NHL Power Rankings: Week 25
The last week of the last full month of the Regular Season is upon us. In just 3.5 weeks we will be dropping the puck for the Playoffs. Before that, we have a lot of sort out in the standings. Seeding and playoff spots are up for grabs and every game matters from here on out.
#16 Calgary Flames (33-25-11; 77 Points)
Previously Unranked
The Flames have been hot lately and are giving the rest of the West a run for their money in the wildcard race. They control their destiny at this moment and every game will matter.
#15 New Jersey Devils (37-28-6; 80 Points)
Previously #12
The Devils are lucky they were as hot as they were early. Coach Sheldon Keefe is starting to call out players publicly. Things are getting spicy in NJ.
#14 Ottawa Senators (37-27-5; 79 Points)
Unchanged
Ottawa has a nice spot in the 1st WC in the East and likely will be able to stay there. 7-2-1 in their last 10 and the Sens are going to be a fun team in the playoffs.
#13 St. Louis Blues (37-28-7; 81 Points)
Previously #15
St. Louis’ ascension continues. They are solidly in a playoff spot after rattling off 6 in a row. They sit 4 points up on the Flames in the 2nd wildcard spot but Calgary still controls their destiny. The Blues are doing anything they can to get there.
#12 Minnesota Wild (40-25-5; 85 Points)
Previously #13
Minnesota is fighting hard to stay put and they had a very good week as a result. They need to because the St. Louis Blues are on their tail!
#11 Toronto Maple Leafs (42-25-3; 87 Points)
Unchanged
I don’t know what to think of this Leafs time at this point. On paper they should be a force but in reality, I just question their ability to get it done.
#10 Edmonton Oilers (41-24-5; 87 Points)
Unchanged
The Oilers played their first game since 2014 where McDavid and Drai weren’t available. They’ve played 2 games in the past but those two were left in the press box in the last games of the respective seasons. The test on the group to find scoring without them has been good. This is a huge moment for the depth of this group to give back to these two monsters who’ve quite literally been carrying the franchise for 10 years now.
#9 Tampa Bay Lightning (40-25-5; 85 Points)
Previously #8
Tough week for the Bolts but they are still a force to be reckoned with. They sit 4 points back of the top spot with a game at hand. The battle for the Atlantic will be as tight as the Pacific!
#8 Colorado Avalanche (43-25-3; 89 Points)
Previously #7
The Avs are a hot team right now. They are going to be a force. This team is completely different from the team they iced in October. Plus, Gabe Landeskog is skating and looks like he might be playing in game 83…what a amazing path back for him!
#7 Vegas Golden Knights (42-20-8; 92 Points)
Previously #6
They had a strong week and are getting pressure from the surging LA Kings. They have a nice cushion…for now.
#6 Los Angeles Kings (39-21-9; 87 Points)
Previously #9
The Kings have found their scoring. They are the best team in the Pacific at this moment after this hot hot streak. They sit just 5 points behind the Knights with 1 game at hand. It will be a battle for the Pacific seeding down the stretch. 14 straight home games with a point is a franchise record!
#5 Florida Panthers (43-25-3; 89 Points)
Unchanged
Is Seth Jones going to be given less minutes soon? Like wow, he’s been not great.
#4 Carolina Hurricanes (43-23-4; 90 Points)
Unchanged
9-1-0 in their last 10. They got stomped by the Kings but those games happen from time to time. They sit 10 points up on their 3rd place rival and 12 points behind the Caps. They are the 2nd place team and just waiting to see who they will play, which likely will be the Devils.
#3 Dallas Stars (44-21-4; 92 Points)
Unchanged
Dallas needs to have the likes of Robertson, Johnston, and Hintz cooking at the right time. Their D core is not incredible and they may need some run support to compete in this playoffs.
#2 Winnipeg Jets (48-19-4; 100 Points)
Previously #1
The Jets had their weakest week in awhile. Hellebuyck got lit up in one game but solidified. They almost lost to the McDrailess Oilers in the 3rd period and ultimately OT but held strong. Kyle Connor knows how to score boy. They should clinch a spot this week or early next.
#1 Washington Capitals (47-15-8; 102 Points)
Previously #2
Congrats to the Caps on being the first time to clinch the playoffs and the first to hit 100 points. The Ovechkin watch is on as he is 7 goals away from breaking the record. With 12 points separation between them and the next team in the Metro, maybe it’s time they just focused on the goal record at this point.
In-Season Cup
Alex is unofficially the winner of the 3rd Annual In-Season Stanley Cup.