NHL Power Ranking: Week 14
Another week passed, another week closer to the post season. The Canucks Covid-19 outbreak has greatly pushed the season back and it looks like the postseason will be starting around May 16th. Regardless of the change, we are within a month of playoffs and is it ever shaping up to be a big one. Some divisions are set but others are still in the heat of it. We have rounded 3rd base and are heading home. All records are of the afternoon of 4.18.21
#16 New York Rangers (23-16-6, 52 Points)
Previously Outside Top 16
I am cheating this time because no, the Rangers are not a playoff team. But they are only on the outside because of the division they are in, which is arguably the most competitive all the way through. Plus, add to the fact that the bottom of the Honda West is a joke. To the Rangers credit, they are on a 4-game winning streak and have a 7-1-2 split over their last 10 games. I love their heart and who knows, crazier things have happened. James I like your sneaky pick for these guys last week, you’re on it.
#15 Nashville Predators (24-21-1, 49 Points)
Unchanged
2-2-0 for the Predators this week who are hanging on by a thread at this point. I was beginning to admit that the Stars are probably too banged up to make playoffs in that division after believing they were the team who would find a way, but these last two losses for the Predators keeps my belief alive. This will be such a final battle for this spot.
#14 Montreal Canadiens (19-14-9, 47 Points)
Unchanged
2-2-0 on the week for the Habs who just can’t find a consistent stride. They face the Edmonton Oilers twice this week but are quickly falling too far behind to get into a better position to not face the Leafs in the first week. I will say this, every NHL fan is praying to see the Leafs face the Habs in a playoff series, we deserve this.
#13 Edmonton Oilers (26-15-2, 54 Points)
Previously #12
Edmonton has been held to just 1 game due to the Canucks covid situation, which has been dramatic to say the least. They will play the Canucks 4-times in one week in a few weeks. They shut out the Jets on Saturday. Low event week.
#12 Winnipeg Jets (27-15-3, 57 Points)
Previously #10
2-2-0 on the week for the Jets, including being shut out against the Oilers on Saturday. The Jets play the Leafs at the end of the week, with the chance to gain on that 1st place spot, especially as the Leafs are slumping a little.
#11 Boston Bruins (25-12-6, 56 Points)
Previously #13
4-game winning streak and a 7-2-1 split over their last 10 games for the Big Bad Bruins. Taylor Hall is finding a little bit of a scoring stride here after the trade this week and may be the secondary source of scoring this team needs. Watch out MassMutual East, the Bruins are coming in hot.
#10 Minnesota Wild (27-13-3, 57 Points)
Previously #11
Strong 3-game winning streak for the Wild this week, albeit against lesser teams in the division. That said, its hard to win in this league, I have said this before. They have another “easier” week, though 4 games in a week is tough. They are pretty safe to make playoffs by my view, they just need to find a groove to take on one of those powerhouse Honda West teams.
#9 Pittsburgh Penguins (27-13-4, 59 Points)
Unchanged
Pitt gained a point in every game this week. I like that this team is finding a groove and it’s a wonder that we weren’t even talking about this team about a month ago. I would be worried to play a team like this going into playoffs. They have the 2nd highest goal differential in the division, ironically the best is on the outside looking in. I like this team where they are right now.
#8 New York Islanders (27-13-4, 58 Points)
Previously #7
1-2-0 week is nothing to rave about, granted the losses were against the Boston Bruins who are breaking in their new trade chip in Taylor Hall. I expect them to finish in the 2nd position. Their competition will be a much different type of team and it’s a wonder if the defensive heavy style will overcome the more offensive centric competition.
#7 Toronto Maple Leafs (28-12-4, 60 Points)
Previously #3
The white-hot Leafs have cooled greatly, gaining only 1 point on the week, and that was against the Flames. They lost to Montreal and Winnipeg, which are the other benchmark teams to an extent. Currently they are tied against the Canucks who haven’t played in over 2-weeks. Though we have seen the Leafs find a way out of slumps quickly, so don’t hold your breath anti-Leafs fans.
#6 Florida Panthers (28-12-5, 61 Points)
Previously #8
2-1-1 on the week, not terrible by any means. This team seems to be jumping the most for me as of late as they are losing their consistent trend that we saw through most of the season. They still have a +20-goal differential and a solid point percentage. This is the 3rd team out of the Discover Central to crack the top 8; clearly, I think this division is top heavy and scary.
#5 Washington Capitals (29-13-4, 62 Points)
Unchanged
6-4-0 in their last 10 and the Caps continue to win most games that they should, save for the Sabres lost last week. They are filling the net with rubber and crazy rates and they hope it continues down the stretch. I like this team out of the MassMutual East, although I don’t know if any team in the East can manage the powerhouses out of the other divisions.
#4 Tampa Bay Lightning (29-13-2, 60 points)
Unchanged
Tampa went 1-2-0 this week, lost a game against Nashville and Florida. This team is not firing on all cylinders, but I cannot bring myself to disrespect this team. They have a stacked roster and did make some minor depth moves at the deadline, commensurate with a team looking to go back-to-back. They do need to pick up the pace going into the final stretch here.
#3 Carolina Hurricanes (29-10-4, 62 Points)
Previously #2
Carolina lost to Detroit but then turned around and only let 2 goals over 2 games against Nashville, a team who is fighting to make the postseason. I still really like this team and think they are a team to beat in the Discover Central, who is the other top-heavy division that will be quite the battle to see who comes out of that division.
#2 Vegas Golden Knights (31-11-2, 64 Points)
Previously #6
6 game winning streaks helps you move up the chain. The team has a +49-goal differential. They will be another team to beat in the Honda West. It’s a shame that we will only get one team from this division because I think we will be losing a top 3 team as early as the 2nd round this season.
#1 Colorado Avalanche (30-9-4, 64 Points)
Unchanged
3-0-0 on the week and the Avs continue to dominate the Honda West. They have the strongest point percentage in the league and the strongest goal differential. I also really like that they didn’t do much at the deadline, it proves they believe in their team and system and are ready to make a splash in playoffs. They are my favorites to win at this point.