5 - Tampa Bay Lightning (48-24-6) (+1)
4 - Montreal Canadiens (46-22-10) (+1)
3 - Buffalo Sabres (47-23-8) (-1)
2 - Carolina Hurricanes (50-22-6) (+1)
1 - Colorado Avalanche (51-16-10) (-)

Wild Cards Coming Down To The Wire

In the Atlantic Division, the top three teams are set with the Lightning, Sabres, and Canadiens all tied at 102 points and four games remaining. The Bruins appear to have a firm lock on the top wild-card position, albeit with their four-game losing streak. The Senators are currently holding the last wild card position with a two-point lead over the Blue Jackets and a three-point lead over the Red Wings and Islanders. Detroit and New York have held playoff positions for most of the year but have seen their leads slowly slip over the past couple of months. Both teams have won just three of their last ten games, leaving each with little time to right the ship.

A similar pattern has emerged in the Western Conference, where the top three teams in the Central Division have separated themselves from the pack. The Mammoth, with their four-game winning streak, comfortably owns the top wild card position by five points. For the time being, the Predators hold the last wild card position, but the teams beneath them have at least one game in hand. The Kings, Sharks, and Jets are still in the race as we head into the last week of the season.

Looking Ahead

The Blackhawks conclude their 2025-2026 season with a four-game homestand. They begin by welcoming the Eastern Conference-leading Carolina Hurricanes (4/9). Chicago then has the chance to eliminate its division rival, the St. Louis Blues (4/11), from playoff contention. Another top Eastern Conference team comes to town in the Buffalo Sabres (4/13) as they are looking to clinch a division title. Finally, the Blackhawks play the Sharks (4/15) in what could be a very important game for San Jose as they look to reach the playoffs. Chicago has an opportunity to play a spoiler role over the last week if they have not already started their summer break.