NHL Power Rankings: Week 11
I’ll be honest here, I kept it a bit short because there wasn’t too much to talk about. Teams are starting to find their ways, in a positive way or a negative way. Trade deadline is 2 weeks away and for some teams, like the Canadian teams, might be this week (given the updated 7-day quarantine period). Tune into our discussion on trade deadline for our ideas on who needs to nail this trade deadline. I’ll be honest, I don’t expect too much given the shorter season and lack of money to make moves. All records are of the afternoon of 3.28.21
#16 Arizona Coyotes (16-14-5, 37 Points)
Previously Outside Top 16
The Arizona Coyotes are deserved of this spot, as they are currently tied for 4th in the Honda West based on points. They have won their last 3 games and have 4-4-2 split over their last 10 games, better than any team higher in the point percentage race. I really don’t think any team past my top 14 this week are deserved to be talked about, but I’ll give some love to the Yotes who are all of a sudden in contention for a playoff spot.
#15 Chicago Blackhawks (16-14-5, 37 Points)
Previously Outside Top 16
As mentioned above, these two teams in the bottom 16 shouldn’t even be talked about because they haven’t played great. That being said, the Hawks are hanging on to a playoff spot. I admire that. They play a Nashville team who is looking to turn a corner and the strong Hurricanes this week. Hawks will need to dig deep.
#14 Montreal Canadiens (14-8-9, 37 Points)
Previously #15
This team benefits from not losing, because they didn’t play any games, as well the fact that all teams behind the Canadiens in the league point percentage standings are all reeling right now. I hope that the Habs don’t see too much of a covid pause impact like we have seen with other teams this season. Though, I do hope it affects their abilities against the Oilers…
#13 Winnipeg Jets (21-12-2, 44 Points)
Unchanged
Winnipeg is not ahead of Edmonton only because of the relatively recent matchup where they were beaten handedly, their weaker 10 game split at 5-4-1, and their slightly weaker goal differential. That said, the Jets have a chance to gain first in the division when they face Toronto twice this week. They start the week against a Flames team that can’t seem to completely find their way.
#12 Edmonton Oilers (21-13-1, 43 Points)
Previously #10
The Oilers didn’t get to play their 3-game series against the Habs. Covid protocol has put a pause on the Habs schedule this week. The Oilers had their days off for some practice but ended up giving up a 2-goal lead to the Maple Leafs in what was quite a game. They play the Leafs this week once more before Calgary and Vancouver on the weekend. Let’s see if they can find some points.
#11 Boston Bruins (17-8-5, 39 Points)
Previously #9
Sorry Eric, this team is just not doing it for me. They do have a +11-goal differential, which is solid, but they are just leaning too heavy on the top line. Depth scoring is a must late in season and into playoffs and so I need to see them find their way on the depth side. They play the Devils and Penguins this week in an effort to find some consistency.
#10 Pittsburgh Penguins (22-11-2, 46 Points)
Previously #11
The Penguins are flying high right now, yes, the flightless birds are flying. They are playing great hockey, winning 3 games straight here. They are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games, a sign that this team is not going to go down without a fight. They had a rough start, but it seems like the management team is starting to settle in and this team is responding.
#9 Minnesota Wild (21-10-1, 43 Points)
Previously #12
A turnaround week for the Minnesota Wild, going 3-0-0 this week. They are 8-2-0 in their last 10 games, so strong. +16 goal differential is very respectable. They just need to have their top guys doing some more work. This team is getting it done but the top guys need to chip in a bit more for me. They face the Sharks this week before the mighty Golden Knights. They need to stay strong and keep their position.
#8 Florida Panthers (21-9-4, 46 Points)
Previously #3
The Panthers have faltered a little bit going 1-3-0 this week. They finally lost twice in a row, a stat they were hanging onto since day 1 this season. They play the Red Wings this week, with the chance to regain some ground again. Barkov and Huberdeau just continue to lead this team and will be huge factors in playoffs. Goalie Bob needs to play to his contract already, please and thank you.
#7 Toronto Maple Leafs (22-10-2, 46 Points)
Previously #8
The Leafs have stopped the bleeding, so to speak. They have won their last 3 games, including coming back from a 2-goal deficit and beating the Oilers in Overtime over the weekend. Matthews has been held off the scoresheet as of late, until that Edmonton game. They have another tilt against the Oilers this week before heading to Winnipeg for a series. These are teams they benchmark against, and both of which are fighting for placement in the top 3.
#6 New York Islanders (22-9-4, 48 Points)
Unchanged
The Islanders are a scary team. They lack so much offense is just so boring to watch, but they are so effective. They sit with a 7-3-0 split over 10 games, which is so great. They have a +23-goal differential, largely due to the defensive abilities. Captain Anders Lee is out for the season due to an ACL. They have not fallen much on the loss, though it might come to hurt in playoffs.
#5 Colorado Avalanche (21-8-4, 46 Points)
Previously #7
8-0-2 over their last 10 games, and Nate MacKinnon has had a strong string of games himself. This team had a little bit of a hiccup during the first half of March but has really turned a corner and looking like the formidable force we are used to seeing. They still have a +38-goal differential, which just seems crazy. They play the Ducks, Yotes, and Blues this week.
#4 Vegas Golden Knights (23-8-1, 47 Points)
Previously #2
7-3-0 in their last 10 games and still hang on to a +30-goal differential. They didn’t have as strong of a week but to think they are anything than one of the best in the league is absurd. A week against two teams in the Kings and Wild will be sure to tough ones. Both teams are vying for placement in the division and need these games.
#3 Carolina Hurricanes (23-7-3, 49 Points)
Previously #4
Hurricanes went 3-0-0 on the week and are currently on a strong 7-1-2 split over 10 games. They currently do have a better point percentage than the Lightning, as they have a game at hand. They have an easier week against the Hawks and Stars, a chance to gain that top spot.
#2 Washington Capitals (23-7-4, 50 Points)
Previously #5
Washington is absolutely a juggernaut right now, going 9-1-0 in their last 10 games. They are on a strong 3 game winning streak to boot. Backstrom continues to have a quietly fantastic season, going at 35 points in 33 games played. Ilya Samsonov is having a solid season, at .917 SV% in 10 games. Vitek Vanecek will need to improve a bit for them to be competitive in playoffs methinks.
#1 Tampa Bay Lightning (24-8-2, 50 points)
Unchanged
Sure, they’ve lost their last two games, but the team was still the first to reach 50 points. They will more than likely win the President’s Trophy even though they probably don’t want that curse. They have a +41-goal differential, best in the NHL. They have had a little stumble here, but they are the best in the NHL, bar none. Kucherov is slated to return for the Playoffs, making matters worse for every team that is not the Tampa Bay Lightning.