The second calendar month of the 2024-25 NHL season is right here. However which video games are probably the most tantalizing within the subsequent 30 days?
For this version of the Energy Rankings, we have recognized the sport (or video games) of the month for all 32 groups, whether or not it is a rivalry matchup, a reunion with an previous teammate or a key early season conflict between prime Stanley Cup contenders.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 ballot based mostly on the video games by way of Wednesday, which generates our grasp listing right here.
Be aware: Earlier rating for every group refers back to the earlier version, revealed Oct. 25. Factors percentages are by way of Thursday’s video games.
Earlier rating: 2Points proportion: 90.00%
Nov. 7 vs. the Avalanche. The Jets’ promising 2024 playoff entry ended fairly rapidly by the hands of the Avalanche this previous spring. A single sport in November won’t be enough for vengeance, however because the Jets proceed to show themselves as a prime contender, beating different top-tier groups is a requirement.
Subsequent seven days: @ CBJ (Nov. 1), vs. TB (Nov. 3), vs. UTA (Nov. 5), vs. COL (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 3Points proportion: 77.78%
Nov. 1, 2 vs. the Panthers. It is one other spherical of the NHL International Sequence. Although the Devils-Sabres collection in Prague proved one-sided, this pairing of Finn-loaded contenders will probably be a delight to the hundreds within the constructing in Tampere.
Subsequent seven days: vs. FLA (Nov. 1), vs. FLA (Nov. 2), vs. CHI (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 1Points proportion: 72.22%
Nov. 23 on the Oilers. Not solely is that this the “Mark Messier matchup” — and one that will’ve made an excellent Stanley Cup Last this previous spring — however these two groups have the shortest Cup-winner odds of their respective conferences, per ESPN BET. Maybe we’ll get these two iconic franchises within the Cup Last this season?
Subsequent seven days: vs. OTT (Nov. 1), vs. NYI (Nov. 3), vs. BUF (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 4Points proportion: 77.78%
Nov. 19 on the Blues. The Wild and Blues fell simply shy of the playoffs final season, and given the energy of the Central Division, one imagines there will not be room for each of them within the 2025 postseason. Can the Wild get revenge for the Blues’ 4-1 win again on Oct. 15?
Subsequent seven days: vs. TB (Nov. 1), vs. TOR (Nov. 3), vs. LA (Nov. 5), @ SJ (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 8Points proportion: 68.18%
Editor’s Picks
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Nov. 17 vs. the Capitals. It isn’t usually {that a} participant will get traded on the identical day he is scheduled to do a meet-and-greet with followers. However such was the case for goaltender Logan Thompson. He’ll make his return to Vegas along with his new teammates for this one, after stopping 24 of 26 pictures to beat his previous group 4-2 on Oct. 15 in D.C.
Subsequent seven days: vs. UTA (Nov. 2), @ EDM (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 10Points proportion: 77.78%
Nov. 8 vs. the Penguins. Though Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby are on the proverbial back-nine of their careers, each are nonetheless acting at a excessive stage; that makes any Capitals-Penguins sport a must-see (even when Sid’s Penguins are significantly lagging behind Ovi’s Capitals within the standings).
Subsequent seven days: vs. CBJ (Nov. 2), @ CAR (Nov. 3), vs. NSH (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 6Points proportion: 70.00%
Nov. 27 vs. the Capitals. Lengthy dwell the Southeast Division. The Lightning and Capitals are each in playoff place as of this writing — and may properly be on the finish of the month when this sport takes place, too. An essential sport for every membership as they hope to stay within the postseason combine by season’s finish.
Subsequent seven days: @ MIN (Nov. 1), @ WPG (Nov. 3), @ STL (Nov. 5), vs. PHI (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 12Points proportion: 77.78%
Nov. 27 vs. the Rangers. The Hurricanes’ playoff run this previous spring was terminated by the Blueshirts, and this will probably be their first showdown with their divisional foes.
Subsequent seven days: vs. WSH (Nov. 3), vs. PHI (Nov. 5), vs. PIT (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 11Points proportion: 68.18%
Nov. 16, 19 in opposition to the Jets. November is a unusual month within the Panthers’ schedule: They’ve 4 occurrences of consecutive video games in opposition to the identical opponent. We’ll spotlight incidence No. 3 for this spot, because the Jets look each bit as superior as their NFL namesakes don’t. A possible Stanley Cup Last matchup.
Subsequent seven days: vs. DAL (Nov. 1), vs. DAL (Nov. 2), vs. NSH (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 9Points proportion: 61.54%
Nov. 12, 14 on the Panthers. The Panthers symbolize the usual to which all prime Japanese Convention contenders are evaluating themselves. So this pair of video games in Dawn will probably be essential for the Devils, a group that desires to rely itself in that cohort.
Subsequent seven days: @ CGY (Nov. 1), @ EDM (Nov. 4), vs. MTL (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 7Points proportion: 59.09%
Nov. 5 vs. the Bruins. Irrespective of which group is larger within the standings — or favored within the playoff collection — the Maple Leafs have had main hassle beating the Bruins in current seasons. Because the Bruins’ season is off to a tepid begin, it could possibly be time for an announcement victory for the Leafs.
Subsequent seven days: @ STL (Nov. 2), @ MIN (Nov. 3), vs. BOS (Nov. 5)
Earlier rating: 16Points proportion: 61.11%
Nov. 9 vs. the Oilers. There’s nothing like a heated playoff collection to throw extra gasoline on a rivalry’s hearth. So after the gamers (and followers) received after each other within the second spherical this previous spring, what can we count on within the opening conflict between these Pacific contenders?
Subsequent seven days: @ SJ (Nov. 2), @ ANA (Nov. 5), @ LA (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 14Points proportion: 63.64%
Nov. 29 on the Geese. This SoCal rivalry is not as heated because it was when each groups had been contenders, however there’s all the time a bit additional juice after they match up. And, with two of this season’s finest uniform redesigns, it will likely be aesthetically pleasing, too.
Subsequent seven days: vs. CHI (Nov. 2), @ NSH (Nov. 4), @ MIN (Nov. 5), vs. VAN (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 5Points proportion: 55.00%
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Nov. 3 vs. the Oilers. Few rivalries in skilled sports activities are as persistently nasty because the Battle of Alberta. The Flames needed to watch their cross-province antagonists get to inside a sport of a Stanley Cup this previous spring. Will they proceed their pursuit of derailing one other Edmonton playoff run by taking one other W from them, as they did again on Oct. 13?
Subsequent seven days: vs. NJ (Nov. 1), vs. EDM (Nov. 3), @ MTL (Nov. 5), @ BOS (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 15Points proportion: 55.56%
Nov. 12 on the Maple Leafs. The Battle of Ontario is one other glorious NHL rivalry — the latest flare-up occurring in February when Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly took umbrage to Ridly Greig’s enthusiastic empty-net purpose. Will this subsequent bout characteristic comparable fireworks?
Subsequent seven days: @ NYR (Nov. 1), vs. SEA (Nov. 2), @ BUF (Nov. 5), vs. NYI (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 18Points proportion: 50.00%
Nov. 20 vs. the Predators. It was fairly a low-scoring affair on Oct. 15 because the Seahawks beat the Titans 7-3 … oh wait, it was a hockey sport. Because it seems, the whole of 10 targets in that sport has been matched twice since in Kraken video games, each of which Seattle has received. Will or not it’s one other offensive onslaught on this return match in opposition to the Preds?
Subsequent seven days: @ OTT (Nov. 2), @ BOS (Nov. 3), @ COL (Nov. 5)
Earlier rating: 13Points proportion: 54.55%
Nov. 2, 15, 30 in opposition to the Golden Knights. The Golden Knights set the benchmark for early success as an growth group, getting all the way in which to the Stanley Cup Last. The Utah Hockey Membership is not technically an growth group, however because the NHL’s latest membership, they hope to chart an identical path of early success. A win (or three) in opposition to Vegas in November would signify they’re properly on their method.
Subsequent seven days: @ VGK (Nov. 2), @ WPG (Nov. 5), @ STL (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 27Points proportion: 61.11%
Nov. 5-12, in opposition to the Sharks, Kings, Geese, Kraken. To the shock of some, the Blue Jackets stay on the (early) playoff bubble within the Japanese Convention. An prolonged West Coast journey may also help deliver a group collectively, and grabbing some Ws does not harm both.
Subsequent seven days: vs. WPG (Nov. 1), @ WSH (Nov. 2), @ SJ (Nov. 5)
Earlier rating: 19Points proportion: 45.45%
Nov. 29 on the Stars. Get pleasure from watching elite puck-moving defensemen? Circle this sport in your calendar, as Colorado’s Cale Makar will go to Dallas’ Miro Heiskanen.
Subsequent seven days: @ NSH (Nov. 2), vs. SEA (Nov. 5), @ WPG (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 20Points proportion: 45.45%
Nov. 12, 16 in opposition to the Bruins. Goalie targets are a factor of magnificence. Goalie fights are a factor of magnificence … in one other method. Jordan Binnington has been on the verge of 1 for years — and almost received in a single in opposition to the Senators this week — whereas Bruins netminder Jeremy Swayman additionally has the combating spirit, as one may say.
Subsequent seven days: vs. TOR (Nov. 2), vs. TB (Nov. 5), vs. UTA (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 17Points proportion: 40.91%
Nov. 9 vs. the Senators. It is Linus Ullmark-Jeremy Swayman reunion evening! Although Ullmark did not play for the B’s so long as Steven Stamkos did for the Lightning, he did win the Vezina Trophy for a group that set an NHL report for regular-season dominance. What is going to the reception be like at TD Backyard?
Subsequent seven days: @ PHI (Nov. 2), vs. SEA (Nov. 3), @ TOR (Nov. 5), vs. CGY (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 24Points proportion: 45.00%
Nov. 2, 5 in opposition to Pink Wings, Senators. For the previous few seasons, we have been ready for one in all these three rising Atlantic Division groups to take the following step and qualify for the playoffs. Is that this the season? These two video games for the Sabres will probably be a very good barometer of the place they stand particularly.
Subsequent seven days: vs. NYI (Nov. 1), @ DET (Nov. 2), vs. OTT (Nov. 5), @ NYR (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 21Points proportion: 50.00%
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Nov. 30 on the Avalanche. The Oilers and Avalanche will not be precisely the place many predicted they’d be within the standings. And the lack of Connor McDavid for the following two to 3 weeks does not assist issues for Edmonton. However with McDavid again in time (hopefully) for this matchup, this must be a very good measuring stick for each golf equipment.
Subsequent seven days: @ CGY (Nov. 3), vs. NJ (Nov. 4), vs. VGK (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 26Points proportion: 45.00%
Nov. 9 vs. the Rangers. In some unspecified time in the future, the Pink Wings have to show a nook again towards rivalry. Will this Authentic Six matchup be that turning level, following two losses to the Blueshirts in October?
Subsequent seven days: vs. BUF (Nov. 2), @ CHI (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 25Points proportion: 50.00%
Nov. 3, 19 in opposition to the Blackhawks. There was no uncertainty about who must be the No. 1 decide within the 2023 NHL draft; and positive sufficient, Connor Bedard was chosen by the Blackhawks. Nonetheless, the Geese’ choice of Leo Carlsson at No. 2 raised some eyebrows on the time. Not anymore, because the Swede is second on his group in scoring this season. This pair of matchups will probably be a showcase for 2 of the league’s brightest younger stars.
Subsequent seven days: vs. CHI (Nov. 3), vs. VAN (Nov. 5)
Earlier rating: 22Points proportion: 40.00%
Nov. 3 on the Rangers. Maybe this Sunday matinee in opposition to their archrivals will stir one thing within the Isles, who have not gotten off to the most effective begin within the first full season with Patrick Roy behind the bench.
Subsequent seven days: @ BUF (Nov. 1), @ NYR (Nov. 3), vs. PIT (Nov. 5), @ OTT (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 28Points proportion: 35.00%
Nov. 2, 11 in opposition to the Avalanche. The reality is, we may listing all 15 video games in November right here; excessive preseason expectations have led to underwhelming early outcomes, making each sport rely from right here. However we’ll decide this pair in opposition to the Avalanche, as Nathan MacKinnon & Co. have been in that higher tier of rivalry (to which the Preds aspire) for the previous handful of seasons.
Subsequent seven days: vs. COL (Nov. 2), vs. LA (Nov. 4), @ WSH (Nov. 6), @ FLA (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 30Points proportion: 40.91%
Nov. 26 vs. the UHC. On the 2022 NHL draft in Montreal, the Canadiens shocked a lot of their followers in attendance by deciding on Juraj Slafkovsky first general. Two picks later, the Coyotes took Logan Cooley. A lot has occurred since then — together with the Coyotes reworking into the Utah Hockey Membership — however this sport will one other showcase for 2 rising stars from that class.
Subsequent seven days: @ PIT (Nov. 2), vs. CGY (Nov. 5), @ NJ (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 29Points proportion: 31.82%
Nov. 6 vs. the Pink Wings. Two iconic franchises. One of the vital aesthetically pleasing uniform matchups in professional sports activities. No, they are not precisely on prime of the standings as they as soon as had been, however there’s one thing particular about this old-school Norris Division showdown.
Subsequent seven days: @ LA (Nov. 2), @ ANA (Nov. 3), vs. DET (Nov. 6), @ DAL (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 31Points proportion: 40.91%
Nov. 7 on the Lightning. Matvei Michkov, the Flyers’ first-round decide in 2023, has taken the NHL by storm, with 9 factors by way of 10 video games. On this matchup, he’ll be sharing the ice with two of the most effective Russian gamers in current historical past, winger Nikita Kucherov and goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy.
Subsequent seven days: vs. BOS (Nov. 2), @ CAR (Nov. 5), @ TB (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 23Points proportion: 37.50%
Nov. 19 vs. the Lightning. Jake Guentzel misplaced his first sport as a non-Penguin in Pittsburgh (with the Hurricanes, after final season’s commerce deadline). Will his second journey again to the guests locker room go any higher — and the way will followers greet him?
Subsequent seven days: vs. MTL (Nov. 2), @ NYI (Nov. 5), @ CAR (Nov. 7)
Earlier rating: 32Points proportion: 33.33%
Nov. 16 on the Penguins. In 2016, these two groups met within the Stanley Cup Last. This season, they’re assembly within the basement of the standings — with one in all their appearances extra surprising than the opposite’s. Can the Sharks punctuate this mini East Coast journey with a win in opposition to Sidney Crosby & Co.?
Subsequent seven days: vs. VAN (Nov. 2), vs. CBJ (Nov. 5), vs. MIN (Nov. 7)
