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NHL Teams with the Easiest Remaining Schedules: Who Has the Best Advantage?

Anamika Shrivastava

These six teams have the smoothest path ahead, facing opponents with the lowest combined win percentages. Will they capitalize on it?

As the NHL season reaches its most intense phase, teams are gearing up for the final push.

Some will have to battle through a gauntlet of tough matchups, while others have a smoother path ahead. A favorable schedule can be a huge advantage—whether it’s racking up wins, giving key players some extra rest, or fine-tuning their game before the playoffs. But no game is ever a guaranteed victory, and underestimating opponents can be costly. With everything on the line, these teams need to make the most of their remaining games. So, let’s take a look at the teams with the easiest road ahead.

1. Toronto Maple Leafs (.530, 27 Games)

Current Performance: The Leafs have been an offensive powerhouse, led by Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander. However, defensive lapses and inconsistent goaltending have plagued their season.

How They Must Tackle the Schedule:

  • Tighten Defensive Play: With an easier schedule, the Leafs should focus on defensive discipline, particularly against weaker teams.
  • Optimize Goaltending Rotation: Managing workloads will be crucial to keep their netminders fresh for the postseason.
  • Capitalize on Power Play Opportunities: Facing weaker penalty-kill units should allow their power play to shine.

2. Ottawa Senators (.530, 26 Games)

Current Performance: The Senators have had an up-and-down season, struggling with consistency. While their young core—Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle, and Thomas Chabot—has shown promise, defensive issues and injuries have set them back.

How They Must Tackle the Schedule:

  • Fix Defensive Breakdowns: A favorable schedule means an opportunity to lock in defensive systems and minimize costly mistakes.
  • Maintain Special Teams Efficiency: Their penalty kill must be sharper, and they need to generate more power-play goals.
  • Leverage Youth & Energy: The Sens should push the pace against weaker teams and use their speed to dominate.

3. Colorado Avalanche (.534, 25 Games)

Current Performance: The Avalanche remains one of the NHL’s strongest teams, boasting elite talents like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen. However, injuries and occasional defensive struggles have made their season tougher than expected.

How They Must Tackle the Schedule:

  • Manage Workloads of Star Players: With a relatively easier schedule, the Avs should strategically rest key players before the playoffs.
  • Improve Defensive Consistency: They need to limit turnovers and tighten their defensive zone play.
  • Dominate Lower-Ranked Teams: They must avoid complacent attitude and continue to play at a high level against weaker opponents.

4. Montreal Canadiens (.536, 26 Games)

Current Performance: The Canadiens have struggled with consistency, hovering near the bottom of the standings. Injuries and roster depth have been concerns, but young players like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki continue to develop.

How They Must Tackle the Schedule:

  • Give Younger Players More Ice Time: This is a chance to develop prospects and build for the future.
  • Find Goaltending Stability: Montreal must focus on improving its netminding to remain competitive in games.
  • Capitalize on Home Games: The Canadiens should use home-ice advantage to secure much-needed wins.

5. Washington Capitals (.537, 27 Games)

Current Performance: The Capitals have had a middling season, with Alex Ovechkin still chasing history but the team struggling with depth scoring and defensive stability.

How They Must Tackle the Schedule:

  • Boost Secondary Scoring: More players need to step up beyond Ovechkin to create offensive depth.
  • Improve Special Teams: The power play, once a strength, needs to become a consistent weapon again.
  • Stay Healthy: Injuries have hurt Washington’s season, and with a lighter schedule, they must manage player fatigue wisely.

Image Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!

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