NHL Power Rankings: Week 20
This is the last power rankings before the Trade Deadline on March 21. I would ask that you check out my segments on the pod because we will set up the deadline and follow up with an analysis of what happened. This week teams will have a good handle on where they stand and we will see what teams do to get them into that last push for the playoffs. 22-24 games remain in the NHL so the final quarter quell is finally here.
#16 Edmonton Oilers (32-23-4, 68 Points)
Previously Unranked
Have to admit, the Oilers games this week were inspiring for fans like myself. Even without what is becoming one of the most important players in Nugent-Hopkins, the Oilers are finding a groove. Miko Koskinen is looking better than he’s ever been and defensively the team is looking better. While my home may be showing here, but I hope I will be typing this team’s name in these weekly rankings for the rest of the season.
#15 Dallas Stars (32-22-3, 67 Points)
Unchanged
2 games – 2 losses. I only have them here based on their point percentage. I can’t ding them too much as they are still ahead of some other teams who may have won this week. They dropped out of the playoff spot, but Vegas is giving them a chance right now. Dallas has 4 games at hand on Vegas…4! Can’t imagine they won’t be back in the spot at this point as they sport a solid 6-3-1 split. They just can’t have those no-win weeks.
#14 Nashville Predators (34-21-4, 72 Points)
Previously #16
3-1-0 this week. They are knocking on the door of the Central playoff spots and have every right to make it at this point. They are in Pennsylvania this week before hosting the Maple Leafs. They have a chance to get into that spot.
#13 Minnesota Wild (34-20-4, 72 Points)
Previously #14
Pretty solid week for Minny. Still sporting at 3-6-1 split over their last 10. They are getting a knock by the Nashville Predators and if it wasn’t for their game at hand, we would see the Wild as a “wild” card team. They need to play well this week to keep it.
#12 Washington Capitals (32-18-10, 74 Points)
Unchanged
The bleeding stopped a bit with a 2-0-1 run this week. They don’t have to worry about not making the playoffs as we knew from December, the East was set, just the placements weren’t. It seriously looks like this team will be playing the high-octane Panthers or Hurricanes this first round.
#11 Los Angeles Kings (33-20-8, 74 Points)
Unchanged
LA Kings aren’t the highest on the point percentage front, but I can’t send a team lower on a 2-1-1 run this week. You’ll see that these middle spots don’t see much changing, as well they shouldn’t. Los Angeles will make the playoffs.
#10 St. Louis Blues (34-17-8, 76 Points)
Unchanged
Blues continue to roll. Sure their 10-game streak is nothing amazing but have a nice handle in the 2nd spot of the Central. +46 goal differential. Another team I could see looking to add at the deadline, but I don’t think they would sell the farm for a run.
#9 Toronto Maple Leafs (37-17-5, 79 points)
Previously #8
Toronto wouldn’t be Toronto if they didn’t choke on the largest stages. They were outworked in the Heritage Classic that saw a considerable amount of slot shots on the Buffalo side. Buffalo is going through their own renaissance right now but that’s not really an excuse here. Matthews faces a hearing after a pretty violent cross check to the neck/head of Dahlin. We will see what happens there.
#8 Boston Bruins (36-18-5, 77 Points)
Previously #9
Bruins didn’t miss out on a point and have a staggering 8-1-1 streak over their last 10 games. +20 goal differential. This is a team I would have my eye on this week going into the deadline. I think there is a belief in that room that they can do it again with the core for what could be the last time.
#7 New York Rangers (37-17-5, 79 Points)
Previously #6
High scoring affair games…in my opinion too much scoring. They let in too much, especially when Sheshterkin is not involved in the game. Ducks tomorrow which is a good time to get back in a nice groove before playing their state rivals on Thursday.
#6 Pittsburgh Penguins (36-15-9, 81 Points)
Previously #7
Pitt beat the Knights and then the Hurricanes this week? Again, Pitt, We see you! This team is playing at a very high level and beating my expectations for sure. Tristan Jarry is playing so damn well with a .922 SV%. That’s how you get it done. This team will be a buzzsaw.
#5 Calgary Flames (36-16-7, 79 Points)
Unchanged
Calgary played a lot since my last rankings. They lost a couple and still don’t have the point % placement but they definitely are the best, most complete team in Canada and could be the most complete team in the West. They find ways to score and find ways to defend. I actually don’t see GM Treliving doing a damn thing this week with his squad. His move was Toffoli, and holy shit was that a grand slam.
#4 Tampa Bay Lightning (38-15-6, 82 Points)
Previously #3
Tampa was served their first 3-game losing streak this season playing the Oilers. They broke the chain against the Canucks. The best teams have losing streaks, its how long they last that matters. Considering this is the teams only 3+ game losing streak says a lot. The best teams are great a keeping their loss streaks to a minimum and continue to be in every single game. Still my Stanley Cup pick and will until they prove they shouldn’t be.
#3 Florida Panthers (40-13-6, 86 Points)
Previously #4
Didn’t miss out on a point this week and is running a massive +72 goal differential. This team has the most goals for, which isn’t surprising considering they were potting 7 goals a game at one point. They have a nice hold of the top spot in the Atlantic.
#2 Carolina Hurricanes (21-13-5, 87 Points)
Unchanged
Carolina went 2-1 this week. This team has barely moved from the first few spots in my eyes the entire season. Do I think they are the best team in the league? No, that spot is for a team below still, but I think this team has a legitimate chance at the cup. Coach Rod has this team consistently buzzing.
#1 Colorado Avalanche (42-13-5, 89 Points)
Unchanged
Can’t move this team off of their spot, espcially after that spirited shutout victory against the Flames. Carolina is right there so we could look at this as a 1A/1B situation but for now I have the Avs up here. Avalanche is in So-Cal and Nor-Cal this week before hosting my Oilers next Monday.