We’re just a few days away from the holiday and hockey is the gift that keeps on giving. By now we have a pretty good idea which teams are going to make good accounts of themselves and which ones are going to faceplant if they haven’t already. Let’s take a dive in and check out this week’s power rankings.
32. Chicago Blackhawks (Previous rank: 31)
It’s happened. Chicago has dethroned San Jose as the worst team in the league. Probably not the accomplishment they were hoping for this season, but what were they expecting with a roster as shallow as theirs? This is what happens when you tank everything for one player.
31. Anaheim Ducks (Previous rank: 30)
The Ducks have just two wins in their last 15 games. What looked like the start to something great has now fallen off the mountain into the dark depths below. They’re in the same position they were the last couple of seasons.
30. San Jose Sharks (Previous rank: 32)
The Sharks moved up two whole spots this week! They have less wins than the Ducks, but they’ve also been able to win more consistently these last couple of weeks. This team is still desperately trying to put out the fire, and while they still have a lot of work to do, they’re closer now than they were before.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NHL stories via Google! Follow Us
29. Columbus Blue Jackets (Previous rank: Unchanged)
When Columbus acquired Gaudreau and Laine it was expected to propel this team into contention. Instead, we see this team as worse as ever while both guys struggle to score. You see the spark as they tend to be competitive in their losses, but that’s about it.
28. Seattle Kraken (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The Kraken ended their long losing streak, but the long trail they have to get back to where they left off last season seems almost impassable. They just don’t look like a team primed to make a playoff run or even make the playoffs.
25. Ottawa Senators (Previous rank: 26)
It’s been a disappointing season to say the least as the Sens are not where they were hoping to be. There is still hope as they are piecing together a rather exciting core, but it seems as they still have more work to do than they originally thought.
26. Buffalo Sabres (Previous rank: 27)
Another team that had high hopes for this season only to come in extremely disappointed. There is a lot of good signs for Buffalo, including the ever increasing scoring from their young guys, but the results have not been there.
25. Calgary Flames (Previous rank: 23)
The Flames are falling back down the ladder. This team’s coaching crisis continues to leave an ugly mark on their season as they struggle to find a working system and any kind of chemistry.
24. Montreal Canadiens (Previous rank: 26)
Montreal hit a wall hard that much is true, but to say there isn’t anything to be excited for would be untrue. Injuries have played a massive part in their downfall, but this team continues to show improvement. Watch out for them in the future.
23. St. Louis Blues (Previous rank: 21)
The Blues just didn’t have the stamina to keep up it seems. That being said, there’s a lot of positives to be taken from the play of their younger core and the seeming revival of Jordan Binnington. Their future may not be too dim.
22. Minnesota Wild (Previous rank: 24)
The Wild have a lot of issues. Age, identity, cap space, etc. However, they’re trying desperately to stave off those issues and keep a solid core. The jury’s out on its success, but so far I’d wager that it isn’t going to end well.
21. Pittsburgh Penguins (Previous rank: 22)
The Penguins are the epitome of a burnt out team. Years of success dating across nearly the entire 2010’s and beyond has taken its toll on this team and now they’re on pace to miss the playoffs for the second consecutive season after previously having made it for 16 straight years.
20. Arizona Coyotes (Previous rank: 16)
Maybe a playoff push was a bit too hopeful for this team, but they are very much headed in the right direction. The resilience they have shown this season is nothing short of admirable as well.
19. Tampa Bay Lightning (Previous rank: 14)
It;s been a win one lose one pattern for the Bolts the last couple of weeks and they’re not having much success gaining ground. They still might squeeze into the playoffs, but I think it’s safe to say their time as a contender is over.
18. Carolina Hurricanes (Previous rank: 19)
I don’t think anyone expected this kind of season from the Canes. Anything short of a Metro title was going to be disappointing and they’re well behind that mark now. Goaltending was always a big question for this team, but man has it been a detriment.
17. Nashville Predators (Previous rank: 18)
The Predators are giving it their all to turn their season around after an absolutely horrendous start. This aging core may still have one last go in them yet, so keep an eye on this team as we reach the new year.
16. New Jersey Devils (Previous rank: 19)
The Devils have played much better, having actually been able to win games in a row. This has still been an extremely disappointing season so far and they’ll need to do something big to win that hope back.
15. Washington Capitals (Previous rank: 12)
The lack of offense from Washington has been concerning given that it’s been their bread and butter for over a decade. Ovechkin is having a career worse start, but despite all this they still find themselves in playoff contention. Who would’ve thought it would be their defense leading them there?
14. Edmonton Oilers (Previous rank: 17)
The Oilers appear to be rejuvenated. They’re trying to shake off that awful start and make a run for the playoffs, and given the state of the Pacific division it’s not totally out of the question. That goaltending is still a massive weak spot though.
13. Philadelphia Flyers (Previous rank: 15)
The Flyers are one of if not the biggest surprise of the year. The way they’ve played is levels above where they were expected to be and they continue to prove the naysayers wrong. It’s too early to tell if they’re true contenders, but they’re in a good spot heading to Christmas.
12. Detroit Red Wings (Previous rank: 11)
Detroit may want to pick up the pace a bit if they’re serious about making the playoffs. They’ve been consistent for sure, but they’ve done very little to separate themselves from the other teams. It’s hard to see them as a bonafide contender.
11. New York Islanders (Previous rank: 13)
Despite having one of the oldest rosters and having a nine game losing streak this year, the Islanders continue to pave their own path. It’s hard to see them going far in the playoffs, but this level of success is still relatively impressive.
10. Winnipeg Jets (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The Dubois trade has proved smart for Winnipeg as Villardi can carry his weight when he’s healthy. Winnipeg continues to try and stake its claim as one of the top teams in the West as they make a run at that Central division title.
9. Dallas Stars (Previous rank: 8)
The Stars are not the force they were when they started the season. This team has taken a step down, and it may end up hurting them in the long run unless they get hot at the right time. They’re still very much in the Central race, but it’s going to take more if they want another deep playoff run.
8. Toronto Maple Leafs (Previous rank: 9)
Toronto’s depth has been atrocious, but they’re still finding ways to win games and there’s something to be said for that. Joseph Woll has been a delightful surprise in goal, but I still don’t expect anything spectacular from this team.
7. Colorado Avalanche (Previous rank: 6)
This team needs Landeskog back. They’re a very good team, but they’re lacking that one final push they had that saw them win the Cup a couple years ago. Having their long term captain back in the locker room could very well be that push.
6. Florida Panthers (Previous rank: 5)
The Panthers want us all to know they’re not a one and done team and they’ve done a terrific job of showing it. They still have an awful habit of playing down to their competition which might end up biting them in the playoffs if they make it there.
5. Vancouver Canucks (Previous rank: 4)
Another surprise of the year has been Vancouver. While they were expected to take strides forward this year, I don’t think anyone expected this big of a stride. It’s yet to be seen if they’ll have the stamina to play at this level of all year, but what a breath of fresh air for Vancouver.
4. Boston Bruins (Previous rank: 3)
The Bruins are proving that with or without the President’s Trophy they are still a force to be reckoned with. Jeremy Swayman has become an absolute unit in goal and David Pastrnak continues to play at an extremely high level. The depth on the roster is absurd as well, making this team a contender in and out.
3. Vegas Golden Knights (Previous rank: 7)
This team is the champs for a reason. They had a couple of tough weeks, but they overcame the adversity and now lead the official league standings once again. Don’t be surprised if they make another deep playoff run in an attempt to defend their title.
2. Los Angeles Kings (Previous rank: 1)
A bit of a bump in the road for LA, but there’s no doubt they will overcome it. Phoenix Copely and Vladislav Gavrikov are out with injury and that will test this team, but they should have faith in their depth and their core. Trevor Moore continues to exceed expectations, and Kopitar is proving once again that age is just a number.
1. New York Rangers (Previous rank: 2)
The Rangers find themselves back on top, backboned by an incredibly deep roster. Jonathan Quick has turned back the clock and is gunning for Ryan Miller’s all time wins from an American goalie record. This should be a good year for New York, barring an all time fall apart.
