NHL Power Rankings: Week 19
A one week hiatus was due as last week was a very slow hockey week. But now, the bye weeks are over, we are less than a month from the trade deadline, and the push for the playoffs really starts to heat up. Teams are really starting to figure out who they are and what they plan to do for the deadline. The games are getting rougher, tougher, and more important every single day. This is where the fun begins.
#16 St. Louis Blues (28-21-2; 58 Pts)
Previously #14
The St. Louis Blues are making their push for the playoffs. I still think that the last wildcard team in the West is going to be the weakest of the entire playoff field but then again, you never know what happens when a team can get hot. St. Louis looks really good right now and their 7 wins in their last 10 is most certainly good enough to make them think about something at the deadline.
#15 Los Angeles Kings (24-15-10; 58 Pts)
Unchanged
The Kings, fresh off their break, outplayed the Oilers. They were a proud group that wasn’t going to lay down to their bitter rival. They were checking better, incredibly defensive, and opportunistic with their opportunities. What did they do after that? They let the Sabres score more touchdowns than the Buffalo Bills have in the Super Bowl over the last 5 years. Where does this LA team go now?
#14 Detroit Red Wings (27-18-6; 60 Pts)
Previously #13
This Wings team has a good chance to finally make the playoffs. They rally to beat the Canucks in overtime and are giving the Oilers a tough game so far. I think the Wings will find a way to make it, I really do but I don’t know if they should sell the farm to do so. They will probably be smart, trying to find guys with term to bolster this roster. If that’s not available, this version of the Red Wings will try to make it happen.
#13 Philadelphia Flyers (29-19-6; 64 Pts)
Previously #16
James isn’t going to like this one. I know, this team losing Carter Hart was probably the dagger in the season. But don’t look now, but the Flyers are on a 4-game heater. “but yeah T, who’ve they played to get there?” Oh, I don’t know, how about little teams called the Panthers, the Jets, and the Kraken. They also took care of business against the Coyotes. I am sorry but not many of those teams do I consider really bad. They may very well make the playoffs after all. They haven’t allowed many goals in that span either.
#12 Tampa Bay Lightning (28-20-5; 61 Pts)
Previously #11
The Bolts need to find some consistency, they are too volatile for me. Though maybe I shouldn’t care too much because they will find a way to make the playoffs and be a problem when it matters most. I still think Stamkos needs to get his extension now. We could be seeing his last season as a Tampa Bay Lightning.
#11 Toronto Maple Leafs (26-16-8; 60 Pts)
Previously #12
Oh what a story that was on the weekend between the Leafs and the Senators. The battle of Ontario is back in full swing, all on a “full-swing” slapper into an empty net from 2 feet away. Morgan Rielly was assessed a 5 game sussy and now we wonder how the Leafs can manage without their best player this season for 5 straight. Leafs may not be the most active at the deadline but I suspect they will dabble, even though they shouldn’t in my opinion.
#10 Colorado Avalanche (32-14-3; 67 Pts)
Previously #3
Big trip up for the Avs. Their depth is most certainly getting challenged as the scoring behind the top guns has been quite soft. 3 losses in a row. They aren’t the amazing team we remember but they are still great and that will be enough to make them an interesting team come deadline time. They are a go for it squad and Nate Dawg is most certainly going to try and will this team through all of this.
#9 Winnipeg Jets (31-14-5; 67 Pts)
Previously #7
Concern for the Jets is starting to sink in for me. The high-flying Jets started to falter in the 2nd half and we all wonder where they go from here. They bring in an interesting piece in Sean Monahan, his injury issues aside. He is going to bolster that offense and that is what the Jets really need. They will be fine, but they need to get it together because you really don’t want to be 2nd or 3rd in the division.
#8 Edmonton Oilers (30-17-1; 61 Pts)
Previously #5
The Oilers snapped their win streak and won only 1 game in 3 on the week. Chalk up to law of averages but their lack of offense, especially on the PP is causing concern. Too many passengers at times. This team definitely saved their season, but we need to see more from all down the lineup if this team wants to beat the Knights in round 1 and have a chance for a Stanley Cup. All this said, the Oilers are officially the team with the lowest number of losses in the league, granted they also have the least amount of games so take all that with a grain of salt.
#7 Vegas Golden Knights (31-16-6; 68 Pts)
Previously #9
The Knights snapped the Oilers streak last week, without their best players. But for real, Adin Hill was the story of that game, and the Vegas Golden Knights are looking to more than tread water while they wait to get healthy. I think that Vegas would like to have home ice and the battle for the 2nd spot in the Pacific will be a dog fight, but I fully expect we will see the Knights take on the Oilers in round 1.
#6 New York Rangers (34-16-3; 71 Pts)
Previously #10
The Rangers have turned things around and the team can thank Jonny Quick for his stellar play. That being said, Igor posted a shutout and if the Rags are going to get their guy back to top form, they are going to be a problem for the east. They will be busy at the deadline methinks.
#5 Carolina Hurricanes (30-16-5; 65 Pts)
Previously #8
Winners in 5 of their last 6 games, beating the Avs and Devils after losing to the Canucks. They have found a way to turn things around quick after losses and that’s a sign of a great team. They are my favorites in the Metro division, though that shouldn’t come as a shock to many of you. They are ones to watch to find a goaltender at deadline.
#4 Dallas Stars (32-14-6; 70 Pts)
Previously #6
Your new Central division leader folks. The Dallas Stars have looked like the best Central team as of late, with a major skid from Winnipeg and Colorado having an issue in the consistency department. They are just such a legit threat with their ability to just squeeze everything out of Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin, Joe Pavelski doesn’t age, and the core is here to stay for the long haul. I like this team a lot and they will be a problem come playoff time especially if Jake Oettinger can get to his top form.
#3 Boston Bruins (32-11-9; 73 Pts)
Previously #1
Boston tumbled a little since the All-Star Break, but all is not lost on this team. This happens to all great teams. The Bruins will be the most interesting come deadline because with two big names off the list, you wonder where they will find a match. They will need something to make a big push.
#2 Florida Panthers (33-15-4; 70 Pts)
Previously #4
The Florida Panthers are just a great hockey team. They are beating down great teams, Matty Tkachuck is finally starting to round out, and Sam Reinhart is having a season for the ages. I was wrong about the East. It is actually the Florida Panthers that the Stanley Cup will run through, mark my word.
#1 Vancouver Canucks (35-12-6; 76 Pts)
Previously #2
Vancouver likely has won the Pacific. On paper, they should be on their way back to earth, but that doesn’t seem likely in the near term. Vancouver made a big trade, bringing in the maligned Elias Lindholm from Calgary with hopes to get him going and bring this team more depth. Let’s see how he fits and where this team goes as they enter the tough part of the season.
In-Season Cup
James is riding high, hasn’t let the Cup go all month so far. It is these runs that make it hard for us to come back, let me tell you.