We had a shorter week this week due to the All-Star break. Only a total of six games were played across the league, meaning there wasn’t much change or much movement in the rankings side of things. That being said, we still need a baseline for week 18 so here are this week’s power rankings.
32. San Jose Sharks (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The Sharks managed to bag another win in the form of an impressive 2-0 win over Seattle. If their goaltending could figure out how to play like that consistently they would be in a much better sport than they are now. No sense in playing the what if game though.
31. Chicago Blackhawks (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The Hawks didn’t play this week, so they don’t have any change. They’re still bottom of the barrel. The bright side is that they at least recognize this and are trying to add depth around Bedard, who is still injured unfortunately. I hope to see some big moves at the deadline.
30. Anaheim Ducks (Previous rank: Unchanged)
In a couple more seasons the Ducks might finally be where they need to be. They need to make some deadline acquisitions this year, as well as have some good drafting and prospect development. So far they’ve done decently on the development part, if Trevor Zegras and Frank Vatrano are any indication. It might be time to finally move on from John Gibson though.
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29. Columbus Blue Jackets (Previous rank: Unchanged)
When the Jackets started making noise in the free agent market and making big signings with guys like Johnny Gaudreau, it was expected that good things were coming for them. Well, we’re still waiting on the good things. This team hasn’t been able to find any sort of identity, and Gaudreau isn’t even playing like he wants to be there at this moment in time.
28. Ottawa Senators (Previous rank: Unchanged)
Every time Ottawa has a good week you can’t help but feel a twinge of sadness at what could’ve been. So, what does Ottawa need from here on out? They need structure. They need a system that is going to bring out the talent they have in their roster. They need that final piece of the puzzle that’s going to bring everything together.
27. Buffalo Sabres (Previous rank: Unchanged)
Maybe we should’ve expected Buffalo to fall flat. It is Buffalo after all, when have they ever done anything different? You can blame injuries, sure, but the truth of the matter is that Buffalo didn’t ever once come close to playing up to the expectations they set for themselves. All of their top guys failed to meet the level of play they had last season and this disappointment of a season is the result.
26. Montreal Canadiens (Previous rank: Unchanged)
Montreal needs that big name to push them over the edge. Someone who can come in and spark everyone else around them. What do they give up in order to acquire that though? Jake Allen is the quickest name that comes to mind, but would he alone be enough to grab what Montreal needs to succeed? The deadline is going to be a very interesting time for this team.
25. Minnesota Wild (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The Wild may be on the brink of a collapse and rebuild, but one has to admit that Marc-Andre Fleury’s time there has been pretty fun. The once star netminder is clearly dedicated to having fun at the end of his career, and is still giving us spectacular highlights and moments even if his level of play isn’t what it used to be. Him passing Patrick Roy in all time wins was a true feel good moment of the sport.
24. New York Islanders (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The Islanders have yet to play a game since signing Patrick Roy as their new head coach. The excitement and tension around this team is building as we all await to see what Roy has in store for this team. They’re on the brink of a playoff berth, but can Roy stop the skid they’re in and lead them into the postseason?
23. Washington Capitals (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The Caps tried. They really tried to hold off change. But given the obvious decline of their superstars, the complete disappearance of their once infamous offense, and the fact that you can visibly see the ground crumbling beneath them, it might be time for them to admit it’s finally over. It’s time to tear it down and start again.
22. Seattle Kraken (Previous rank: Unchanged)
It already feels like a lifetime ago when the Kraken had appeared to turn their season around in the form of a thirteen game points streak. They’ve struggled to win since then, despite the goaltending’s best efforts (Joey Daccord has been an absolutely amazing surprise this year for Seattle.)
21. Calgary Flames (Previous rank: Unchanged)
Calgary made the first big move of the Spring, and man was it a doozy. Elias Lindholm has been sent to Vancouver in exchange for two prospects, a first round and a fourth round draft pick, and Andrei Kuzmenko. Calgary clearly is acknowledging that something needed to change, and is looking to their future not just this season. Lindholm was a fantastic player, but with his contract expiring after this season, it was the right move for Calgary.
20. St. Louis Blues (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The Blues are making that push. You feel it in the air, but you also feel that they may not have enough to make it. That could change if they can make a huge move at the deadline, but it’s hard to say at this point. Only time will tell if St. Louis has what it takes to make it into the postseason.
19. Nashville Predators (Previous rank: 18)
The Preds are continuing to fall towards panic mode. They failed to win either of their games this week and the other playoff hopefuls are right on their tail. They’ve already been booted out of the last wild card spot by St Louis, they need to start making up ground and fast, or they’ll find themselves in an early offseason once again.
18. Pittsburgh Penguins (Previous rank: 19)
You have to wonder if the Pens might need to start considering a tear apart as well. Glimpses of the old core are still there (Sidney Crosby is still one of the best players in the world), but the depth that this team once had is nonexistent. They don’t have what it takes to be the Cup contender they used to be. They’re in danger of missing the postseason for the second straight year, they need some sort of hope.
17. Arizona Coyotes (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The Coyotes have done what they needed to do. They made good draft picks, they took their time with prospect development. It’s finally starting to pay off. Even if they miss the playoffs this year, which is still a pretty big if, they have a lot to look forward to in the future.
15. New Jersey Devils (Previous rank: Unchanged)
Had the Devils not underperformed so badly before all of their injuries hit, they may not be in the position they are now. But they did underperform, and now they’re in desperation mode. Playoff hopes are slowly starting to seep from their grasp as they struggle to hold on for their stars’ returns.
15. Detroit Red Wings (Previous rank: Unchanged)
It’s been so long since we’ve seen Detroit be good. It’s almost refreshing, like a call back to an older time in hockey. While they may not be the dominant force they were in the 90’s and early 2000’s, they are a good hockey team once again and it’s a breath of fresh air for Detroit fans who have lived in agony the last few years.
14. Philadelphia Flyers (Previous rank: Unchanged)
Carter Hart’s time as a Flyer is most likely done. With a return to play all but impossible, and his contract expiring at the end of the season, coupled with the fact that his trial could take over a year, it’s unlikely he ever suits up in the orange and black again. This is a crippling blow to the Flyers, who had finally found the goaltender they needed, and were finally on the brink of a playoff spot.
13. Tampa Bay Lightning (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The Bolts know what it takes to make the playoffs, and they continue to show us that. You have to have doubts on how far this weathered core can take them at this rate, but the fact that they are still able to win at a high level and consistently make the playoffs not matter how stacked against them the odds are, is downright impressive.
12. Los Angeles Kings (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The Kings needed a change and a change was made. Head coach Todd McLellan has been relieved of his duties in LA, with Jim Hiller stepping up as the interim until a replacement can be found. This is a huge move for LA, who was in a sink or swim situation after an atrocious January. Will they return to the form that had them such a dominant force in the NHL, or will they continue to fall?
11. Toronto Maple Leafs (Previous rank: Unchanged)
It’s hard to see Toronto going far this year. They just simply don’t have the depth. I’ve been proven wrong many times before though, and this team does still have loads of talent they can rely on. The issue is they rely on it too much though.
10. Carolina Hurricanes (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The Canes may have underperformed through the entire first half of the season, but they’re getting hot at the right time. Hopefully they can continue strutting their stuff and carry this momentum with them, right into the postseason. They have a lot of expectations to meet, and an early exit will not be enough to satisfy them.
9. New York Rangers (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The Rangers at one point looked like a lock to be the best team in the Eastern Conference. Now they find themselves barely holding on to the top spot of the Metro division. So, what happened? Why did they suddenly lose their ability to score goals and win games? It’s hard to say, but they better figure it out quickly.
8. Vegas Golden Knights (Previous rank: Unchanged)
With Adin Hill back from injury it should be safe to say Vegas will be given a spark moving forward. Hill has proven himself one of the best goaltenders in the league, and having him between the pipes will be a confidence booster for sure. This team are the champs for a reason and they want to continue to prove that.
7. Florida Panthers (Previous rank: 5)
The Panthers are gunning for that top Atlantic spot and the only team ahead of them is the team they upset in the playoffs last year. Can Florida rub salt in that wound by usurping Boston and taking their Atlantic division title? Who knows the meltdown that’ll happen if Florida upsets them again?
6. Dallas Stars (Previous rank: 7)
The Stars have found themselves back in second place and a big reason why is their ability to win on the road. They have the third best road record in the NHL and it’s been a huge reason why they’ve been so good this year. If they could improve their home record as well they have a real shot to win the Central division title.
5. Winnipeg Jets (Previous rank: 1)
It’s a bit of a drop for Winnipeg, but their recent skid has once again dropped them to number three in the Central. They’re far from out of the race though, they just need to get their legs back underneath them and they’ll be back off to the races. We’re rooting for you Jets.
4. Colorado Avalanche (Previous rank: 6)
The Avs have taken their spot back on the top of the division. They don’t have a super big lead, but they have a lead, and they have room to build on it. This team is built to win, and winning games is exactly what they’re best at.
3. Edmonton Oilers (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The Oilers are the hottest team in hockey on a sixteen game winning streak. This has been largely in part due the sudden explosion of their top stars. They will be tested in these next coming months as other teams battle and fight for their own playoff positioning. Can Edmonton come out on top, or will they fall once again?
2. Boston Bruins (Previous rank: 1)
The Bruins may be the best choice to win the Atlantic. They’ve consistently staved off any really long skids, and been managing to get points at a fairly consistent level. They hold the top spot of the Eastern Conference as well, but Florida is right on their heels. The margin for error is very small, but Boston is a team you can put your faith in.
1. Vancouver Canucks (Previous rank: 3)
If there was any team that was a lock to have the best record in the West right now, it might be Vancouver. They continue to consistently perform, and now they’ve added Elias Lindholm to their roster. They’re in the lead for the President’s Trophy as well, so they’re definitely a team to look out for this year.
