NHL Power Rankings: Week 13

Happy New Year everybody. 2022 is past us. The Winter Classic was a great game. The World Junior has honestly been the Connor Bedard show. What a time to be a hockey fan. If you’re a bottom feeder team, you want this Bedard kid. He’s the real deal, at least at this point. I know you never know until they play against men, but this is the type of player that can really change a franchise.

#16 Edmonton Oilers (20-16-2, 42 Points)

Previously Unranked

I have the Oilers here because they have looked like a better team since the Christmas Break. Yes, they lost to the Winnipeg Jets but in every fashion they dominated that game, they just once again couldn’t solve Hellebuyck. Oilers have important games to win this week to see if they can get a better handle on their game and the standings.

#15 New York Islanders (21-15-2, 44 Points)

Previously Unranked

The Isles are hanging in there but we nee to see them go on a run. They have a nice +16 goal differential but its not winning game. The Isles have a trip to western Canada to try and get some wins their belt.

#14 Los Angeles Kings (21-13-6, 48 Points)

Previously #15

-6 goal differential is their biggest problem. They find ways to win game though. The Kings are 6th in goals for, which is ridiculous to hear. This is the team we usually associate only defense and goaltending with, yet they are 27th in goals against. This is a weird year for the Kings.

#13 Seattle Kraken (19-12-4, 42 Points)

Previously #12

Seattle is Kraking a bit. Or rather they are just facing experienced teams in their mid-season form. They have been pushed out of the divisional spot in the West and are almost on the outside looking in. They have 3 games at hand than most of their divisional rivals so they have a chance still.

#12 Washington Capitals (21-13-5, 47 Points)

Previously #14

Washington is an old team making a push for their captain and his legacy. +19 goal differential is quite amazing. 8-1-1 in their last 10 is great to see. Easier week this week to gain more points. Crazy thing is they are 2 points behind the Devils. Granted the Devils have 2 games at hand…but remember you need to win those!

#11 New York Rangers (20-12-6, 46 Points)

Previously #10

The Rags look good right now. They are making that division interesting. They are slightly above average in goals for and goals against and Shesterkin seems like he is settling down a bit.

#10 Minnesota Wild (21-13-2, 44 Points)

Previously #13

Wild have largely stabilized here. They are finding ways to win, 8-2-0 in their last 10 is very helpful in a competitive division. They are a solid team that will need something special to make a good push in the playoffs, but I like where they are right now. Don’t be surprised if Bill Guerin makes a move before deadline.

#9 Pittsburgh Penguins (19-12-6, 44 Points)

Previously #8

I don’t want to dock the Pens too much for their sloppy play as of late. That Winter Classic was against the hometown favorite Bruins, and it was a close one. I still think this team’s recent play in December is enough to keep them in my better rankings than where their percentage slots them. I really hope Tristan Jarry is back sooner than later.

#8 Winnipeg Jets (23-13-1, 47 Points)

Previously #9

Was tough to slot in the Jets here but they are looking the most “consistent” as of late. I also give them credit for their goal differential, it looks very nice. +23. Connor Hellebuyck has been sensational this season. He is just so good.

#7 New Jersey Devils (23-11-3, 49 Points)

Previously #5

I don’t like this team right now. They are faltering big time. It’s all fun and games when you can find the net with ease, but how do you play when things aren’t going your way. The Devils did punch their postseason ticket in November, but can they come together in the new year and be a contender? 2-6-2 in their last 10. Woof.

#6 Vegas Golden Knights (26-12-2, 54 Points)

Previously #5

They have had quite an easy schedule as of late, at least until their win against the Avs. They play a bit harder competition coming up and that will be a mid-season test here. Logan Thompson has been great in net, but Adin Hill has been serviceable at best. They are winning by scoring…yes shocking. Btw, I am excited to see Vegas head to Seattle for the 2024 Winter Classic.

#5 Tampa Bay Lightning (23-11-1, 47 Points)

Previously #6

If you’re still underrating the Bolts, shame on you. This team is settled in very nicely. Seems like October is always slow and November they ramp it up. By December they are flying and there is no way at this point they miss playoffs.

#4 Dallas Stars (23-9-6, 52 Points)

Previously #7

Dallas 4 straight wins and their ability to improve their goal differential to 2nd best in the league is enough to keep in them in the top 5. Their goaltending tandem is of the best in the league and that’s always recipe for success.

#3 Toronto Maple Leafs (23-8-6, 52 Points)

Unchanged

Added to the goal differential and knows how to put up points. They have an easy week to start the year, lets see if they can continue their dominance.

#2 Carolina Hurricanes (25-6-6, 50 Points)

Previously #4

11 straight wins now. And with that type of run you basically punch your ticket to the postseason. Carolina is looking great.

#1 Boston Bruins (29-4-4, 62 Points)