NHL Power Rankings: Week 10
The funniest thing that happened this week was that the Avalanche lost in regulation to the Islanders and James lost out on another of his very few chances at the In Season Cup. Apart from that, trade talks/rumors are starting to come about. I think teams are starting to see what they really are and some teams are starting to ask questions. There is still a lot of hockey to be played but December is the month where teams really start to show their true colors.
#16 Florida Panthers (14-12-2; 30 Points)
Previously Unranked
Panthers are looking better as of late. They might deserve a higher ranking but let’s see if this sustains. I still wonder if we should be prepared for the Panthers to miss the playoffs…and if its not such a bad thing for them after 3 long season of grueling hockey.
#15 New Jersey Devils (16-12-1; 33 Points)
Previously #9
The loss of Jack is rearing its ugly head. The question we all have is if Quinn Hughes is coming to Jersey…that’s the question we are all waiting for.
#14 Montreal Canadiens (15-10-3; 33 Points)
Unchanged
2-2 this week. The Habs have issues with goaltending as Montembault is really struggling. This could be the reason they miss the playoffs. It is too tight in the East to be screwing around, it might be time to make a move now.
#13 Tampa Bay Lightning (16-11-2; 34 Points)
Previously #3
Tampa has hit a roadblock. They may show some good signs under the hood but losing 4 straight is never a good sign.
#12 Boston Bruins (17-13-0; 34 Points)
Previously #13
Boston continues to surprise me. Their underlying numbers still question their staying power but wins are wins folks.
#11 New York Islanders (16-11-3; 35 Points)
Previously #15
Islanders had a very good week and they probably deserve a higher spot. I want to see more from the Islanders though…Call me a jerk but I am skeptical.
#10 Philadelphia Flyers (15-9-3; 33 Points)
Previously #12
Philly continues to show its own consistency that has them in the wildcard hunt for the playoffs. They need to improve their offense if they wish to keep that spot methinks.
#9 Los Angeles Kings (14-8-7, 35 Points)
Previously #8
4-3-3 in their last 10 games and things look a little uneven at times for the Kings. They will be a playoff team but there are still many question marks I have for this team going into the playoffs, even now. I wonder if Phil Daneault will be a King going into April this year…
#8 Pittsburgh Penguins (14-7-6; 34 Points)
Previously #10
Penguins continue to show a solid degree of consistency. They rank 9th in goals scored and allowed per game and they sit #1 in PP percentage. We might actually get one more playoff with Crosby and Ovechkin featured. Here’s to hoping they are the 1st round matchup.
#7 Minnesota Wild (16-9-5; 37 Points)
Previously #6
Minnesota has cooled off a little and what concerns me is the fact they sit 29th in goal for per game. They have been getting fantastic goaltending but when you have goaltending its 70% of your team. Just ask the Hurricanes, Kings, and Islanders about this issue.
#6 Vegas Golden Knights (14-6-8; 36 Points)
Previously #7
4 straight wins for the Knights and Carter Hart seems to be stabilizing their goaltending issues for now. They lead the Pacific in point percentage given their game at hand. Lets see how they look against the Isles this week.
#5 Anaheim Ducks (18-10-1, 37 Points)
Unchanged
Wednesday was quite the embarrassment last week but the Ducks turned around, beat the might Capitals and completely dismantled the Blackhawks with James and friends in the barn. We are entering the territory that the Pacific Division might be the Ducks to lose…We thought they were MAYBE a wildcard team. Quite the season for the Ducks so far.
#4 Carolina Hurricanes (18-9-2; 36 Points)
Unchanged
They looked weak against the Sharks on Sunday coming off of a game the night prior. They also got lit up against the Leafs. But at the end of the day, I have no concerns about the Hurricanes. With this pedigree, you’re allowed to have an uneven week.
#3 Washington Capitals (18-9-3; 39 Points)
Previously #11
They were unranked 2 weeks ago and ranked 11 last week. They sit at #3 now because they have been nearly unstoppable for 10 games now. 8-1-1 in their last 10 and they are filling the net. This is the team we saw last year and you know wonder if the Caps could take the top spot in the Metro yet again. Scoring and goaltending are of the best in the league right now. I think we will see Logan Thompson between the pipes for Team Canada in February.
#2 Dallas Stars (20-5-5; 45 Points)
Unchanged
Another great week for the Stars. 8-0-2 in their last 10. They are certainly eyeing to compete for that top spot in the Central. It might be a tough feat but the top two Central teams are clearly separating themselves from the pack.
#1 Colorado Avalanche (21-2-6; 48 Points)
Unchanged
They just don’t lose unless they are playing for the In-Season Stanley Cup. Sorry James.