NHL Power Rankings: Week 2
Week 1 is in the books and it’s time for over-reaction time. The Calgary Flames are the best team in Alberta and its not even close. The Edmonton Oilers will be hoping for a nice lottery position in the next draft. Utah Hockey Club will play the New Jersey Devils in the Stanley Cup Final. The Ducks will be .500 all the way through. Vegas will win the President’s Trophy. All of this is going to happen guys, its destiny.
#16 Montreal Canadiens
Previously Unranked
Montreal has shown up early and is playing with so much heart. Sam Montembeault is trying to become as close to the next Carey Price as he possibly can be. His early starts have been incredible, giving up a single goal on 73 shots, and shutting out the Maple Leafs to boot. He might steal some games for the Habs this season.
#15 Nashville Predators (0-2-0; 0 Points)
Previously #9
I’m giving this roster the benefit of the doubt for now, but they will need to start moving. Unlike other bad starts by teams in other divisions, slow starts in the Central could prove to be a death sentence early.
#14 Edmonton Oilers (0-3-0; 0 Points)
Previously #3
Déjà vu. The hangover is real for this group. They are in their head again and the top dogs are trying to do too much. The defense and goaltending are a problem early and this group just doesn’t look ready to play right now. They just love to do things the hard way.
#13 Boston Bruins (2-2-0; 4 Points)
Unchanged
Solid start for the B’s. They signed Jeremy Swayman and once he’s fully ready to go, this group will get it going. Sure, I am still concerned about this group without Swayman in a tandem situation but it’s the Boston Bruin way to be competitive every season.
#12 Colorado Avalanche (0-2-0; 0 Points)
Previously #5
The Avs pedigree is what keeps them in the top 16, despite their struggle out the gate. When you have MacKinnon, Makar, and Rantanen on any hockey team, you are a threat. They will be fine.
#11 Tampa Bay Lightning (1-0-0; 2 Points)
Previously Unranked
Very impressive start to the season against the Canes. They had to postpone their rematch due to the tragic hurricane situation in central Florida there. The Lightning are just that team, they will never go away. And I am perhaps a fool for counting them out.
#10 Vancouver Canucks (0-0-2; 2 Points)
Previously #6
The Canucks are not coming out as hot as they did last year. They have yet to win a game but have at least grabbed loser points on their way. Giving up that large lead to Calgary is not a good look, but we knew the Canucks wouldn’t have the same ease through the season as they did last year. They will respond but they will need to dig deep.
#9 Calgary Flames (3-0-0; 6 Points)
Previously Unranked
Look, Calgary is not going to go calmly into that good night. The Flames are expected by most to be a bottom tier team, but they are playing like a contender. And they beat the Canucks, Flyers, and Oilers…pretty impressive stuff. Their tribute to Johnny Hockey was sensational.
#8 Florida Panthers (2-2-0; 4 Points)
Previously #2
The Panthers had a strong game 1 but haven’t been clicking at full speed yet. Their captain is down for a bit, and I think that will hurt them more than a lot of people think. The hangover might still be there for the Cats, but they will be fine.
#7 Winnipeg Jets (3-0-0; 6 Points)
Previously #12
The Jets depth is their strength. They do well in most games because their meat and potatoes approach to the game is sustainable and effective, especially early. They don’t need a ramp up period like some higher skilled teams. They bang bodies, move the puck, and score goals.
#6 Utah Hockey Club (3-1-0; 6 Points)
Previously #16
Utah has come out to play ladies and gents. This team seems like a sleeper playoff team by many, including this guy. They have brought up so many promising young players and they are really starting to shine. Dylan Guenther, welcome to the NHL. Clayton Keller, the C looks very nice on you bud.
#5 New York Rangers (1-0-1; 3 Points)
Previously #4
The Rangers have started strong. In their first couple games the Rangers are showing signs of being able to score 5 on 5. If this continues, the Rangers will be a major threat. Fun game against the Utah Hockey Club.
#4 Toronto Maple Leafs (2-1-0; 4 Points)
Previously #7
This team has started exactly like they needed to under their new bench boss. Craig “Chief” Berube message is being heard, at least this early into the season. They are playing big and playing strong. I am waiting for Matthews to pop off.
#3 New Jersey Devils (2-0-0; 4 Points)
Previously #10
I am probably the highest on the Devils on the podcast. The Devils took care of business in Prague, quite handedly. Their time in the US has been much of the same. They lost to their coach’s former team but held the play. Sheldon Keefe for Jack Adams?
#2 Vegas Golden Knights (3-0-0; 6 Points)
Previously #11
Vegas is starting out very strong, scoring 15 goals in just 3 games. That drumming of the Avalanche was a statement on home ice, and they defended their turf well. They head to the east coast and Florida for a nice roady.
#1 Dallas Stars (3-0-0; 6 Points)
Unchanged
The mighty Dallas Stars have come out like a cannon. They’ve scored 9 goals in 3 games and allowed 0 over their last 2. They face an easy test this week with the Sharks, Caps, and struggling Oilers.
In Season Cup
Season 3 has started out strong for everyone but me, so I must be an Oiler fan right? Montreal holds the cup for now and with the way they are playing, it could be a while before they let it go. We shall see.