NHL Power Rankings: Week 20
Happy President’s Day. I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend, and the NBA All Star weekend. We are 1.5 weeks away from the trade deadline. This is the last full week before we see players say goodbye to their current team and hello to their new teams. We have already seen some action thus far and I think it’s just heating up.
#16 New York Islanders (28-24-7, 63 Points)
Previously Unranked
The Islanders get their spot here based on their improved scoring ability. Bo Horvat joined the squad in February. Since then, they have scored more than 2 goals in 4 out of 8 games. Doesn’t seem like a lot but trust me, for this team it is. The East Wild Card race is absolutely bananalands. The Islanders have the math in their favor, they control their fate. But that’s the thing, you need to beat the Pens, the Jets, and Kings this week to give you some help. Reality is the Isles are hanging on by a thread in this spot.
#15 Pittsburgh Penguins (27-19-9, 63 Points)
Unchanged
The Penguins just aren’t looking fantastic. Their Rival Caps already surrendered their playoff spot as of today, and the Pens could very well sit on the outside looking in by this time next week. 4-point night tonight against the Islanders, who look a bit better with the likes of Bo Horvat up front. The Pens need to find a streak to find some comfort.
#14 Minnesota Wild (30-21-5, 65 Points)
Previously Unranked
The Wild round out the Western Conference playoffs as of today. The Wild are a bit mediocre. 25th in scoring goals has been a bit of a problem for this team that actually is fairly decent on the defensive side. Flower has been pretty bad, but Filip Gustavsson has looked quite strong in his 23 starts. The Wild will be active at the deadline I think but I don’t think they will look to go all in. They aren’t there yet.
#13 Edmonton Oilers (30-19-8, 68 Points)
Previously #11
No words.
#12 Los Angeles Kings (32-18-7, 71 Points)
Previously #13
Looks like the Chychrun trade was not as close as the media made it out to be, per Elliotte Freidman. The Kings are an interesting team, they finally climbed out of the negative goal differential and are surging ahead. They have flaws but will be active at the deadline. The Pacific is all weak and its going to be a dog fight for positioning.
#11 Seattle Kraken (32-18-6, 70 Points)
Previously #10
2 game winning streak is a nice stop of the bleeding. Much like the rest of the Pacific, the Krak heads have good days and bad days. +23 goal differential is good and its getting more and more apparent that they will make the playoffs. I think that Seattle will make an adjustment at the deadline but nothing to stifle their future.
#10 Vegas Golden Knights (34-18-4, 72 Points)
Previously #12
Look, the Golden Knights are on a 5-game winning streak. They deserve more praise, and their point percentage would suggest as much. Beating the Bolts is impressive but their whipping up on the Sharks and Ducks is not much to write home about. I am a wait and see on the Knights.
#9 Colorado Avalanche (31-19-5, 67 Points)
Previously #14
Boy the Colorado Avalanche are looking much better. That comeback against the Oilers was a thing of beauty, all without Cale Makar. This is a team we need to worry about now. They are at the point where Cup Contenders figure it out, get healthy, and start to prepare for the run.
#8 Winnipeg Jets (34-21-1, 69 Points)
Previously #7
Winnipeg could see a bit of adjustment for their mediocre play as of late. However, I still believe in this team, especially when you have Connor Hellebuyck. Very tough week against hard opponents in New York and Colorado this week. That Colorado game is a nice 4 point night against a team that is just 2 points behind.
#7 Dallas Stars (30-15-12, 72 Points)
Unchanged
The Stars are sputtering and one would legitimately have a case for calling me insane for keeping them put. But I see this roster, I see the depth, I see what this team has done this year and what they did to make their 1st round exit last year interesting. I need more before I stop believing.
#6 Toronto Maple Leafs (32-14-8, 72 Points)
Previously #5
Toronto made a move. They acquired Ryan O’Reilly and depth forward Noel Acciari from the St. Louis Blues. The Leafs acquired a grizzled vet, a leader, and a winner. This might be a huge pick up that pushes this team into a legit threat to make the 2nd round. Seriously though. My bet may be on the Leafs this time.
#5 Tampa Bay Lightning (35-17-3, 73 Points)
Previously #4
The Battle for 2nd place in the Atlantic is a tight one. The Bolts have games at hand but are not quite a sharp consistently night in and night out yet. I guess why would you be, you are almost surely making the playoffs and almost surely playing your last year’s 1st round matchup.
#4 New York Rangers (33-14-9, 75 Points)
Previously #6
The Rangers haven’t been pointless in 10 games straight. The Rangers are a legit threat this year. It was a mere 4 years ago that the team wrote a letter to the fans outlining their plan to rebuild. This is what they’ve been waiting for.
#3 New Jersey Devils (37-14-5, 79 Points)
Unchanged
New Jersey is getting closed in on by their rivals the Rangers but still have a bit of gap. 7-2-1 in their last 10. Devils the Habs tomorrow and the Kings Thursday. Moderate schedule by my account.
#2 Carolina Hurricanes (37-10-8, 82 Points)
Unchanged
9-1-0 in their last 10. This team is deadly.
#1 Boston Bruins (42-8-5, 89 Points)
Unchanged
3-win streak. +90 goal differential.
In-Season Cup
Tyler took a couple more days before his Kings took it from him. I am one nice run away from taking the 2nd place spot from James. Tyler’s chance for the most days is nearing its end. He can only hope to spoil the final day it seems.