NHL Teams with High Expectations in 2025-2026

By Meghan Lipscomb 

October not only marks the start of fall—it also ushers in the beginning of the National Hockey League season.

The 2025–2026 NHL season began on Tuesday, October 7th. At the start of a new season, every team hopes to win the Stanley Cup in June. Some teams exceeded expectations during the 2024–2025 season, while others fell short. Today, we’ll take a deep dive into one team from each division that enters the new season with high expectations.

 

Atlantic Division: Tampa Bay Lightning

 

Let’s start in “Champa Bay,” home of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Over the past five years, Florida has dominated the professional hockey landscape. The Lightning won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. The Florida Panthers followed with championships in 2024 and 2025. Last season, the Lightning were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Panthers. This year, they’re looking to strike back and bring another Stanley Cup to the Sunshine State.

 

Metropolitan Division: New York Rangers

 

Now we head up north to the city that never sleeps—the home of the New York Rangers. Last season was underwhelming for the Rangers, who posted 39 wins, 36 losses, and 7 overtime wins. They started strong in the 2024–2025 campaign, but after New Year’s, things fell apart. They suffered multiple losses to their cross-river rivals, the New Jersey Devils. Their second-half slump ultimately cost them a playoff spot. This season brings hope, however, as the team overhauled its coaching staff—bringing in several coaches with winning backgrounds. New York City is a place of opportunity, and this could be a season of redemption for the Rangers.

 

Central Division: Colorado Avalanche

 

Next, we visit the Mile High City to check in on the Colorado Avalanche. Like the Panthers and Lightning, the Avalanche have lifted the Cup in the last five years, winning it in 2022 against Tampa Bay. Last season, however, they were knocked out in the first round by a strong Dallas Stars defense. The Avalanche are no strangers to competing against championship-caliber teams. With their experience and depth, a snowball effect could be in store for Colorado this season.

 

Pacific Division: Edmonton Oilers

 

Our final stop takes us to the oil capital of Canada—the home of the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers have developed a frustrating reputation as the NHL’s second-place team. Since their Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2024, they’ve consistently fallen just short of capturing the title. The same pattern repeated last season. Though they’ve beaten the Florida Panthers in the regular season, the pressure of the Finals has proven too much. But as the saying goes, “Third time’s a charm.” If the Oilers can reach the Stanley Cup Final for the third consecutive year, they may finally claim hockey’s ultimate prize.