NHL Power Rankings: Week 19
NHL All-Star Weekend is done. The NFL Superbowl crowned their champion. We now sit with the 2 major winter sports left, chugging towards the post-season. The NHL has one last major milestone on Friday, March 3, the trade deadline. Some names have been rumoring about but so far we haven’t seen major trades outside the Tarasenko trade. Who will load up before the deadline and who will position themselves to make a push for the Stanley Cup? Can’t believe we are 30 or so games away from the postseason. Time is flying.
#16 Calgary Flames (25-18-10, 60 Points)
Previously Unranked
The Interesting Case of the Calgary Flames continues. I think that this team is struggling to find their identity and I still think the new guys are taking their sweet time connecting with the coach. Sutter’s voice could be getting stale in the room already. The new guys, Huberdeau namely, has been a disappointment at best and I don’t think that’s what the Flames expected. This is coming from me, the guy who thought the Flames got better in the summer. Well, so far, I was dead wrong. I guess I should have respected the impact in the change of culture for Jonathan Huberdeau and Weegar. They need to figure it out fast.
#15 Pittsburgh Penguins (26-17-9, 61 Points)
Unchanged
The Pens are just not a great offensive team and they are a mediocre defensive team. The scoring at the top is good. I would like to see even more from Rakell. Sid getting kicked out with his first game misconduct was interesting. But this team needs something to spark them. Tristan Jarry being out for awhile is a problem and that could be enough to push this team out of either the playoff altogether, or a chance to make it to round 2.
#14 Washington Capitals (28-21-6, 62 Points)
Previously #16
I don’t love the Caps, but they have somewhat stopped the bleeding. I don’t see this as a contending team. They are older and their scoring ability is a bit to be desired outside of Ovechkin. Kuznetsov has been solid, but scoring has been a bit mid. They need to find it to support their goaltending, which has been pretty damn good.
#13 Los Angeles Kings (29-18-7, 65 Points)
Unchanged
The Kings are rumored to be in on the Chychrun trade. That could make this team very interesting. Sure, Jakob Chychrun is not your defensive stud, but he moves the puck very well and gets it going offensively. And he can play competent defense. The team needs to find their goaltending if they plan to make this push. They aren’t a better team than last year; I am not as scared of them as I was last year. They need to make a move and they need to find their goaltending.
#12 Vegas Golden Knights (29-18-4, 62 Points)
Previously #9
The Vegas Golden Knights were reeling before the All-Star Break. However, their last week has been a sign of stabilization. Sure they were games against the Preds, Wild, and Ducks but wins are wins. They help the entire situation to get those needed points. They host the Sharks and the Lightning this week. Tales of two types of teams. I think Vegas is going to be active this deadline, shocker. With captain Mark Stone out and the fact that they didn’t make it last year, the Knights will be in on anything and everything.
#11 Edmonton Oilers (30-19-5, 65 Points)
Unchanged
They are finding ways to win. I should knock them out of the rankings for that awful showing in Montreal but it was a matinee game and all Oilers fans know what that means for their team. The Oilers are getting healthy, they are getting goaltending, and they are just 3 points out from the top spot in the division. A lot of work to do but I like the trajectory.
#10 Seattle Kraken (30-18-5, 65 Points)
Previously #8
The Kraken are stumbling a bit but had a very important win against the Flyers that may have helped them gain some bit of confidence heading to Winnipeg tomorrow. I am a tad concerned about their trajectory right now, with the Oilers on the up and coming and Vegas, at least for now, looking a tad better, they could be fighting for the spot after all. Be on the lookout for this team come deadline time.
#9 Colorado Avalanche (28-19-4, 60 Points)
Previously #14
Ah. The Avs. They are back. They don’t have the sexiest point percentage but they are looking much better as of late. This team is not the powerhouse they were last year, we know that. Cale Makar is not the offensive powerhouse he was, but to be fair he’s playing much harder minutes and his defensive game is getting even better. (that’s the best D in the world for you). The Avs have found a spot in the Central and they aren’t a team I would like to play in the first round if I were either Dallas or Winnipeg.
#8 Winnipeg Jets (33-19-1, 67 Points)
Previously #7
Winnipeg is a scary team. They are a little underrated and they are flying under the radar. They sit just 3 points out from the top spot in the Central and are a dominant team at home. Which is to be expected from this proud squad. The Jets will be a force to be reckoned with.
#7 Dallas Stars (30-14-10, 70 Points)
Previously #6
Dallas is such a good team. They are a little mid right now but the make up of this team is dangerous. They have goaltending, scoring, veteranism, and defense. They are a full package team that if anyone sleeps on should seriously reconsider their position.
#6 New York Rangers (31-14-8, 70 Points)
Previously #9
The Rags are on a fricken heater ladies and gents. To make matters worse (or better from their perspective) the Rags managed to get Vlad Tarasenko for a conditional 1st rounder a couple prospects and another 4th. Tarasenko will have a chance to show his skills on one of the largest stages in the NHL. This team is not a soft team anymore and they enhanced their scoring prowess. I am putting NYR in the contending bucket…
#5 Toronto Maple Leafs (32-14-8, 72 Points)
Unchanged
Toronto is in one going forward. The math isn’t on their side to make the #1 spot. You have to feel bad for this team who continue to see incredible seasons by certain individuals on a season-by-season basis but can’t find a way to win when it matters the most.
#4 Tampa Bay Lightning (34-16-2, 70 Points)
Unchanged
Tampa vs Toronto in the first round again. This Tampa Bay team looked awful against their state rivals but righted the ship quickly. Tampa Bay is just as scary as ever. Their path will be tough though.
#3 New Jersey Devils (34-13-5, 73 Points)
Unchanged
New Jersey is settling back very nicely, and it proves to me they are a durable team. I was honestly worried about their ability to manage the tribulations of adversity. Granted it took them a bit too long to figure it out. You are out of playoffs if you can’t right the ship within a 2-3 day time frame.
#2 Carolina Hurricanes (34-10-8, 76 Points)
Unchanged
8-1-1 in their last 10 games. Tarasenko is now off the board. This is the most intriguing team for me because I do believe they are a Stanley Cup team. Granted this is from the guy that says that every year.
#1 Boston Bruins (39-8-5, 83 Points)
Unchanged
Boston is falling behind in the record chase. But maybe that’s to be expected. You can’t be that good in this league. Too much parity.
In-Season Cup
Tyler is getting some days!!! His Avalanche sit with the cup and he could very well get to double digits this week. Florida’s reign with the cup definitely helped Alex gain some separation. Avalanche takes on my Bolts team tomorrow…a chance to take it back!