NHL Power Rankings: Week 23
Hard to focus on anything sports related given what’s happening in my work world, but the NHL continues to chug along. Boston was handed two…yes TWO regulation losses in one week. Pittsburgh is definitely back in the drivers seat for now and we are really starting to see what playoffs will look like. We are five weeks away from the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
#16 New York Islanders (34-26-8, 76 Points)
Previously #15
The Isles are going to make playoffs I think and that’s quite impressive. They are in one right off the hop in the playoffs but it means a lot for the region to see the team make the playoffs. Unfortunately, unless they draw the 1st team in the Metro and find a way to win, we probably won’t see a battle of New York, but gosh I wish that could happen.
#15 Pittsburgh Penguins (34-22-10, 78 Points)
Previously Unranked
The Pens are looking so much better and admittedly should have been given the 16th spot last week. The Last Dance feel for this team is setting in and this team will make any push it can to make their playoff run special. I still would take any opponent they face because they will face one of either Boston, Carolina, or New Jersey and that should scare anyone.
#14 Winnipeg Jets (38-26-3, 79 Points)
Previously #12
The Jets are a bit of an enigma. I don’t know where to benchmark this team. They are in a divisional spot but their point percentage is quite weak. You have to think that the Avs will push them out to the wildcard trenches. Their playoff spot threat is muted given the teams outside looking in can’t find a stride.
#13 Seattle Kraken (36-21-6, 78 Points)
Previously #14
Seattle cooled off a tad but still looking good overall. It is cool to see this team will make the playoffs in their second year, following a tough 1st year. They still are slowly making their team better and not rushing to get into cup contention, which will bode well for them. We didn’t expect to see them this good and it is good for the Krakhead Faithful.
#12 Minnesota Wild (38-21-8, 84 Points)
Previously #13
At least a point in every game this week. The Wild has been quite strong as of late and that gives them a solid chance to do some damage in a weaker Central than we have ever seen. They have an outside chance of top of the division just showing how wide open this division and conference is.
#11 Edmonton Oilers (36-23-8, 80 Points)
Previously #10
The game against the Bruins game me so much hope for this team. The game against the Leafs was a bit of a question mark. I do like this team a lot more than I did last year and when they are on, they look so good. Something that I note that I probably could say the Oilers could rank higher for is that they are tied for 2nd in regulation wins. Regulation is 5 on 5 hockey, no 3 on 3 and no shootout. They are winning games with a style that is like the playoffs will be.
#10 Colorado Avalanche (36-22-6, 78 Points)
Previously #7
Colorado is falling out of contention for the top spot, so my book it take last week was a dud, at least for now. The Avalanche will need to get healthy if they plan to make a long run.
#9 Tampa Bay Lightning (39-22-6, 84 Points)
Previously #8
Not a great stretch for the Bolts. Benching the top players was a power move by Cooper, I love it. I still think the Bolts can turn on the switch when it matters most. They won’t even fall enough to be a wildcard team so they’re maybe just lethargic. They have played more hockey than anyone in the last 3-4 years so we have to take that into consideration.
#8 New York Rangers (37-19-10, 84 Points)
Previously #6
Kane finally got his first goal as a Ranger. This team looks off though. I don’t know if they will be able to do it with this “stacked team.” Which would run counter to what I had expected. Maybe I am not the hockey guy after all.
#7 Los Angeles Kings (38-20-9, 85 Points)
Previously #9
LA is looking quite good right now. Beating the Avalanche like that is quite a statement. At the end of the day, regardless of the feeling the players had about Quick’s departure, the team knows business is business. I thought there might be some issues but they haven’t looked back. Helps that Korpisalo’s first games as a King, he puts up above .925 SV%.
#6 Dallas Stars (36-17-13, 85 Points)
Previously #11
You can consider the large jump as a retroactive move from the last couple weeks. Dallas seems to shaken the adversity stint and are controlling game again. Killed the Sabres (and potentially their chance for a playoff spot) with a 10 goal performance and proceeded to beat the Krakheads in OT. Follow up with Seattle tonight. The game against the Oilers will be a great test for both teams, something to watch closely.
#5 Vegas Golden Knights (41-20-6, 88 Points)
Unchanged
Vegas is just surging ahead and the top spot seems out of reach of Seattle and Edmonton at this point. Vegas has some easier games this week which doesn’t bode well for its divisional rivals.
#4 Toronto Maple Leafs (40-17-8, 88 Points)
Unchanged
Crazy game against the Oilers this weekend on Hockey Night in Canada (HNIC). The major issue I have is the fact that the NHL forced this game on NHL Network. This game needs to be on ESPN or TNT, no exceptions. These are the matchups that American hockey fans need to see, the best Canadian teams and players battling it out.
#3 New Jersey Devils (43-14-8, 94 Points)
Unchanged
3 wins in a row puts the Devils tied with the Hurricanes in points, they do have one more game played. While the Canes control their destiny right now, so do the Devils after beating the Canes this week for a nice 4 point swing. There is no more games between these two teams so the Devils will need the Canes to lose at least one game more than the Devils down the stretch here.
#2 Carolina Hurricanes (43-14-8, 94 Points)
Unchanged
2 losses in a row and now sit tied for the top spot in the Metro with New Jersey. Yes Canes have a game at hand. I still give them the 2nd spot just given their makeup and the fact that they are completely built for playoff hockey, if lacking a little in the game breaker department.
#1 Boston Bruins – x (50-10-5, 105 Points)
Unchanged
1st team to clinch the NHL Playoffs. I was getting worried they weren’t going to make it in. However, they did give up 2 regulation losses, one of which they were leading the first 2 periods. The Boston Bruins are human after all.
In-Season Cup
Tyler’s Predators currently hold the cup and James has a chance to take it tomorrow with his Red Wings. Tyler is muddying up the joint as none of us other guys can take a long tenure with the cup. The last weeks will be so interesting.