NHL Power Rankings: Week 11
The season of streaks continues. We are less than a week before Christmas and 10 or so games away from the halfway point. Our dark horse teams seemed to have cooled off, mid-season form is taking shape, and the good teams are really starting to entrench themselves. Detroit and Buffalo are going to have to move. Vancouver, Nashville, and St. Louis are in need of points. For some teams, they need to start their playoff push now!
#16 Los Angeles Kings (17-12-5, 39 Points)
Previously Unranked
Kings are ahead of the Oilers in points and percentage, sure, but their goal differential numbers are a large problem. -10 is not good. They have a pretty alarming goal against number, which is surprising for McLellan coached team. Goaltending seems to be the principle problem. The Kings need to enhance their defending and goaltending if they plan to perform well down the stretch.
#15 Edmonton Oilers (17-14-1, 35 Points)
Previously #13
I am really starting to see the law of unintended consequences of coaches’ challenges and video reviews as a whole. Regardless, Nurse is so bad, and it makes me so angry. I don’t have anything else to say but that. When you’re expensive, that’s one thing but when you are expensive and a complete liability, you’re a major issue.
#14 New York Islanders (18-13-1, 37 Points)
Previously #12
Islanders are going through a modest slump here, but I don’t hate them by any means. Its really awesome to see scoring from this team. Their defense is actually not world beating but good enough to win games. Offensively they are in the top half which is weird for this team. Lane Lambert seems to be doing good things on the Island. +13 goal differential.
#13 Minnesota Wild (18-11-2, 38 Points)
Previously #15
5-game winning streak for the Wild pushes them up in the ranks too. Could I push them further up? Perhaps but this team is a bit streaky at times and that gives me pause at times. Regardless, the Wild are a team to beat in this league and just adds to the parity and competitiveness in the league.
#12 Colorado Avalanche (16-11-2, 34 Points)
Previously #11
The banged up Stanley Cup Champs are feeling the pain of missing their key guys. We were wondering if they could manage without them, but it seems like they are treading water. Which, lets be real, is all you have to do right now. I still rank them here based on the team as a whole, their experience, their leadership, and coaching.
#11 Seattle Kraken (17-10-3, 37 Points)
Previously #9
Seattle takes a couple steps back mostly due to the strength ahead. They lost this week but to very very respectable teams. We all know that Seattle’s shooting percentage will come down, but their grit and drive will be here to stay. They will continue to be a wrinkle in this playoff race, and I think the league is better off for it.
#10 New York Rangers (18-10-5, 41 Points)
Previously #16
Damn the Rangers are looking fantastic right now. Beat the Devils, beat the Leafs. Good teams to beat and a way to really galvanize. The winning did not stop and this week they face the Pens and Isles, good teams in their own right. Tests are good for a team looking to gel again, there are those tests.
#9 Pittsburgh Penguins (18-9-4, 40 Points)
Previously #10
I love the Penguins this year. Crosby sits in an almost underrated light right now. The goaltending has been so very strong and that’s so important in this league. Deep analytics suggest this is a dominant team on the puck. That combo is what gets you the dubs.
#8 Dallas Stars (18-8-6, 42 Points)
Previously #5
Good week for the Stars. After dropping to the Pens, they turn around and beat up the Devils and find a way to beat the Caps. The Oilers are in town this week and I always get excited to see good teams go at it.
#7 Winnipeg Jets (20-10-1, 41 Points)
Previously #5
Winnipeg is getting very solid goaltending and finding ways to win fairly consistently. 6-2-2 in the last 10 games. Big test against the Bruins Thursday.
#6 Vegas Golden Knights (22-10-1, 45 Points)
Previously #4
Sure it’s a two spot drop but its more due to the play of the teams ahead. Vegas is going steady right now. +19 goal differential. Interestingly the team’s play at home is a bit to be desired.
#5 Tampa Bay Lightning (20-9-1, 41 Points)
Previously #8
Another nice leapfrog of 3 spots for the Bolts. +24 goal differential and a solid 8-2-0 stretch, all capped off with a 5-game winning streak. All to defend the In Season Cup. Vasy is having a nice season…as per usual. Kucherov quietly having a dominant season as well just ahead of captain Steven Stamkos. Are the Bolts underrated or overlooked right now?
#4 Carolina Hurricanes (19-6-6, 44 Points)
Previously #7
Carolina is on a bit of tear here ladies and gents. 5 game winning streak completes a 9-0-1 stretch of games. +11 goal differential is a question mark, and not because of the goals against category. They still haven’t breached the 100 goals for mark, unlike basically half of the league. To be a good team, a contending team, you need to be able to win different types of games. Low scoring, defensive battles, this team is perfect. But what if the Bolts want to score? What if the Leafs unleash their high-octane offense? Canes are in trouble in these games.
#3 Toronto Maple Leafs (19-7-6, 44 Points)
Unchanged
2 game losing streak does give me minor pause but their play in November and the beginning of December keeps them in the top 3. I like this group in the regular season, I just want to see them do it in the playoffs.
#2 New Jersey Devils (21-8-2, 44 Points)
Unchanged
New Jersey is faltering a bit but still sit with a +30-goal differential. 4-game losing streak is a little weird to see but even the good teams face adversity. Best to take it now and see how you can react. 4-4-2 over their last 10.
#1 Boston Bruins (24-4-2, 50 Points)
Unchanged
No regulation losses at home and a very strong 7-2-1 streak over the last 10. Broken record from last week. Added 5 to their +50-goal differential.
In-Season Cup
Tampa has been lighting it up for me! Haven’t let it go since grabbing it back on the 10th. They face James’ Leafs tomorrow and you have to think James will be eyeing that one. Tyler has it rough right now.