NHL Power Rankings: Week 18
NHL was without its best player this past week, I don’t know if anyone heard that news…it was just a little thing. Jokes aside, we are quickly arriving to the 4 Nations Face-off and then the trade deadline. We saw a bombshell, once in a decade trade, occur this weekend that threw everyone off. What a grenade that was.
#16 Detroit Red Wings (27-21-5; 59 Points)
Previously Unranked
The TLDR squad are a bunch of idiots, myself included. We ranked this team low in our tier list without looking at their last stretch here. They winners of 6 straight and 7 of their last 10 games. They sit in the first wildcard spot and their goal differential is steadily improving. The Red Wings now sit in the most important spot of their rebuild. They will make the playoffs if they can show some consistency but to collapse now and miss would probably prompt some massive changes in that organization.
#15 Columbus Blue Jackets (26-20-7; 59 Points)
Previously #16
The Jackets are making it hard for the East. Quite the wildcard race and the fact that the Jackets are in the mix brings a smile to my face.
#14 Ottawa Senators (29-20-4; 62 Points)
Unchanged
The Senators are white hot and have climbed into a divisional spot. They sit only 2 points behind the Leafs, granted they have one extra game played. The Atlantic Division might be the weaker division for the first time in seemingly forever.
#13 Tampa Bay Lightning (27-20-4; 58 Points)
Unchanged
.500 Hockey for some time now. But that massive +34 goal differential is something to tip your hat to and it’s a reminder that this team can turn it on and is always a threat. Imagine being the Leafs or Panthers and your consolation prize for winning your division is having to go through the Bolts.
#12 New Jersey Devils (29-19-6; 64 Points)
Previously #12
The Devils need to be better and more consistent. I think the potential is there and they have the bones of a great team, they just need to bring things together.
#11 Colorado Avalanche (31-21-2; 64 Points)
Previously #12
3 wins in their last 5 since the “Trade”. They aren’t done though, they can’t be!
#10 Los Angeles Kings (27-17-6; 60 Points)
Previously #8
Defense is starting to show signs of struggle. That could be a problem for the Kings. 3-6-1 in their last 10. Woof.
#9 Minnesota Wild (31-18-4; 66 Points)
Previously #10
Welcome Back Kiril, its good to have you baaackk…..aannnd he’s gone. Again! Lucky for them the long Four Nations break will take most of the time he’s out.
#8 Toronto Maple Leafs (31-19-2; 64 Points)
Previously #7
Streaky streaky streaky. What is this team. They found a way to hang on against the Oilers, almost giving up a 3 goal lead in the final frame on Saturday afternoon. They need some pieces if they want to go the distance.
#7 Vegas Golden Knights (31-16-6; 68 Points)
Previously #5
Vegas has been slipping for awhile now. Losers of 10 of their last 13 games. They signed Brandon Saad and lets see if that veteran presence adds something, but they are lacking depth big time. Those Big D are always a threat though.
#6 Carolina Hurricanes (32-17-4; 68 Points)
Unchanged
Mikko and Taylor Hall both found scoring touches this week, to the happiness of the Hurricanes faithful. The Canes are going to be a massive threat if scoring comes through.
#5 Florida Panthers (32-19-3; 67 Points)
Previously #9
The Mid-2020s Florida Panthers are like Thanos…they are inevitable. The Panthers are back to winning and winning often. Matty Tkachuk is scoring goals on a whim and Goalie Bob is starting to come around to what we’d expect. They are inevitable.
#4 Edmonton Oilers (32-16-4; 68 Points)
Previously #3
Not the greatest stretch here. The Oilers need to start getting going offensively and Stu Skinner needs to start his stabilization stint. Things in Oil Country seem to be as they should be in the middle of January/February, but now its time to get really ramping up. Connor McDavid has not been himself and we are all waiting for him to take this league back over.
#3 Dallas Stars (34-17-1; 69 Points)
Previously #4
The 2nd spot in the Central is starting to get solidified already because Dallas keeps up their winning ways. They are one of the hottest teams right now. Miro Heiskanen’s injury could be shorter than they thought but that is a worry. Adding Cody Ceci doesn’t bring the stabilization I’d like.
#2 Washington Capitals (34-11-7; 75 Points)
Previously #1
Back-to-back OT losses. I am not worried. They have lost 3 of their last 4 but still not worried at all. Committing long term to Logan Thompson was quite the move but he’s been fantastic so far, let’s see if he continues his trend.
#1 Winnipeg Jets (37-14-3; 77 Points)
Previously #2
6 straight wins and 10 wins of their last 13 games. Jets are white hot and things are clicking at the highest level. The Jets better be active at the deadline because this could be the year.
In-Season Cup
Well I am not the only one in last place now. Ducks vs Stars on Tuesday night to see if James can keep it close.