By Anthony Carbone, The Hockey News intern
Home ice isn’t just an advantage in the NHL – it’s a weapon.
Some arenas become electric when their team powers past the visitors.
Five NHL teams have the most dominant home-ice advantage, with elite winning percentages and a passionate home crowd.
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings are the NHL’s most dominant team on home ice this season. With a franchise-best home record of 27-4-4, L.A. has been a virtual lock at Crypto.com Arena.
The Kings boast a league-leading points percentage of .829 at home. The Kings' 83-percent penalty-kill rate and 1.94 goals against per game at home are huge factors in their success. If the Kings remain second in the Pacific Division, they can carry their home momentum into the first round of the playoffs, likely against the Edmonton Oilers.
Winnipeg Jets
As the top team in the Western Conference, much of the Jets' success this season is due to their play at home. Through 38 home games, the Jets hold a record of 28-6-4, which translates to an impressive .789 points percentage. The Jets boast the best home-ice power-play percentage, at 32.7 percent, and their 1.95 goals-against average is right up there with the Kings. It's safe to say you do not want to walk into Winnipeg's barn, as it's one of the toughest places to play.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes have the most home-ice wins this season, with a record of 29-8-1. That’s good for a points percentage of .776, which ranks fourth in the NHL. Key factors in Carolina’s home success is the 85.2-percent penalty-kill rate and 3.74 goals-for per game, which ranks second in the league.
Dallas Stars
With a home record of 27-7-2, the Stars’ .778 points percentage trails only Los Angeles and Winnipeg. The Stars also have the best home-ice penalty kill, at 88.4 percent. Everything is bigger in Texas, including the team's ability to win on home ice. They’re trending toward holding home-ice advantage in the first round, leading the Colorado Avalanche by seven points.
Vegas Golden Knights
T-Mobile Arena has become one of the hardest places to play in the NHL. The Golden Knights have been stellar in their building over the past few seasons, and this one is no different. With a record of 27-7-3, the Golden Knights’ .770 points percentage ranks fifth in the NHL. Their 3.73 goals-for per game at home ranks third, while their 2.38 goals-against average ranks fifth.
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