NHL Power Rankings: Week 3
Week 2 has come and gone. The Devils and the Jets are going to the Stanley Cup Final…Now that overreactions are done, what a start it has been. Some things we are learning is that the Ducks are better than many think, the Buffalo Sabres just might not be there yet, the Avs are shallower than expected and have a goalie problem, and Sean Monahan is going to put in an incredible career season and it’s all dedicated to Johnny Hockey. Gives me goosebumps man.
#16 Edmonton Oilers (2-4-0; 0 Points)
Previously #14
This week was a complete reversal for the Oilers, winning 2 of their 3 games. They seem to have finally started the season to an extent. They dominated the Stars for 40 minutes but weren’t rewarded and took the L in bad fashion. The offense has been a problem this early, but no one can convince me they will shoot at a 4.8% percentage all year. Things will open up for them, just need to grind through.
#15 Colorado Avalanche (2-4-0; 4 Points)
Previously #2
The Avs pedigree again are what keeps them from falling all the way out, but they are one bad loss away from the bump. They have a depth and goaltending problem, and it needs to be sorted out sooner rather than later. This division is too good to be screwing around for a team that has some of the best top end talent in the league.
#14 Minnesota Wild (3-0-2; 6 Points)
Previously Unranked
The Wild haven’t lost in regulation yet. They don’t generate offense, but their defense is elite and their goaltending has been great. Filip Gustavsson has more goals than most of the team…
#13 Boston Bruins (3-2-1; 7 Points)
Unchanged
I don’t know what to make of the Bruins yet. They seem to be chasing the game at times, but Swayman is doing his best to keep his team competitive. They are going to need to start showing consistent efforts in front of their net minder if they want to really compete in this division.
#12 St. Louis Blues (4-2-0; 8 Points)
Previously Unranked
They should be losing games but are finding ways to win and I give them the tip of the hat for that. The offer sheet of Broberg and Holloway have made big impacts on this lineup and this Oilers fan is taking big notice.
#11 Los Angeles Kings (3-1-2; 8 Points)
Previously Unranked
The Kings are controlling play and it shows. Especially in their own end. Goaltending has some to be desired but if the D can hold up, they will win hockey games. Anze Kopitar is just an amazing hockey player still to this day and contributions from Kevin Fiala and Alex Laferriere are much needed. They may actually make playoffs after all.
#10 Tampa Bay Lightning (3-1-0; 6 Points)
Previously #11
Tampa Bay is being slept on I think. While their former captain is left without a win yet on his new team, the Bolts are winning hockey games. Kucherov has been off to another great start with 7 goals in 4 games. Cue my pikachu shocked face.
#9 Vegas Golden Knights (3-2-1; 6 Points)
Previously #2
Losing effort every game this week. I don’t want to be too harsh here as I expect the Knights to come out swinging this week. Eichel and Stone look great, and the blame should be on Adin Hill. If Hill continues this slide, we may see Vegas start to fall down the rung. They might compete with the Avs as having a great team with a goalie problem.
#8 Florida Panthers (4-2-1; 9 Points)
Previously #7
I finally finished Amazon’s Face Off: Inside the NHL last night, and almost had a tear roll down my face. To see this team beat the Oilers again in Game 7 was heartbreaking all over again. Anyways, solid start for the Cats who shook off a weaker start to the season. The Panthers are going to be the greatest threat in the Atlantic until proven otherwise.
#7 Utah Hockey Club (4-1-1; 9 Points)
Previously #6
They did lose to the Ducks, though the Ducks showed so much heart in their home opener. Clayton Keller looks good, and this team will be just fine if they can keep playing hard and showing their true colors of a team that actually can compete night in and night out.
#6 Toronto Maple Leafs (3-2-0; 6 Points)
Previously #4
Toronto didn’t have too many games this week so it’s tough to critique too much. The sample size and the eventual stats from games can overshadow the eye test and the Leafs are looking great. I do wonder what’s wrong with Mitch Marner.
#5 Calgary Flames (4-0-1; 9 Points)
Previously #9
This team looks awesome. Dustin Wolf looks awesome, Jonathan Huberdeau is showing what he’s actually made of, finally. Does this sustain? Maybe, maybe not, but it doesn’t really matter. They are playing well and are positioning themselves to get better and better.
#4 New Jersey Devils (5-2-1; 11 Points)
Previously #3
Wonder if the TLDR boys are feeling foolish for being so down on this team. Sure they had a couple losses this week but their effort after going down in the opening 2 frames vs the Capital shows some resiliency that didn’t exist last year. They didn’t deserve a point and stole one. That’s a good sign.
#3 New York Rangers (4-0-1; 9 Points)
Previously #5
The New York Rangers look hungry. Igor is doing Igor things and Panarin and Kreider look like they are ready to take this team the distance. I still want to see sustained 5 on 5 success but can’t help but think team might be for real.
#2 Winnipeg Jets (5-0-0; 10 Points)
Previously #7
Perfect on the season. They are winning in any way they want whether that be blowout fashion, tight 2-1 games, and third period heroic games. This is par for the course for the Jets going into any season, can they keep it up? Kyle Connor has been sensational.
#1 Dallas Stars (5-1-0; 10 Points)
Unchanged
Dallas looks so complete. Oettinger followed up his extension signing with an amazing game against the Oilers who absolutely dominated the team in front of him. When the team isn’t cooking, he keeps them in games to give them a chance to win. That’s a recipe for long term success.
In Season Cup
Tyler is off to a hot start thanks to the Habs and Pens…yes the Pens. The Blues are giving him days too, what is life?