NHL power rankings: Defensively porous Sharks plummet amidst five-game losing streak

Daily Faceoff writers Mike Gould and Scott Maxwell have released their latest weekly NHL power rankings past the 20 percent mark of the 2026-27 season. The San Jose Sharks dropped down the rankings following a defensive slump and a five-game losing streak, while the Carolina Hurricanes maintained the top overall position with a 14-3-2 record.

The rankings combined Maxwell's analytical modeling and Gould's observational assessments across the league. Other top-tier clubs included the New Jersey Devils at second, the Minnesota Wild at third, and the Boston Bruins climbing to fourth, while teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and St. Louis Blues slid toward the lower tier.