"Amid the excitement of roster announcements for the 2026 Winter Games at Milan-Cortina, there are still many NHL hockey games to be played this month. As part of this week's Power Rankings -- led again by, you guessed it, the juggernaut Colorado Avalanche -- we've identified a key game during the month of January for each team, whether it's a rivalry matchup, a clash with another contender in the other conference or a meeting of a certain player with former teammates."
"Jan. 31 at the Oilers: Now that the Wild have entered into the inner circle of Western Conference powers, they must continue to prove themselves against the established teams. They beat the Oilers 5-2 on Dec. 20 at home; how will this game pan out in Alberta? Next seven days: @ ANA (Jan. 2), @ LA (Jan. 3), @ LA (Jan. 5), @ SEA (Jan. 8)"
ESPN's Power Rankings place the Colorado Avalanche atop the league and identify one key January game for each NHL team to watch. A panel of commentators, analysts, reporters and editors submits a 1-32 poll based on games through Wednesday, with points percentages updated through Thursday. The guide highlights matchups that will test contenders, including Colorado at Carolina on Jan. 3, Dallas at Vegas on Jan. 29 and Minnesota at Edmonton on Jan. 31. The schedule notes upcoming seven-day stretches for teams and pinpoints rivalry and conference-clash games that could influence playoff positioning.
Read at ESPN.com
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