NHL Power Rankings: Week 25
Three weeks and we say goodbye to 16 NHL teams, sorry James and Kylie. You know what I’ve found is interesting? The West has looked far better as a whole than the East in the last weeks here. They all have better records, for the most part, and are looking a lot more formidable than we gave them credit for. Is that just a function of boredom in the East or is there a little more parity between the conferences than we thought? Just food for thought.
#16 Pittsburgh Penguins (36-27-10, 82 Points)
Previously Unranked
Crosby is trying to will this team into the playoffs. With the Panthers seemingly unwilling to win games when they need them most, Pittsburgh will make the playoffs. I am sorry for you Penguins fans, you face the Bruins in the 1st round. Good luck.
#15 Winnipeg Jets (41-30-3, 85 Points)
Previously #16
The Jets beating Arizona and Anaheim by one goal is not spectacular. They are pretty lucky that Nashville is having a tough time finding a way to win games. I think the Jets will find their way to the postseason but to play the Golden Knights in the 1st round will be extremely tough for this team.
#14 New York Islanders (37-28-9, 83 Points)
Unchanged
As of writing this, the Isles are beating the Devils. They destroyed the Leafs though dropped games to the Jackets and Sabres. I think the Islanders goaltending could be a bigger deal than we are giving them credit for. I think we will see the Isles play the Hurricanes, who we know struggle to score as well. I would take Sorokin over anything on the Canes side right now. It comes down to fire power. Is Horvat enough?
#13 Seattle Kraken (40-24-8, 88 Points)
Unchanged
Seattle is looking pretty good. Their first playoff series will most likely be the battle of the Newbies. I think that is great for the game. To have the new teams play each other this quickly into their time in the NHL will drive revenues and drive team values up. This is good for the business of the NHL.
#12 Tampa Bay Lightning (42-26-6, 90 Points)
Previously #7
I feel like we are going to regret discounting this team man. It’s like betting against Tom Brady, most football fans would think you’re an idiot. I understand all dynasties come to end but man, we should know better.
#11 Edmonton Oilers (41-23-9, 91 Points)
Unchanged
The Oilers still sit 1st in the West in Regulation Wins. Tough loss to the Knights on Saturday but a chance to redeem themselves tomorrow. I think that loss puts the 1st spot out of reach but focusing on readying for the Kings will be key because LA looks way to good right now. Thank you Kylie for my new Jersey. 😊
#10 Minnesota Wild (42-22-9, 93 Points)
Previously #12
Fleury is much better these days and the Wild look really good. I really hope to see the Wild play the Stars in the 1st round because I think we would see a fantastic series of tough play as well has high skill. Both teams are built for the playoffs and I think it will be one of the better series to watch when we drop the puck for playoffs.
#9 Dallas Stars (39-20-14, 92 Points)
Previously #8
I understand the Stars sit behind the Wild in 3rd in the division. I just truly like the Dallas Stars team better. I trust this core quite a lot. Robertson has been electric. They have the D core that looks to good and goaltending is just more trustworthy for me. Dallas will score a lot more this playoffs than last year, book it.
#8 Colorado Avalanche (43-23-6, 92 Points)
Previously #10
Remember when Colorado was on the outside looking in and we though they might have a tough time getting back in? Well they sit one point out of 1st, with a better point percentage. They control their destiny to take the top spot in the Central. Unbelievable. Oh and by the way, Captain Landeskog could be back for the playoffs. Repeat anyone?
#7 Los Angeles Kings (43-20-10, 96 Points)
Previously #9
Damn LA has been white-hot. They are finding ways to win almost every night, and have managed to take a point in every game in their last 10. This Oil fan can only hope that ends this week. The LAK vs Oilers 1st Round is looking likely yet again, and I am not confident. This LA team is finding goaltending, defense, and scoring. All at the perfect time.
#6 New York Rangers (43-20-10, 96 Points)
Previously #5
8-1-1 in their last 10 games. The Rangers look damn good. I think we all can’t wait to see them play their archrival in Jersey. The NYR are also close to clinching today as I write this. If Buffalo ends up winning, however, they will have to wait another day. Patty Kane has really settled in and I think this team might be a big threat.
#5 Toronto Maple Leafs (44-20-9, 97 Points)
Previously #4
As of this time exactly, the Leafs are one period away from clinching, in a game they aren’t even playing. The Florida Panthers are losing to the Senators and if things end that way, welcome to the fray Leafland. The Leafs are the talk of the town as they look so good compared to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The team seems determined to do it this time but only time will tell.
#4 Vegas Golden Knights (46-21-6, 98 Points)
Previously #6
Wagon alert! While today the Knights cannot officially clinch, it seems like they can this week. I think one lost point by the Nashville Predators or one single point gained will do the trick if my math is correct. Vegas looked solid against the Oilers, which would be a fun series to see if it happens somehow. Rematch against the Oil where they could clinch their spot officially.
#3 New Jersey Devils (46-19-8, 100 Points)
Unchanged
PUNCH!!! New Jersey!! Come on Down!!! The New Jersey Devils, yes the team who’s fans were chanting for their coach to be fired 2 games in, the team that we thought single handedly won the In-Season Cup for Alex, and the team who is young as hell but fun as hell made the playoffs. This is a special season but also a harbinger of things to come. Expect to see this club punch their ticket annually for a long long time.
#2 Carolina Hurricanes - x (47-16-9, 103 Points)
Unchanged
PUNCH! Welcome to the postseason Carolina. You have the math to win your division but you have to stay on the wagon. Carolina has looked a little off lately. Modest 5-4-1 streak here. Gotta be honest, can this team score enough goals? I could actually see the Isles giving this team a run…
#1 Boston Bruins – y (57-11-5, 119 Points)
Unchanged
Yet another 7-game winning streak. While most teams would be happy to just see their team win 7 in a row, Boston has made that a habit. Woof.
In-Season Cup
After 24 long weeks, we finally have a new leader. James’ Jets found a way to hang to the Cup for awhile and he now holds the lead. The Kings hold the Cup right now and are in Alberta for a trip. We will see how it shakes out.
Weekly Draft Lottery Simulator
Something I want to add for the next three weeks is a draft lottery simulator. I will spin a simulator online and post the results to see who would get the 1st overall pick, as well as the rest of the draft order. These are all based on current standings, with the Sharks sitting in last place.
Our first draft simulator shows James’ Anaheim Ducks moving 3 spots to take Connor Bedard. Montreal moves up 3 spots as well with 2 spot losses by Sharks, Blue Jackets, and Blackhawks. Let’s hope this happens eh James? I plan to do this on the pod every week until the draft lottery as well as on this rankings until they end.