Dave B’s NHL Power Rankings – February 3, 2014
This is the last week of NHL action before the best of the best head to Sochi to take part in the Olympics. There isn’t a whole lot of change at the top of the Rankings after two weeks – the top dogs just keeping it done and in the case of the Blackhawks – they keep getting to OT but are having issues getting the two point.
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So what does it all mean? Let’s break it all down in Dave B’s bi-weekly edition of the NHL Power Rankings
1. Anaheim Ducks (Two Weeks Ago: 1)
The Ducks have taken a step backward as of late but still lead the overall standings by five points. They are just 6-4 in their last 10 games overall and have actually lost two games at home in regulation the last couple of weeks. Despite the hiccup the Ducks are still the most well-rounded team in the NHL and barely hold on to top spot in the Rankings this week.
2. St. Louis Blues (Two Weeks Ago: 4)
The Blues have won four of their last five games and sit third in the overall standings despite playing fewer games than anyone in the league. They are just 6-4-0 in the last 10 games overall and still have a league-best +60 goal differential. Jaroslav Halak’s bounce-back month has a lot to do with the Blues climbing two spots this week.
3. Chicago Blackhawks (Two Weeks Ago: 2)
The Blackhawks slip one spot on the heels of a 4-4-2 stretch in the last couple of weeks. But they did go 1-0-2 last week – still having their issues getting it done in OT. The Hawks still sit second in the NHL standings but will need to get better defensively or face slipping down the overall standings.
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4. Pittsburgh Penguins (Two Weeks Ago: 3)
The Pens are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games overall and although they haven’t looked like world beaters with losses to Dallas and Phoenix last week. Offensively there is no doubting that this team belongs in the top 5 in the Power Rankings.
5. San Jose Sharks (Two Weeks Ago: 5)
The Sharks fell victim to Ben Scrivens and his 59 save shutout last week – just one of their recent stumbles. Still San Jose is 7-3-0 in their last 10 games overall and have benefitted from the secondary scoring touch of Joe Pavelski in particular. The Sharks maintain their #5 spot this week and are fifth in the NHL overall standings as well.
6. Colorado Avalanche (Two Weeks Ago: 6)
The Avs have gone 8-2-0 in their last 10 games – the best 10-game stretch on anyone in the top 10 in the overall standings. They have won three straight games heading into the week and are just five points out of second overall in the NHL. Colorado has proven to be a streaky team and right now they are certainly in the midst of a good streak.
7. Boston Bruins (Two Weeks Ago: 8)
The Bruins are 7-2-1 in the last 10 games overall and are looking more like the Eastern Conference juggernaut we have come to know. They have won five of their last six games overall and have a four point lead in the Atlantic. Boston is tough and are finally playing like it.
8. Tampa Bay Lightning (Two Weeks Ago: 9)
The Lightning climb this week mostly because all of the other teams in the 8-12 range really struggled last week. Tampa is 5-4-1 in their last 10 games overall but they have won four of their last six. With Steven Stamkos’s return on the horizon, you have to love Tampa’s chances of climbing the ladder after the Olympic break.
9. Toronto Maple Leafs (Two Weeks Ago: 18)
The Leafs have ridden an 8-1-1 streak to tenth overall in the overall standings including three straight wins. Everybody is Hot on this team, Nazem Kadri is scorching, Phil Kessel is showing why he is regarded as one of the best players in the game and Jonathan Bernier continues to anchor a team that is continuously outshot – badly!
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10. LA Kings (Two Weeks Ago: 7)
The Kings can’t score goals! They have a total of just three goals in their last six games and a 29th ranked offense this year – just 2.25 goals per game. The Kings are a miserable 2-7-1 in their last 10 games overall but barely hold on to a top 10 spot because of the talent on this squad.
11. New York Rangers (Two Weeks Ago: 11)
The Rangers have won three straight games and are 7-3-0 in their last 10 games overall. Two wins on the outdoor surface at Yankee Stadium has risen the profile of the Rangers who are knocking on the door of a top 10 spot.
12. Minnesota Wild (Two Weeks Ago: 10)
The Wild were hot a couple of weeks ago but a road trip last week slowed their ascension. They are 5-3-2 in their last 10 games overall and hold on to a spot in the dirty dozen this week. Shockingly they are a -4 goal differential on the season – something that is going to have to change for the Wild to have a chance in the playoffs.
13. Carolina Hurricanes (Two Weeks Ago: 21)
14. Phoenix Coyotes (Two Weeks Ago:15)
15. Vancouver Canucks (Two Weeks Ago: 13)
16. Montreal Canadiens (Two Weeks Ago: 12)
17. Columbus Blue Jackets (Two Weeks Ago: 19)
18. Detroit Red Wings (Two Weeks Ago: 16)
19. Ottawa Senators (Two Weeks Ago: 17)
20. Philadelphia Flyers (Two Weeks Ago: 14)
21. Winnipeg Jets (Two Weeks Ago: 24)
22. Dallas Stars (Two Weeks Ago: 23)
23. Nashville Predators (Two Weeks Ago: 26)
24. Washington Capitals (Two Weeks Ago: 20)
25. Calgary Flames (Two Weeks Ago: 28)
26. New Jersey Devils (Two Weeks Ago: 22)
27. New York Islanders (Two Weeks Ago: 25)
28. Florida Panthers (Two Weeks Ago: 27)
29. Edmonton Oilers (Two Weeks Ago: 30)
30. Buffalo Sabres (Two Weeks Ago: 29)
