With the 2025-26 NHL season one-third way through, all 32 teams have played their first 25 games. Based on preseason projections, a few teams are exceeding expectations, while some major contenders are dropping in the rankings. Anticipation for the Stanley Cup in April 2026 has kept fans excited and engaged since opening night.
Since the start of the season, many teams have been better than anticipated, but the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, and the Tampa Bay Lighting have been the clear frontrunners. For the Colorado Avalanche, a lot has gone right over the course of this NHL season. The Avalanche lead the league in goals per game, while also allowing the fewest goals per game. At their current pace, they could surpass the Boston Bruin’s record of 135 regular season points. Colorado has been dominant so far, thriving in full strength situations and winning most of their games.
Stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are the reason the Avalanche have been so successful. For example, MacKinnon is in position to win his second Heart Trophy, an award given to the most valuable player. On top of that, Makar could very possibly win his third Norris Trophy for the NHL’s best defenseman, and he could challenge MacKinnon for the Heart as well. The Avalanche’s strong performance has resulted in 18 wins out of 19 games, securing first place in both their division and the overall league standings with 42 points.
“Colorado has been far and away the best team this season, and I don’t think anyone can challenge them for the Stanley Cup,” said freshman Harry Dorfman.
While the Avalanche are dominant, they face major competition at the top of the standings, as the Dallas Stars are not too far behind with 38 points. They, along with the Avalanche, have had a great start to the 2025-26 NHL year, despite facing uncertainty after a new coach took charge. Glen Gulutzan, the new head coach of the Stars, was hired in early July of 2025, replacing former head coach Pete DeBoer. This was Gulutzan’s second time as the Stars head coach as he previously coached them through the 2011-13 NHL seasons.
As coach, he has encouraged his players to play with more physicality, which has been effective so far, as the Stars have climbed the standings. Additionally, key player Jason Robertson has made a large impact this season for the Stars as he is the leading scorer in goals for the team and is tied for fourth most goals in the NHL. As of now, he has racked up sixteen goals and nineteen assists, with 35 points in 26 games. This number is projected to increase by each game. As a result, the Stars are second in their division behind the Avalanche and second overall in the league as of early December.
Shifting focus to the Eastern conference, the Tampa Bay Lighting are positioned as a top team in the league. Since the start of the season, the Lightning’s record has fluctuated as they started off the year going 1-2-1. However, as the season progressed, they began to win more frequently, going 7-1-0 in their last eight games to reach a record of 16-8-2. Because of this strong play, the Lightning are first in their division and third overall for the league. The Tampa Bay Lightning’s recent success is due to great offense, including key contributions from Nikita Kucherov and Brandon Hagel, as well as their resilience and ability to win on the road.
In contrast, many teams are falling in the rankings, such as the Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames, and the Nashville Predators. The Blackhawks are struggling this season due to a number of difficulties. Inconsistency and the lack of depth is a problem that their team faces as they struggle to hold leads and win close games. The team is also in a rebuilding phase and for all these reasons they are fourth in their division and 22nd in the league.
The Flames have struggled with scoring goals, and have averaged the league’s lowest number of goals per game, 2.19. Calgary sits at the bottom of the standings, and their season has seemingly gone down the drain. However, many think the Flames could bounce back next season with an exciting new squad.
The Predators have also struggled significantly this season. They are currently 9-13-4. The team has faced major issues with a lack of offense, ranking near the bottom of the league in goals per game and their defense is also among the worst. Fans are now calling for a coaching change; however, general manager Barry Trotz has publicly placed the blame on the players’ execution rather than on coach Andrew Brunette.
Shifting focus to local interests, the historic Battle of New York rivalry is alive and well this season, as fans from Manhattan to Long Island are anticipating the contrasting fortunes of the Rangers and the Islanders. As of Nov. 20, the New York Rangers 2025-26 season is not meeting expectations. A 10-9-2 record places them second worst in the Metropolitan Division. The Rangers have not yet rebounded to contender position as anticipated under new head coach Mike Sullivan. Since the hiring of Sullivan, the Rangers’ record has improved to 14-12-2, ranking them sixteenth in the league, leaving time for a potential Stanley Cup comeback.
The Islanders are navigating a challenging season, and are currently in sixth place in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 14-10-3.
“The New York Islanders are currently having a pretty solid season one third way through the year and have promising talent despite just falling out of an Eastern Conference wild card spot. Their biggest challenges are inconsistent performance and a struggling power play, as they are near the bottom of the league in power play percentage,” said freshman Xavier Chang.
Both local New York teams face challenges one third way through but remain firmly in the fight for a potential spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
As the NHL season passes the one third mark, a clear divide has formed between dominant teams like the Avalanche and struggling teams at the bottom of the standings.
“The competitiveness of the league really adds to the excitement and intensity. The playoffs this season will be thrilling!” said freshman Jake Zubrow.