NHL Power Rankings: Week 2
Week 1 in the books and its time for some overreactions. The Edmonton Oilers will miss the playoffs, the Anaheim Ducks will win the Cup if they stick with those 30th Anniversary threads, and Vegas may not lose a game this season. That’s just the overreactions in the Pacific Division. I haven’t even mentioned that Auston Matthews will eclipse his 60 goals from 2 seasons ago and Carolina sucks at hockey.
But in reality guys, I try not to take stock in what happens in the first 2-4 weeks of the season. American Thanksgiving is still five and half weeks away…Its early…right?
#16 Seattle Kraken (0-2-1; 1 Pts)
Previously #9
This is a pedigree placement; I could have placed a number of teams in this spot. I appreciate they have their 1 point, but they will need to really settle in this week. Troubling part is they have the Avs and Hurricanes to manage this week…
#15 Ottawa Senators (2-1-0; 4 Pts)
Previously Unranked
Ottawa has handled their business this week, for the most part. 13 goals in 3 games is intriguing, with a tad over 2 goals against per game so far. That is quite impressive, and Ottawa might be the team to watch of the 3 up and coming teams in the Atlantic Division.
#14 Vancouver Canucks (2-0-0; 4 Pts)
Previously Unranked
Vancouver waxed their rivals in north Alberta in their home opener and their back up goaltending stole the game in the Home-and-Home rematch. Vancouver looks faster, happier, and scrappier, which might be enough to make this season a different one.
#13 Minnesota Wild (1-1-0; 2 Pts)
Previously #14
Minnesota is 1-1 already and looking solid enough. Tough game against the Leafs on Hockey Night in Canada but they have a good week to pick themselves up and move forward.
#12 Tampa Bay Lightning (1-2-0; 2 Pts)
Previously #11
Tampa Bay has a good win under their belt, but 2 tough losses, including losses to the Wings and Sens this past week. They look to have a better week against the Sabres and Canucks, before hosting their recent rival, the Leafs. My bet is Tampa has a more settling week.
#11 Edmonton Oilers (0-2-0; 0 Pts)
Previously #4
Weak defense, no goaltending…ugh.
#10 Los Angeles Kings (0-1-1; 1 Pts)
Previously #8
The Kings had a tough go in their home-opener against the Avs, but somewhat bounced back in a SO loss to the Hurricanes. The Kings are facing another GAA issue and if that continues, we could see the Kings seeking to make a move sooner than later. Nice Central Division trip to start the week before heading home to host Boston.
#9 New York Rangers (1-1-0; 2 Pts)
Previously #10
Split their first couple games but I like their scoring abilities at this point. New York will seek to build off their opening split at home in the beginning of the week before heading off to start their first Pacific Division trip on Saturday.
#8 Pittsburgh Penguins (2-1-0; 4 Pts)
Previously #15
That tough loss in the first game of the season is behind them and they haven’t looked back. Handled the Caps and Flames quite easily and seek to continue their trend this week on the road. Penguins look pretty good guys!
#7 Boston Bruins (2-0-0; 4 Pts)
Previously #13
Boston started off the season where they left off last year’s regular season, even without their first-ballot HOF captain. They are finding the back of the net and limiting the goals against, that’s how you do it right there! Ulmark is looking solid enough. Boston is starting their California trip Thursday night in San Jose and play 3 games in 4 days this week. Their season really settles in this week.
#6 Toronto Maple Leafs (2-0-0; 4 Pts)
Unchanged
Toronto has started flying. Matthews has 2 hattricks…and they’ve only played 2 games. I recommend Toronto fans to bring a hat ready for the ice at every single home game going forward. The Leafs will host Bedard for the first and only time this year tonight and it will be interesting to see how those fans will embrace that situation.
#5 Dallas Stars (1-0-0; 2 Pts)
Unchanged
Dallas played a single game, and they took their points. It was a low scoring affair against a divisional rival in St. Louis. Their season really kicks off this week with a trip to Vegas and Anaheim, before they host the Flyers on Saturday. I like Dallas here and expect them to either step forward to stay put at the very least.
#4 New Jersey Devils (1-0-1; 3 Pts)
Previously #3
The Devils have started solid enough. Losing to the Coyotes in SO happens and again, its early to take stock in their early performances. The Devils will look to really dig into the season and continue their high-flying ways. Goals against need to come down quickly.
#3 Carolina Hurricanes (2-1-0; 4 Pts)
Previously #1
I saw the Hurricanes look a step slower, a step weaker, and a step less desperate than the Ducks. While I give my credit to the Ducks, the Hurricanes may be in “regular season mode” at this point. They have let too many goals in in the first few games which does give me some concern, but at the end of the day, I think the Canes will be fine just fine.
#2 Colorado Avalanche (2-0-0; 4 Pts)
Previously #7
Colorado signs Devon Toews to stay for the long-term and this team is set to be dominant for years to come. They’ve handled their opening games here in California and look to keep the train moving. Colorado might be too rested to be slept on…
#1 Vegas Golden Knights (3-0-0; 6 Pts)
Previously #2
The Vegas Golden Knights have 0 hangover. They took their DHM, took their LiquidIV (no free ads), and drank a whole crap ton of high quality H20 this summer. The Vegas Golden Knights are as formidable as ever. I know they’ve only faced the Krak heads and the Sharks/Ducks duo, so their largest test to date will be tomorrow against the Stars.
In-Season Cup
Well, Alex is once again off to a hot start. Helps when the Stanley Cup Champs haven’t missed a single beat.