NHL Power Rankings: Week 16
This upcoming weekend is the last weekend until the 2023 All-Star Break. Teams are finding their identities. The Canucks finally fired Bruce. Boston loses a game, and they go on a 5-game heater. Toronto is starting to come back down to earth. The race for Connor Bedard is only getting hotter. Who will suck the most and who will punch their ticket to the post-season?
#16 Washington Capitals (25-18-6, 56 Points)
Previously #12
The Caps are kind of spinning their tires a bit. I like they have a positive goal differential, but I don’t like their last string of games. Bad loss to the Golden Knights and they have to follow that up with a game against the surging Avalanche. Thursday’s game against the Pens is always must watch hockey. Interesting week for the Caps who have the Panthers and Islanders trying to hang in there.
#15 Pittsburgh Penguins (23-15-8, 54 Points)
Previously #14
4-4-2 in the last 10 games. +10 goal differential. The Penguins are just too “mid” to an extent. They find ways to win games yet are capable of rattling off losses in a row too. Lost to the Senators and then beat the Sens. They have the Panthers and Caps this week. They have a chance to establish a bit of a string of games here.
#14 Colorado Avalanche (25-17-3, 53 Points)
Previously Unranked
The Central, and to an extent the Wild Card Pacific teams, were probably relishing in the Avs struggles. Boy things have changed. The Avalanche are getting their health back, their scoring prowess back, their goaltending back. The Avalanche getting good is not a good sign for many teams in the west. +17 goal differential. 5 wins in a row and the chance to extend it against the Caps and Ducks this week. Look out.
#13 Los Angeles Kings (26-17-6, 58 Points)
Unchanged
A bit of a stagnation by the Kings and their goal differential continues to be a problem. With Seattle in the mix and the Avalanche starting to find their stride and get healthy, it’s a wonder which Pacific team will be on the outside looking in. My guess is LA goes and Calgary sits but LA needs to find solid and stable goaltending and a good defense.
#12 Minnesota Wild (25-16-4, 54 Points)
Previously #11
Minnesota is slowing down a bit all the while their rivals in Denver are finding their stride, not a good mix for the Wild. The biggest question mark is Minny is what is going on with Matt Dumba. A couple healthy scratches in a row now and it’s a wonder if the trade finally happens. We say it will happen every year yet we go every year without it. I will believe it when is see it.
#11 Edmonton Oilers (27-18-3, 57 Points)
Previously #16
Look I spend a lot of time maintain a “realistic” view of team. In fact, one could argue I crap on them to make a point. But objectively, the Edmonton Oilers are a completely different team since that fateful game in Los Angeles. The Oilers have since rattled off 6 wins, a couple against good teams. Zach Hyman is the leagues number one star of the week. 12 Oilers scored points over their last games. 31 goals for and 12 goals against in their last 6 games has greatly improved their goal differential. They have an easy schedule coming up as well. They are now not fighting for a playoff spot. They are fighting for the division now. Sorry for the homerism…
#10 New York Rangers (25-14-7, 57 Points)
Unchanged
Rangers dropped to the Bruins, not a big deal. They are taking care of the lesser teams and to an extent the good teams. I can’t figure this team out, do I believe they are a threat? I don’t know yet. Games against Toronto, Vegas, and Calgary will help me at least a little bit. +22 goal differential is nice.
#9 Vegas Golden Knights (28-15-2, 58 Points)
Unchanged
One step forward, one step back. No major forward progress for the Knights but they aren’t letting their spot up willingly either. The gap is closed in the Pacific, Seattle is 1 point behind with games at hand and Edmonton and LA are close behind as they continue to win games. Vegas will need to settle down and string some wins if they want to maintain their spot. +17 goal differential is only 3rd in the Pacific Division. Their home record is not thrilling, they need work. Jack Eichel is perhaps underperforming.
#8 Seattle Kraken (27-14-5, 59 Points)
Previously #7
Seattle had a small set back, dropping games to the Bolts and Oilers. But quickly turned it around, beating the Devils and Avalanche. They finally get a few days break, much needed indeed. Seattle not only surviving the weeks of the year, but thriving is probably enough to make the playoffs. One of the Pacific Teams from last year’s post-season may very well be golfing in mid-April.
#7 Dallas Stars (28-13-7, 63 Points)
Previously #8
Dallas has taken their last 2 games and deserve a bit of upgrade love. One could argue they should be higher here but honestly after the 2nd spot, the next 7 spots are so tight that your rank doesn’t matter much. Dallas is a contender. +43 goal differential. Big game against the Canes today.
#6 Tampa Bay Lightning (29-15-1, 59 Points)
Previously #3
Two losses in a row now, both to the Alberta Canada teams. They looked human against a surging Oilers team. They have a chance to settle back against the Wild this week before playing the juggernaut B’s on Thursday. That might be must watch hockey.
#5 Toronto Maple Leafs (28-11-8, 64 Points)
Unchanged
Real .500 in their last 10 games, granted they earned two points in OT. This team has only 1 more win than the next Canada team. They are ahead of their Tampa Bay rivals with less wins. Wins means something folks, even in this “no-loser” league. Keep an eye on this team going forward. Are they going to get over the hump?
#4 New Jersey Devils (30-12-4, 64 Points)
Previously #6
I am fickle about this team, but to be fair they were fickle themselves. I didn’t know if they could manage the pressure of adversity, and so far they are righting the ship. 7-1-2 in the last 10 is stellar work. Some of these wins include the Canes, Rangers, Kings, and Penguins. This bodes well for this team.
#3 Winnipeg Jets (31-16-1, 63 Points)
Previously #4
The stealthy killers are here to stay, this time we recognize they may be a top 3 team in this league. 7-3-0 in their last 10 games. They could very well be back a couple spots but I like where they are in the standings, I like how they are coming together in all facets of the game.
#2 Carolina Hurricanes (29-9-8, 66 Points)
Unchanged
Max Paccioretty tears his Achilles yet again. Poor guy. He could have been the scoring spark this team needed!
#1 Boston Bruins (37-5-4, 78 Points)
Unchanged
Getting sick of thinking of things to say. They may break the record.
In-Season Cup
James’ Boston Bruins have helped him close the gap on Alex and if Boston can keep this up against the absolutely beat up Habs team, he will completely close that gap. For the rest of us, the Boston Bruins having the Cup is worst case scenario.