NHL Power Rankings: Week 10
We are quickly approaching the 30 game mark for the season. Quite a crazy start of the year that is currently seeing the Washington Capitals in 1st in the East and the Nashville Predators behind San Jose and Anaheim in the West. Wowza.
#16 Vancouver Canucks (14-8-4; 32 Points)
Unchanged
I think the worst is behind Vancouver now. They are here despite the issues with injuries and absences. Demko has been backing up and we only expect him to be taking back his net soon.
#15 New York Rangers (14-11-1; 29 Points)
Unchanged
Rangers are frauds. We saw it in the playoffs, and we see it again, this time is on full display. Finally sending Jacob Trouba away was needed, but man it caused a scene. Igor is gonna get paid, which is good because that’s the entire team over the last 3 years.
#14 Colorado Avalanche (16-13-0; 32 Points)
Previously #12
Scott Wedgewood may have put duct tape on the sinking boat. He came in relief of Gorgiev to stop 22 shots on the Avalanche’s amazing comeback to steal the win. Then he shuts out the Devils…woof. Goaltending, even for a few games, helps the psyche.
#13 Boston Bruins (15-11-3; 33 Points)
Previously #14
They are looking much better as of late. Is it the coach? Or is the fact that Jeremy Swayman is actually saving the puck…show me a good coach and I’ll show you a good goalie…
#12 Tampa Bay Lightning (14-9-2; 30 Points)
Previously #13
Tampa Bay just doesn’t go away. We have been saying they are too old and their time has come…only to find their way in a playoff spot. This team is just relentless.
#11 Edmonton Oilers (15-10-2; 32 Points)
Unchanged
Edmonton is looking like themselves again. Zach Hyman comes back and is scoring at his expected pace, finally. 5 wins in their last 6 and the 1 loss was such a tight game. Stu Skinner has looked so good over the last stretch, shaking off his early issues. He’s been asked to do so much over the last 4 years and it’s impressive he continues to grow and evolve. This team is one of the best when they have average goaltending. Their PK has been elite lately…this is the team we expected to see emerge.
#10 Toronto Maple Leafs (16-9-2; 34 Points)
Previously #6
Tough weekend for the Leafs. I was wrong about the Marner thing…Berube put the two together in the 3rd against the Predators to tie up and win the game. We will see how it continues though…they are together for now but we will see…
#9 Dallas Stars (17-10-0; 34 Points)
Previously #7
Guess I was wrong, they go the other direction. I guess my hunch was right, the Stars aren’t clicking right now. Jason Robertson was left off of Team USA and he’s responded in kind with production…this is what it takes though? The others on his line need to figure it out. Tyler Seguin’s injury has “hes coming back for 1st game of the playoffs” written all over it…
#8 Winnipeg Jets (20-9-0; 40 Points)
Previously #5
5 losses in their last 7 and they’ve already relinquished the lead for the division and conference after that incredible start. They got a game against the surging Bruins to see where they stand.
#7 Florida Panthers (17-9-2; 36 Points)
Previously #9
Florida has shaken off the bad November. Winners of 5 of their last 6. I guess it takes just a little nudge to remind you that you are a Stanley Cup defending team here…
#6 Vegas Golden Knights (18-7-3; 39 Points)
Previously #10
1st in the Pacific on the back of a perfect week. Choked out the Oilers last week despite getting pumped on the ice. Adin Hill was great and the defense kept things to the outside. A fun 1-0 game despite the score.
#5 Carolina Hurricanes (17-9-1; 35 Points)
Previously #3
4-5-1 in their last 10 as they are slowing a bit. Goaltending is starting to be a potential issue. They may need to break glass in case of emergency and bring Freddie in soon, somehow.
#4 New Jersey Devils (18-10-2; 38 Points)
Unchanged
6-4 in their last 10. Loss to the Avs last night was a tough one but they have shown a tendency to bounce back quickly. They haven’t lost consecutive games since their 4-game losing streak in October. It’s funny, this team is a James Siy kind of team, but he doesn’t appreciate it. 5th in hits, 4th in goals for, and 6th in GA/G…yet he hates them.
#3 Los Angeles Kings (16-8-3; 35 Points)
Previously #8
How about them Kings? Winners of 5 straight and beating Jets, Stars, and Wild to get there? They aren’t just farming points on the bottom feeders anymore. Quinton Byfield is as underwhelming as ever and they still do this. Let’s see if they have what it takes down the stretch.
#2 Minnesota Wild (18-5-4; 40 Points)
Previously #1
They don’t stop winning. This was the Jets for the first 6 weeks of the year and now Minnesota is on one right now. When they eventually go on a losing streak it will sting but banking these points early help tremendously.
#1 Washington Capitals (19-6-2; 40 Points)
Previously #2
The Caps are a buzzsaw. 6 wins in their last 7 games without Alex Ovechkin including wins against Leafs and Habs following a surprising loss to the Sharks. Ovi has never dealt with an injury like this but it’s odd because he seems to be skating in a red jersey well ahead of schedule. That Russian Gas is the real deal.
In-Season Cup
Alex extends his lead with the Bolts doing their thing.