NHL Power Rankings: Week 14
The NFL Playoffs are about to commence and that only means one thing in the NHL. We are halfway to start of the NHL playoffs. Teams are around 39-43 game in and the push for the Stanley Cup begins for some. What a first half we have had. I hope you have enjoyed these rankings for the first half, and I look forward to a great second half. Couple important dates. NHL All-Star Weekend starts Saturday, February 4th. There is a fan voting aspect this year so please check that out to get your favorite players featured in the All-Star weekend. March 3 is the NHL trade deadline. The trade market is as dead as ever right now, when will it begin to thaw? April 13 will be the final day of the regular season. I can’t wait for the playoffs.
#16 Buffalo Sabres (20-15-2, 42 Points)
Previously Unranked
8-2-0 in the last 10 games as the Buffalo Sabres are looking to make the East/Atlantic interesting. They are ahead of the Red Wings, so haha TLDR boys, maybe just maybe they can make me look like a smart dude. Tage Thompson is incredible.
#15 Calgary Flames (19-14-8, 46 Points)
Previously Unranked
Calgary has largely stabilized as of late, 6-2-2 in the last 10 is good to see. I know we all expected better, but the growing pains were apparent really quick. Markstrom is still needing to improve his numbers. Their goaltending is below average and if they plan to contend that needs to be addressed.
#14 Los Angeles Kings (23-14-6, 52 Points)
Unchanged
They are 7th in most goal against and yet still are scoring their way to wins. They are the exact opposite of that 2012/2014 cup teams we remember. I don’t know if its sustainable but its working now so that’s enough right?
#13 Pittsburgh Penguins (20-13-6, 46 Points)
Previously #9
Too much sloppy play for my liking now. 3-5-2 in their last 10 is not good but I have faith they will bounce back. +11 goal differential is middle of the pack. They are still waiting on Tristan Jarry to return. It was nice they snapped a 6-game losing streak but it was against Arizona.
#12 Seattle Kraken (22-12-4, 48 Points)
Previously #13
The Kraks are being filled quickly. 4 game winning streak. Their goaltending is an issue and needs to be addressed if they plan to keep their playoff spot. I do question if they will manage the second half as well as the first half. The Alberta teams have historically been 2nd half teams and the Avs are on the outside looking in, but for how much longer? It helps they have a gap and games at hand but keep an eye on this team. I do hope the best for this team, don’t make any mistake.
#11 New York Rangers (22-12-7, 51 Points)
Unchanged
Stabilization in net has really helped this Rangers squad. Their 5-on-5 play is not incredible but its good enough to keep them competitive in most games. Panarin is looking very good offensively, his +/- is not so hot. I know that that stat I not a great statistical indictor, but when the rest of your team is nicely positive, its notable.
#10 Washington Capitals (23-14-6, 52 Points)
Previously #12
Washington is now ahead of the Pens in the standings. Yes, Pens have 4 games at hand, but you have to win those. 2 games against the Flyers, a home-and-home situation, should give the Caps an opportunity to maintain their position.
#9 Minnesota Wild (22-14-3, 47 Points)
Previously #10
The Wild have improved to be a top 3 in the Central Division with a little bit of a gap between them and the Avs. Kiril the Thrill is looking great, and I still wonder about the goaltending situation. The Wild will be active by deadline.
#8 New Jersey Devils (25-12-3, 53 Points)
Previously #7
2 wins this week is a nice change of pace for the Devils. I am concerned about this team guys. I know I sound insane, but they look painfully average against good teams. They had the scoring touch early but it’s not quite as robust and there was a wonder how this team would fare without the shooting percentage. I think they are going to make the playoffs, but they need to stay consistent. Nice comeback win against the Rags this week though.
#7 Winnipeg Jets (26-13-1, 53 Points)
Previously #8
The Winnipeg Jets could easily be slotted higher right now and with a good week this week, don’t be surprised if they see a nice jump. 5-game winning streak with incredible goaltending. They have an easier set of games for a bit here sprinkled with some challenges.
#6 Vegas Golden Knights (27-13-2, 56 Points)
Previously #5
Jack Eichel came back and scored immediately. The interesting thing about this team is that most of their games are 1-goal or 2-goal game aside from the beat down from Los Angeles. If they are getting healthy, we should expect a nice final push by the Knights. They won’t be missing playoffs this season folks.
#5 Tampa Bay Lightning (24-13-1, 49 Points)
Unchanged
There are a few of teams that have better point percentages, by a hair but at the end of the day I give the nod to the Bolts. 6-4-0 in their last 10 isn’t sexy by any means but we know the Bolts M.O. by now.
#4 Dallas Stars (23-9-6, 52 Points)
Unchanged
Tough So-Cal trip but came home and waxed the Panthers to get back on track. This team was so weird last year but this year we know what they are. It helps when the big dogs are getting theirs and the rest of the team is playing like a unit.
#3 Toronto Maple Leafs (25-9-7, 57 Points)
Unchanged
Toronto is the most consistent and best team in Canada. I thought we’d see Calgary dominate this season; I was dead wrong. It’s all Toronto so far. But can they win a round? That’s the ultimate question for this team.
#2 Carolina Hurricanes (25-8-7, 57 Points)
Unchanged
Their white streak was snapped but they are still playing like a wagon. Find ways to score goals boys, you need it!
#1 Boston Bruins (32-4-4, 68 Points)
Unchanged
Fastest to 30 wins since 1929-30 season. Just an unreal season for the B’s.
In-Season Cup
Minnesota took over the Cup for a bit before Buffalo came in and took it away with their solid play. James hopes they can sustain it, as do I. Go Sabres!