NHL Power Rankings: Week 2
It has been 7 days since the NHL Season opened up and it’s been a rollercoaster already. Is Boston the best team in the NHL? No, but they haven’t lost yet! We will conveniently disregard who they’ve played…My Oilers aren’t a tire fire, in fact, you’ll see just how satisfied I am with the 3 points in 2 games they have managed to grab. Anaheim looks solid they just need to find better defending and goaltending.
#16 Los Angeles Kings (1-2-0, 2 Points)
Previously #11
Kings had quite the dichotomy. They looked so bad in game 1 and so good in game 2. Here’s the rub, their defense is not great it seems. The eye test looks like they are struggling to defend. Guys, they have Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin…LOL! Sorry not be rude but right at this moment, my feeling about this team is really looking good.
#15 Minnesota Wild (1-1-0; 2 Points)
Previously #10
Minnesota is starting a big meh but they should be able to settle in here. Kirill had an incredible start and will need to continue that in order to both will his team to the playoffs and live up to that large contract.
#14 Ottawa Senators (1-1-0; 2 Points)
Previously #15
The Senators will need to step up further this season after surprising the league. Brady Tkachuk will need to step up further and get his productive game back. They might be a team that is a big buyer this deadline.
#13 Toronto Maple Leafs (1-1-0; 2 Points)
Previously #7
They are kinda lucky to be .500 right now, as they were dominated by the Habs. Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt. They will need to find a way to adjust without Marner.
#12 Boston Bruins (3-0-0; 6 Points)
Previously Unranked
5 on 5 this team is not great. Which is why I am not as high on the fact that they are 3-0-0. Swayman has been great but the twitter folk who are in love with the Bruins right now…tap the damn brakes. They are so strong on special teams but that’s only a fraction of the game folks.
#11 Anaheim Ducks (1-1-0, 2 Points)
Previously #16
The Anaheim Ducks look different this year. Their chance generation has been completely different than the past few years and now I look a lot smarter when I’ve told my friends the Ducks are on the rise. Expected goals generated has been great and their expected goals against hasn’t been completely awful. They keep this up and get some stable goaltending, they will be a team that flirts with the playoffs, like I predicted.
#10 New Jersey Devils (1-1-0; 2 Points)
Previously #13
The Devils will need to keep Jack Hughes healthy. They will be a force if that were to occur and they could very well be competing for tops of the Metro.
#9 New York Rangers (2-2-0; 4 Points)
Previously Unranked
I am liking the Rangers early. The JT Miller captaincy I think will be very good, but it could really only go one of two ways, its either fantastic or an absolute disaster. I really like JT Miller. Losing Vince Trochek will hurt. The Rangers looked good on a bounceback and Jon Quick turning back the clock is so amazing to see.
#8 Montreal Canadiens (2-1-0; 4 Points)
Previously Unranked
Last year’s Calder Cup winner just signed his 8-year extension at a very solid level. The Habs looked really good this week to start. They only played teams they should have beat but likely should have beat the Leafs if Anthony Stolarz wasn’t on fire that night. They looked very good despite the loss. They are a fun team to watch and a team that has an opportunity to make big strides.
#7 Washington Capitals (2-1-0; 4 Points)
Previously #9
Alex Ovechkin is done scoring goals and looking for assists! This team is good but I don’t think they will be the world beaters they were last year. They still will enjoy regular season success and we will see if they have something special to make a solid run in a very open Metro.
#6 Vegas Golden Knights (1-0-2; 3 Points)
Previously #2
The had quite the lackluster start for their offseason acquisition of Mitch Marner. Their D core is just…bad. I am saying it now. The Knights have such strong depth up front and if you assume Adin Hill plays well, they will be fine this year, but their depth on the backend is questionable and its already showing. They are one stupid Eichel dump in away from being winless this year. Let’s see how this week goes.
#5 Colorado Avalanche (2-0-1; 5 Points)
Previously #6
Colorado might need to find more depth if they wish to go far this year. That Brock Nelson contract signing was quite the number but nonetheless, you need players I guess. The Avs do have the goaltending early and will look to have a strong outing this time around.
#4 Carolina Hurricanes (2-0-0; 4 Points)
Previously #3
The Canes are starting the season strong. They had a great offseason and they are putting up the wins they need to right now. Their entire year hinges on the depth of their post season run. They need to find their consistent scoring this year.
#3 Dallas Stars (2-0-0; 4 Points)
Previously #4
The Dallas Stars get this spot because of their ability to win. Their expected goal percentage is much to be desired. They have come out hot with their offense, but their defense is just not great. They will need to figure that out if they wish to go further this year than the WCF.
#2 Florida Panthers (3-0-0; 6 Points)
Previously #5
The Panthers have started the season strong despite not having Matty and Sasha. Congrats you beat the Blackhawks and Flyers but wins are wins. I will give the flowers they unfortunately deserve. Lets see how they look against the Devils this week.
#1 Edmonton Oilers (1-0-1; 3 Points)
Unchanged
The Oilers are looking like the best team in the league under the hood. James knows that I try to be as impartial and objective when it comes to my team. I don’t like to be a homer, but the underlying stats suggest the Oilers should be 2-0-0. Goaltending had its issues in game 1 of the season but they have the best Expected Goal percentage which combines both what they generate and what they prevent. Their competition hasn’t been the best but they seem faster, sharper, and more mature than they have in the last 2 season starts. Oilers may have the best D depth in the West.