Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Mary Clarke

NHL power rankings heading into opening night: Can the Lightning three-peat?

After a long couple of months away, hockey is officially, truly back! The 2021-22 NHL season begins today, bringing yet another offseason to a close and ushering in a blank slate for all 32 teams across the league.

Yes, 32 teams! The Seattle Kraken will make their NHL debut on opening night against the previous expansion team, the Vegas Golden Knights, in what is sure to be an exciting look at the league’s newest franchise.

But that’s not what you’re here for, now is it? You know the storylines by now. You know what teams are worth watching and which ones you can skip. You’re hopeful to find answers to some of the league’s most burning questions. Now, however, it’s time for everyone’s favorite online activity: power rankings.

Looking become the first three-peat champions in modern NHL history, the Tampa Bay Lightning top our preseason power rankings. However, where does the rest of the NHL fit in behind them? Take a look in our official NHL power rankings below, with updates to come at the start of every month during the season!

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.