Dave B’s NHL Power Rankings – January 6, 2014
We have just hit the half way point of the NHL season and we are definitely starting to see some separation between the contenders and pretenders in the NHL.
We have just hit the half way point of the NHL season and we are definitely starting to see some separation between the contenders and pretenders in the NHL.
Two more weeks of NHL action is in the books and predictably, there has been a shakeup in the Power Rankings. The Ducks and the Penguins are the hottest teams in the land – the Rankings reflect that, while a few of the early season powers have hit a bit of a hiccup as we approach Christmas.
Two more weeks of NHL action is in the books and as always the weeks have flown by creating a little shakeup in the NHL landscape. The #1 two weeks ago has slid down to #8 while the defending champs have regained top spot. The West reigns supreme again – the top 4 spots all come from the better of the two Conferences.
Two more weeks of NHL action is in the books – time to look at the risers and the fallers. A new top dog has emerged on the heels of a five game win streak while a few former top 5 teams have tumbled down the Rankings due to some recent unflattering play.
Another two weeks of NHL action is in the books and the elite are really starting to separate themselves from the pack. There are still some surprises in the league – just take a look at the Top 2 in this week’s Rankings and some teams that have definitely slipped inexplicably.
Two weeks of NHL action is in the books and what a two weeks it has been. There are still some undefeated teams out there, some complete surprises and some utter disappointments early in the season. Let’s break it all down in Dave B’s bi-weekly edition of the NHL Power Rankings.
The second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs typically offers the least intrigue, but things are about to pick up on the ice as the final four playoff teams battle for a spot in the Stanley Cup Final. The four remaining teams represent the last four Stanley Cup champions, so we know each side possesses a winning pedigree.
With the playoffs in full swing it’s a good time to take a look at the candidates for the upcoming NHL awards before the regular season becomes but a blip in our rear-view mirror. The finalists for each award have been announced, and lines are trickling in at various sportsbooks.
With action underway in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, teams are beginning to approach the finish line of this NHL season.
After falling just short in the Stanley Cup final a year ago, the Vancouver Canucks will fight for another chance at hockey’s ultimate prize, beginning their quest for redemption in the Northwest division.
After three straight years of hosting the Western Conference champions, the Central division sent three teams to the 2011 NHL playoffs once again, but none of them could made it past the second round. The Detroit Red Wings clinched the top spot in the division with 104 points, but both the Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks were right behind them.
Perhaps the most complete team in the NHL a year ago, the Boston Bruins proved they had the depth to overcome significant injuries that would have crippled other teams on their way to clinching a Stanley Cup.
With the majority of their core set to return, the Bruins will look to repeat in a Northeast Division that is expected to be improved overall.
Their toughest challenge in getting back to the top could come from their biggest rivals, the Montreal Canadiens.
On The Rise: Montreal Canadiens
It is easy to forget it now, but the Canadiens actually forced Boston to a seventh game in their opening round series, with the Bruins clinching three of their four wins in overtime.
That was without a healthy Andrei Markov, Josh Gorges, and Max Pacioretty, and in addition to all three of those players expected to return healthy, Montreal also added winger Erik Cole to help bolster their scoring.
With a talented young nucleus that includes goaltender Carey Price and defenseman P.K. Subban looking to take another step forward, the Canadiens have the talent to be a legitimate contender in the Eastern conference if they can put it all together this year.
There may not be another division in the NHL with more uncertainty heading in to the season than the Atlantic, where all five teams are in the midst of transition.
Hockey fans in Winnipeg are thrilled to have an NHL franchise back in town, but the euphoria that has taken over the city could be tempered by a couple of Eastern Conference contenders that will look to make sure that the Jets’ return flight isn’t a smooth one.
NHL news: Nikolai Khabibulin heads to jail
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin is off to jail. He was originally trying to appeal his 30-day sentence for extreme drunk driving.
NHL news: Jets unveil new logo
The Winnipeg Jets unveiled their new logo over the weekend.