NHL Power Rankings: Week 10
What an unbelievable season we have had so far. Right now, as I write this, 4 teams are currently in playoff positions that weren’t before and about 6 teams in striking distance of a spot. This season is crazy based solely on the fact that last year the East was basically finalized at this point, but the East is wide open this year. This league is illustrating its crazy parity. It truly is anyone’s night on any given night, and I am all for it.
#16 New York Rangers (14-10-5, 33 Points)
Previously Unranked
The Rangers shooting off 3-in-a-row is admirable and quite frankly was needed. The Rangers have been quite crappy this season so far. They need to find their scoring from their Kid line and their big dawgs. I don’t hate their play but man they are going to need to sharpen up even more if they look to find their way into the playoffs. The New Jersey push and the Red Wings both make it much tougher to get into the playoffs whether through the division or wildcard.
#15 Minnesota Wild (14-11-2, 30 Points)
Unchanged
Minni is looking very good. You got goalied by the Oilers, it happens. Kiril the Thrill is looking as good as ever and this is a fun team to watch again. +2 goal differential keeps them in the rankings but is it ever tight in these middle rankings. They could just as easily be on the outside.
#14 Detroit Red Wings (13-8-6, 32 Points)
Previously #13
Detroit may finally be seeing a bit of reality as mid-season form begins. I was wrong about the Sabres, clearly but now the Red Wings are in the hot seat among the rest of the boys. I am not ready to count them out yet, but when you have this competitive of a conference and division, it makes it very tough. Math can be your enemy quickly.
#13 Edmonton Oilers (16-12-0, 32 Points)
Previously #16
Stuart “Stu” Skinner ladies and gentlemen. Nuff said. Love the moustache, love the fire, and love that you are keeping your team in games. Also, nice TD and a 2-point conversion the other night.
#12 New York Islanders (17-12-0, 34 Points)
Previously #11
The Islanders are looking fine. They could do a little better on the backend, but they are finding their scoring touch, something that many of these defensive minded teams are finding across the league. The Islanders are the kings of New York right now and by my estimation are clearly the better team through and through.
#11 Colorado Avalanche (14-10-2, 30 Points)
Previously #9
The loss of Nate Dawg seems like it could hurt a bit. They will be able to tread water for the time being perhaps but man they don’t seem nearly as formidable. This is all to say that as soon as you have them in the playoffs you are betting on them. Nate is back in a few weeks, and they will get back to work. Still 3rd spot in the Central.
#10 Pittsburgh Penguins (16-8-4, 36 Points)
Previously #12
Remember when they were this high like 5 weeks ago and then dropped like a rock. I think they even fell out of the rankings. But boy has this team found its stride quick. Kris Letang is an absolute warrior. To come back after 12 days of having your second stroke in your lifetime is nothing short of admirable and he is still such a difference maker. Unreal honestly.
#9 Seattle Kraken (16-8-3, 35 Points)
Previously #7
The shooting percentage is unsustainable. That much is clear. But then so will be the weak defense They allow a bit too many goals for my liking still and being that leaky can put you in hot water in bigger, more important games. I don’t think the management or fans care too much though. The Kraken are fun as hell to watch.
#8 Tampa Bay Lightning (17-9-1, 35 Points)
Previously #10
Tampa Bay is winning consistently now. They aren’t winning against the best of teams, but wins are wins in this league. Most importantly they secured the In Season Cup for me and I’m hoping the team goes on a bit of a run here.
#7 Carolina Hurricanes (15-6-6, 36 Points)
Previously #6
Canes are a bit streaky here. But they remain a force. Their scoring support for their goaltending is questionable, honestly. Goaltending stats a team is around the same as league average, to an extent. Kochetkov is playing admirably while Freddie is working his way back from injury. They just need to score more, especially in a league where scoring is incredibly important.
#6 Dallas Stars (16-7-5, 37 Points)
Previously #5
Little bit of a tougher week but that happens with great teams too. The Dallas Stars are the real deal folks. That first line could be in the discussion for the best line in hockey. +24 goal differential is quite strong. I am all in on the Stars right now.
#5 Winnipeg Jets (18-8-1, 37 Points)
Previously #8
Winni is the real deal man. They were a bit of an enigma going into the season. What team were we going to get? Well, we got a defensively sound club that can score goals and is all underpinned by incredible goaltending. Connor Hellebuyck is sporting a white hot .930 SV% and 2.33GAA. Is Connor Hellebuyck the best goaltender of the last 5 years? I mean that collectively? Its definitely worth the discussion.
#4 Vegas Golden Knights (20-9-1, 41 Points)
Previously #3
Even 5-5-0 over their last 10 games means they are slowing down a bit perhaps. Could argue this is what happens when the league gets to its mid-season form. Regardless, this Vegas team is a high-octane scoring team and surprisingly not the most defensive. Not that they are weak defensively but by Vegas’ standards they perhaps are a bit weaker there. Granted, they are scoring better than ever which is very scary.
#3 Toronto Maple Leafs (18-7-1, 42 Points)
Previously #4
Maybe this Toronto team is different this year. Granted I drink the kool-aid at this time every year, but perhaps this year is different honestly. Defense looks better, the goal scoring is as great as ever, and the team seems to be gelling very well. +23 goal differential is quite strong and 8-0-2 in their last 10 games.
#2 New Jersey Devils (21-5-1, 43 Points)
Unchanged
No reason to change their position here. They are solid. It will take an epic collapse, of incredible proportions for the Devils to miss playoffs this year. +37 goal differential and 2nd in GA this year.
#1 Boston Bruins (22-4-1, 45 Points)
Unchanged
No regulation losses at home and a very strong 7-2-1 streak over the last 10. This week was perhaps a let down compared to their prior weeks, but they still cannot be stopped.
In-Season Cup
Tampa Bay lost the Cup and gained it back within a week. I am excited to see that my days continue to climb. Is it time we made fun of Tyler because he hasn’t had it since October.