NHL Power Rankings: Week 21
What an unbelievable moment for the NHL and “Hockey” in general. That Four Nations Face-Off was incredible, and we have to thank those players for putting their health on the line for a “meaningless” tournament. This is what hockey and playing for your country is all about. Hockey is in a great place. Now we are mere weeks away from the trade deadline and then the final march to the Stanely Cup Playoffs.
#16 Calgary Flames (27-21-8; 62 Points)
Previously Unranked
I pick the Flames over the Canucks given the vibes. The Flames have been a great story this season and they most certainly can make the playoffs given that the wildcard spot is wide open in the West.
#15 Ottawa Senators (29-24-4; 62 Points)
Unchanged
Sens need to figure out their game and quick.
#14 Detroit Red Wings (29-22-6; 64 Points)
Previously #16
The Wings are on a nice winning streak, but they need to find their defense and goaltending if they wish to make the playoffs. It’s a tight race for that wildcard spot.
#13 New Jersey Devils (32-21-6; 70 Points)
Unchanged
New Jersey will make the playoffs but something needs to tighten up a bit.
#12 Colorado Avalanche (33-24-2; 68 Points)
Previously #10
Tough stretch coming back. Nate MacKinnon and Cale Makar were absolutely sensational playing for Canada. I cannot wait to see the Olympics with these guys on the biggest stage, just hope they walk away with silver this time.
#11 Tampa Bay Lightning (32-20-4; 68 Points)
Previously #12
Lightning has won 5 in a row now. Coach Cooper did an amazing job behind the Canadian bench last week and will look to bring that energy with his Bolts team. They play the Oilers tonight.
#10 Minnesota Wild (34-19-4; 72 Points)
Previously #11
The Wild have been doing okay without Kiril the Thrill. When he comes back, they are a team that can win any night right now.
#9 Los Angeles Kings (31-17-7; 69 Points)
Unchanged
Kings have come back strong and I don’t expect them to sit at spot 9 for very long.
#8 Toronto Maple Leafs (35-20-2; 72 Points)
Unchanged
Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews both looked awesome in that final and it shows that the guys can step up when they need to. Can they take that into the playoffs and execute this time?
#7 Carolina Hurricanes (33-20-4; 70 Points)
Unchanged
The Canes are hoping to see a lot more from Rantanen. They need that to hit or else they will be the same old Hurricanes team we all know, great D with no O.
#6 Edmonton Oilers (34-19-4; 72 Points)
Previously #4
Oilers are going their struggles now. The underlying was signaling a bit of pull back and I thought the break would help. It hasn’t yet. I’m not like most Oilers fans and screaming for a tear down, but there’s concerns. They are still in a good spot and lots of time to figure it out.
#5 Vegas Golden Knights (34-18-6; 74 Points)
Previously #6
Vegas moves up a slot only because their divisional rival is going through their own bit of struggles. The Knights come back with a split in their first 2 games back. They are looking a tad better as of late.
#4 Florida Panthers (34-21-3; 71 Points)
Previously #5
Florida is the team to beat in the Atlantic. They may not have Matty Tkachuk for awhile though and that’s a concern for the defending champs.
#3 Dallas Stars (37-18-2; 76 Points)
Unchanged
3 straight wins and the Stars are back in the winner’s column. 8 wins in their last 10.
#2 Washington Capitals (38-11-8; 84 Points)
Unchanged
It is just incredible what this team is doing. They come out of the break with as much desperation and savviness as they entered the break. Ovy is 13 goals away from the record after a huge hatty against the Oilers.
#1 Winnipeg Jets (41-14-3; 85 Points)
Unchanged
They are on a 10 game streak in their last 10 and there’s no signs of stopping. Hellebuyck showed us he can play in the biggest of moments, except when the team leaves the best player on the planet alone in the slot. Winnipeg will win their division.