NHL Thanksgiving Panic Index: Teams Under Pressure

As Thanksgiving approaches, the NHL Thanksgiving Panic Index reveals which teams are under pressure in the playoff race. According to ESPN NHL, since the NHL adopted the wild-card format in 2013-14, 77% of teams holding playoff positions on Thanksgiving have gone on to make the playoffs, excluding the COVID-impacted seasons.

This year, the Colorado Avalanche have emerged as a dominant force, leading the league with an impressive 4.00 goals per game and a mere 2.18 goals against per game, resulting in an .841 points percentage with only one regulation loss as of November 24.

The Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon is highlighted as a key player in their success. The Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, and Tampa Bay Lightning are also in solid positions, performing as expected with the Lightning atop the Atlantic Division.

The Hurricanes maintain a strong goal differential, and the Stars benefit from the scoring prowess of Jason Robertson, Mikko Rantanen, and Wyatt Johnston, who collectively account for nearly half of the team's goals.

Teams like the Minnesota Wild, New York Islanders, and Pittsburgh Penguins are dealing with challenges but remain hopeful due to standout performances from key players like Kirill Kaprizov and Ilya Sorokin.

Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, and New Jersey Devils are facing panic due to significant injuries to star players. The Panthers are missing captain Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, while the Devils have struggled without Jack Hughes.

The Edmonton Oilers are in dire straits, grappling with the league's second-worst save percentage and goaltending issues that have plagued them since last season. The St. Louis Blues, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Detroit Red Wings are also experiencing goaltending struggles, contributing to their lower standings.

Conversely, the Chicago Blackhawks and Seattle Kraken are benefiting from high PDO numbers, indicating they may see regression in performance. Teams like the Buffalo Sabres are showing guarded optimism as they sit on the edge of playoff contention, while the Calgary Flames and New York Rangers are feeling the heat due to subpar performances.

The Vancouver Canucks are in a precarious position, as team president Jim Rutherford hinted at a potential rebuild following a disappointing start. The Nashville Predators are also facing uncertainty, with GM Barry Trotz stating that the team's next seven games will dictate their direction.

As the season progresses, the Thanksgiving Panic Index provides crucial insights into each team's playoff aspirations and potential trade strategies ahead of the mid-season.