NHL Power Rankings: Week 14

Happy New Year everyone! I am back with rankings after a week break. There was a Christmas break that I felt allowed me to wait a week for teams to play some more games. We are officially halfway through the season now and only a month away from the Olympic Break. The season has been fast, grueling, and tough, reflective of the number of injuries we have seen. This condensed schedule has been tough on these players and the teams accordingly. It should make for an interesting break.

#16 Anaheim Ducks (21-18-3, 45 Points)

Previously #7

Ducks have 1 point gained since my last ranking. I was very close to throwing in the surging San Jose Sharks but couldn’t do that to my boy James. The Ducks have just 2 wins in their last 10 games, losing 9 of their last 11. Their PDO suggests they are a little snakebitten and the cold streak of the PP has really done a number. Dostal hasn’t been himself since coming back from injury. Let’s hope they find a way to turn things around.

#15 Ottawa Senators (20-16-5, 45 Points)

Previously Unranked

Ottawa has had a nice string of games here and sit with a nice positive goal differential. I think that if the consistency continues they will push for a spot.

#14 Buffalo Sabres (21-15-4; 46 Points)

Previously Unranked

The Buffalo Sabres went on a magical run and look so damn good now. I counted this team out months ago. They looked cooked. But after an unbelievable run, they sit just points out of a wild card spot. They have a lot of work to do to get there but the fact that they are in the conversation gives me hope we could see them crack a spot.

#13 Edmonton Oilers (20-16-6; 46 Points)

Previously #16

Oilers were so very strong in December and then Christmas happened. Defensively they are a trainwreck at time and the bottom 6 has been so bad. The last couple days have been practice days and the last time they had practices they went on crazy runs so here’s to hoping that happens.

#12 New York Islanders (23-15-4; 50 Points)

Previously #13

Islanders are sticking around and they are finding ways to remain in that near .600 point percentage range. That is enough to make playoffs!

#11 Washington Capitals (22-15-6; 50 Points)

Previously #10

They have lost 9 in their last 12 games. Defensively they have been quite bad and Logan Thompsons play has dipped a bit as well. He’s still doing way more than expected, the only thing keeping the Caps alive it seems.

#10 Vegas Golden Knights (17-11-12; 42 Points)

Previously #5

The Pacific Division is so damn weak. It took me until 10 to put in the top team in the Pacific. The Knights have been pretty weak for awhile now. Carter Hart looks so bad and I love to see that.

#9 Philadelphia Flyers (21-12-7; 49 Points)

Previously #11

Flyers are finding a little bit more consistency. They are a good team. They looked great against the Oilers again and sit with a positive goal differential. They are a team that will turn some heads!

#8 Montreal Canadiens (23-13-6; 52 Points)

Previously #12

6-2-2 in their last 10 games and sit comfortably in a playoff spot in the Atlantic. This entire division may look so much different than we are used to and I am all for it. Go Habs Go!

#7 Florida Panthers (22-16-3; 47 Points)

Previously #9

They looked about as bad as the Marlins usually do in their ballpark but the Panthers continue to find ways to stay in the mix. Health concerns do continue to rack up and you wonder if they can over come it this time. Barkov looked like a clown holding the cup like he did but I will say, he’s earned the right to do whatever he wants. Even if it means looking like a clown.

#6 Detroit Red Wings (25-15-4; 54 Points)

Unchanged

Detroit is making a case for being the top team in the Atlantic. They sit there now but have more games played than most of their other peers. The Detroit Red Wings are slated to finally make the playoffs this year. They’ve been very solid for a lot longer than normal this season.

#5 Carolina Hurricanes (25-14-3; 53 Points)

Previously #3

Hurricanes sit with just 1 regulation win in 5 games and giving up an uncharacteristic amount of goals in those losses. Pyotr Kochetkov is out for the season and now all of a sudden goaltending is a major concern for the Canes.

#4 Dallas Stars (25-9-8; 58 Points)

Previously #2

The Stars have had quite a great season. No not as great as their top divisional rival but the Stars are a team that no one should be comfortable playing. They sit 3rd in goal differential. Their recent string of games leaves a lot to be desired but their pedigree suggests they will right the ship here soon.

#3 Minnesota Wild (25-11-8; 58 Points)

Previously #4

Minnesota has been a bit meh over the last few games. However, the injection of Hughes has definitely added something to this team. Matt Boldy scored another 4 goals in 5 games, good to jump into 2nd in the league. Unreal stuff by him. Minnesota is going to be a very tough out.

#2 Tampa Bay Lightning (25-13-3; 53 Points)

Previously #8

7 straight for the Bolts and they sit second in goal differential. The reincarnation of the Bolts is in full effect and it is scary to think about. The East is as wide open as possible and so who’s to say the Cup couldn’t stay in Florida another year.

#1 Colorado Avalanche (31-3-7; 69 Points)