Goals, Goals, Goals. Everybody loves goals. Fans love to watch them and players love to score them. It’s how you win hockey games. However, it’s also a fact that some teams are just better at scoring goals than others. With a league full of high powered offenses, we look at which teams rank at the bottom and which rank at the top. These are the 32 NHL offenses ranked worst to first.
32. Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks really don’t do a lot well these days, and their ability to score goals is no different. They had an awful power play and averaged just 2.49 goals per game last season. Bedard might boost these stats, but not by much.
31. Anaheim Ducks
Averaging 2.55 goals per game last year and finding themselves in the top 3 worst powerplays in the league, Anaheim was certainly not an offensive powerhouse. Seeing as their strength appears to be mostly defense, don’t expect much to change.
30. Columbus Blue Jackets
A lack of star power showed itself in Columbus’ inability to put the puck in the net. They averaged 2.61 goals per game last season. A new coach might change that, but don’t hold your breath.
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29. Philadelphia Flyers
2.71 goals per game is a decent jump from the team below them, but it’s still not a great number. Philly’s awful powerplay certainly didn’t help anything.
28. Arizona Coyotes
At least they’re not last. That’s about the only good thing you can say about this offense. They boast a 2.78 goals per game average and a barely middle of the pack powerplay.
27. Nashville Predators
It’s hard to see Nashville this low, seeing as what they used to be. A powerplay that is a shell of what it used to be and 2.79 goals per game average finds Nashville in a rough spot. Hopefully goaltending and defense makes up for it.
26. Montreal Canadiens
A lowly offense might be the least of this team’s worries, but it certainly isn’t helping them. A 2.83 goals per game average makes sure Montreal stays towards the bottom of the league.
25. San Jose Sharks
The Sharks cannot get anything going for them. A 2.85 goals per game average won’t do them any favors, and looking at their roster, it’s not going to get any better.
24. Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings have been the definition of mediocre and their offense certainly reflects that. Don’t expect their 2.93 goals per game to get much better this season.
23. New York Islanders
Losing John Tavares hurt this team badly. Their offense has been mediocre for years as shown by a 2.93 goals per game average last season. With the worst powerplay in the league to boot, struggles lay ahead to say the least.
22. Minnesota Wild
As we reach the middle of the pack, we see numbers get better. Minnesota had a terrific powerplay, but they’re even strength offense wasn’t up to par. This left them with a 2.95 goals per game average.
21. Winnipeg Jets
A powerplay that was middle of the pack, bolstered by decent 5 on 5 play, saw Winnipeg with a 3 goals per game average. With their top goalie and top scorer both planning on leaving after this season, expect this issue to get much worse.
20. Washington Capitals
Alexander Ovechkin can only carry you so far guys. A terrific powerplay makes up decent numbers for Washington, but it’s far from the offense they used to be, scoring 3.11 goals per game.
19. Calgary Flames
The Flames’ offense is their best quality. Well, except maybe goaltending. They have middle of the pack powerplay but more than make up for it with even strength play, bolstering a 3.17 goals per game average.
18. Ottawa Senators
The Senators are the fastest rising team in the league. Their offensive numbers are sure to get better as well. Right now they sit at a 3.18 goals per game which is identical to the league average. Veterans like Claude Giroux are looking to make that even better.
17. Pittsburgh Penguins
With their top scorers aging or leaving the team, it’s unlikely Pittsburgh remains above average for long. However, having Sid the Kid is still good enough for a 3.20 goals per game average.
16. St. Louis Blues
A decent offense is about all St. Louis has to brag about. They had a 3.21 goals per game average last season and a decent powerplay. If St. Louis wants to succeed they’ll have to keep that up.
15. Carolina Hurricanes
One of the best teams in the league is of course going to have an above average offense. With a 3.22 goals per game average, Carolina is capable of putting the puck in the net enough times to get the job done.
14. New York Rangers
With one of the league’s best powerplays and a 3.30 goals per game average, the Rangers knew how to score. You can expect them to keep that knowledge throughout the next season.
13. Toronto Maple Leafs
Having some of the league’s top scorers can certainly help bolster your offense. On the back of a phenomenal powerplay the Leafs bolster a 3.35 goals per game average. Hopefully they can carry that and win some playoff series.
12. Colorado Avalanche
One of the league’s most well rounded teams, Colorado can do everything well, including putting the puck into the net. They bolster a darn good powerplay, and their consistent even strength play sees them hold a respectable 3.36 goals per game average.
11. Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks failed to make the playoffs again last season, but that doesn’t stop them from having one of the league’s better offenses. Their impressive powerplay carried them quite a bit, but they still had a 3.37 goals per game average and that’s to be respected.
10. Dallas Stars
With their powerplay, its no surprise they can put the puck in the net. Add that on top of having some of the best offensive players in the league, and you have a 3.41 goals per game average.
9. Los Angeles Kings
It wasn’t long ago when the Kings’ biggest issue was their ability to score. Now they sit in the top ten of the league with a 3.41 goals per game and a powerplay over 25 percent. Talk about your glow ups.
8. New Jersey Devils
What can’t the Devils do? The third straight team to have a 3.41 goals per game average, they find themselves ranked above the other two teams simply because I think this offense is going to keep improving every single year.
7. Florida Panthers
This offense really shined in the playoffs last season and was a big reason they made the Finals. They score 3.42 goals per game on average and have multiple guys capable of scoring twenty to thirty goals per year.
6. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning have consistently been one of the top offenses in the league for years, and this season should be no different even with their weathered roster. Last season they had scored 3.45 goals per game on average and I expect them to hover around that same mark this season.
5. Vegas Golden Knights
The top 5. The elite of the elite. Here we find the reigning champions. Another extremely well rounded team, Vegas scored 3.46 goals per game on average last season. I expect them to falter a bit from there, given that some guys may have over performed, but still be top 5.
4. Seattle Kraken
What a turnaround Seattle had. The bottom of the league to playoff contender, and an offensive powerhouse to boot. They scored 3.47 goals per game on average last season and adding Kailer Yamamoto will only help that. If they could boost their powerplay a bit, this team will be a pain in the neck for most defenses.
3. Buffalo Sabres
On the back of Tage Thompson’s 94 point season, Buffalo’s offense has become quite the spectacle. They scored 3.61 goals per game last season and I expect that to improve.
2. Boston Bruins
The Bruins may struggle to keep this spot after losing some of their best players, but having top scorers like Brad Marchand will keep them steady. They scored 3.73 goals per game last season and had a great powerplay to boot. If they do drop, it won’t be much.
1. Edmonton Oilers
It should be no surprise to anyone who takes the top spot. With a powerplay at almost 35 percent, and a group of killers that consists of guys like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisatl, it’s no wonder Edmonton has the scariest offense in the NHL. I see no reason that changes at all this season. Try not to take any penalties against this team.
