NHL Power Rankings: Week 22
This was an interesting week for the NHL. We saw players enter their new teams and some have already made a difference. This is short one for you guys. You won’t see a lot of moves, not because I am lazy, but because we are seeing teams find their spot going into the final stretch. You shouldn’t expect to see many changes as the teams start to punch their ticket to the postseason. Enjoy, see you next week.
#16 Dallas Stars (36-25-3, 75 Points)
Unchanged
The math is on their side. Dallas has 4 games at hand on the Vegas Golden Knights and completely control their own destiny. They Dallas stars been mediocre, 5-5-0 in their last 10. This team is so streaky. Let’s see if they can earn the points to keep their spot. Vegas is hungry but I don’t think they got it this year.
#15 Edmonton Oilers (36-25-5, 77 Points)
Previously #14
Quite an interesting week for the Oil. One of their best games against the Avs ends on a 2 on 1 the other way in OT. They follow it up by laying an egg in Dallas before throttling the Sharks. The Battle of Alberta was something to be seen, but again, found a way to be out schooled like Kindergartners.
#14 Los Angeles Kings (36-22-9, 81 Points)
Previously #15
Didn’t miss out on a point this week. The Kings are looking mighty solid 5-3-2 over the last 10 isn’t amazing but its stable enough to keep their place in the Pacific Division. +7 goal differential needs work. Phillip Danault has been worth every single penny.
#13 Nashville Predators (38-24-4, 80 Points)
Unchanged
6-4-0 in their last 10 games. Beat the Ducks and Kings but give up a night in Vegas before hosting and beating Philly Sunday. That lost to the Knights meant way more to Vegas than it did to Nashville. The Predators have been resilient all year. I expect this team has upset potential in this playoff.
#12 St. Louis Blues (35-20-9, 79 Points)
Unchanged
Blues are struggling but still maintain a .617-point percentage, good enough to keep them still, as teams below haven’t made their own strides. 3-4-3 in their last 10, including a drubbing by the Hurricanes on Saturday. Canucks twice this week followed by game against Edmonton. They have some chance here to right the ship.
#11 Washington Capitals (37-20-10, 84 Points)
Previously #10
Washington just doesn’t go away it seems. 7-2-1 in the last 10 games and a solid +33 goal differential from the club. Ovy goal tracker has him at 42 this season. James says he’s for sure getting 50. The Great 8 has 15 games to do it. I think so too James, I think so too. The crazy thing about this is Washington is #11 here on my list, but the 2nd wildcard team in the East. That’s how strong the east is.
#10 Toronto Maple Leafs (41-19-5, 87 points)
Previously #9
Won against Florida this week with a 5-goal performance is notable. I still don’t know what to think about this squad. Goaltending is obviously an issue; I worry about the “grit” of the top guns. Lots of money is being thrown to the big boys and you wonder if the experiment here is on its last season attempt. If the Leafs don’t make it out of the first round, Dubas is gone by my estimation. That said, they have a solid +42 goal differential, they can get it done. Matthews is looking so good.
#9 Minnesota Wild (40-20-4, 84 Points)
Previously #11
8-1-1 in their last 10 games. A 6-game winning streak after a rough 10 game stretch just before. That’s how you answer. Fleury is getting treated better than we have ever seen him treated by a team as of late and is making saves. Besting the Avalanche in OT is impressive and worthy of shoutout as well.
#8 Boston Bruins (41-19-5, 87 Points)
Unchanged
Boston is running on a 4-game winning streak and has a league tied 8-1-1 stretch over their last 8 games. I like Boston more than Toronto not only personally, but I like the team build better. The team is managing with their future HOF and probable Selke winner Bergeron and that is quite a feat.
#7 Pittsburgh Penguins (40-17-10, 90 Points)
Unchanged
Pittsburgh is a sleeper contender. When you have Crosby that is looking as good as he always is and your teams is finding ways to win night in and night out, you are a scary team. We may be seeing the “Last Dance” play out with Crosby, Malkin, and Letang and to be honest, I am all for it. Good matchups this week with Rangers and Wild.
#6 New York Rangers (42-19-5, 89 Points)
Unchanged
+31 goal differential. I know you aren’t moving up spots, but the Rangers have been so solid all year 6-4-0 in their last 10. Sheshterkin is showing signs of potential fatigue, but the best always bounces back. Penguins Tuesday should be a fun one.
#5 Tampa Bay Lightning (41-18-6, 88 Points)
Previously #4
Tampa Bay is a little off right now. I can see it; the world can see it. They are 4-6-0 in their last 10 but they did stop the bleeding are on a 2-game winning streak. These lapses of adversity bode well for teams like this. Are you worried about the Tampa Bay Lightning? If so, give me some of the stuff you’ve been smoking.
#4 Calgary Flames (40-17-8, 88 Points)
Previously #5
Saturday Night’s Hockey Night in Canada featured the Battle of Alberta. The game could only be described as an absolute barn burner. It was quite back and forth battle but finally we saw the Flames start to school their rival. Calgary is just an absolute buzz saw and a scary out in the playoffs.
#3 Carolina Hurricanes (43-15-7, 93 Points)
Unchanged
Pretty boring top 3 to be honest. You see that teams tend to find their long-term spot at this point in the season. Unless any team goes on a run to the upside or downside, don’t expect too many changes. 7-2 win over the Blues is a statement though.
#2 Florida Panthers (44-15-6, 94 Points)
Unchanged
Florida doesn’t move at all as they are still trailing Colorado in point percentage. But their goal differential is still best in league, and they are on a hot 7-2-1 run over their last 10. Claude Giroux is killing it as well, that’s always fun to see.
#1 Colorado Avalanche (46-14-6, 98 Points)
Unchanged
Two points away from the 100-point mark. 6-3-1 in their last 10 games and this team continues to just move along. They still have a lot of prove once playoffs hits, but they should be getting a winnable matchup in the first round.