NHL Power Rankings: Week 12
Less than a week away from the New Year. I hope everyone had a great Christmas. These rankings are really starting to showcase the teams we expected to be good, for the most part. Mid-season form is here and the good teams really start to entrench in their winning ways. To an extent…The Isles and Panthers are in big trouble everyone. The West is as Wild as ever. We have a fun back half of the season to look forward to as well as the more recent Winter Classic, which will be played on the 2nd vs the 1st this year.
#16 Calgary Flames (16-12-7, 39 Points)
Previously Unranked
Calgary has settled down a tad. Really the division/conference has just been dead even and keeping them in the hunt. The winner of the BoA and the rest of their week could see the other Alberta team take the helm here. But for now, the Flames are looking better. I do think they are somewhat slow team, at least they were in San Jose.
#15 Los Angeles Kings (19-12-6, 44 Points)
Previously #16
Los Angeles has the worst goaltending we have seen from them and still manage to win games. They are outscoring their problems on most nights, but I am telling you that will not last. They will need to fix this and the defense if they plan to compete and improve from their 1st round exit last year.
#14 Washington Capitals (19-13-4, 42 Points)
Previously Unranked
I thought Washington was going to be done and I am not 100% all in on this team. In fact, once a couple injuries came about I thought they would devote this season and the next 3 to ensuring Ovechkin gets his goal scoring crown. But even when he slumps for a few games, the rest of the team shows up. They don’t want to lose.
#13 Minnesota Wild (18-11-2, 38 Points)
Unchanged
7-3-0 is a nice stretch before break. I think Fleury is about to lose his net if he didn’t already. That’s the biggest talking point on this team. Filip Gustavsson has looked very very good. .916SV% and 2.44GAA is good enough to keep this team more than competitive.
#12 Seattle Kraken (18-10-4, 40 Points)
Previously #11
I think I am seeing the beginning of the end for the Kraken, unfortunately. They score well but their scoring clip cannot sustain. Their goaltending/D or lack thereof can sustain, and I think that will ultimately catch up to the Kraken. I do hope I am wrong.
#11 Colorado Avalanche (19-11-2, 40 Points)
Previously #12
Treading water looks good on the Avs. 4 straight wins heading to the Christmas break, which will help them big time. They have many guys out and still look like they can find a playoff spot, especially in this western conference.
#10 New York Rangers (19-11-5, 43 Points)
Previously #10
8-2-0 in their last 10 and they look quite good. Idk what to think of this team as a playoff team but I like their ability to score goals and Shesterkin is a just a bit too erratic for me right now. When he’s on, look out but when he’s not he’s painfully average.
#9 Winnipeg Jets (21-12-1, 43 Points)
Previously #7
Winnipeg has been mediocre in their last 10 here. Their test against the Bruins was quite solid. One goal loss is not bad at all against that team. Losing to the Capitals as handedly as they did is not what we like to see. But kudos to congratulating Ovechkin on his incredible achievement, that’s our sport.
#8 Pittsburgh Penguins (19-9-5, 43 Points)
Previously #9
What a December for the Pens. Situated to make this “Last Dance” a good one. 8-1-1 with a season +19 goal differential is unreal given their notable down period earlier this year. Just goes to show what a leader like Crosby and well-made roster can do with a little more time to gel.
#7 Dallas Stars (20-9-6, 46 Points)
Previously #8
Dallas dropped one to the Oilers before turning around and beating the Habs. That’s the sign of a good team. Drop one and respond in kind. Let’s see how they perform against divisional rivals, an opportunity to put the Preds in big trouble.
#6 Tampa Bay Lightning (20-11-1, 41 Points)
Previously #5
I still like the Bolts near the tops of the league. They are always a team you can count on to make game interesting. Their game against the Leafs was awful but this team will take those and move on. Expect their 2-game losing streak to snap against the Habs tomorrow.
#5 New Jersey Devils (22-10-2, 46 Points)
Previously #2
Quite a drop for the Devils but I still like them in the top 5. Its moments like this, the tough times, the adversity, that defines how good of a hockey club you can be. New Jersey basically punched their ticket to the playoffs in November, but they need to find a way to right the ship if they wish to contend.
#4 Vegas Golden Knights (24-11-1, 49 Points)
Previously #6
This is a safe spot for the Golden Knights. 6-4 over their last 10 with a nice 2 game streak headed to Christmas break. Their goaltending is above average but their goals against are a tad high. Their scoring ability is looking better, league average shooting percentage and above average goaltending is all you need.
#3 Toronto Maple Leafs (19-7-6, 44 Points)
Unchanged
Toronto is looking really good these days. +29 goal differential is really great and that’s a mixed bag of great D and goaltending alongside their prolific goal scoring ability. This is all the while Clifford, Mete, Muzzin, Rielly, Sandin, and Robertson are all out.
#2 Carolina Hurricanes (22-6-6, 50 Points)
Previously #4
Hottest team in the league right now. 8 straight wins and points in their last 14 games. Their goal differential is still a bit to be desired but winning close games is this team’s specialty. I worry about their ability to win other ways.
#1 Boston Bruins (27-4-2, 56 Points)
Unchanged
I have nothing new to say. They are a wagon…complete and utter wagon.
In-Season Cup
The Leafs picked a good time to win and keep the cup. James earned free nights during the Christmas break. My Blues are next up to see if they can take the cup back for me.