NHL Power Rankings: Week 15
Seems like a lot of teams are on some sort of streak right now and a new team sits in the 2nd wildcard spot in the East. Boston is games away from being out with many teams looking to take that spot over. In the West, Vancouver is hanging on by a thread. This is an important week for many and we will see it goes. This weekend will be the annual Hockey Day in Canada, hosted by Canmore Alberta. 15 games on the docket with every single Canadian team playing. Yes, every single marquee matchup for the boys will involve the Canadian teams. Tune in if you can!
#16 Montreal Canadiens (20-18-4; 44 Points)
Unchanged
Habs are hanging in there! Points in every game this week. These games for a while are so important for all of these teams as the Wild Card is even tighter than ever!
#15 Detroit Red Wings (20-18-4; 44 Points)
Previously Unranked
Detroit bringing in McClellan could be the catalyst for a playoff berth. That’s what he does, he comes in and gets team to the playoffs. His track record beyond that is questionable but he gets teams there and I think Yzerman was desperate. They have won 7 straight and are knocking on the door. They may make it and I’m here for it.
#14 Columbus Blue Jackets (20-17-6; 46 Points)
Previously Unranked
The Blue Jackets are looking to make a push. They have played so damn hard and with so much heart, given the tragedy in the beginning of the season that they deserve this. -6 on the goal differential is improving but needs work. They have won 4 in a row and sit in a playoff spot. I am pulling for them because it means a lot to that group.
#13 Tampa Bay Lightning (23-15-3; 49 Points)
Unchanged
The Bolts are so funny…they make you think they are slowing down and not quite the same. And the next week they give us a notable reminder that they are still the Bolts. I love it but I just don’t know if they have enough to make a push for another Cup.
#12 Colorado Avalanche (26-17-1; 53 Points)
Previously #9
You don’t hear about the Avs much anymore because their goaltending issues have been fixed. They signed Blackwood only 7 games into his foray with the Avs…they feel confident about him. There is uncertainty that Rantanen will be able to stay in Colorado…interesting news to say the least. The NHL needs a big trade at the deadline…
#11 Florida Panthers (25-15-3; 53 Points)
Previously #12
The Panther clearly are just wanting to get back to the playoffs. Their play is quite up and down and you have to give them a pass. Although, sometimes they decide to wake up and remind the league that they are the team to beat in the playoffs…guys this Panthers is the team to beat, don’t forget that.
#10 Carolina Hurricanes (26-15-3; 55 Points)
Previously #11
Too inconsistent for my liking. They need to get more saves and score more…
#9 New Jersey Devils (26-15-4; 56 Points)
Previously #8
They have flipped the page on their 4-game skid, winning 2/3 of their last games and taking a point in that loss. The Devils are the sexy team right now but they need to find some consistency if they seek a long run this playoffs. They will make it but they need to experience up, so they say.
#8 Toronto Maple Leafs (27-15-2; 56 Points)
Previously #4
The Leafs are so interesting. Things just don’t seem to be great in Leafland. They are staying out of the limelight but aren’t the powerhouse on every night we’d like to see, or fans would like to see rather. The skepticism continues for this Leaf hater.
#7 Dallas Stars (27-14-1; 55 Points)
Previously #10
Dallas has been hot. 8-1-1 in their last 10 and they are working back to becoming tops of the league. Otter hasn’t lost since the old year and the old men continue to dominate. It is amazing what these mid-30+ year olds are doing in this league this season…
#6 Minnesota Wild (27-13-4; 58 Points)
Previously #3
The Wild are doing their best to keep their game humming without Kiril the Thrill. He is hopefully back soon and it can’t come soon enough. They are banged up throughout the lineup too and they are hanging in there. Resiliency!
#5 Los Angeles Kings (23-10-5; 51 Points)
Unchanged
The Kings have had an incredible season given their loss of Drew Doughty. Monday nights game against the Oilers will be a good test. As I said on that game following the Christmas break, the Oilers are in trouble against the Kings in round 1. We will see how it looks just 2 weeks later. Side note, to all of those in Los Angeles county that have been impacted by the fires in anyway, just know you are in our prayers. We know you are some of the best fans and people in the world and have the upmost resiliency. We pray for you and thank you to those brave firefighters from all over the continent. Thank you.
#4 Edmonton Oilers (26-13-3; 55 Points)
Previously #6
The Oilers failed to show up to work on time against the Pens this week and dug a hole too deep. Though had they shown up a little bit, they would have won. They are dominating teams after the 1st period. They are, by far, the best 2nd period team in the league but they need to figure out their game in the other periods. Their goal differential in the 2nd period is better than their entire seasons differential. They figure out how to start games, and they may not be beaten.
#3 Winnipeg Jets (29-12-3; 61 Points)
Previously #7
Connor Hellebuyck has been incredible. He is that entire team and he could be the 9th goalie to ever win the MVP in the regular season. He’s been otherworldly. They need someone on the backend and this team could be the team to beat.
#2 Washington Capitals (28-10-5; 61 Points)
Previously #1A
They have points in their last 7 games. Alex Ovechkin has been amazing since he came back. Pick your date when he breaks the record. Over/Under April 9.
#1 Vegas Golden Knights (29-11-3; 61 Points)
Previously #1B
7-3-0 in their last 10 games and Vegas is the best team in the league right now. Through and through. Jack Eichel should be getting love for the Hart with his 43 assists in 42 games along with 11 goals mixed in. Vegas is so strong due to that strong center group.
In-Season Cup
I’m about to raise the white flag…James and Alex will battle it out the rest of the way I am predicting now.