NHL Power Rankings: Week 2
The first week is in the books, short yet satisfying. I have to admit, watching hockey during these MLB playoffs has been quite tough but of the games I have caught, interesting to see how teams are sitting currently. Fans are already booing players and teams and it’s been less than a handful of games. Hockey season is back baby. First weeks typically won’t track my favorite point percentage stat. Don’t take too much stock into this week’s update as we haven’t seen much hockey yet.
Also see the In Season Cup update every week at the end of this article!
#16 Nashville Predators (2-2-0, 4 Points)
Unchanged
They are on a short leash losing 2 straight.
#15 Detroit Red Wings (2-0-0, 4 Points)
Previously Unranked
Should probably give more love to Detroit who haven’t lost yet. They will see a big jump if they continue to move up. These first weeks of the season are always tough on rankings.
#14 New York Islanders (1-1-0, 2 Points)
Previously #13
Isles are starting with a positive goal differential despite losing a game. Let’s see if the coaching change will continue to open up the offense.
#13 Philadelphia Fliers (2-0-0, 4 Points)
Previously Unranked
Philly is winning games. That’s all there is to say. Could be this be a short-lived time in the top 16? I don’t know but lets give a shout out when its due.
#12 St. Louis Blues (1-0-0, 2 Points)
Previously #10
1 game in. Can’t dog them too much.
#11 Edmonton Oilers (1-1-0, 2 Points)
Previously #7
Edmonton has work to do. They have started out cold and slow on both games. Luckily bailed out by their incredible power play in their first outing. But wasn’t enough to come back against their bitter rival to the south. Edmonton needs to figure out their starts and defense.
#10 New York Rangers (2-1-0, 4 Points)
Previously #9
New York has looked fast so far! I am impressed and we could see this team look to compete all season long. Their 5-on-5 play has already improved, but its still a bit early.
#9 Tampa Bay Lightning (1-2-0, 2 Points)
Previously #2
Not going to whack the Bolts too bad yet. Losing season so far but I have full faith in them to settle back in. Remember, this team couldn’t care less about the regular season.
#8 Toronto Maple Leafs (2-1-0, 4 Points)
Previously #5
Toronto lost a game but quickly responded. They have a bit of work to do and I worry about the loss of Matt Murray for this team in the short to medium term.
#7 Dallas Stars (2-0-0, 4 Points)
Previously #14
Dallas might be good this year, espcially if goaltending can continue to hold and Seguin can continue to contribute and win the battle against his decaying body.
#6 Vegas Golden Knights (3-0-0, 6 Points)
Previously Unranked
Vegas is looking quite good so far. Phil Kessel looks good in those unis. Are the Knights back?
#5 Boston Bruins (2-0-0, 4 Points)
Previously #15
Boston starting out with 2 wins and a 6 goal differential without key players in the lineup is something worthy of jump towards the front of the line.
#4 Carolina Hurricanes (2-0-0, 4 Points)
Previously #3
Carolina coming out hot. Scoring coming from all over, including Svech, Aho, Skjei, and Jarvis. This team is going to be good.
#3 Colorado Avalanche (1-1-0, 2 Points)
Previously #1
The cup champs lost a game, on a back-to-back, to a fully healthy and improved Calgary Flames team. I am not going to whack this team too hard. This is the Avs we are talking about here.
#2 Pittsburgh Penguins (2-0-0, 4 Points)
Previously #11
The Pens have come out hard, holding a league leading 8 goal differential and not a single loss so far. Sure, its two games but hey, wins are wins. The Whit and Biz jumbotron antic was nothing short of amazing.
#1 Calgary Flames (2-0-0, 4 Points)
Previously #4
Calgary starts out hot against the defending cup champs and dominates the first 10 minutes of the Battle of Alberta, before letting the Oilers make it interesting. Only two more BoAs left this year and none in 2023…maybe another playoff series?
In-Season Cup
Tyler had a nice time with the Cup for a couple days. With the Avs winning their home-opener he held it for one more day before relinquishing it to Alex’s Calgary Flames. With a win against the Oilers, the Flames will keep it until Tuesday at least, where they play Vegas. Alex also has Vegas so he has a nice week with the cup. He could very well lose later this week no matter what happens Tuesday. Stay tuned for more!
