NHL Power Rankings: Week 12

Twas three nights before Christmas, and all through the League, not a team was boring, all full of intrigue. The points were high from the team who’s mile high, they’ve lost just 2 regulation games, why even try? The California animal teams have shown their might, its given the LA faithful quite the fright. The Edmonton Oilers are finally looking fun, its about time for them to go on a run. The Leafs are really down and its looking quite sad, but I don’t feel sorry for a team so bad. The Red Wings lead the Atlantic for the first time in years, enjoy the top Detroit fans, crack a few beers! I am happy to say that this year has been crazy, you’d be forgiven if it all felt a bit hazy. Us at TLDR hope you have an amazing Christmas, and may your heart be filled with love and richness.

#16 Edmonton Oilers (18-13-6; 42 Points)

Previously #12

Oilers are finally back in the mix. Connor McDavid for the month of December went insane mode and there might not be stopping that man.

#15 Ottawa Senators (18-13-4; 40 Points)

Previously Unranked

4 straight wins! Lets see if there’s some staying power for the Sens this time!

#14 Los Angeles Kings (15-10-9, 39 Points)

Previously #12

The Kings are spiraling man. Them trading Phil Daneault opens up much needed cap space and now it’s a wonder what they do with it.

#13 New York Islanders (19-13-4; 42 Points)

Previously #8

I guess I shouldn’t talk up this Islanders team. They don’t respond well to positive reinforcement.

#12 Montreal Canadiens (19-12-5; 43 Points)

Previously #13

The Habs are hanging in there. I am worried about their staying power but their compete is so high and if you aren’t ready to play them, they will make you pay.

#11 Philadelphia Flyers (17-10-7; 41 Points)

Previously #9

Flyers need to string together more games here. 3-3-4 won’t cut it in this division/wildcard race.

#10 Washington Capitals (19-12-5; 43 Points)

Previously #6

Washington has cooled off a bit here. However, their goal differential is quite strong, led by their awesome goaltending. I would like to see a bit more consistency after the Christmas break.

#9 Florida Panthers (19-14-2; 40 Points)

Previously #11

Panthers continue to find ways to win and I am starting to feel stupid for doubting them. Florida has Carolina tomorrow which will be an interesting matchup that will help benchmark this team.

#8 Tampa Bay Lightning (19-13-3; 41 Points)

Previously #14

I know they haven’t been fantastic in their last 10, but their goal differential is so intriruging to me. They are getting solid enough scoring and goaltending to make their rise in the division. This is a team that continues to be good…every single year. Is it time to finally give Jon Cooper the Jack Adams, something he’s deserved more than most coaches over the last 10 years?

#7 Anaheim Ducks (21-13-1, 44 Points)

Unchanged

What is concerning me for the Ducks is that they are having a few more whoopsie games than I’d like to see. However, look at the context. The Ducks had a very very amazing start on a hard strength of schedule. They sit in the 4 easiest strength of schedule going forward so I would like to see a bit more consistency throughout. I think they will be fine…they’ve been quite resilient.

#6 Detroit Red Wings (21-12-3; 45 Points)

Previously #15

The Red Wings sit this high after American Thanksgiving, in fact right before Christmas. Never in this podcast’s history have we seen this. 7 wins in their last 9 and they sit top of the Atlantic. It’s one of the most gettable divisions in hockey right now and the Wings are finally taking full advantage of that fact.

#5 Vegas Golden Knights (16-8-10; 42 Points)

Previously #4

The Knights keep their top 5 spot given their solid season, but their last week was much to be desired. They had to really fight to get back into the Oilers game and they are missing key key players in their lineup. I don’t know if the Knights are the best team in the Pacific…

#4 Minnesota Wild (22-10-5; 49 Points)

Previously #5

Minnesota looked great against the Oilers and have been fantastic since the trade for Quinn Hughes. Its quite amazing to see 3 of the 4 top spots held by the Central Division juggernauts. Its sad that one of these three teams will be out after round 1, guaranteed.

#3 Carolina Hurricanes (22-10-3; 47 Points)

Previously #2

1-1-1 this week. Seth Jarvis has been hurt, and you wonder how much this will impact this team down the stretch. That’s a massive blow.

#2 Dallas Stars (25-7-5; 55 Points)

Previously #3

Nothing makes me happier than seeing Glen Gulutzen. He earning his success…just don’t succeed against your old team buddy. 4 straight wins and they are making a case to push for the top of the division. What a team they’ve been.

#1 Colorado Avalanche (26-2-7; 59 Points)