NHL Power Rankings: Week 5
72 Teams in the Cap Era have been 4+ points out of a playoff spot as of November 1 and only 14% of them have turned their season around. Its hard to win in this league and 3 teams are in that current situation. Flames, Sharks, and Blues are unlikely to make the playoffs now but the vibes around each of the teams couldn’t be more different. The Sharks are fun as hell and the Blues can’t buy a save. Quite the situation. What a fun season so far!
#16 Edmonton Oilers (6-4-3; 15 Points)
Unchanged
Wake me up when November ends.
#15 Tampa Bay Lightning (6-4-2; 14 Points)
Previously Unranked
Once Nikita Kucherov got going things started to surge for the Lightning. Don’t look now but they might be baaackk.
#14 Anaheim Ducks (7-3-1, 15 Points)
Unchanged
The Ducks are so fun, offensively. They will always remain a threat on any given night so long as their high-octane offense continues and the goaltending from Lukas Dostal continues. Their defense is the worst in the league and it will hurt them down the stretch. It’s actually statistically so bad but hey offense is what keeps the fans happy right now. They will figure it out but they need to fast because December hockey is around the corner.
#13 Washington Capitals (6-5-1; 13 Points)
Previously #6
When will Ovi score his 900th already!? Tough week for the Caps that need to stabilize a bit. Injuries are starting to cause some minor issues.
#12 New York Rangers (6-5-2; 14 Points)
Previously #13
A perfect week for the Rangers. The underlying numbers are starting to show through right now. They have some juice and they looked good in their comeback over the Oilers!
#11 Pittsburgh Penguins (8-3-2; 18 Points)
Previously #12
Pittsburgh just continues to impress. Above average save percentage and expected goal for relative to league average. They are doing this thing. They need to tighten up defensively.
#10 Detroit Red Wings (9-4-0; 18 Points)
Unchanged
The Red Wings appear to be carrying the play most nights as they own a positive expected goals percentage they just can’t quite convert at the level they’d like to.
#9 Dallas Stars (6-3-3; 15 Points)
Previously #7
Very up and down for the Stars this year, much like last. The depth pieces aren’t doing great right now. They are defensively looking okay but can’t get it together offensively yet.
#8 Florida Panthers (6-5-1; 13 Points)
Previously #9
They find ways to win without their big boys. They dominated the Stars but needed a shootout to beat them. Florida still has a lineup that can beat you up and down the ice despite missing their much needed captains.
#7 Utah Mammoth (8-4-0; 16 Points)
Previously #4
Tough week for the Mammoth as they may be showing some chinks in the armor. Goaltending could be a hell of a lot better but they play a very sound game all around. Logan Cooley’s extension was elevated but for a player they can build around I don’t mind it.
#6 Vegas Golden Knights (6-2-3; 15 Points)
Previously #5
Mitch Marner only has 2 goals so far this season. Adin Hill’s injury is impacting the team clearly and the timeline unclear for his return. Can Carter Hart come in December 1 and be a legit tender for the Knights?
#5 Winnipeg Jets (9-3-0; 18 Points)
Previously Unranked
I am harsh and hard on the Jets. They have amazing goaltending and lucky goal scoring. 10.7% SH% 5 on 5 is fantastic. I left them off my top 16 last week because I hate goaltending only teams. This team has led the expected goal battle just 2 times this season. Their underlying numbers are atrocious and if Connor Helly wasn’t between the pipes, this team is on the outside looking in. But they are scoring more than most and I appreciate that.
#4 Montreal Canadiens (9-3-0; 18 Points)
Previously #8
Montreal looks so fun man. They are controlling play on most nights and generating high scoring chances up and down the ice. I think we are seeing the best of Cole Caufield and it would be a crime to keep him off Team USA right now. Montreal is pulling all of the right strings.
#3 New Jersey Devils (9-4-0; 18 Points)
Previously #2
Tough week for the Devils and they are on thin ice sitting at this spot. If they have another bad week it won’t be pretty but for now I am giving them the benefit of the doubt. The game against the Habs will be a fun one.
#2 Carolina Hurricanes (7-4-0; 14 Points)
Previously #3
Carolina looks as solid as ever. They are starting to kind of settle into the season as they’ve lost 4 of their last 6 but they are playing strong competition for the most part. Nik Ehlers needs to find twine soon and establish his presence on this team.
#1 Colorado Avalanche (7-1-5; 19 Points)
Unchanged
It wasn’t crazy keeping the Avs number 1. They are the best team in the league right now and that signing of Marty Necas looks good, so far. Let’s see how it ages in the playoffs. Please circle your calendar for this weekend as the Avs head to Edmonton for their first matchup. These two teams ALWAYS give an amazing game, from an objective standpoint. Its must watch hockey!