Halloween is lastly right here. Now is an efficient time to remind everybody to pump the brakes a bit — very like shops ought to maintain off on going all-out with vacation decorations on Nov. 1.
We as hockey followers should wait patiently till American Thanksgiving within the third week of November to “formally” decide which groups are destined to make the playoffs — and which of them get further stuffing as a result of they’re cooked.
However in honor of the spooky costumed event on Friday, this week’s Energy Rankings embody a Halloween costume or id for all 32 groups.
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 listing.
Observe: Earlier rating for every workforce refers back to the earlier version, revealed Oct. 24. Factors percentages are by way of Thursday’s video games; different stats are by way of Wednesday’s video games, until in any other case famous.
Earlier rating: 1
Factors proportion: 72.7%
Costume: A Package Kat bar
Gimme a break! The Avs are rolling but once more. Journeyman goaltender Scott Wedgewood had an incredible begin to the season, Nathan MacKinnon has 17 factors by way of 11 video games, Cale Makar leads all NHL defensemen with 15 … are you in any respect shocked?
Additionally, a Package Kat bar is precisely the sort of factor MacKinnon would not eat, which provides bonus factors to this costume choose.
Subsequent seven days: @ VGK (Oct. 31), @SJ (Nov. 1), vs. TB (Nov. 4)
Earlier rating: 4
Factors proportion: 72.7%
Costume: Cops
Nico Hischier has been locking down star gamers up to now this season; save a few video games, he has helped maintain the likes of Nikita Kucherov, Sam Reinhart, Leon Draisaitl and Auston Matthews off the rating sheet after they face the Devils.
Subsequent seven days: @ LA (Nov. 1), @ ANA (Nov. 2), vs. MTL (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 2
Factors proportion: 75%
Costume: Double-sided coin
The VGK and their followers have had a charmed existence, with 4 Pacific Division titles, two Stanley Cup Ultimate appearances and one Cup on the franchise’s profession résumé.
With a 6-1-3 begin and Jack Eichel already the early Hart Trophy favourite (and main the league in scoring), every thing is developing pocket aces for the Golden Knights.
Subsequent seven days: vs. COL (Oct. 31), vs. DET (Nov. 4), vs. TB (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 9
Factors proportion: 72.7%
Costume: A wagon
As a result of they formally are one. Additionally, is it time to lift a banner on the Delta Heart for Tusky, after the Mammoth’s scorching begin throughout his existence?
Subsequent seven days: vs. TB (Nov. 2), @ BUF (Nov. 4), @ TOR (Nov. 5)
Earlier rating: 8
Factors proportion: 72.7%
Costume: Kelleran Beq
The Jedi portrayed by actor Ahmed Greatest — who additionally performed the now rightfully redeemed Jar Jar Binks — saved some of the recognizable characters in Star Wars. In “The Mandalorian,” our expensive Grogu (“Child Yoda” to some) was in peril throughout Order 66 (a second the place all clone troopers turned on the Jedi and destroyed all however a number of… consider it just like the 1970 Dynasty Habs successful 4 straight Cups and crushing each workforce within the course of). Grogu would have additionally died if not for Kelleran Beq, who saved him like a windmill glove late in time beyond regulation, and introduced him to security.
That was a clutch efficiency … similar to Cole “Aim” Caulfield, who has three time beyond regulation game-winning tallies by way of 11 video games this season. He additionally broke the file for many profession time beyond regulation targets in a Canadiens uniform (11).
Subsequent seven days: vs. OTT (Nov. 1), vs. PHI (Nov. 4), @ NJ (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 5
Factors proportion: 72.7%
Costume: Steve Buscemi in “30 Rock”
How do you do, fellow youngsters? The Jets are the oldest workforce within the league, with a mean age of 30.7 (the one workforce with a mean age within the 30s).
However the “Winnip-unc” Jets are proving that age is only a quantity, beginning off 7-3-0, and an ideal 4-0-0 on the highway.
Subsequent seven days: vs. PIT (Nov. 1), @ LA (Nov. 4)
Earlier rating: 10
Factors proportion: 75%
Costume: Benjamin Button
What 12 months is that this? I assumed the Penguins have been presupposed to miss the playoffs and be up to now down the standings that they ended up with the No. 1 choose to get Gavin McKenna?
The Penguins began the season (checks notes) 7-2-2? How might this be? Effectively, contract 12 months Evgeni Malkin is 39 years previous, however has 16 factors, Sidney Crosby has 15, and Justin Brazeau is scoring at a point-per-game tempo. Plus, the Pens are getting nice goaltending from Arturs Silovs and Tristan Jarry.
Whereas some had envisioned Crosby ending the season in a Habs or Avs sweater, as an alternative the Pens have appeared to age in reverse. The hockey world may get to see No. 87 hoisting the Stanley Cup in a Pittsburgh uniform once more.
Subsequent seven days: @ WPG (Nov. 1), @ TOR (Nov. 3), vs. WSH (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 7
Factors proportion: 72.7%
Costume: Dexter Morgan
The primary 4 seasons of the unique “Dexter” collection have been a few of the greatest in trendy TV historical past. The present fell off, however many followers saved watching, considering it could lastly get higher. It did not. The collection ending enraged viewers, after they’d dedicated a lot of their lives to it.
Then got here new reveals within the Dexter universe … which weren’t half dangerous, getting previous followers enthusiastic about Dexter once more. They added new actors who have been welcomed additions; Peter Dinklage was terrific, and even Neil Patrick Harris was within the combine!
The Crimson Wings have missed the playoffs for a few years (2016 was their final look), however they’re off to an amazing begin. Is that this lastly the 12 months the Yzerplan reaches its zenith and Hockeytown hosts one other playoff recreation?
Subsequent seven days: @ ANA (Oct. 31), @ SJ (Nov. 2), @ VGK (Nov. 4)
Earlier rating: 3
Factors proportion: 70%
Costume: LA Knight
YEAH! This is the factor with WWE celebrity LA Knight: He is fashionable, he is proficient, he would even be plausible as a world champion. However he simply can not seem to recover from the hump. He all the time looks like he is one win away from making it to the massive dance.
Carolina basically has been a workforce in an identical state of affairs the previous a number of seasons. In 2025-26, Nikolaj Ehlers notably must determine it out. After signing a free agent deal this offseason to fill the Canes’ scoring hole, he has zero targets and three assists by way of 9 video games.
Subsequent seven days: @ BOS (Nov. 1), @ NYR (Nov. 4), vs. MIN (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 6
Factors proportion: 60%
Costume: Rapper Ovi
Truthfully, I might have give you one thing extra intelligent right here, however the Caps did such an amazing job with arrival outfits for Alex Ovechkin’s 1,five hundredth recreation, so let’s preserve that momentum rolling.
Ovi was a rapper for a scorching second about 13 years in the past, and the outfit made a comeback courtesy of the Nice Eight’s teammates. This concept wins by 899 miles — blame the Stars for robbing us of Ovi’s 900th profession aim on Frozen Frenzy night time!
Subsequent seven days: vs. NYI (Oct. 31), @ BUF (Nov. 1), vs. STL (Nov. 5), @ PIT (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 20
Factors proportion: 63.6%
Costume: A biker gang
Thomas Harley simply inked an eight-year, $10.587 million per 12 months contract extension with the Stars, securing the younger blueliner for the long run for one of many NHL’s scariest core teams.
This season, the 24-year-old has averaged simply over 23 minutes per recreation, and has eight factors by way of 10 video games.
Subsequent seven days: @ FLA (Nov. 1), vs. EDM (Nov. 4), vs. ANA (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 17
Factors proportion: 65%
Costume: Nirvana from Sept. 1991
“Nevermind” was Nirvana’s second album. Their first effort, “Bleach,” actually did not have a lot fanfare surrounding it, however as soon as “Smells like Teen Spirit” hit the airwaves, music modified without end. Grunge outlined the ’90s. Flannel shirts have been in all places — and funky!
The Kraken are storming out of the gate this season like a wild Kurt Cobain riff, beginning 5-2-3 and second within the Pacific. They’ve but to lose a recreation in regulation at residence within the Emerald Metropolis. Is that this the beginning of one thing huge in Seattle?
Subsequent seven days: vs. NYR (Nov. 1), vs. CHI (Nov. 3), vs. SJ (Nov. 5)
Earlier rating: 15
Factors proportion: 54.2%
Costume: Physician
Zach Hyman is nearing a return to the lineup after struggling a wrist damage within the Western Convention finals this previous spring. Sadly, the timetable has been pushed again every week, so we nonetheless await an vital offensive contributor for the Oilers.
Connor McDavid has had a sluggish begin (by his requirements), getting his first aim in his seventh recreation and had just one tuck till Oct. 28, when he scored two. Getting his acquainted wingman again ought to deliver a lift.
Subsequent seven days: vs. CHI (Nov. 1), @ STL (Nov. 3), @ DAL (Nov. 4)
Earlier rating: 14
Factors proportion: 54.5%
Costume: the Undertaker
Connor Bedard has had an unbelievable begin to the season, with 12 factors in 10 video games — he and Frank Nazar have been an amazing one-two punch.
After a considerably underwhelming sophomore marketing campaign in 2024-25, Bedard has risen up just like the Undertaker after taking a boot to the face (or being thrown right into a casket).
Subsequent seven days: @ EDM (Nov. 1), @ SEA (Nov. 3), @ VAN (Nov. 5)
Earlier rating: 12
Factors proportion: 50%
Costume: A bodily copy of “Grand Theft Auto VI”
We have seen Twitter change into X earlier than GTA 6 was launched. Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift acquired engaged earlier than GTA 6. We even acquired “67” to take over the world earlier than GTA 6 (7).
And, until the NHL decides to speed up the common season and playoffs again to the early-Nineties ranges — when the Stanley Cup was awarded on Could 25 — we’ll get GTA 6 launched to the general public earlier than the Leafs win one other Cup.
Subsequent seven days: @ PHI (Nov. 1), vs. PIT (Nov. 3), vs. UTA (Nov. 5)
Earlier rating: 16
Factors proportion: 65%
Costume: Gandalf
Trevor Zegras continues to be an absolute wizard within the shootout, refusing to permit goalies to yell, “You shall not go!”
Zegras has the second-highest shootout aim proportion in NHL historical past (minimal 10 makes an attempt) at 63.6% (14-for-22). In case you conjured up the reply of Petteri Nummelin (8-for-10) as having the best charge, then you will have already traded in your gray gown for a white one.
Subsequent seven days: vs. TOR (Nov. 1), vs. CGY (Nov. 2), @ MTL (Nov. 4), @ NSH (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 11
Factors proportion: 50%
Costume: Syndrome
While you boil it down, the massive baddie of “The Incredibles” simply needed some love. Why was everybody counting him out? Why did he get solid off to the aspect like he wasn’t adequate to make the playoffs simply because he may be lacking his 200-foot heart and heartbeat of the workforce? It does not imply he does not have loads of depth to deliver to the desk. Cease doubting Syndrome, folks. And cease doubting the Florida Panthers making the playoffs.
Subsequent seven days: vs. DAL (Nov. 1), @ ANA (Nov. 4), @ LA (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 25
Factors proportion: 58.3%
Costume: Ketchup bottle
If the playoffs began at this time — we’ve got a great distance left, people — the Kings can be going through the Kraken. However, the Kings’ previous nemesis — Connor McDavid and the Oilers — are one level off.
May it’s that L.A. and Edmonton might meet for a fifth straight 12 months within the first spherical? To date, the collection have gone 4-3, 4-2, 4-1 and 4-2, all in favor of Edmonton. From a symmetry standpoint, one other 4-3 collection would full the cycle. Maybe if the Kings all dressed as ketchup bottles — McDavid is famously afraid of the condiment — it could assist their trigger.
Subsequent seven days: vs. NJ (Nov. 1), vs. WPG (Nov. 4), vs. FLA (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 23
Factors proportion: 60%
Costume: Wolverine
It is good for the Blue Jackets to have a squad that is just about at full energy, in comparison with the injury-riddled 2024-25 marketing campaign.
Boone Jenner, Sean Monahan and Yegor Chinakhov all missed vital time final season resulting from numerous accidents. If solely hockey gamers had adamantium for bones too!
Subsequent seven days: vs. STL (Nov. 1), @ NYI (Nov. 2), @ CGY (Nov. 5)
Earlier rating: 19
Factors proportion: 61.1%
Costume: Lightning McQueen
I’ll want Roger McQueen to take a fast break from Windfall Faculty to put on pink with a lightning bolt.
Probably the most enjoyable issues we noticed in hockey this 12 months was McQueen being drafted tenth general by the Geese, then instantly being whisked away by helicopter to Disneyland, the place he took an image along with his nonbiological brother Lightning McQueen. That he selected to put on No. 95 as his uniform quantity makes it even higher.
Subsequent seven days: vs. DET (Oct. 31), vs. NJ (Nov. 2), vs. FLA (Nov. 4), @ DAL (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 30
Factors proportion: 54.5%
Costume: Bud Gentle cans
On Saturday, Nikita Kucherov reached 1,000 factors in his profession with the Bolts, which incorporates two Stanley Cups and iconic “Large Famous person Vitality” moments after successful stated Cups.
Subsequent seven days: @ UTA (Nov. 2), @ COL (Nov. 4), @ VGK (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 29
Factors proportion: 54.2%
Costume: Sens Deadpool
That is largely as a result of I nonetheless consider what might have been had the potential possession group that included Ryan Reynolds bought this workforce.
Subsequent seven days: @ MTL (Nov. 1), @ BOS (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 22
Factors proportion: 50%
Costume: Disappointment
Followers of the Broadway Blueshirts are feeling as blue because the morose character from “Inside Out.”
The Rangers began 4-5-2 — and winless at residence — after setting the doubtful NHL file of being the primary workforce to ever be shut out of their first three video games at residence to begin a season.
Subsequent seven days: @ SEA (Nov. 1), vs. CAR (Nov. 4)
Earlier rating: 27
Factors proportion: 50%
Costume: Cease signal
Have the Sabres solved their goaltending challenges? In Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s absence to begin the season, Alex Lyon has been terrific, posting a .919 save proportion by way of eight video games. Colten Ellis gained his first recreation in his first NHL begin. Devon Levi continues to be marinating in Rochester.
That is one huge optimistic for a fan base that basically wants (and deserves) positives after 14 years exterior of the postseason.
Subsequent seven days: vs. WSH (Nov. 1), vs. UTA (Nov. 4), vs. STL (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 18
Factors proportion: 50%
Costume: Earthquake
Keep in mind Earthquake, the towering WWE wrestler from the ’90s? His title was John Tenta, and he was from Vancouver. The Canucks might stand to get shaken up by Earthquake’s tremors proper now. Possibly that might wake them up.
By means of 11 video games, Evander Kane is goalless, Jake DeBrusk has two, and Elias Pettersson has three. One may’ve thought the Canucks can be further impressed on Frozen Frenzy night time, which was J.T. Miller’s return to Vancouver as a New York Ranger. As an alternative, they have been blanked on residence ice.
Subsequent seven days: @ MIN (Nov. 1), @ NSH (Nov. 3), vs. CHI (Nov. 5)
Earlier rating: 26
Factors proportion: 41.7%
Costume: Sledgehammer and automobile
What precisely is occurring with the Preds’ star free brokers from the summer time of 2024? Steven Stamkos has a aim and an help by way of 11 video games. Jonathan Marchessault has three and two, respectively.
What’s worse for Stammer is that if he continues at this tempo, it is fairly potential the 35-year-old is left off Canada’s roster for the Olympics. On account of numerous causes — together with NHL gamers not taking part in 2018 and 2022 — Stamkos has by no means performed for Staff Canada on the Olympics (he was a reserve in 2010). That simply does not really feel proper.
Do the pair have to get impressed by considered one of Smashville’s greatest traditions?
Subsequent seven days: vs. CGY (Nov. 1), vs. VAN (Nov. 3), @ MIN (Nov. 4), vs. PHI (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 24
Factors proportion: 45%
Costume: Completely happy Gilmore
Do you know that Matthew Schaefer’s favourite film of all time is “Completely happy Gilmore” (the primary one, as he has identified)?
In case you did not, then the value is unsuitable for you! It is a costume befitting a hockey participant who simply turned 18 however seems to be like he has been within the present for a number of years. He’s breaking NHL data already and drawing reward from all corners of the hockey world.
Subsequent seven days: @ WSH (Oct. 31), vs. CBJ (Nov. 2), vs. BOS (Nov. 4)
Earlier rating: 13
Factors proportion: 36.4%
Costume: Their present jerseys
They’re attractive. The colours are very good and actually pop on the ice. It is a 10/10, no notes.
Subsequent seven days: @ CBJ (Nov. 1), vs. EDM (Nov. 3), @ WSH (Nov. 5), @ BUF (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 28
Factors proportion: 46.2%
Costume: Field of tissues
Brad Marchand’s return to Boston as a Florida Panther was good. It was deeply emotional, and the video tribute affected Marchand, who wept on the bench in appreciation.
Later within the recreation, Bruins followers proceeded to boo Marchand, as you’ll count on Boston sports activities followers to do for such an event towards a division rival.
Subsequent seven days: vs. CAR (Nov. 1), @ NYI (Nov. 4), vs. OTT (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 21
Factors proportion: 37.5%
Costume: Scrooge McDuck
Beginning subsequent season, Kirill Kaprizov can be skating on the richest deal in NHL historical past, after inking that eight-year, $17 million per 12 months deal this fall.
In contrast to Scrooge, Kaprizov hasn’t been stingy since placing his autograph on the contract, with 15 factors by way of 11 video games.
Subsequent seven days: vs. VAN (Nov. 1), vs. NSH (Nov. 4), @ CAR (Nov. 6)
Earlier rating: 32
Factors proportion: 36.4%
Costume: Step Brothers
The Macklin Celebrini-Will Smith connection continues. Celebrini has 16 factors by way of 10 video games, whereas Smith has 9 in the identical span. They’ve been crushing the content material too, dressing up as Harry and Lloyd from “Dumb and Dumber” for Halloween. So we’ll choose one other well-known film duo because the workforce costume right here.
Subsequent seven days: vs. COL (Nov. 1), vs. DET (Nov. 2), @ SEA (Nov. 5)
Earlier rating: 31
Factors proportion: 25%
Costume: Stormtroopers
The Flames have the fewest targets per recreation charge within the NHL and have allowed the eighth-most targets per recreation.
It isn’t like they don’t seem to be capturing the puck — they’re seventeenth within the league, with 27.9 per recreation. Sadly, they have been like Stormtroopers from Star Wars, whose unofficial motto is, “You miss 100% of the pictures you are taking.”
Subsequent seven days: @ NSH (Nov. 1), @ PHI (Nov. 2), vs. CBJ (Nov. 5)