NHL power ratings: Avalanche look to get untracked as they enter Week 19 of 2025-26 season
CBS Sports
by
Scott Erskine
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Colorado Avalanche enter Week 19 of the 2025-26 NHL season aiming to shake off their recent slump. Once a dominant force with a 30-2-7 record in the first three months, the team has struggled since January, going just 6-7-2 in their last 15 games before the Olympic break. Despite this, they remain atop SportsLine's power ratings after securing a victory against the San Jose Sharks in Week 18. With key players like Valeri Nichushkin and Nathan MacKinnon leading the charge, the Avalanche hope to maintain their strong performance as they face the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday.
Tampa Bay Lightning are hot on Colorado’s heels, boasting a five-game winning streak and an impressive 19-1-1 record in their last 21 contests. Meanwhile, other top teams like the Carolina Hurricanes and Columbus Blue Jackets also showed strong performances in Week 18, with Columbus securing back-to-back shutouts and an impressive seven-game win streak. These teams are all within five points of Colorado in the race for the Presidents' Trophy.
The article highlights the importance of tracking team performance as the season progresses, particularly for fans following their favorite teams' playoff chances. With key players returning from the Olympic break and crucial games ahead, the standings remain fluid, making this a pivotal time for NHL enthusiasts to stay informed on the latest developments in the league.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/25/2026