Sure, everyone likes to see their forward sink a clean goal from an impossible angle during an NHL game. But you know what fans like to see less? A speedy forward sinking a clean goal from an impossible angle against their favorite team.
That’s where the defense come in. Without solid goaltending and a pair of imposing defensemen, a team might as well be playing with an empty net for all three periods. Defense wins championships, they say, after all.
But which teams currently have the absolute best defensive presence in the NHL halfway through the 2025-26 season? Let’s take a look. No surprise: Most of them are also near the top of the league standings.
You can watch all of these top-notch defenses go to work on the ice during NHL games every day, all season long, on DIRECTV.
Which NHL Teams Have the Best Defenses in the 2025-26 Season?
Right now, the Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild are considered the best defensive teams in the NHL. Two of these teams, the Avalanche and the Lightning, have won Stanley Cups within the past five years, and all have consistently made the post-season multiple times over the same period.
Top 10 NHL Defenses
Here’s our breakdown of the ten best defenses in the NFL right now, plus a full ranking of all of 32 teams, based on a variety of defensive statistics.
1. Colorado Avalanche
Defensive Pairings:
- Devon Toews – Cale Makar
- Josh Manson – Brent Burns
- Samuel Girard – Sam Malinski
Goaltenders: Mackenzie Blackwood, Scott Wedgewood
Key stats: 26.2 average shots against, 2.04 average goals against, 87% penalty kill
Colorado has been at the top of the NHL standings all season long, and the success of their defensive unit is a big part of that. Boasting one of the best top defensive pairings in the league, the Av’s defense is fueled by elite transition play and territorial dominance. They are near the top of the league in record and underlying 5‑on‑5 metrics, indicating they spend far more time attacking than defending. Cale Makar and the rest of the blue line drive clean exits and quick counters, so opponents rarely get set up in sustained cycles, which cuts down on high‑danger chances against.
Their structure emphasizes tight gaps in the neutral zone and aggressive stepping at the blue line, trusting mobile defenders and fast forwards to kill plays early or turn them into rushes. Coaching stresses short support and low turnovers on breakouts, so the first pass out of the zone tends to be successful, which keeps shot volume and defensive‑zone time down even when they face heavy forechecks.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning
Defensive Pairings:
- J.J. Moser – Darren Raddysh
- Charle-Edouard D’astous – Emil Lilleberg
- Declan Carlile – Steven Santini
Goaltenders: Andrei Vasilevskiy, Jonas Johansson
Key stats: 27.4 average shots against, 2.52 average goals against, 89.2% penalty kill
Tampa Bay’s defense is built around an experienced top four that continues to take on the toughest minutes at both 5-on-5 and on the penalty kill. When healthy, Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh anchor heavy-usage, matchup-driven pairs that are trusted in defensive-zone starts and late-game situations. Their ability to protect the middle of the ice, win net-front battles and manage high-leverage shifts helps stabilize the Lightning’s overall defensive play, even as the core group gets older.
Structurally, Tampa tends to employ a conservative defensive system: the defense collapses toward the slot, wingers sag low for inside support, and the team is generally willing to concede low-danger perimeter shots in order to protect the net front. They emphasize shot-blocking, stick detail and maintaining clean sightlines for their goaltenders, which helps keep expected-goals under control despite ongoing concerns about blue-line foot speed and limited puck-moving depth lower in the rotation.
3. Washington Capitals
Defensive Lines:
- Martin Fehervary – John Carlson
- Jakob Chychrun – Matt Roy
- Rasmus Sandin – Trevor van Riemsdyk
Goaltenders: Charlie Lindgren, Logan Thompson
Key stats: 25.8 average shots against, 2.52 average goals against, 72.5% penalty kill
Washington’s blue line has been retooled into a deep, well‑rounded group, with multiple pairs capable of handling top‑four usage and improved mobility compared to a few years ago. Players like Martin Fehervary, Rasmus Sandin and other additions give them better gap control and retrieval speed, which allows the coaching staff to run tighter neutral‑zone defense and cleaner breakouts.
Under Spencer Carbery, the Capitals lean into a compact defensive structure: centers collapse low, wingers stay in shooting lanes and the defense keeps play to the outside while denying cross‑ice seams. This has reduced breakdowns in front of the net and turned the group from a liability into a relative strength, reflected in improved goals‑against and expected‑goals‑against rates so far in 2025‑26.
4. New York Rangers
Defensive Lines:
- Vladislav Gavrikov – Braden Schneider
- Carson Soucy – Will Borgen
- Matthew Robertson – Scott Morrow
Goaltenders: Igor Shesterkin – Spencer Martin
Key stats: 28.5 average shots against, 2.61 average goals against, 81.3% penalty kill
The Rangers’ defensive strength stems from a combination of a true top-pair caliber blue line and elite goaltending, a pairing that keeps goals-against low even when overall shot suppression isn’t dominant. Their top defensemen consistently take on first-line matchups and heavy special-teams minutes, giving the coaching staff the flexibility to shelter younger or less experienced players while maintaining structure against deeper opponents.
Tactically, New York prioritizes protecting the slot and middle of the ice, often allowing point shots and perimeter lanes while collapsing quickly to the net front. Their forwards generally track back through the middle, which supports tighter gap control at the defensive blue line. On the penalty kill, the Rangers typically pressure aggressively along the half walls and look for immediate clears, an approach that has helped sustain strong PK results and reinforces their overall defensive profile.
5. Minnesota Wild
Defensive Lines:
- Jonas Brodin – Brock Faber
- Jacob Middleton – Jared Spurgeon
- Zeev Buium – Zach Bogosian
Goaltenders: Filip Gustavsson, Jesper Wallstedt
Key stats: 30.6 average shots against, 2.63 average goals against, 80% penalty kill
Minnesota’s defense benefits from a mobile top four and a roster of defensively reliable forwards, producing solid shot and chance suppression at 5‑on‑5. The group’s skating and stick detail allow them to break up entries early and recover dump‑ins quickly, which limits sustained offensive‑zone time for opponents.
The Wild lean on a layered defensive approach: A tight neutral‑zone structure slows teams through center ice, while in their own end they use stickwork and body positioning to steer play to the outside and off the rush. The health of key defenders and continued development of younger blue‑liners remain important, but when the unit is intact the system produces relatively low‑event games and keeps expected‑goals against in a favorable range.
6. Dallas Stars
Defensive Pairings:
- Esa Lindell – Miro Heiskanen
- Vladislav Kolyachonok – Ilya Lyubushkin
- Kyle Capobianco – Alex Petrovic
Goaltenders: Jake Oettinger, Casey DeSmith
Key stats: 27.9 average shots against, 2.67 average goals against, 80.5% penalty kill
Dallas features one of the deeper defense groups in the league, with multiple pairs capable of moving the puck and defending the blue line against speed. Their top players log heavy minutes against other teams’ best while maintaining strong underlying numbers, which stabilizes the entire lineup and frees depth defenders for more favorable matchups.
Defensively, the Stars emphasize strong gaps at the red and blue lines and quick pressure on puck carriers in the defensive zone, leading to fast retrievals and first passes that start the transition. The forwards support low on breakouts and reload quickly through the middle, enabling Dallas to defend the rush well and limiting odd‑man chances, which shows up in strong 5‑on‑5 goals‑against rates.
7. Seattle Kraken
Defensive Pairings:
- Vince Dunn – Adam Larsson
- Ryan Lindgren – Brandon Montour
- Jamie Oleksiak – Ryker Evans
Goaltenders: Joey Daccord, Philipp Grubauer
Key stats: 27.4 average shots against, 2.63 average goals against, 69.2% penalty kill
Seattle’s defensive performance is heavily system‑driven: The blue line lacks superstar names but is filled with big, responsible defenders who execute a structured, low‑event game. Pairs built around players like Vince Dunn and Adam Larsson combine puck‑moving with physicality, while depth options contribute reliable minutes that keep the overall standard high.
The Kraken focus on clean exits and controlled defensive‑zone play. They execute strong defensive zone exits, which translates into fewer extended shifts under pressure. They generally collapse to the house area, protect the slot and keep opponents to the outside, allowing their goaltenders to see pucks and helping the team rank among the better shot‑suppression and goals‑against clubs despite limited offensive star power.
8. Carolina Hurricanes
Defensive Lines:
- K’Andre Miller – Sean Walker
- Shayne Gostisbehere – Jalen Chatfield
- Alexander Nikishin – Joel Nystrom
Goaltenders: Frederick Andersen, Brandon Bussi, Pyotr Kochetkov
Key stats: 24.5 average shots against, 2.76 average goals against, 79.7% penalty kill
Despite missing many of their top blue liners due to injury — including star defensemen Jaccob Slavin and K’Andre Miller — for part or all of the season so far, Carolina continues to post elite territorial numbers. The Canes’ emphasis on aggressive puck possession is the foundation of their defensive success: Opponents simply do not get the puck enough to generate many quality chances. The blue line is deep and mobile, with multiple top‑four defenders capable of closing quickly, pinching aggressively and still recovering if plays go wrong. The team’s rookies have stepped up in a major way in the starters’ absence.
The Hurricanes’ identity is built on pressure: Aggressive forechecking, defensive pinching along the walls and forwards reloading high to cover during those pinches. This style forces hurried decisions, produces turnovers and keeps play in the offensive zone, which drives down expected goals against numbers, even if raw shot counts against can be higher because of the pace at which they play.
9. Los Angeles Kings
Defensive Lines:
- Mikey Anderson – Joel Edmundson
- Brian Dumoulin – Brandt Clarke
- Jacob Moverare – Cody Ceci
Goaltenders: Darcy Kuemper, Anton Forsberg
Key stats: 26 average shots against, 2.62 average goals against, 80.5% penalty kill
Los Angeles relies on depth and structure more than star power on defense, with a balanced blue line supported by a very responsible forward group. Their defenders may not all project as elite individually, but collectively they handle minutes across the lineup and help keep overall chances-against in check.
Systematically the Kings are known for a disciplined neutral‑zone scheme that clogs the middle and discourages controlled entries, often using a stacked or 1‑3‑1 look. In the defensive zone they maintain tight spacing, protect the slot and force opponents to the perimeter, while breakouts rely on short support and quick up‑ice plays that reduce turnovers and extended defending.
10. Pittsburgh Penguins
Defensive Pairings:
- Ryan Shea – Kris Letang
- Parker Wortherspoon – Erik Karlsson
- Ryan Graves – Connor Clifton
Goaltenders: Tristan Jarry, Arturs Silovs
Key stats: 28.3 average shots against, 2.72 average goals against, 84.9% penalty kill
Pittsburgh’s defensive improvement rests on structure and veteran savvy: An experienced core of defensemen and centers plays within a tighter system that reduces high‑danger chances against. Their top pair and key penalty killers absorb the toughest assignments, helping bring goals‑against and expected‑goals‑against into upper‑tier territory so far in 2025‑26.
The Penguins emphasize compact own‑zone coverage with centers collapsing deep to support the defense, which cuts off slot passes and rebounds. On exits they prioritize possession when possible, using short options and support from wingers rather than just glass‑and‑out, which keeps them from being hemmed in and helps their defensive metrics despite an aging core.
Honorable Mentions
- Philadelphia Flyers
- New York Islanders
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Winnipeg Jets
2025-26 NHL Season Team Defensive Stats
Here are key defensive stats for every NHL team as of Dec. 3, 2025, sorted by average goals against per game.
| Team | Avg. Shots Allowed | Avg. Goals Allowed | Penalty Kill % | Shutouts |
| Colorado Avalanche | 26.2 | 2.04 | 87 | 3 |
| Washington Capitals | 25.8 | 2.52 | 72.5 | 1 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 27.4 | 2.58 | 89.2 | 1 |
| New York Rangers | 28.5 | 2.61 | 81.3 | 2 |
| Los Angeles Kings | 26 | 2.62 | 80.5 | 2 |
| Minnesota Wild | 30.6 | 2.63 | 80 | 6 |
| Seattle Kraken | 27.4 | 2.63 | 69.2 | 2 |
| Dallas Stars | 27.9 | 2.67 | 80.5 | 2 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 28.3 | 2.72 | 84.9 | 3 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | 24.5 | 2.76 | 79.7 | 2 |
| New York Islanders | 27.1 | 2.78 | 82.3 | 3 |
| Philadelphia Flyers | 26.1 | 2.88 | 82.1 | 0 |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 30.2 | 2.88 | 84.4 | 1 |
| Vegas Golden Knights | 25 | 2.96 | 81.2 | 1 |
| Winnipeg Jets | 29.2 | 3 | 83.9 | 0 |
| New Jersey Devils | 28.5 | 3.04 | 82.7 | 1 |
| Calgary Flames | 28.5 | 3.04 | 82.4 | 1 |
| Utah Mammoth | 24.3 | 3.07 | 80.5 | 0 |
| San Jose Sharks | 31.7 | 3.19 | 81.7 | 0 |
| Florida Panthers | 26.2 | 3.2 | 79.3 | 2 |
| Anaheim Ducks | 29.2 | 3.23 | 75.6 | 0 |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | 30.9 | 3.23 | 74.2 | 0 |
| Boston Bruins | 30.6 | 3.25 | 82.6 | 0 |
| Ottawa Senators | 25.4 | 3.31 | 68.4 | 0 |
| Buffalo Sabres | 30.1 | 3.35 | 88.9 | 1 |
| Detroit Red Wings | 26.8 | 3.41 | 79.5 | 0 |
| St. Louis Blues | 27.3 | 3.44 | 76.6 | 2 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 31.2 | 3.46 | 81.1 | 0 |
| Edmonton Oilers | 26.5 | 3.48 | 81.1 | 2 |
| Nashville Predators | 27.4 | 3.58 | 80.8 | 0 |
| Montréal Canadiens | 27.6 | 3.6 | 77.1 | 0 |
| Vancouver Canucks | 30.2 | 3.63 | 72 | 0 |
Watch NHL Hockey on DIRECTV
The 2025-26 NHL season is in full swing, and there are plenty of places on DIRECTV to catch your team’s games from now until the Stanley Cup Playoffs:
- REGIONAL SPORTS LINEUP (only available in some areas)
- TNT – 245
- ESPN – 206
- ABC –Check local listings
- NHL Network
- NHL Center Ice*
*currently available for satellite customers
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