NHL power rankings heading into opening night: Can the Lightning three-peat?

Tampa Bay tops our preseason power rankings as the reigning back-to-back champs.

After a long couple of months away, hockey is officially, truly back! The 2021-22 NHL season begins today, bringing yet another offseason to a close and ushering in a blank slate for all 32 teams across the league.

Yes, 32 teams! The Seattle Kraken will make their NHL debut on opening night against the previous expansion team, the Vegas Golden Knights, in what is sure to be an exciting look at the league’s newest franchise.

But that’s not what you’re here for, now is it? You know the storylines by now. You know what teams are worth watching and which ones you can skip. You’re hopeful to find answers to some of the league’s most burning questions. Now, however, it’s time for everyone’s favorite online activity: power rankings.

Looking become the first three-peat champions in modern NHL history, the Tampa Bay Lightning top our preseason power rankings. However, where does the rest of the NHL fit in behind them? Take a look in our official NHL power rankings below, with updates to come at the start of every month during the season!