Momentum, more than any other intangible, has become a defining factor in how National Hockey League (NHL) playoff odds shift this season. It refers to the surge of confidence, rhythm, and elevated play that teams experience when wins start to stack up. It creates an edge that analytics can’t fully capture because a team’s confidence, energy, and chemistry during a hot streak can elevate performance beyond what statistics predict.
In a league where parity is the norm and margins are razor-thin, momentum has become the difference between simply staying in the race and taking control of it. Since a team on a hot streak will see its playoff odds rise quickly, while even a brief slump can cause those odds to fall just as fast, oddsmakers weigh momentum heavily. With that in mind, let’s look at the teams whose recent surges have positioned them as genuine movers in the NHL playoff odds conversation.
Capitals On the Rise
Washington has been red-hot lately, roaring to an 8-1-1 surge over its last 10 games. Tom Wilson (17 goals) has paced the attack, while John Carlson (17 assists) continues to drive playmaking from the blue line. Together, they’ve helped fuel Washington’s surge to the league’s second-highest goals-per-game mark at 3.48. Their offensive push, in contrast, is complemented by strong defensive contributions, particularly from Jakob Chychrun, who has a +23 rating.
However, the Capitals continue to struggle on special teams. They operate with a power play at just 16.7 percent and a penalty kill at 74.4 percent. Even so, their balanced scoring led by Wilson, Dylan Strome, and the resurgence of Charlie Lindgren has helped offset those shortcomings and pushed the team steadily upward in the standings. As they sit atop the Atlantic Division, Washington’s capital gains feel real heading into the postseason push, and the NHL playoff odds are finally starting to show it.
The Wild Wind-Up
Minnesota went from early-season doldrums to an unbelievable 10-0-2 tear before stumbling in Calgary. In that run, speedster Mats Zuccarello returned from injury, while hot-handed rookie Jesper Wallstedt carried the netminders with a remarkable run. Coach John Hynes’ team also excelled in tight games with a 5-0 one-goal record. It was driven by Kirill Kaprizov’s steady scoring and a defense anchored by Zach Bogosian (+8) that held opponents to 2.68 goals per game, seventh-best in the NHL.
Even though their special teams remain average, with a 22.4 percent power play and an 80.3 percent penalty kill, Minnesota’s confidence is sky-high thanks to the consistency they’ve found in the rest of their game. At one point during the streak, they even briefly held the league’s fourth-highest point total. Altogether, this “Wild ride” has transformed them from a shaky start into legitimate Central Division contenders.
Mile High Avalanche Mayhem
Colorado’s avalanche has swamped opponents. The Avs ripped off a 10-game winning streak (3 straight shutouts) and have just one regulation loss in their first 23 games. Nathan MacKinnon leads the charge (18 goals and an NHL-leading 39 points), often flanked by linemate Gabriel Landeskog. Offensive dynamo Cale Makar supplies 25 assists and a turnover-stifling defense. Jared Bednar’s squad tops the league in both goals per game (4.00) and goals allowed (2.18), a historic double feat.
More importantly, goaltending by Alexandar Georgiev and Akira Schmid has been perfect of late (nearly 190 shutout minutes). Even the power play, though only middling (15.3%), has been enough amid the scoring barrage. With MacKinnon carrying the Cup pedigree of a former Conn Smythe–level performer who drove Colorado’s 2022 championship run, and a well-balanced roster around him, the Avalanche’s postseason outlook is ominous for opponents.
The Lone Star Liftoff
Dallas has suddenly hurled back into contention under new coach Glen Gulutzan. The Stars are 7-1-2 in their last 10 games, averaging 3.8 goals and only 2.0 allowed per game. Young sniper Wyatt Johnston (16 goals) and veteran Jason Robertson (18 goals) have lit the lamp, while the shutdown pair of Esa Lindell and Miro Heiskanen (injured but missed a few games) have shored up a leaky defense of 2.52 GA/GP (4th-best).
Dallas also boasts a league-high power play at 31.9 percent this month, though injuries bite, as captain Tyler Seguin will miss months with a torn ACL. Still, the offense outscored foes by 27 goals over this run (100-73 combined goals), thanks to improved depth scoring. After firing Peter DeBoer in the summer and dealing with cap issues, the Stars are finally aligning, riding what feels like a six-game win streak and earning serious “lone star” swagger going forward.
Hot Hands, Hotter NHL Playoff Odds
Washington, Minnesota, Colorado, and Dallas are riding a significant surge powered by elite star performances, tightened defensive structure, and timely goaltending. Their recent stretches have showcased not only scoring depth but also the resilience needed to win despite lingering weaknesses, whether in special teams, injuries, or early-season inconsistencies. Coaching adjustments have also stabilized their systems, generating the kind of momentum that meaningfully shifts NHL playoff odds.
Taken together, these similarities reveal why all four have positioned themselves as legitimate postseason threats. The teams are not simply surviving the race but also actively reshaping it as they peak at the right time. Still, this surge is far from definitive. Considering that the NHL landscape is constantly shifting, fans and oddsmakers alike will need to stay tuned as the playoff picture continues to evolve.
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