NHL Power Rankings: Week 19

I know its been 9 weeks. I’m sorry I fell off the wagon here, but I plan on staying and providing you your favorite power rankings on a weekly basis. It was tough to talk hockey for a long stretch there when your favorite team was just beating you down emotionally. Things have somewhat stabled…somewhat. Also didn’t help that we missed a week or so of hockey due to the Omicron variant. Boy have things changed since then.

#16 Nashville Predators (31-20-4, 66 Points)

Previously #14

It’s a little early to be calling this perhaps, but my Bachelor Party will include a Predators vs Oilers game in Smashville. Given Nashville’s solid season and the Oilers lousy season putting them close in the standings, and the fact that the game will be about 2 weeks before season end, this could be one of the most important games in the season. Juuse Saros looks so good.

#15 Dallas Stars (32-20-3, 67 Points)

Previously Unranked

Dallas stars are one of the most enigmatic teams in the league but all of a sudden, they have won 4 in a row and have helped push two Centrals teams into the Wildcard spots. I just like seeing Pavelski do so damn well.

#14 Minnesota Wild (32-19-3, 67 Points)

Unchanged

Minny has come back to earth here. 2-8-0 in their last 10 which is threatening their 3rd spot in the Central.

#13 Vegas Golden Knights (32-21-4, 68 Points)

Previously #16

Vegas had a tough start, a strong middle, but haven’t looked great since Mark Stone came down and Jack Eichel stepped in. Many would probably say since Jack Eichel came into the fray, but I would say you’re a bit off, or just a hater. This team misses their captain, and it is showing. Glad to see Jack is playing quire fair since his surgery. Missing playoffs is not an option for this squad.

#12 Washington Capitals (30-18-9, 69 Points)

Previously #5

This team is slipping, hard. I don’t know what is wrong with them to be honest. They are on a current 2 game winning streak so lets see if they can stop the skid but man they don’t look too hot.This team is slipping, hard. I don’t know what is wrong with them to be honest. They are on a current 2 game winning streak so lets see if they can stop the skid but man they don’t look too hot.

#11 Los Angeles Kings (31-19-7, 69 Points)

Previously Unranked

Oh, how the turntables…Last in this spot was the Anaheim Ducks, but now we see the LA Kings comfortably not only in any playoff spot, but the 2nd spot in the Pacific Division. This team is going to get some playoff experience which is huge for this group who managed to kick start a rebuild.

#10 St. Louis Blues (32-16-7, 71 Points)

Previously #15

Blues have looked pretty damn solid and will continue to be a force in the playoffs. They have that heavy hockey, but they are finding speed in Jordan Kyrou, who’s the fastest player in the league. He’s been quite a revelation for this team, and I would be worried to face this group.

#9 Boston Bruins (34-18-4, 72 Points)

Previously #13

Big Bad Bruins continue to find ways to win. 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. This is a team I keep my eye on at the deadline. They aren’t as heavy as they probably need to be and so look at this team to find a piece to make what could be a final true run with the core.

#8 Toronto Maple Leafs (35-16-4, 74 points)

Previously #7

Toronto has been fine. Goaltending is an issue and will continue to be an issue this season. Everyone knows goaltenders aren’t typically a deadline move and I see this season as no different.

#7 Pittsburgh Penguins (34-14-9, 77 Points)

Previously #15

Okay Pitt, we see you, we see you. +33 goal differential and a solid 6-3-1 streak in their last 10. The team has take over as the 3rd Metro spot by quite a margin now.

#6 New York Rangers (36-15-5, 77 Points)

Previously #3

This team is only THIS good because of my MVP pick in Igor Shesterkin. The New York Rangers are the luckiest team when it comes to goaltending. How does a team go from one of the best to play in King Henrik Lundqvist to Shesterkin. Rangers know how to find goaltending.

#5 Calgary Flames (33-14-7, 73 Points)

Previously #8

Probably surprising that there are plenty of teams with better points and point percentages, but the Calgary Flames are scoring and defending at an incredible pace. They are on a 8-1-1 streak here and sit with a +57 goal differential. They cave in teams.

#4 Florida Panthers (37-13-5, 70 Points)

Previously #1

Team has had 10 losses in 10 weeks, and one of those losses was an OT loss. I mean this has been such a revelation and a major part of the Murder’s Row that is the Southeastern portion of the nation. Unbelievably dominant at home.

#3 Tampa Bay Lightning (37-12-6, 80 Points)

Previously #6

Teams that win often and are back-to-back champs, you tend to stop reporting on them especially if they lose an entire line in an offseason following a repeat. Tampa has quietly dominated once again and is now ahead of their neighbor to the south. Still the most complete team in the NHL and can win anyway they need to.

#2 Carolina Hurricanes (39-12-5, 84 Points)