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Tim Kavanagh, ESPN.com
We’re now one week away from the NHL commerce deadline on March 8, and groups will probably be making strikes between every now and then to both bolster their Stanley Cup possibilities or construct for the longer term as we noticed with this week’s Chris Tanev deal.
The Florida Panthers stay atop the Energy Rankings this week, with some large strikes elsewhere on the listing. And this week, we have recognized essentially the most charming sport(s) within the month of March for every membership.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 ballot primarily based on the video games by way of Wednesday, which generates our grasp listing right here.
Observe: Earlier rating for every crew refers back to the earlier version, printed Feb. 23. Factors percentages are by way of Thursday’s video games.
Earlier rating: 1
Factors share: 70.00%
Sport of the month: March 26 vs. the Bruins. The Panthers shocked the sports activities world with their upset of the record-breaking Bruins within the 2023 playoffs. Boston will not want Paul Revere to let it know the Panthers are coming this time round, and this would be the penultimate matchup between the 2 Atlantic Division powers previous to the 2024 postseason tourney.
Subsequent seven days: @ DET (March 2), @ NYR (March 4), @ NJ (March 5), vs. PHI (March 7)
Earlier rating: 4
Factors share: 69.17%
Sport of the month: March 28 on the Avalanche. The Rangers have some large matchups in opposition to convention foes lined up this month, however this mile-high tilt might properly be a Stanley Cup Ultimate preview — that includes a lot of superstars at the moment within the combine for season-ending awards. The Rangers received the primary matchup between the golf equipment, 2-1 in OT on Feb. 5.
Subsequent seven days: @ TOR (March 2), vs. FLA (March 4)
Earlier rating: 3
Factors share: 69.17%
Sport of the month: March 7 on the Golden Knights. “To be the person, you gotta beat the person.” Ric Aptitude’s well-known quote is not totally relevant to the NHL — groups will not all the time must play the defending champ en path to successful the Stanley Cup — however it definitely would not damage the Canucks’ confidence to get a win in opposition to Vegas, notably since they misplaced 4-1 of their lone matchup so far.
Subsequent seven days: @ ANA (March 3), @ LA (March 5), @ VGK (March 7)
Earlier rating: 7
Factors share: 68.10%
Sport of the month: March 9 on the Canucks. There was a flurry of huge information within the hockey world in latest weeks, however maybe none as large because the announcement that worldwide best-on-best competitors is coming quickly! The NHL and NHLPA will stage a 4 Nations event in 2025, and NHL gamers will probably be taking part within the 2026 Olympics. The U.S. crew could have their greatest shot at gold in latest reminiscence, and one of many causes is goaltending. Two of the potential netminders concerned will probably be taking part — Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck and Vancouver’s Thatcher Demko.
Subsequent seven days: @ CAR (March 2), @ BUF (March 3), vs. SEA (March 5)
Earlier rating: 2
Factors share: 68.85%
Sport of the month: March 9 vs. the Penguins. Certain, the B’s could have some important matchups relating to playoff positioning — together with a back-to-back set in opposition to the Panthers and Lightning on March 26 and 27. However we’re highlighting this one as a result of it is the second version of the “Massive Metropolis Greens Basic!” Final season’s sport was a blast, and this one will characteristic much more antics.
Subsequent seven days: @ NYI (March 2), @ TOR (March 4), vs. EDM (March 5), vs. TOR (March 7)
Earlier rating: 5
Factors share: 65.32%
Sport of the month: March 12 vs. the Panthers. How a couple of Stanley Cup Ultimate contested totally within the proverbial solar belt? In including Chris Tanev this week, the Stars seem poised to make a deep run this spring, whereas the Panthers appear to be a juggernaut within the East after a stunning run to the Cup Ultimate final yr. The 2 high contenders get a closing pre-playoff have a look at each other on this one.
Subsequent seven days: vs. SJ (March 2), @ SJ (March 5)
Earlier rating: 9
Factors share: 64.41%
Video games of the month: March 4, March 7 in opposition to the Bruins. The Leafs received a first-round collection in 2023, which was an encouraging signal given the crew’s string of prior disappointments. However that was in opposition to the Lightning; to actually slay the proverbial dragon, they need to beat the Bruins in a postseason collection. That is a possible first-round matchup within the Atlantic Division bracket, so this home-and-home in opposition to Boston will function a measuring stick.
Subsequent seven days: vs. NYR (March 2), vs. BOS (March 4), vs. BUF (March 6), @ BOS (March 7)
Earlier rating: 6
Factors share: 64.75%
Sport of the month: March 13 on the Canucks. Is that this a Western Convention finals preview? That is definitely the case in a single potential future world. But when nothing else, this sport will probably be a showcase for 2 of the league’s greatest younger defensemen, Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes, each of whom have drawn some Hart Trophy consideration to say nothing of all of the Norris Trophy love.
Subsequent seven days: @ NSH (March 2), vs. CHI (March 4), vs. DET (March 6)
Earlier rating: 10
Factors share: 65.00%
Sport of the month: March 21 vs. the Flyers. Because the standings lay at this time, the Canes and Flyers would sq. off in a first-round matchup within the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Circumstances can change, however this contest will give us one other clue to which membership has the sting ought to such a collection transpire. The Canes have received two of three in opposition to the Flyers this season.
Subsequent seven days: vs. WPG (March 2), vs. MTL (March 7)
Earlier rating: 8
Factors share: 63.16%
Sport of the month: March 23 on the Maple Leafs. It’s all the time an occasion when the world’s greatest hockey participant seems within the Centre of the Hockey Universe, and this version is not any exception: The get-in worth as of at this time, per Vivid Seats, is $171 USD. (Examine that to $45 the subsequent night time in Ottawa.) Connor McDavid has had some nice performances at Scotiabank Area, too, together with this doozy which was his first profession NHL objective on the Leafs’ dwelling.
Subsequent seven days: @ SEA (March 2), vs. PIT (March 3), @ BOS (March 5), @ CBJ (March 7)
Earlier rating: 11
Factors share: 60.83%
Sport of the month: March 17 vs. the Devils. The Knights might make an addition or two earlier than the deadline — thus making a commerce addition’s return to his outdated dwelling their must-watch sport of the month — however other than that consideration, a return tilt in opposition to New Jersey needs to be a enjoyable one. The 2 groups scored 11 mixed targets in a 6-5 OT win for the Devils again on Jan. 22, and there is clearly no scarcity of star wattage on the 2 rosters.
Subsequent seven days: @ BUF (March 2), @ CBJ (March 4), vs. VAN (March 7)
Earlier rating: 14
Factors share: 60.00%
Sport of the month: March 2 vs. the Panthers. The Pink Wings are on a heater of late, and have a pleasant cushion within the first wild-card slot because of this. Saturday’s matchup in opposition to the Panthers will probably be an apt litmus take a look at as to simply how good they’re, now that the playoffs look like a extra possible proposition. Plus, we’ll get to see Detroit’s Patrick Kane, the long-time standard-bearer as the very best American NHLer, tackle a participant who’s making an argument for that crown in Matthew Tkachuk.
Subsequent seven days: vs. FLA (March 2), @ COL (March 6)
Earlier rating: 13
Factors share: 57.50%
Video games of the month: March 14-26. After some less-than-threatening matchups early on within the month, this stretch is the proverbial crucible that might sway the Flyers’ final standings place greater than every other: vs. Toronto, at Boston, vs. Toronto, at Carolina, vs. Boston, vs. Florida and shutting it out at Madison Sq. Backyard in opposition to the Rangers.
Subsequent seven days: @ WSH (March 1), vs. OTT (March 2), vs. STL (March 4), @ FLA (March 7)
Earlier rating: 12
Factors share: 59.32%
Sport of the month: March 25 on the Canucks. As a wild-card crew, the Kings will probably be matched up within the first spherical with one of many two Western division champs, a spot held down at the moment by the Canucks. By the ultimate week of March, these two groups will look largely just like their postseason editions, so this contest might be a preview of issues to come back in April.
Subsequent seven days: vs. NJ (March 3), vs. VAN (March 5), vs. OTT (March 7)
Earlier rating: 18
Factors share: 57.38%
Video games of the month: March 5, 7, 9 in opposition to the Canadiens, Sabres and Blue Jackets. A win is a win, and because the Predators proceed their push to safe a wild-card playoff spot, getting the total six factors on this stretch of video games in opposition to lottery groups can be of nice profit.
Subsequent seven days: vs. COL (March 2), vs. MTL (March 5), vs. BUF (March 7)
Earlier rating: 15
Factors share: 56.45%
Video games of the month: March 14 vs. the Rangers, March 16 on the Panthers. Presently holding down a wild-card spot, the Lightning might match up in opposition to certainly one of these golf equipment within the first spherical of the playoffs. We needn’t dwell on how unimaginable one other Battle of Florida collection can be, however Rangers-Lightning would even be very good: Andrei Vasilevskiy in opposition to Igor Shesterkin in a duel of two of the very best Russian netminders in latest historical past; sneakily helpful Cup contributor Barclay Goodrow taking up his former teammates; ESPN analyst Ryan Callahan not being positive who to root for. It’s got all of it, and these two video games will function a preview.
Subsequent seven days: vs. MTL (March 2), vs. CGY (March 7)
Earlier rating: 16
Factors share: 54.24%
Sport of the month: March 11 on the Rangers. After each eclipsing 100 factors final season and staging an epic first-round playoff showdown, the Devils and Rangers have been anticipated to each land within the postseason once more, and each had their backers as legit Cup contenders. One of many two golf equipment has lived as much as that billing. After the Rangers received 5-1 within the Devils’ constructing on Feb. 22, the guests from New Jersey might need some further motivation heading into this conflict.
Subsequent seven days: @ ANA (March 1), @ LA (March 3), vs. FLA (March 5), vs. STL (March 7)
Earlier rating: 21
Factors share: 53.39%
Sport of the month: March 30 vs. the Kings. Buying and selling away Elias Lindholm in January and Chris Tanev this week are an indication that the Flames are maybe seeking to the longer term as an alternative of a playoff race. We’ll definitely know extra every week from now, with Noah Hanifin and Jacob Markstrom additionally doubtlessly on the transfer. However, Calgary stays inside placing distance of a wild card, so this late March matchup in opposition to a crew at the moment holding one might have an outsized affect on their closing end result.
Subsequent seven days: vs. PIT (March 2), vs. SEA (March 4), @ TB (March 7)
Earlier rating: 22
Factors share: 54.39%
Sport of the month: March 7 vs. the Capitals. The Penguins’ rivalry in opposition to the Capitals is not what it as soon as was, with each golf equipment seeming like playoff lengthy photographs this season. However till Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin are not on the ice in opposition to each other, this matchup will proceed to have further enchantment.
Subsequent seven days: @ CGY (March 2), @ EDM (March 3), vs. CBJ (March 5), vs. WSH (March 7)
Earlier rating: 23
Factors share: 51.67%
Sport of the month: March 2 on the Blues. The Wild are certainly one of a handful of groups for whom the video games of late February and early March might decide their plans forward of subsequent week’s commerce deadline. And this one — in opposition to a Blues crew that can be chasing a wild card — will probably be a robust measuring stick for that fast future.
Subsequent seven days: @ STL (March 2), vs. SJ (March 3), @ ARI (March 7)
Earlier rating: 20
Factors share: 54.31%
Video games of the month: March 1 vs. the Flyers, March 22 vs. the Hurricanes. At this level of the 2023-24 season, essentially the most very important storyline for the Caps is Alex Ovechkin’s quest to catch Wayne Gretzky on the all-time targets listing. Enjoyable truth: in his profession within the common season, the 2 groups in opposition to whom Ovi has scored essentially the most targets are, you guessed it, the Flyers and Hurricanes (47).
Subsequent seven days: vs. PHI (March 1), vs. ARI (March 3), @ PIT (March 7)
Earlier rating: 19
Factors share: 53.39%
Sport of the month: March 5, on the Islanders. Goalie fights within the NHL are uncommon. This sport will characteristic a netminder who’s a candidate to be in a single within the close to future (Jordan Binnington) in opposition to a crew coached by a former NHL goalie who had a struggle in his Corridor of Fame profession (Patrick Roy).
Subsequent seven days: vs. MIN (March 2), @ PHI (March 4), @ NYI (March 5), @ NJ (March 7)
Earlier rating: 17
Factors share: 54.24%
Sport of the month: March 17 on the Rangers. Though the postseason looks like much less of a chance for the Isles as the times dwindle earlier than the tip of the season, Rangers-Islanders video games at Madison Sq. Backyard are by no means a uninteresting affair. These in attendance needs to be in nice spirits, too, provided that this one falls on St. Patrick’s Day.
Subsequent seven days: vs. BOS (March 2), vs. STL (March 5), @ SJ (March 7)
Earlier rating: 24
Factors share: 53.39%
Video games of the month: March 2-5. Like a number of different groups across the league, the Kraken could make a logical argument so as to add or subtract forward of the commerce deadline. So maybe the outcomes of those video games (dwelling for the Oilers, then on the Flames and Jets) will sway GM Ron Francis someway.
Subsequent seven days: vs. EDM (March 2), @ CGY (March 4), @ WPG (March 5)
Earlier rating: 25
Factors share: 50.00%
Sport of the month: March 2 vs. Golden Knights. Will he or will not he? Former Sabre Jack Eichel — who returned to a cacophony of boos in his first sport again in Buffalo — is working his manner again from a lower-body damage, skating this week in a no-contact jersey. Would possibly he return to listen to it once more from the Buffalo trustworthy?
Subsequent seven days: vs. VGK (March 2), vs. WPG (March 3), @ TOR (March 6), @ NSH (March 7)
Earlier rating: 28
Factors share: 46.49%
Sport of the month: March 1 vs. the Coyotes. This sport could have extra of an affect on the draft lottery standings than playoff positioning. However the motive we’re together with it right here is as a result of it is nation music night time, and the primary 10,000 followers within the constructing will get a Senators cowboy hat! Simply placing it out within the universe within the hopes it should occur: Let there be a Senators hat trick on this sport, adopted by 10,000 Senators cowboy hats hitting the ice.
Subsequent seven days: vs. ARI (March 1), @ PHI (March 2), @ ANA (March 6), @ LA (March 7)
Earlier rating: 26
Factors share: 45.83%
Sport of the month: March 9 vs. the Maple Leafs. The Canadiens weren’t anticipated to mount a lot of a critical push for the playoffs this season, and that expectation has come to cross. However, there’s all the time one thing particular within the air when the Habs tackle the Leafs. Plus, provided that this can be a day after the commerce deadline, we could also be seeing a unique Montreal roster than the one which exists as of this writing.
Subsequent seven days: @ TB (March 2), @ NSH (March 5), @ CAR (March 7)
Earlier rating: 27
Factors share: 43.22%
Sport of the month: March 5 vs. the Blackhawks. Each of those groups have been within the draft lottery final season — the Blackhawks received it, touchdown the correct to draft Connor Bedard — and each are headed in that course this season, with Macklin Celebrini because the possible No. 1 decide. However, that is additionally a reprise of the Coyotes’ largest offensive outburst this season, an 8-1 win over Bedard & Co. again on Halloween.
Subsequent seven days: @ OTT (March 1), @ WSH (March 3), vs. CHI (March 5), vs. MIN (March 7)
Earlier rating: 29
Factors share: 40.68%
Sport of the month: March 5, 28, 30 in opposition to the Penguins. On account of a quirk within the NHL schedule this season, three of the Jackets’ 4 video games in opposition to the rival Penguins are this month. Whereas Columbus has had higher seasons, the video games in opposition to Pittsburgh are normally contested with some further snarl, so here is hoping that is the case (particularly provided that the latter two are so shut collectively).
Subsequent seven days: @ CHI (March 2), vs. VGK (March 4), @ PIT (March 5), vs. EDM (March 7)
Earlier rating: 30
Factors share: 38.14%
Sport of the month: March 1 vs. the Devils. Certain, it is potential that this month might see the Geese enjoying in opposition to somebody they traded off of the roster — with Adam Henrique, Frank Vatrano and Ilya Lyubushkin amongst these doubtlessly on the transfer. However we’ll throw it again all the way in which to 2003 to name this one a Stanley Cup Ultimate rematch. Able to really feel outdated? Rookie standouts Leo Carlsson and Pavel Mintyukov hadn’t been born when that collection was contested. Main scorer Troy Terry was 5 years outdated.
Subsequent seven days: vs. NJ (March 1), vs. VAN (March 3), vs. OTT (March 6)
Earlier rating: 31
Factors share: 30.17%
Video games of the month: March 17, 23 in opposition to the Blackhawks. Chicago’s rebuild was accelerated by successful the 2023 NHL draft lottery and the rights to draft Connor Bedard. San Jose, which has by no means received one, is hoping that the percentages are of their favor on this yr’s occasion, within the hopes of giving their rebuild a lift with the No. 1 decide this summer time. The outcomes of those two video games will affect which crew has the very best shot on this spring’s lotto.
Subsequent seven days: @ DAL (March 2), @ MIN (March 3), vs. DAL (March 5), vs. NYI (March 7)
Earlier rating: 32
Factors share: 29.17%
Video games of the month: March 19-23, on the Kings, Geese and Sharks. The street journey by way of the Western Canadian NHL cities is often a difficult one from a logistical (and typically on-ice) perspective. Whereas the climate one experiences through the California swing is usually extra nice, it may be one other problem, notably for a younger participant like Connor Bedard getting used to the trials of professional hockey. And, properly, the video games in opposition to the Geese and Sharks will definitely have an effect on the draft lottery standings.
Subsequent seven days: vs. CBJ (March 2), @ COL (March 4), @ ARI (March 5)
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