NHL Power Rankings: Week 15
We are halfway there ladies and gents. Most teams have played their 42nd game, the halfway point is upon us. This month, however, has been the month of streaks, both positive and negative streaks. A few teams who had horrible starts are now sniffing or in a playoff spot. Others who started strong are finding their luck run out…except the friken Vancouver Canucks. Winnipeg, too, looks fantastic right now. The Canadian teams in the West have really found their stride as of late.
#16 Nashville Predators (24-19-1; 49 Pts)
Unchanged
Predators continue to do what they need to in order to stay in the wildcard race. They are getting pressure from Seattle, who very well could have ended up at this point. However, I give the nod to Nashville because they just cannot seem to stop winning enough games to stay both relevant and a playoff team. I think their luck will run out, or they will realize going for it is a mistake. They may make some moves so they can set themselves up for the future. Or maybe not…maybe they will just stay the course and try to win a round.
#15 Pittsburgh Penguins (21-15-6; 48 Pts)
Previously #13
Pittsburgh seems to be settling down a bit. They managed to get 3 points in all three games last week but two were in OT or SO, so that’s not the greatest outcome. The depth is such a question mark for this team. Jake Guentzel could be traded by the deadline if this team is actually thinking about a rebuild of any measure. They probably should make that move.
#14 New Jersey Devils (22-16-3; 47 Pts)
Previously #15
1-1-1 this week, not great but not bad either. This team still has a ways to go and now they have to figure it out with Jack Hughes. They already don’t have their top D man and their goaltending is so questionable. I commend this team for gritting it out, they took down the mighty Panthers with this beat up roster. They just need to tough it out and they could very well make the playoffs. It’s going to take a lot of hard work.
#13 Philadelphia Flyers (24-14-6; 54 Pts)
Previously #14
Jamie Drysdale is awesome guys. This trade could very well end up closer than I thought initially. The Flyers looked great this week and now sit on a 4-game winning streak. They are playing hungry and I love that. The Flyers need to have a chat with their football team and show them what effort and playing for your team looks like.
#12 Toronto Maple Leafs (21-12-8; 50 Pts)
Previously #10
The Toronto Cowboys continue their ways at the funniest times ever. The Dallas Maple Leafs just can’t help but drop games they are leading or they should win. The Red Wings had travel issues this weekend and showed up to the game less than 2 hours before game time…and the Maple Boys just lay an egg in front of their fans. This team is just hilarious sometimes. Go Cow Leafs.
#11 Los Angeles Kings (20-11-8; 48 Pts)
Previously #8
20-19 for the LA Kings after 8 straight losses. The loser points are what is keeping this team in their divisional spot. We really need to take a moment to dissect that trade with Winnipeg. PLD is just not it man, I am telling you. I think their spot in the division is seriously at risk and that alone is something to be shocked at. They started to fall off at the same time their bitter rival in Edmonton decided to only win games.
#10 Vegas Golden Knights (24-14-5; 53 Pts)
Previously #9
Woof the Knights are in one right now. 19 losses on the season. Their work on the road has been subpar, but I suppose it’s best to stink on the road. Just 3 wins in their last 10 games. They look slow and things just aren’t working for them right now. They now sit 8 points out from top spot.
#9 Dallas Stars (25-12-5; 55 Pts)
Previously #7
Dallas is on pace for 110 points this season. They just haven’t had the consistency we would like to see but nonetheless, they are most certainly going to make the playoffs and they are built for said playoffs. +26 goal differential. They slaughtered the Wild in a home and home situation. They allowed the Preds to take over their home ice, which notable but it happens I guess.
#8 Edmonton Oilers (23-15-1; 47 Pts)
Previously #12
Is this too homerish? Idk, but the Edmonton Oilers have broken the franchise record by netting their 10th straight win. No team, even during that dynasty 80s era has an Oilers team done that. Oilers have a +21-goal differential, and their goaltending has most certainly improved. When the Oilers have just average goaltending, they are world-beaters. There are still too many passengers down the lineup but keep an eye on this team, a trade is imminent, I think. They sit just 1 point from a divisional spot…yes, a divisional spot. Unbelievable turnaround.
#7 Carolina Hurricanes (24-13-5; 53 Pts)
Previously #11
Carolina continues to improve, and they are finally becoming the team I expected them to be from the start. My hope and picks for the Cup Final are now intact with both the Canes and Oilers in playoffs spots and looking for more. The Canes are incredible due to the fact their goaltending has been such a problem but there are scoring and finding ways to win. Gotta hand it to them and don’t be surprised if they take the top Metro in the coming weeks.
#6 New York Rangers (27-13-2; 56 Pts)
Previously #5
The New York Rangers are not the class of the East, at least not for awhile now. They have found themselves on a bit of skid and they aren’t the juggernauts the started. The East now seems wide open. The Hurricanes are just 3 points behind the Rangers now, and Rangers are behind in the goal differential department. Interesting times.
#5 Colorado Avalanche (28-12-3; 59 Pts)
Previously #6
Avs on a nice 3-game winning streak and have won 8 of their last 10 games. Nate MacKinnon is most certainly doing everything he can to finally win his first Hart Trophy, and it’s wonder how he hasn’t won it. I guess the other hot shot in Edmonton always seems to steal Nate Dawgs light. He’s 14 points ahead of the next best Av right now. Woof. Like I asked last week, is that depth there?
#4 Boston Bruins (25-8-9; 59 Pts)
Unchanged
3 losses this week, but they earned a loser point in all of them. This team is just all around better than I could have imagined them being all things considered going into this season. Pasta is a beast and is looking for a 40 goal season and an easily over 100 point season. That goaltending tandem is just elite.
#3 Florida Panthers (27-13-2; 56 Pts)
Previously #2
The Panther are the class of the east right now. Their all-around play has been great, especially when you consider their top D men started the season on the IR. They are 9-1-0 in their last 10 games. Their streak for 10 was cut short by the Devils. Not ideal, but its very hard to win that many games straight. I think its only a matter of time when the Panthers are 1st in the conference.
#2 Vancouver Canucks (29-11-3; 61 Pts)
Previously #3
Vancouver sits atop of the entire league points wise. 5 straight wins and a solid 7-2-1 streak over their last 10 games. Elias Petterson has been other worldly and I can see why Peg fans are a little concerned about him waiting to sign his extension, he will need a Brinks truck after this season.
#1 Winnipeg Jets (28-10-4; 60 Pts)
Unchanged
Tough game against the Flyers but I won’t dock this high-flying team too much for it. When you are on a hot streak, you’re allowed a stinker, even at home. Can we give Connor Hellebuyck the Vezina already? .924 SV% and almost 19 goals saved above average through his 31 strong starts. He is just unbelievable this season. They are on pace for 120 points this season. They now are going to miss their captain though, how will they fair without two bigs in the lineup?
In-Season Cup
Devils took the Cup for a couple days before giving it away to Jame’s Boston Bruins. James could very well see a second place spot by the end of the week!