NHL Power Rankings: Week 5

In a week where the NHL lost its best player, I thought I would be writing these a sad fan, but not this week. The Oilers are yet another story so far this year where good teams are losing their best players and still managing to bank points. Great to see just how team-based this sport is. That being said, it’s a tough year for goalies this year man.

#16 Boston Bruins (6-6-1; 13 Points)

Previously Unranked

Its nice to see two wins for the Bruins in shutout fashion by Swayman. They dominate softer teams but can’t hang with the good teams. And now Coach Montgomery is stapling one of his best players to the bench for entire periods in Pasta…Things just don’t seem right in Boston and I am getting a tad worried about their path to the playoffs.

#15 Calgary Flames (6-5-1; 13 Points)

Previously #11

I wonder if Paul Bissonette is worried about his ridiculous take on the ‘best team in Alberta”. The fall back to Earth has been a skydive. I give my spot to them still because they fought hard early and their effort last night almost gave me a panic attack at the end there. I like their effort but likely we won’t see the Flames crack the top 16 unless things start to turn back around.

#14 Vancouver Canucks (5-2-3; 13 Points)

Previously #9

Look what happens when PDO isn’t in your favor. To James satisfaction, the Canucks don’t look like the team they were last year. And without Pettersson doing much, I am beginning to worry about this groups playoff chances, let alone a run for the cup.

#13 Edmonton Oilers (6-5-1; 13 Points)

Last week #16

I was fully ready to take my team of the list after an awful showing in Columbus that saw their captain get injured out for at least 2-3 weeks. They looked awful that game. That happens, but the injury I thought would end this team’s path back. Boy was I wrong. Draisaitl loves to show what he can do when he’s the only guy. The entire team is perfect without their captain and the scoring is coming from the players who needed it most. Let’s see if the rest of the TLDR crew agrees because even James was out on the Oil last week, for solid reason.

#12 Toronto Maple Leafs (6-5-2; 14 Points)

Previously #14

Inconsistent offense from the juggernaut offensive group. The Leafs are playing that uneven level at this time every year. They will wake up in a bit and be fine. Just get to the playoffs and see what they can do (or can’t do).

#11 Tampa Bay Lightning (7-5-0; 14 Points)

Previously #12

Consistently remains a problem but they are still a team you cannot count out. Nikita Kucherov could separate himself in the MVP race already with Connor McDavid out on injury.

#10 New Jersey Devils (7-5-2; 16 Points)

Previously #13

Nico Hischier (Erics most hated player) is scoring baby, but the depth is pitching fantastic as well. Markstrom had a good night the other night, but will it sustain?

#9 Los Angeles Kings (6-3-3; 15 Points)

Previously #10

Little uneven week but the Kings are still looking pretty solid! The Kevin Fiala situation is something to watch. A benching last week and then a healthy scratch for missing a team meeting. Things are weird for a key player of this group.

#8 Washington Capitals (8-3-0; 16 Points)

Unchanged

The Caps probably deserve a better rating here, but I give some precedent to the teams ahead for their own pedigree. Though we could see the Caps start to climb my rankings if they keep this up. They are getting it done and its awesome to see. It won’t be a “feed Ovechkin for the record and get us through this season” it’s becoming “feed Ovechkin for the record and win a Stanley Cup in the process.”

#7 Dallas Stars (7-4-0; 14 Points)

Previously #3

They lost both of their games in Finland to the reigning Stanley Cup champs. I won’t dog them too much more than 4 spots but they are on watch. This team is still the pinnacle of team building.

#6 Vegas Golden Knights (8-3-1; 17 Points)

Previously #4

The analytical hosers would say this team has its issues and maybe that’s true. But wins are a true testament…and the Knights win. A team with Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and Ivan Barbashev are a team no one should like to face.

#5 New York Rangers (8-2-1; 17 Points)

Previously #2

New York is looking great, they just didn’t have the same dominant week as the others ahead. Alexis Lafreniere is playing his way to get paaaiiiidd. Adam Fox does his thing…man this team is great, best sports team in New York right now. Womp womp Yankees.

#4 Minnesota Wild (8-1-2; 18 Points)

Previously #7

The Wild are making Fleury’s last regular season one to remember. They are buzzing through teams, and pretty good teams at that. Kiril the Thrill is putting his name on the MVP voting sheets already. They may be thin on the lower lines but for now they will take the wins as they come.

#3 Florida Panthers (9-3-1; 19 Points)

Previously #5

Perfect trip to Finland for the Global Series, taking down the Dallas Stars in both contests. This team more than managed their own without Sasha Barkov and Tkachuk in their lineup early and now they are back. Everyone should be very scared of this team.

#2 Carolina Hurricanes (8-2-0; 16 Points)

Previously #6

I saw this team dominate the Capitals all over the ice last night. They are faster than most of their opponents. They are as relentless as ever; they really just need to find consistent goals.

#1 Winnipeg Jets (11-1-0; 22 Points)