The NHL's holiday break can't come soon enough for some teams, while other clubs seem to have hit a new stride as winter officially begins. How far did the New Jersey Devils fall this week? Which Eastern Conference team surged up seven spots?
We rank all 32 teams here, and offer a reason for optimism for every fan base.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors rates teams against one another -- taking into account game results, injuries and upcoming schedule -- and those results are tabulated to produce the list featured here.
Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the most recent edition, published Dec. 16. Points paces are through Thursday's games.
Previous ranking: 1Points percentage: 84.38%Next seven days:)
The Bruins' unparalleled consistency has had them lording over the NHL standings since Week 1. Boston rarely turns in a bad performance, and if that continues to be the norm, then the only hope these Bruins can have left is of a long playoff run.
2. Carolina Hurricanes
Previous ranking: 6Points percentage: 72.73%Next seven days: vs. PHI (Dec. 23), vs. CHI (Dec. 27)
The Hurricanes are surging lately with an incomparable full-team attack that shows no signs of slowing. Martin Necas and Seth Jarvis appear rejuvenated. Jordan Staal is having a moment. Carolina's defense is terrific. When the Hurricanes bring it all together like this, it's impossible not to have high hopes for what's to come.
3. Toronto Maple Leafs
Previous ranking: 3Points percentage: 70.59%Next seven days: @ STL (Dec. 27), @ ARI (Dec. 29)
The Leafs lost three of their top four defensemen ... and peeled off a 10-game point streak? That's resiliency. Now TJ Brodie is back, and Morgan Rielly has resumed skating, putting Toronto closer to an ideal lineup. If the Leafs could thrive while undermanned, how hopeful is their future with a full complement of skaters?
4. New Jersey Devils
Previous ranking: 2Points percentage: 69.70%Next seven days: vs. BOS (Dec. 23), vs. BOS (Dec. 28)
The Devils have their health (mostly). That hasn't always been the case. New Jersey has been slumping in December, but as long as their best players remain available there's ample hope for a lengthy rebound ahead by a group that proved just weeks ago it knows how to win in bunches.
5. Winnipeg Jets
Previous ranking: 7Points percentage: 65.15%Next seven days: @ WSH (Dec. 23), vs. MIN (Dec. 27), vs. VAN (Dec. 29)
The Jets are newly dealing with some key injuries, so what a beacon of hope to know that Nikolaj Ehlers -- out since mid-October -- is back on the ice following sports hernia surgery, and on track to be available early next month. Winnipeg's next-man-up mentality just has to hold out a little longer.