That tantalizing aroma you smell is the scent of freshly zambonied ice because hockey is back, and so are the NHL Power Rankings. With the 2025-26 season just underway, our first rankings are here to set expectations for the 82 games ahead of us.

The Florida Panthers are aiming for history with a Stanley Cup three-peat , something that hasn't been done since the New York Islanders dynasty of the early 1980s, but there are some hurdles in the way. Their Stanley Cup Final opponent in each of the last two years, the Edmonton Oilers , are hoping to finish the job in 2026.

There will be some formidable competition in that regard as teams like the Colorado Avalanche , Vegas Golden Knights and Tampa Bay Lightning look like bona fide Stanley Cup threats. Could the Utah Mammoth

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