We’ve made it past the NHL’s quarter mark, and as we turn our calendars over to the final month of the 2023 calendar year, there are a great many fantastic matchups to watch before the Winter Classic on New Year’s Day. Whether it’s playoff-bound juggernauts facing off for the first time this season, or fans getting to see a familiar face in an unfamiliar jersey, there is something special in store for all 32 clubs.
For this week’s edition of the Power Rankings — which feature a new team at No. 1! — we’ve identified the most interesting game (or games) on the December slate for each team.
Our master list is produced here by a panel of ESPN hockey pundits, analysts, writers, and editors who each submit a 1-32 vote based on the games played through Wednesday.
Note: The prior rating for every team is based on the Nov. 24 issue. Point percentages are based on games played on November 30.
1. The Rangers of New York
Prior position: 4 points, or 78.57% of the total
Over the next seven days: on December 2, at NSH; on December 3, against SJ; and on December 5, at OTT.
December 22 vs. Edmonton is the monthly match. Although the Bruins are the team they play again this month, we’re excited to see what Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and company have in store for their season-opening meeting at Madison Square Garden. After all, stars shine brighter on Broadway.
2. Hockey Boston
Prior ranking: 1 point, or 75.5% of the total
During the next seven days, they will play BUF (Dec. 7) and @ TOR (Dec. 2).
December 16th vs. New York Rangers is the monthly game. Last weekend, the Blueshirts prevailed 7–4 in the first round match between these two Eastern powers. With the venue now TD Garden, who wins Round 2?
The Vegas Golden Knights
Prior position: 2 points, or 70.83% of the total
Over the next seven days: on December 2, at STL, and on December 6, at WSH.
Game of the month: Florida vs. Dec. 23. Every game, the defending champion Knights have been receiving the finest effort from every opponent. But playing the squad you defeated in the Cup Final is a whole other ballgame. This one should contain some flames.
4. The Kings of Los Angeles
Prior position: 5 points, or 72.50% of the total
Over the next seven days: on December 3, at CBJ, and on December 7, at MTL.
Dec. 30 against. Edmonton is the game of the month. Thanks to losses to the Oilers in playoff series, the previous two Kings seasons have come to an end. Therefore, even though the ultimate objective of going past the first round won’t be accomplished until the spring, Los Angeles can exact some minor payback in this game and, by denying Edmonton points on this particular night, maybe even contribute a tiny bit to keeping Edmonton out of the playoffs.
5. Avalanche in Colorado
Prior position: 8 points, or 70.45% of the total
Over the next seven days, the team will play at ANA on December 2, at LA on December 3, against ANA on December 5, and against WPG on December 7.
December 9th vs. Philadelphia is the monthly match. At the 2017 NHL draft, three organizations made the decision that they would prefer to have a guy in their system who wasn’t called Cale Makar. It’s obvious that the Devils, who chose Nico Hischier No. 1, and the Stars, who chose Miro Heiskanen No. 3, are pleased with their selections. Not so with the Flyers, who selected Nolan Patrick with the second overall pick; before being traded to Vegas, Patrick played 197 games for the Flyers, scoring 70 points. Although Makar doesn’t seem to be the spiteful kind, there might be more motivation for him in this situation. (Hey, the Avs’ December schedule isn’t exactly the most exciting.)
6. Vancouver Hockey Team
Prior position: 3 points, or 64.58% of the total
CGY (Dec. 2), NJ (Dec. 5), and MIN (Dec. 7) are the upcoming seven-day schedule.
Game of the month: Florida vs. Dec. 14. This one also features Quinn Hughes of the Canucks defense and Matthew Tkachuk of the Panthers, two of the brightest young American players in hockey, in a preview of a future Cup Final that would excite hockey writers and scare those who foot the bill.
7. The Dallas Stars
Prior placing: 6 points, or 69.05% of the total
Next seven days: December 2 vs. TB, December 4 @ TB, December 6 @ FLA, and December 7 @ WSH.
December 9 vs. Vegas is the monthly matchup. The 2023 Western Conference finals repeat series’ first two rounds required overtime, with the Knights winning 3-2 in a shootout on October 17 and in overtime on November 22. Will there be a close finish once again between these two elite Cup contenders?
8. Panthers of Florida
Prior position: 7 points, or 65.22% of the total
Dec. 2 vs. NYI and Dec. 6 vs. DAL are the next seven days.
Game of the Month: Tampa Bay game on December 27. Although the Panthers’ two Cup Final rematches versus the Golden Knights are scheduled for December 23 and January 4, respectively, we have to award the title of “most interesting game of the month” to the first of this regular season’s three Battle of Florida meetings.
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