NHL Power Rankings: Week 24
Here we go! Final weeks of the regular season are here and let me give you a list of improbable things that are currently happening that you would have thought I was crazy for saying 6 months ago. Buffalo Sabres are 2 points out of 1st in the East, Anaheim Ducks own the Pacific top spot, San Jose is 1 point out of a playoff spot, Florida Panthers are already out, and Toronto Maple Leafs have a season from hell. Its been absolutely crazy this season and to boot, the top spot in the league has become actually interesting, because don’t look now but Dallas is 3 points behind the Avs with weeks to go.
#16 Edmonton Oilers (33-26-9; 75 Points)
Previously Unranked
In every game except the one in Dallas, the Oilers were the better team. They are showing signs of being able to defend for once…their play might be turning the corner is some respects. Is it enough, probably not but this is a team you can’t count out in the playoffs. As long as Jarry is playing, any team has a chance to pot 20 goals right now. I initially thought it was the defense in front of him, and that’s some of it, Ingram’s solid performance and numbers suggests it might Jarry… OH and Drai is out for the rest of the regular season.
#15 Ottawa Senators (34-23-9; 77 Points)
Unchanged
Senators are 7-1-2 in their last 10 games and boast a strong goal differential. They are now getting the saves and its clearly helping this team along. The Senators need to keep pushing but they sit in a very tough spot right now and could be one of the better teams to not make the playoffs.
#14 Vegas Golden Knights (31-22-14; 76 Points)
Previously #16
The Knights had a nice resurging week. Jack Eichel’s even strength point per 60 of 3.0 is absurd and remarkable. He is an amazing player to watch think and play the game. Vegas and Edmonton might be a fun matchup of the frauds.
#13 Anaheim Ducks (37-27-3; 77 Points)
Previously #12
Negative 10 goal differential is quite notable for me right now. I want to give my 2 cents on the Gudas thing this week, methinks he got off light…to not receive an in person hearing AFTER a 5 minute major and game misconduct is insane to me. Ducks will win the division all things considered and they deserve it! What a turnaround for this young team who will likely draw a team like Edmonton, Utah, or San Jose.
#12 Detroit Red Wings (37-23-8; 82 Points)
Previously #8
The Red Wings are limping right now. 4-7-3 in their last 14 games and they are on the cusp of falling out of the playoffs completely. This franchise might be the New York Mets, finding a way to Wings it up. Steve Yzerman might be gone if they miss again, I just can’t believe they can justify keeping him.
#11 Columbus Blue Jackets (34-21-11; 79 Points)
Unchanged
The Jackets are finding ways to win and they continue to climb the ranks. 15-2-4 under Rick Bowness is just awesome to see and you will see them move up if they find a playoff spot by week’s end.
#10 Boston Bruins (37-23-7; 81 Points)
Unchanged
Boston continues to surprise me because they get caved in 5 on 5. Jeremy Swayman has returned and its quite obvious because their 46.6% 5v5 expected goal share is atrocious and they haven’t won back to back games since the Olympics. I don’t think they make it but right now they are sitting okay.
#9 New York Islanders (38-24-5, 81 Points)
Previously #14
The Isles have a positive goal differential, despite their meager offensive output. 7-3-0 in their last 10 and they are taking advantage of a faltering Pens team. They could very well be the host of round 1 if their play continues. They need to keep going because Columbus is coming fast.
#8 Pittsburgh Penguins (34-18-15; 83 Points)
Previously #7
2 wins in their last 7 games and are quickly losing ground in their home ice position in the Metro. Malkin is fresh off of his sussy and will be adding much needed firepower for this squad. Crosby is skating but still a bit away. They should make the playoffs and it is in their best interest to do so without having to rush Sid back.
#7 Montreal Canadiens (36-20-10; 82 Points)
Previously #9
Teams below #6 are in a different tier in my eyes. There is a gaping hole between them and the rest of this list. Montreal has looked solid but they’ve had a tough string here in 4 losses in their last 7 games. However, goaltending looks solid and their defensive core is looking very strong as well.
#6 Minnesota Wild (38-18-12; 88 Points)
Unchanged
Minnesota lost to all non-playoff opponents last week on their Eastern roadtrip. They’ve really pissed away a chance at home ice in the 1st round and will be rewarded with a very good regular season with a dance with either Colorado or Dallas in round 1…tough break.
#5 Tampa Bay Lightning (40-21-4; 84 Points)
Unchanged
Tampa is falling like a rock in the standings but their pedigree and lineup are what is keeping me from pushing them down for now. 2 wins in their last 9 is less than ideal. They are the team to beat in some respects but I’m not sure they did enough at the deadline…
#4 Buffalo Sabres (41-20-6; 88 Points)
Unchanged
9-1-0 in their last 10 games. I thought it could be a mirage just months ago when the Sabres were surging but they have been one of the most consistent teams in the league since that bad start. This is a team that could easily go on a run given their string of play. Not only are the Sabres back in the playoffs, they might be Final bound again!
#3 Carolina Hurricanes (42-18-6; 90 Points)
Unchanged
The Hurricanes will be judged in April but so far, if they take this trend into the playoffs, they will be the top threat.
#2 Dallas Stars (42-15-10; 94 Points)
Unchanged
Dallas is the hottest team in the league and its not really close right now. They have closed the gap against the Avs for top spot in the Central/West/League and nobody thought that was possible just months ago. 15-0-1 in their last 16 games is absurd, a hotter run than the Avalanche had this year.
#1 Colorado Avalanche (44-13-9; 97 Points)
Unchanged
Tough week for the Avs losing to the friken Deadmonton Oilers. The Avs could very well be a #2 team on this ranking by next week…