NHL Power Rankings: Week 9
As we turn the page to December, we reflect on how crazy this season has shaped up to be so far. The Thanksgiving milestone doesn’t seem as important as it has been in the past. There are many teams on the outside looking in that I think we expect will make it, which means a couple teams will be coming out. But who will that be. It is tight tight tight in the race for the playoffs. We are 2 months away from the Olympics and this crazy condensed schedule is weighing on the players already. Its going to be fun.
#16 Florida Panthers (12-11-1; 25 Points)
Previously Unranked
Panthers are so mid so far, but I can never count out this team. They are good enough to make playoffs without their key players and it sounds like Matty is close to coming back.
#15 New York Islanders (13-10-3; 29 Points)
Unchanged
Rough week for the Isles but so it was for most of their peers. They’ve been good on the road. But they host Bolts and Avs this week. They might be in trouble.
#14 Montreal Canadiens (13-8-3; 29 Points)
Previously Unranked
I am hanging onto hope for the Habs. They’ve come to a very rapid halt since their strong start but would like to see a bit more consistency from this team.
#13 Boston Bruins (15-12-0; 30 Points)
Previously #9
Don’t know what to think about Boston. They are staying relevant in a very gettable conference this year but man I can’t trust they will be a force all year.
#12 Philadelphia Flyers (14-8-3; 31 Points)
Previously Unranked
Philly has put together a quite string of games that have them in a playoff spot at this moment. Very tough loss to the Pens but I have to admit, Trevor Zegras is looking good in Philly.
#11 Washington Capitals (15-9-2; 32 Points)
Previously Unranked
Winners of last 4 games and they are climbing back up the standings. They sit in a playoff spot and you wonder if we could maybe see one more Ovy vs Crosby post season matchup…we need that.
#10 Pittsburgh Penguins (13-7-5; 25 Points)
Previously #13
A very nice week for the Pens as they look to maintain their spot in the race. Very tough week for them as they face the Bolts and Stars this week. Godspeed.
#9 New Jersey Devils (16-9-1; 33 Points)
Previously #6
5-5 in their last 10 games, which we can consider treading water as they wait for Jack to heal. Canucks are starting to open up for business and you wonder if Quinn could be on the way.
#8 Los Angeles Kings (12-6-7, 31 Points)
Previously #11
Points in their last 9 games is very good news for the Kings. They have been very consistent in the regular season over a number of years and I sat here expecting a pull back. They’ve definitely stuck it to me.
#7 Vegas Golden Knights (11-6-8; 30 Points)
Previously #4
Carter Hart expected to have his first start this season. Hope its an awful outing. If he doesn’t pan out and save the Knights between the pipes, it might be time to worry. I feel sooooo bad for them.
#6 Minnesota Wild (14-7-5; 33 Points)
Previously #10
Minnesota looks very very good. Goaltending has been fantastic and they are scoring goals as of late. 8-0-2 in their last 10 is fantastic bit of work and certainly adds a wrench in that Central Division. The Wild is fun again.
#5 Anaheim Ducks (16-9-1, 33 Points)
Unchanged
Split this week. Giving up the game to Chicago could have caused major issues for past Ducks teams, but not this one.
#4 Carolina Hurricanes (16-7-2; 34 Points)
Previously #2
Hurricanes are steady as can be. Dismantling the already down and out Jets was quite the scene.
#3 Tampa Bay Lightning (16-7-2; 34 Points)
Previously #7
Tampa has won 7 straight, all with injuries to key key players. 3 of their top 4 D-men have been out so it’s a wonder how they are doing this. Kucherov is entering Vecna mode (shout out to you Stranger Things fans).
#2 Dallas Stars (17-5-4; 38 Points)
Previously #3
Quite the week for the Stars. Winners of last 4 and 8-1-1 in their last 10 games. Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston are both in the top 5 for goals in the league. What a week for Dallas sports. I am looking at you Dallas Cowboys.
#1 Colorado Avalanche (18-1-6; 42 Points)
Unchanged
On pace to beat the record set by the Boston Bruins. I can’t say anything else that hasn’t been said about this absolute wagon.