by Vegas Writer
Friday, Feb 27, 2026As the NHL season resumed after the Olympic break, one of the most important months is approaching.
Teams begin separating themselves from the pack, and that can mean good or bad. Either we're seeing teams rise to their potential, or others disappear into abyss.
Taking in consideration the impact the Golden Knights have had on the NHL since they arrived in 2017, here are the top 10 teams in March, in terms of games won and where they stand this season.
Avalanche, 70 - It's still amazing to conceptualize that it had just one regulation loss through 26 games, and two through 40. One would assume the road to the Stanley Cup goes through Denver, but we all know about the President's Cup jinx, right?
Golden Knights, 69 - This has always been a month Vegas can count on to pick up steam before the playoffs. After Wednesday's win in Los Angeles, the Knights lead the Edmonton Oilers by two points as they hit the East Coast for a rugged four games. If this team continues to get healthy, look out.
Hurricanes, 68 - Here we are in another season with Carolina leading the Metropolitan Division, looking dominant because of its offense, and still wondering if it'll fizzle in the playoffs. They're riding into March already scorching, having won four in a row as of Thursday.
Capitals, 66 - This team will need to find its March magic, as it's currently on the outside looking in, with 67 points and four points back of the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference Wild Card race. The Caps have to find ways to win away from D.C., as they've lost 17 of 29 on the road.
Jets, 65 - Undoubtedly the biggest disappointment in the Western Conference. Imagine being the reigning Hart and Vezina winner, and fresh off an Olympic gold medal as goaltender for the United States, and returning home to a team that is nine points off the Wild Card pace. Have to feel for Connor Hellebuyck.
Oilers - 64 - How will Edmonton respond after losing the last two Stanley Cups to the Florida Panthers? The Oilers and Knights are the class of the Pacific Division, but there's something eerily alarming about the Oilers this season. They've struggled away from Edmonton (14-13-4), and their goal differential is a rather low +10. If they're not careful, the Ducks will catch them.
Lightning, 64 - Sitting atop the Atlantic Division, it'll be interesting to see how the Bolts hold off a pair of newcomers to the elite world, as they're in front of Detroit and Montreal. Tampa Bay's road dominance is most impressive.
Panthers 63 - The two-time defending champs wouldn't be going to the playoffs if they started tonight. They're in sixth place in the Wild Card standings, and have a goal differential of -13. They could sneak in as a Wild Card, but they need to start their push now.
Predators, 62 - Just a couple of points back in the Western Conference Wild Card race, Nashville could use some offensive prowess. I wonder what will happen by the trade deadline, as it wouldn't be surprising to see Nashville involved with a major acquisition.
Bruins, 61 - Boston is in second place in the Eastern Conference Wild Race, just one point behind the Buffalo Sabres. The biggest problem for the Bruins is losing on the road. They're 11-12-4 away from Boston, and to avoid a collapse, they'll need to come to life with a suitcase in hand.
Teams begin separating themselves from the pack, and that can mean good or bad. Either we're seeing teams rise to their potential, or others disappear into abyss.
Taking in consideration the impact the Golden Knights have had on the NHL since they arrived in 2017, here are the top 10 teams in March, in terms of games won and where they stand this season.
Avalanche, 70 - It's still amazing to conceptualize that it had just one regulation loss through 26 games, and two through 40. One would assume the road to the Stanley Cup goes through Denver, but we all know about the President's Cup jinx, right?
Golden Knights, 69 - This has always been a month Vegas can count on to pick up steam before the playoffs. After Wednesday's win in Los Angeles, the Knights lead the Edmonton Oilers by two points as they hit the East Coast for a rugged four games. If this team continues to get healthy, look out.
Hurricanes, 68 - Here we are in another season with Carolina leading the Metropolitan Division, looking dominant because of its offense, and still wondering if it'll fizzle in the playoffs. They're riding into March already scorching, having won four in a row as of Thursday.
Capitals, 66 - This team will need to find its March magic, as it's currently on the outside looking in, with 67 points and four points back of the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference Wild Card race. The Caps have to find ways to win away from D.C., as they've lost 17 of 29 on the road.
Jets, 65 - Undoubtedly the biggest disappointment in the Western Conference. Imagine being the reigning Hart and Vezina winner, and fresh off an Olympic gold medal as goaltender for the United States, and returning home to a team that is nine points off the Wild Card pace. Have to feel for Connor Hellebuyck.
Oilers - 64 - How will Edmonton respond after losing the last two Stanley Cups to the Florida Panthers? The Oilers and Knights are the class of the Pacific Division, but there's something eerily alarming about the Oilers this season. They've struggled away from Edmonton (14-13-4), and their goal differential is a rather low +10. If they're not careful, the Ducks will catch them.
Lightning, 64 - Sitting atop the Atlantic Division, it'll be interesting to see how the Bolts hold off a pair of newcomers to the elite world, as they're in front of Detroit and Montreal. Tampa Bay's road dominance is most impressive.
Panthers 63 - The two-time defending champs wouldn't be going to the playoffs if they started tonight. They're in sixth place in the Wild Card standings, and have a goal differential of -13. They could sneak in as a Wild Card, but they need to start their push now.
Predators, 62 - Just a couple of points back in the Western Conference Wild Card race, Nashville could use some offensive prowess. I wonder what will happen by the trade deadline, as it wouldn't be surprising to see Nashville involved with a major acquisition.
Bruins, 61 - Boston is in second place in the Eastern Conference Wild Race, just one point behind the Buffalo Sabres. The biggest problem for the Bruins is losing on the road. They're 11-12-4 away from Boston, and to avoid a collapse, they'll need to come to life with a suitcase in hand.
