NHL Power Rankings: Week 4
Happy Halloween Puckers! What a week in the NHL. I have to say, the NHL standings look very weird and oh how the mighty have fallen. Columbus can’t find a save and Boston can’t seem to stop scoring. Oilers are back looking hot as ever, and Connor McDavid may very well compete for the Rocket Richard. Canucks actually won a game…in fact they won 2 in a row! And not hockey related, the Philadelphia Phillies are 3 wins away from winning the World Series. I know, so are the Astros, but hey they are expected to win. Rankings are going to look weird I think.
#16 Colorado Avalanche (4-4-1, 9 Points)
Previously #5
I already know that my editor, James, will open this up, see this team, and will think I overindulged in some adult beverages this morning. Yes, the Colorado Avalanche are a top 16 team right now. And their ranking here is generous frankly, and largely due to their pedigree. They do have a +2-goal differential but there is clearly a hangover here. They are getting beat 5-on-5 big time despite their stellar goaltending. The Avs need to get over their hangover soon. However, I am not worried about them too much. Power Rankings don’t always reflect what a team would look like on the biggest stage, just right now they are looking very mediocre.
#15 Tampa Bay Lightning (5-4-0, 10 Points)
Previously #12
Tampa Bay is hanging in there but there is definitely something lacking. Palat is a huge loss and they do have some lingering injuries that are impacting this team. However, if you bet against this core, you are going to lose money I assure you. They could very well be a wildcard team and they could be the favorite to win a first round, that’s what this team is. The regular season means nothing.
#14 Washington Capitals (5-4-0, 10 Points)
Previously Unranked
Washington is hanging in there to say the least. They are above .500 but their scoring is just not quite there yet. Above average goaltending stats is always great to see but their 5-on-5 stats are questionable so far. They need to find out how to support their goaltenders if they plan to make playoffs.
#13 Florida Panthers (5-3-1, 11 Points)
Previously #7
The Florida Panthers are definitely not the team we saw last year in the regular season yet. +1 goal differential and near middle of the pack in terms of scoring. I would like to see this team improve its shooting percentage because their 5-on-5 stats are quite solid. They just need to convert! That’s the thing about advanced stats. You can look good and possess like crazy, but if the puck isn’t going over the red goal line, it doesn’t matter.
#12 New York Islanders (5-4-0, 10 Points)
Previously Unranked
The Isles have stemmed the bleeding after quite a solid week. Three game winning streak and a +9-goal differential. 33 goals on the season ranks in the top 4 in the league, for the Islanders. If they find a way to keep scoring, be on the lookout.
#11 New York Rangers (5-3-2, 12 Points)
Unchanged
The Rangers did win two in a row which could see them move up a little, but the even goal differential gives me pause. Igor Shesterkin is looking a bit human right now and he will need to find his game quick. Granted, we crapped on this Vezina trophy winner because he went through a two-week stumble and then found a way to turn it around. At the end of the day, this team will be judged on post season performance. Maybe the shaky goaltending relative to their normal will push the team in front to find better defending capabilities before April hits.
#10 Detroit Red Wings (4-2-2, 10 Points)
Previously #6
Detroit Red Wings are still looking okay. They did finally face some better on paper teams and they saw a bit of a reality, I think. I don’t think this team is bad or anything like that. I just wanted to pump the brakes until I saw them play a bit better competition. They have a big week against the Sabres, Caps, Isles, and Rangers this week.
#9 Buffalo Sabres (5-3-0, 10 Points)
Previously #13
My Buffalo Sabres are still looking good so far! Tough loss to the Kraken which gave the Kraken a couple days with the In-Season Cup. They stubbled a tad but won on Saturday to maybe stop the stumble. Key game against Detroit today.
#8 Dallas Stars (5-3-1, 11 Points)
Previously #6
Little bit of a slow down for the Stars but they still sport a solid +7 goal differential. Jake Oettinger, at the fresh age of 24, is looking so good. .952 SV% through 7 starts letting in only 1.4 goals a game. Jason Robertson is above a point per game as he is playing to his new contract already. I like this team a lot.
#7 Edmonton Oilers (6-3-0, 12 Points)
Previously #15
The Edmonton Oilers have finally arrived. This is the team we all expected to see. They are scoring goals often, finding some solid goaltending by none other than Stuart Skinner! They beat their bitter rival in comeback fashion. They have a little more work on 5-on-5 play but the current stats are solid enough to give fans hope that this team might be better than last year. Campbell needs to step up now.
#6 Philadelphia Flyers (5-2-1, 11 Points)
Previously #16
I know what you are thinking and asking. I know you think I am crazy but yes, as of now, the Philadelphia Flyers are a top 6 hockey team at this point. 5-2-1 in their first 8 games, +3 goal differential. They have above average SV% which is quite frankly winning them games right now. Their 5-on-5 stats are ugly, so I don’t expect the Flyers to stay here, but I have to respect what they have done under such low expectations.
#5 New Jersey Devils (6-3-0, 12 Points)
Previously Unranked
Another crazy ranking, I know. The New Jersey Devils are winning hockey games now. They are finding their saves. That has been the biggest issue for this team in recent years. They have solid pieces, but they couldn’t get a save, well give them a save and boom here you go. Three wins in a row this week and 6-3-0 on the season. My rankings though are typically, after the first few weeks, are largely driven by week game record and point percentage, as many of you know.
#4 Carolina Hurricanes (5-2-1, 11 Points)
Unchanged
Undefeated this week. +3 goal differential is not game breaking but then again, the Carolina Hurricanes have never been a high-octane offense. They are typically middle ground offense, top defense, and above average goaltending. That’s your Canes. Some of my favorite types of hockey teams.
#3 Calgary Flames (5-2-0, 10 Points)
Previously #1
Flames lost to the Oilers and their scoring is not quite as incredible as the other teams above them here. Still, the Flames are a top team in this league and they are showing it. Losing to the Oilers did bring a fat smile to my face.
#2 Vegas Golden Knights (8-2-0, 16 Points)
Previously #10
Viva Las Vegas is back…big time. +15 goal differential and only 2 losses on the season. 4 straight wins and a team SV% of .941. Logan Thomas is looking incredible alongside Adin Hill, never thought I would say that. Oh and guys, that Jack Eichel guy that people said was not looking himself last year, yeah he’s good at hockey. 10 points, 10 games.
#1 Boston Bruins (8-1-0, 16 Points)
Previously #3
Boston was expected to maybe tread water until the cavalry arrived. Guys, they were caving teams in before they got back Brad Marchand, the heart and soul and arguable best player on that team. Brad comes back and scores two goals and an assist, one lick away from the Marchand Hat-trick. League leading +18 goal differential and 5 straight wins. And yeah, they don’t have Charlie McAvoy back yet…
In-Season Cup
Alex, of course, gets the cup back after the Canucks decided to start winning. Canucks will have it one more day before facing another game on Tuesday. Where Alex will keep it as his Devils play the Canucks. This could bode huge for Alex down the stretch. Yes, I still haven’t stepped out of the gate.
