The Colorado Avalanche hold the top spot in ESPN's NHL Power Rankings with a 75.8% points percentage, narrowly edging the surging Dallas Stars. Colorado faces a pivotal matchup against Dallas on March 6, continuing their Central Division battle that could determine the NHL's top overall seed. The Avs play four games in seven days, including rematches with Minnesota and Edmonton.

Dallas climbed to No. 2 after a five-spot jump, sitting just behind Colorado in the Central Division race. The Stars face Colorado twice in March, plus games against Chicago, Vegas, and Edmonton. Minnesota Wild sit third with a 66.1% points percentage, setting up potential playoff implications for their March 21 game against Tampa Bay, which could preview a Stanley Cup Final.

Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens round out the top five, with Buffalo's 64.5% points percentage reflecting their surprising Atlantic Division contention. Montreal's 62.5% clip includes a key March 31 matchup against Tampa Bay that could preview a first-round series. The rankings note Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby remains sidelined with a lower-body injury from the Olympics, affecting their positioning at No. 8.