NHL Power Rankings: Week 21
Apologies for the shorter write up, I am literally writing this at a conference for my day job. I must really love you guys. Jokes aside, the NHL news is starting to slow down a little bit but the games move along and the standings are a daily change. We are 10 days away from the trade deadline. Next Friday we will see teams make their decisions. I tend to think those teams who have yet to make a decision will have their answer come Monday. Some teams looking to compete need help and those teams out need to offload their valuable players. It is time to make moves.
#16 Nashville Predators (32-25-2; 66 Pts)
Previously Unranked
The Predators just do this every year don’t they. They seem out of it or are written off, but then you look up and boom, they are in a playoff spot. My God. Maybe Soros doesn’t get moved. Who know but damn this team doesn’t go away.
#15 Philadelphia Flyers (30-22-7; 67 Pts)
Unchanged
I still see this team as sellers in the deadline because I think even John Tortorella knows that you stick to the plan. You aren’t good enough to compete in the playoffs. Sell your valuable assets because your new core is coming together and you don’t want to stunt the possibilities of this team for years to come. If you make playoffs, give Tortorella the Jack Adams on Game 1.
#14 Tampa Bay Lightning (32-23-5; 69 Pts)
Unchanged
Tampa Bay is playing well enough to keep a playoff spot. The Bolts will be in on something for the trade deadline and they may very well spend like crazy to bring someone in. They see their window closing and when you have the pedigree that Tampa has, it may be worth giving up the future for awhile.
#13 Detroit Red Wings (32-20-6; 70 Pts)
Unchanged
I should be giving the Detroit Red Wings a bump up on the fact they are on a 5 game streak. That said, I just can’t put them ahead of the teams below yet. Patrick Kane has looked fantastic since he signed there and its great to see him thrive again. I think the Wings will find a way to keep their spot but I am not completely convinced this team is not just riding a high PDO.
#12 Vegas Golden Knights (32-19-7; 71 Pts)
Previously #10
No wins this week and the Vegas Golden Knights are really feeling the impact of the recent injuries. Many people look at the Eichel and Stone LTIR moves and think “here we go again” and the torches and pitchforks come out. Look guys, this team is not a lock for playoffs yet. I like to think they will be fine but I can assure you the team would rather see Stone and Eichel in this lineup. Though I won’t be surprised if they bring Stone back for Game 1 of the playoffs and they are over the cap. Rules are rules and that’s the way the cookie crumbles.
#11 Los Angeles Kings (29-18-10; 68 Pts)
Previously #12
Kings have looked much better as of late and put themselves back into a position to keep their wildcard spot. Though, I still don’t like the coaching change. They haven’t changed anything. Play style is the same and thought process is the same. Without the goaltending, this team won’t do it in the postseason, that’s just my opinion.
#10 Edmonton Oilers (34-20-2; 70 Pts)
Previously #7
Concern is starting to sink in for the Oil Faithful. Aside from the great win against the Kings last night, this team has looked awfully like the October team that saw their head coach get the boot. There are holes and goaltending/defense is starting to look more than suspect. Expect moves to be made between now and next Friday.
#9 Colorado Avalanche (35-19-5; 75 Pts)
Unchanged
When the Avs are buzzing and healthy, they are as good as anyone. They stopped the Auston Matthews juggernaut and MacKinnon continues his MVP season. They ran into the hot Leafs as a whole and you can’t put them down for that.
#8 Carolina Hurricanes (34-18-6; 74 Pts)
Previously #6
The Canes don’t string too many games together to reach the Rangers but don’t string losses together, therefore insulating them from letting the wildcard teams, and Philly, into the 2nd position. I like this team still, regardless of their ability to dominate the division.
#7 Toronto Maple Leafs (33-16-8; 74 Pts)
Previously #11
Winners of 7 straight. The Leafs have looked so damn good lately and they are on the longest streak since 2003. Auston Matthews is incredible guys, just incredible. I don’t think he’s the Hart Trophy winner but he should get a nod in some respect.
#6 Boston Bruins (34-12-14; 82 Pts)
Previously #5
1-0-3 in their games this week with 3 straight OT losses. This team is on thin ice for me looking at their record because they have 14 loser points, which keep them in the race for the Atlantic. They are regressing a bit and that is noteworthy. Are they going to have enough to compete in this hard division and conference when it matters most?
#5 Winnipeg Jets (36-15-5; 77 Pts)
Previously #8
Ill give the nod to the Jets for winning 3 in a row, despite it being against much lesser opponents. But then again, I would be driving their rank way down if they lost to those same teams, so it’s a damned if you do damned if you don’t type of deal. Jets have the highest point percentage in their division which means they control their destiny for the top spot.
#4 Vancouver Canucks (38-16-6; 82 Pts)
Previously #2
I have been a happy Oilers fan to see the Canucks struggle for a bit. Their fans are the worst at times. But they did stem the bleeding against the Bruins in OT, which is a big deal. They did allow 10 goals against…lol while scoring 7. That is quite the “hockey game” there. But if you want to know how insane some Canucks fans are, one believes that Elias Pettersson is a generational talent. Yikes.
#3 New York Rangers (39-17-3; 81 Pts)
Previously #4
Is Igor back?! The long winning streak was finally snapped but not before seeing Shesterkin show signs of stabilization. Only 3 goals against on 119 shots against in 3 games. If this continues, the Rangers are soooo back.
#2 Dallas Stars (35-16-9; 79 Pts)
Previously #3
This team doesn’t have many holes, if any glaring ones. The worry is the consistent play of Jake Oettinger. Is he going to be consistent enough down the stretch to help the team keep its top spot in the Central, especially with the Jets on a little bit of a winning streak here?
#1 Florida Panthers (38-16-4; 80 Pts)
Unchanged
Best point percentage in the game and just a nasty team to play against. They are consistent, and now that they are fully healthy, they don’t see many long standing struggles. They’ve only lost more than 2 games in a row once all season. One could argue that is a risk but then again, this team went through the ringer last year, enough for 2 seasons. I can’t wait to see these guys play tonight.
In-Season Cup
Calgary just wont’ relinquish the Cup and Tyler is loving it. He’s now in 2nd place and looking to tighten the spread with James. He will have it for awhile longer with the Flames playing his LA Kings this week.