NHL Power Rankings: Week 8
Happy American Thanksgiving Week everybody! NHL is a quarter of the way in and its crazy town. A single Canadian team is currently in the playoffs…that team is Ottawa. The Ducks are leading the Pacific and the Sharks are a point out. Florida, Washington, and the Rangers are on the outside looking in. It has been quite the situation in the NHL. It might be about as weird as the NFL…Happy Thanksgiving. Give Thanks to your family, friends, and the Hockey Gods if your team in the in the playoffs.
#16 Florida Panthers (11-9-1; 23 Points)
Previously Unranked
I kept the Panthers on here so I can help give my hatred for them. AJ Greer is such a chicken shit that I can’t wait until someone destroys him. Goalie Bob literally lost the game for the Panthers on Saturday, and I am all for it. Still, they have such a good team even without their top guys. That said, it was nice to see them crumble this weekend.
#15 New York Islanders (13-8-2; 28 Points)
Previously Unranked
The Islanders are having quite the success as of late. Patrick Roy might have gone too far in his comments to Mikko Rantanen but can’t knock a coach who support his players I guess. We need hatred in the NHL.
#14 Detroit Red Wings (13-8-1; 27 Points)
Previously #16
Detroit has been pretty mid as of late but they are sitting in a playoff spot with a solid .614 point percentage. Their negative goal differential will need to be addressed ASAP.
#13 Pittsburgh Penguins (10-6-5; 25 Points)
Previously #6
Pittsburgh is having a tough time right now and they will need to turn things around quick because the East has been quite the situation.
#12 Seattle Kraken (11-5-6; 28 Points)
Previously Unranked
Seattle has found ways to earn points despite a negative point differential. I don’t think they will maintain a spot in the Pacific division but it has been a very interesting season so they might make a case. The Pacific is all of a sudden getting stuffed.
#11 Los Angeles Kings (10-6-6, 26 Points)
Previously #5
Very tough week for the Kings. Their home record is awful. I will say this, they aren’t as bad as I thought they would be. They will make playoffs but that is about it.
#10 Minnesota Wild (12-7-4; 28 Points)
Previously Unranked
Don’t look now but Minny has won 5 straight and had back to back shut outs. Their goalie tandem is working very well right now and they are finding scoring. Big Central rivalry games this week that will mean a lot in the standings seemingly.
#9 Boston Bruins (13-11-0; 26 Points)
Previously #7
Bruins are not analytical darlings and they had a rough week. But they are still getting success in their lineup. My sense is that they will start to revert to who they actually are but until then, enjoy the top 10.
#8 Ottawa Senators (11-6-4; 26 Points)
Previously Unranked
Ottawa is carrying the country of Canada on its back. They have been elite defensively and their goaltending has been great. Their offense is a problem and you wonder how much of that has to do with Tkachuk being out. If they figure that side out, they might be a problem.
#7 Tampa Bay Lightning (12-7-2; 26 Points)
Previously #13
Great week for the Bolts as they found a way to comeback against the Oilers after an early goal against. That game had a playoff feel to it. They’ve lost just 3 games since October 23rd…
#6 New Jersey Devils (13-7-1; 27 Points)
Previously #4
Not a great week for the Devils following the loss of Jack Hughes. They are on thin ice. Lets see if they can right the ship and start to tread water.
#5 Anaheim Ducks (14-7-1, 29 Points)
Previously #9
First bout of adversity was responded to very well by the young Ducks. 6-4 in their last 10. The Jack Adams award has already been won. If Joel Q doesn’t win it, it would mean an immense collapse by the Ducks.
#4 Vegas Golden Knights (10-4-7; 27 Points)
Previously #3
Vegas has been a bit inconsistent as of late but still finds way to earn points seemingly. Despite their goaltending issues, they are still finding ways to earn points. That suggests they are still on the verge of domination.
#3 Dallas Stars (13-5-4; 30 Points)
Unchanged
Not the best of weeks but the Stars are still a huge threat in the Central Division. Jamie Benn is back! They will be without Mikko Rantanen in the NHL’s sole game tomorrow due to an automatic 1-game suspension. He’s been a bit of a menace as of late…
#2 Carolina Hurricanes (14-6-2; 30 Points)
Unchanged
Hurricanes are really starting to separate from the East so it seems. Even in the losses they look good.
#1 Colorado Avalanche (16-1-5; 37 Points)
Unchanged
9 straight wins and 1 loss in regulation all season. Quite the story in Colorado. However, can they get over the hump? They haven’t been the most successful playoff teams, aside from their 2022 win. Go look at their success over the last number of years…lot of 1st and 2nd round exits.