NHL Power Rankings: Week 13
This week trades are due. We will see what teams will be like going into the last stretch of the regular season. I think many of the divisions are set with a couple proving to be big battles, especially at the 4th spots in the divisions. Scotia North and MassMutual East are pretty set, save for the Flyers who just are hanging on. The Honda West and Discover Central have a fierce battle for those spots. Enjoy this week’s rankings. All records are of the afternoon of 4.11.21
#16 St. Louis Blues (19-16-6, 39 Points)
Previously Outside Top 16
2-1-1 on the week is good enough for the Blues to find their playoff spot again and a spot on my rankings. I don’t really like this team to do well in the playoffs as I think their goaltending has really been a disappointment. However, we have seen this team turn it on in the playoffs. This spot is seeing a battle between the Coyotes and Blues, with the Sharks on life support. They face tough matchups against Minny and Colorado, before heading to the desert in a 4-point game against the Yotes, which will probably prove to be a pivotal game.
#15 Nashville Predators (22-19-1, 45 Points)
Unchanged
Nashville is hanging in there, going 2-1-0 this week. They have found their game and I think they have a legit shot at finishing the run to the post season. I still look at that Stars team who is 5 points out with 3 games at hand, but those games are catching up and the Stars aren’t finding the stride they need. This will be a fun 4-week push.
#14 Montreal Canadiens (17-12-9, 43 Points)
Unchanged
1-3-0 on the week is not a good look for the Habs who really lack consistency. They still sit with a double-digit goal differential, which is solid. Though their 4-4-2 record over the last 10 games is very concerning. It was nice to see Eric Staal make a difference so early into the trade with Buffalo. They will make the playoffs simply because the other teams are too far out, but they need to find their game again or they will be golfing early into the playoff run.
#13 Boston Bruins (21-11-1, 48 Points)
Previously #11
2-1-1 on the week for the B’s. Boston sits with a 4-point lead on the 5th place Flyers and will be hanging on as the Flyers attempt to make it in. The B’s have a few games at hand which helps but you need to win those. Those games mean nothing if you don’t execute. That said, I think they will be the 4th team in the MassMutual East.
#12 Edmonton Oilers (25-15-2, 52 Points)
Unchanged
Edmonton goes 2-1-1 on the week, with a finish sweep of the Ottawa Senators season series of 9-0. Though they laid a big egg against their provincial rivals in Calgary, which leaves fans and execs scratching their heads. They are playing well but now is the time to start peaking. A little break with some practice may be in order this week.
#11 Minnesota Wild (24-13-3, 51 Points)
Previously #9
Minnesota had an okay week going 1-2-1. I wouldn’t call that great but getting 3 points is getting 3 points, huge in this part of the season. They sit with a solid .637-point percentage, and definitely will be making the playoffs, save for any complete let downs for a stretch. Can’t say I saw this coming.
#10 Winnipeg Jets (25-13-3, 53 Points)
Previously #13
Winni went 3-0-0 on the week, good to give them a nice spot at 2nd in the Scotia North. I like this team’s ability to find ways to win. 7-2-1 in their last 10 and that 3-game winning streak is showing this will be a team to be reckoned with. They play the Sens, Leafs, and Oilers this week.
#9 Pittsburgh Penguins (26-13-2, 54 Points)
Previously #10
Pitt continues to roll and it’s a great sight to see. They are currently on a 2-game winning streak and are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. These guys will fight to the end and that is important for a playoff team. They face New Jersey, Philly, and Buffalo this week, a little easier week so they better deliver.
#8 Florida Panthers (26-11-4, 56 Points)
Previously #4
Florida’s injuries may be beginning to catch up to them as they are currently on a 3-game losing streak. Barkov and Huberdeau continue to be the anchors to that team, and it is great to see that. I like the pickup of Brandon Montour from the Sabres and think that just adds the defensive depth needed for that push.
#7 New York Islanders (26-11-4, 56 Points)
Previously #8
A 2-1-0 week is not too bad for the Islanders, as they continue their very strong season. They sit tied with Washington for 1st place in points and point percentage, and they actually lead in the goal differential department. I just do give the edge to the Caps based on their offensive abilities, though we will see how this week shakes out. They face Boston twice this week.
#6 Vegas Golden Knights (26-11-2, 54 Points)
Previously #5
Just like the other teams at the top, the Golden Knights haven’t been lights out like they usually are. However, the postseason is the focus here. They still have a strong +35 goal differential and are still getting solid goaltending from Fluery. I like this team going into the postseason.
#5 Washington Capitals (26-11-4, 56 Points)
Previously #2
Washington continues to be a force in the MassMutual East. They sit with a 6-4-0 record over their last 10, which isn’t terrible but not quite lights out. I think many teams at the top are just trying to keep up without giving it their all, saving it for that final push.
#4 Tampa Bay Lightning (28-11-2, 58 points)
Previously #3
Tampa is still sitting a little bit back as of late, but again, they don’t care for the regular season. They are focused solely on the post season and returning to the Stanley Cup Finals after their recent win. 5-5-0 in their last 10 signals they are just going through the motions. This could be an issue down the stretch though…
#3 Toronto Maple Leafs (28-10-3, 59 Points)
Previously #7
Leafs have been absolutely on fire. They are 9-0-1 in their last 10 games and sit with a strong +34 goal differential. They will most likely take 1st in the division come playoffs and I would be worried for any team that has to play them in the first round. I hate it but I respect it, the Leafs are a great hockey team. They are also making moves to make that final push, scary stuff for us Oilers fans.
#2 Carolina Hurricanes (24-9-3, 51 Points)
Previously #6
Hurricanes went 3-0-1 this week, didn’t lose a point, and are tied for the league point percentage race. They have a strong +33 goal differential, and they have 2 goalies with a below 2.00 GAA, with Reimer at 2.71, which isn’t too shabby at all. This team is getting great play from all throughout the lineup, I would be worried if were in this division.
#1 Colorado Avalanche (27-9-4, 58 Points)
Unchanged
Avs went 2-1-0 this week and still sit top the league in point percentage and goal differential. They are sitting with a 7-1-2 split over their last 10, fantastic job. They finish a quick series against the Ducks today before playing Arizona, St. Louis, and Los Angeles, all of which are in dire need of wins and points. Phillip Grubuer is having all of a season with a 2.00 GAA and a .919 SV% through 33 games. I would say that the save percentage is not killer, so it seems like the Avs defense really limits the shots on goal against. This team is dangerous.