NHL Power Rankings: Week 19
This is the last Power Ranking as we head into the Four Nations break. We will not be doing any NHL power rankings next week as the entire NHL is on break as we focus all attention on the “best-on-best” tournament featuring four great nations. Teams have played around 55 games, give or take. Saturday the 22nd will feature a 14 game slate that will restart the season as it marches on to the trade deadline and the eventual start of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
#16 Detroit Red Wings (28-22-5; 61 Points)
Unchanged
Lots of work still to do for the Wings, especially defensively. However, they are hanging in there and if they can figure that aspect out they can make a playoff spot.
#15 Ottawa Senators (29-23-4; 62 Points)
Previously #14
Tough 3 game losing streak but they’ve banked some credit here to allow for it. They hang on to a spot for now and the Rangers not figuring it out consistently does bode will for the Sens.
#14 Vancouver Canucks (26-18-11; 63 Points)
Unchanged
A good amount of loser points for the Canucks but things have started to really improve after the JT Miller trade. Quinn Hughes is not playing for Team USA and that’s sad for us Americans but the Nucks need a healthy Hughes.
#13 New Jersey Devils (31-20-6; 68 Points)
Previously #12
The impacts of Nico Hischier being out is noticeable. The underlying metrics that kept this team in the good graces of this guy have started to turn and that’s a concern. They will make playoffs but they need to find some stabilization if they have long-term run plans.
#12 Tampa Bay Lightning (31-20-4; 66 Points)
Previously #13
Here comes the Lightning. The storm has arrived, to the disappointment of their divisional opponents. The Bolts sit 2 points out from 2nd in the division and only 5 points behind the lead in the Atlantic with games at hand. Toronto will have to play the Bolts or the Panthers in round 1 again….
#11 Minnesota Wild (33-19-4; 70 Points)
Previously #9
I probably am being a bit rude to the Wild for having a solid week. I just am too worried about this team without Kiril. They are too inconsistent for me. They are a playoff team but will need to dig deep to beat the likes of the Stars or the Avs.
#10 Colorado Avalanche (33-22-2; 68 Points)
Previously #11
This team matches unbelievably with the Edmonton Oilers and it might be my favorite matchup in hockey right now. Necas has been a great piece for the Avs and softened the blow of losing Rantanen. Goaltending is a huge question mark for me but the Avs are starting to heat.
#9 Los Angeles Kings (29-17-7; 65 Points)
Previously #10
Doughty is back! He was named as Canada’s replacement for Pietrangelo. The guy is logging massive minutes, per usual, but at the ripe age of 35. He’s just an incredible player. He might start to solidify the Kings but they need to start scoring ASAP.
#8 Toronto Maple Leafs (33-20-2; 68 Points)
Unchanged
They had a good week, with a bad game against the Kraken and the Canucks. The Leafs are just such an interesting team. They will benefit from a nice 2 weeks off.
#7 Carolina Hurricanes (33-19-4; 70 Points)
Previously #6
I am sitting here wondering if I should be worried about Mikko Rantanen. He has 1 goal in his first 6 games with Carolina. I think a guy of his stature and abilities will figure it out sooner than later but so far the trade has favored the Avs more than I expected.
#6 Vegas Golden Knights (33-17-6; 72 Points)
Previously #7
Vegas had a better week after a period of really bad play. They are a team that will look to take their break and get back to it as they are starting to look a bit better. They don’t control their destiny for the top spot in the Pacific but its still very much up for grabs.
#5 Florida Panthers (34-20-3; 71 Points)
Unchanged
8 of 11 in their last games. Of those wins, opponents included Kings, Golden Knights, and the Capitals. The Florida Panthers are pressuring again, and I feel much less like the idiot that said the Panthers should be a Conference Favorite.
#4 Edmonton Oilers (34-17-4; 72 Points)
Unchanged
Oilers win more games than they lose. But their starts and their defensive game has taken a bit of a step back in recent weeks. I honestly think it’s a function of mental fatigue. These guys have played a lot of hockey and its hard to be a top defensive team (which the Oilers have been statistically) the entire season, lulls will happen. This break is probably a perfect situation for almost every Oiler. Connor McDavid hasn’t been the C McD we know and love this season, but I wonder if playing with MacKinnon and Crosby doning the red maple leaf will unlock the beast. We can only hope.
#3 Dallas Stars (35-18-2; 72 Points)
Unchanged
Not a great showing in the So Cal area, getting outplayed by both Kings and the Ducks. They turn around and pump San Jose so at least they didn’t leave California empty handed I guess.
#2 Washington Capitals (36-11-8; 80 Points)
Unchanged
Caps continue to march along as the Eastern Conference Favorite. The thing, like the Jets to an extent is that they sit 15th in expected goals against. They are also losing the high danger chance differential by a small margin. Their defending might be getting a bit of coverup from their incredible goaltending. They can score though boy!
#1 Winnipeg Jets (39-14-3; 81 Points)
Unchanged
8 straight wins and 12 wins of their last 15 games. They can’t be beaten right now. They’ve also sharpened up on the underlying 5 on 5 numbers which suggest they are most certainly deserving of Conference Favorite as James argued just weeks ago.
In-Season Cup
James hangs on to the Cup after great play by the Ducks. He leads the charge. No days are earned during this break, sorry buddy. But his ducks will play Alex’s Bruins on the Saturday when the league is back!