April 5th NHL Power Rankings
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This episode of the Locked On Avalanche podcast delivers the NHL Power Rankings for April 5, 2026, with a dramatic shift at the top as the Montreal Canadiens surge to number one after an eight-game winning streak. The Colorado Avalanche, despite being the league's best team in points and goal differential, drop to number two due to a loss to Vancouver, though they remain dominant with a 6-3-1 record over their last 10 games. The Western Conference playoff race is tightly contested, with Utah, Nashville, and Edmonton battling for wildcard spots, while the Eastern Conference sees a chaotic battle among teams like Washington, Philadelphia, Ottawa, and Boston for the final playoff berths. Key developments include coaching changes in New York, playoff eliminations for teams like Florida, Calgary, and Toronto, and strong performances from surging teams like Vegas and Tampa Bay. The episode highlights the importance of closing out games and maintaining consistency in the final stretch of the regular season.
The Montreal Canadiens are now the top team in the NHL after an eight-game winning streak, positioning themselves as a serious threat in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The Colorado Avalanche remain the best team in the league in terms of points and goal differential but dropped to number two due to a loss to Vancouver.
The Western Conference playoff race is extremely tight, with Utah, Nashville, and Edmonton all vying for wildcard spots, while the Pacific Division is dominated by Edmonton and Vegas.
The Eastern Conference playoff picture is highly competitive, with five teams tied at 88 points for the two wildcard spots, making every game critical.
Coaching changes, like the New York Islanders firing Patrick Waugh and hiring Pete DeBoer, highlight the desperation of teams fighting to stay in playoff contention.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Top 32 Power Rankings: Vancouver to Calgary
The episode begins with a review of the bottom half of the NHL Power Rankings, covering teams from 32 to 21. Vancouver remains at the bottom despite a win over the Avalanche, while Chicago, Seattle, and the New York Rangers are officially eliminated. The Calgary Flames and New Jersey Devils are also eliminated but show signs of future promise. St. Louis and Los Angeles are on the playoff bubble, while San Jose and Winnipeg surge into wildcard contention.
Middle Tier: Detroit to Philadelphia
The middle tier of the rankings (20 to 11) features teams on the playoff bubble or in tight races. Detroit Red Wings drop due to a poor stretch, while Anaheim struggles with a negative goal differential. Vegas and the Islanders see major shifts—Vegas rises with a coaching change, while the Islanders fire their coach. Nashville, Columbus, Washington, and Philadelphia all show strong late-season form, with Washington and Philadelphia tied at 88 points in the Eastern wildcard race.
Top 10: Minnesota to Montreal
“The Habs, 9-1-0 on an eight game winning streak over the last 10-5-0-0 of course over the last week because you can't have any losses if you're on an eight game winning streak plus 30 goal differential. Montreal has stormed up and gotten very hot at the exact right time.”
“The Habs, 9-1-0 on an eight game winning streak over the last 10-5-0-0 of course over the last week because you can't have any losses if you're on an eight game winning streak plus 30 goal differential. Montreal has stormed up and gotten very hot at the exact right time.”
“I am just blown away with Pittsburgh. I feel like I've said this every power rankings at the beginning of the season. We expected nothing from this team and they have proved us all wrong.”
“The Avalanche would already have that Western Conference number one seed locked up had they taken care of business against Vancouver. They do not, so they still need another win and a couple more if they want to secure the President's Trophy.”
Host
Zach Pearson
person
Colorado Avalanche
other
Montreal Canadiens
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Vancouver Canucks
other
Winnipeg Jets
other
New York Rangers
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Los Angeles Kings
other
New Jersey Devils
other
San Jose Sharks
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Detroit Red Wings
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