NHL Power Rankings: Week 26
Holy smokes has it been a crazy season. What started out as a crazy sprint in October, we sit here with just 2 teams eliminated from playoff contention. Mathematically, 30 teams are still able to make the playoffs, and this week alone seems like one of the most important weeks of the season. If your team has a strong week and they are on the cusp, you will feel so much better about your chances. I have a good feeling that a couple teams will find themselves either in or out and I cannot contain my excitement. It feels like the postseason has started because in reality, for some, it already has. Godspeed NHL fans!
#16 Edmonton Oilers (37-28-9; 83 Points)
Previously Unranked
After that Florida trip, something has changed in this team. I am reluctant to say anything, but this Oilers team looks more predictable. They are playing predictable hockey, defensively and offensively. They have flipped the switch to playing the way we remember this team over the last 2 playoff runs. Do they have another run in them? I don’t have confidence in saying that yet but the last 3 stretch of games have showed that this team has the capability of playing the right way…let’s see if its just a mirage.
#15 Philadelphia Flyers (37-24-12; 86 Points)
Previously #16
Flyers have won 8 of their last 9 and have points in 9 of their last 10 games. They have come back from the dead as they sit just 2 points out from a playoff spot…which is just unreal. Despite my historical feelings about Trevor Zegras, I am happy he found a potential home and I have a feeling he and the Flyers are talking long term…
#14 New York Islanders (42-28-5, 89 Points)
Previously #12
The Islanders actually showed signs of fun and excitement. They are rounding out here but need to book more wins to stamp their ticket to the postseason. Sorokin will be working hard I can guarantee you that.
#13 Detroit Red Wings (39-26-8; 86 Points)
Previously #14
I have a feeling that the Wings season and Yzerman’s time as GM is on life support. Red Wings have important chances to book points this week and cannot squander them because there are too many healthier/seemingly better teams ready to rumble.
#12 Anaheim Ducks (41-28-4; 86 Points)
Previously #11
The Ducks are the leagues best come from behind team and it shows in the fact they have just 24 regulation wins. They will likely hang on to the Pacific Division if they can play their game the rest of the way. However, that game against the Oilers was a reminder that the path through the Pacific will likely still go through the 2 time WC Champs. I pray for this series because it would be so much fun. The Ducks are by far the most electric team outside of the Oilers and deserve a fun series for those fans.
#11 Columbus Blue Jackets (38-24-12; 88 Points)
Previously #10
The Columbus Blue Jackets are going to come up short aren’t they? You cannot give up string of games this late if you are trying to come back from the dead. Goaltending has been there but the offense has dried up…this is not an ideal situation for a season that Rick Bowness comes in to try and save the season.
#10 Boston Bruins (42-24-8; 92 Points)
Previously #13
My hate aside, it is quite amazing that this team keeps doing it. They will make the postseason despite having just awful stats under the hood. But I guess that’s why the advanced analytics aren’t always the best. SV% is there and the goals saved above expected is even more impressive and they will just rest their entire season and postseason on their goalie.
#9 Ottawa Senators (38-25-10; 86 Points)
Previously #8
5 points of a possible 8 last week and Linus Ulmark has really shown what he’s made of. His story this year has been amazing and its awesome to see him find is way again. Ulmark will need to be incredible the rest of the way as the Senators have been facing some injury issues as of late. They deserve as a spot in that postseason.
#8 Pittsburgh Penguins (37-21-16; 90 Points)
Previously #7
The storylines of this Penguins team could make for a great novel. Sid continues to turn back the clock and Geno looks vintage. I am so so so happy for Stu Skinner as he seems to have stabilized and found a great string of play that has allowed this team to flourish. Nothing makes me happier than seeing Stu Skinner, all time incredible human being, succeed. I wonder where he will end up after this season and no matter where he ends up, he will always have a fan.
#7 Montreal Canadiens (42-21-10; 94 Points)
Previously #9
What a week for the Habs winning every single game this week. They now have their own chance at hosting playoff series, let alone making the dance. Cole Caulfield has been sensational as he has scored 25 goals in his last 25 games. He’s 4 goals away from the very impressive 50 goal mark and two away from stealing the Rocket Richard right out from under Nate Dawg.
#6 Minnesota Wild (41-21-12; 94 Points)
Unchanged
On the advanced stat sheet, this team is a darling, especially in the last 10 games. But they are giving up way to many goals and can’t find their own way to score. They haven’t been able to string a couple wins together and I wonder if the boys on the Pod were right, maybe they didn’t do enough at the deadline.
#5 Buffalo Sabres (45-21-8; 98 Points)
Previously #4
Sabres had a tough week as they lost 2 of 3 but they managed to snag 3 points so can’t really complain too much considering this teams streak. Tage Thompson continues to shine and Dahlin is points away from his career high. I like this team but their expected goal percentage, while better recently, has still much to be desired. Despite that they are scoring at a great pace and sometimes that’s all you need.
#4 Carolina Hurricanes (46-21-6; 98 Points)
Previously #3
The goaltending story continues to thrill us all outside of Raleigh. Brandon Bussi has been struggling to find that elusive .900 SV% and Andersen hasn’t been fantastic either. This team already has issues scoring when it really matters and if you start lacking in one of the more stable areas historically, I don’t like the Canes chances deep in the postseason.
#3 Tampa Bay Lightning (46-21-6; 98 Points)
Previously #5
The Bolts had a fierce resurging week as they found a way to win 3 of 4 and find their way back atop the Atlantic Division. Nakita Kucherov is my pick for the Hart Trophy and his gap is growing. He is sensational to watch command hockey games. Big chance this week to sprint away from the Sabres.
#2 Dallas Stars (44-18-12; 100 Points)
Unchanged
To sit here and see what Dallas has done since they lost to the Oilers for another straight time in the WCF, I can confidently say that this might be one of the most consistent teams in the league. We have talked about this teams build for years now and it just seems like a perfect recipe. I am so happy to see Glen Guletzan succeed as a bench boss. Their stretch as of late hasn’t been pretty but I believe they will find a way to right the ship, and quickly.
#1 Colorado Avalanche (48-14-10; 106 Points)
Unchanged
I am starting to feel comfortable with saying they will be your President’s Trophy winner. They have pulled ever so slightly ahead. This team has its own stuff to figure out though and I wouldn’t put in pen that they are destined to hoist the cup just yet.