NHL Power Rankings: Bruins Claim The Top Spot

Welcome back to another edition of NHL Power Rankings here at Full Press Hockey for this season. 

The NHL’s regular season is passed the quarter mark of the season and things are getting very interesting as teams that were off to hot starts are coming back to Earth. And then there are the old reliable teams that were looking to find their way and have making charges up the standings. Things are only going to pick up after the holiday break and freeze. But there is still work to do for the teams at the top as nothing is guaranteed in life except for death and taxes.

On the other side of the ledger, we already know what teams are already out of the playoffs and looking toward next year. Then there are those teams on the bubble still in contention, but if the losing keeps up will find themselves, sellers, at the deadline.

Time to dive into the NHL Power Rankings and find out where these teams stand after a week off.

NHL Power Rankings

1. Boston Bruins (Previous Ranking 2) 

The Boston Bruins are the most complete team in the NHL right now. No surprise they are number in this week’s NHL Power Rankings. Could have happened sooner quite frankly. They are getting contributions from everyone. 15-0-1 at home, it doesn’t get any better than that. You know they will hit the skids soon, but it is not out of the question Boston makes a deep run this year.

2. Toronto Maple Leafs (Previous Ranking 4) 

Still, cautious optimism in Toronto as the Maple Leafs have collected at least a point in 15 straight games. The Maple Leafs have won four games in a row and the core four are playing well. Defensively they are great as well. And all eyes are on Mitch Marner and how long his point streak can last. Currently up to 23 games.

3. Tampa Bay Lightning (Previous Ranking 6) 

The Lightning continues to show they are not slowing down. Too much hockey, what is that? Their top players look healthy and Steven Stamkos has quietly put together a 14-game point streak. Players are adjusting to their new roles. This team is not slowing down.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins (Previous Ranking 11) 

Just when you think you have counted out the Penguins, here they come again. Winners of six straight games and right back into the thick of things in the Metro Division. Sidney Crosby continues to show why he is one of the best players in the NHL.

5. New Jersey Devils (Previous Ranking 1) 

The Devils have it the skids for the first time since the beginning of the year. New Jersey has lost three in a row for the first time all season as the team comes back to Earth. The first sign of adversity all season, let’s see how the young Devils handle it. Nothing is given even with that 13-game winning streak.

6. Vegas Golden Knights (Previous Ranking 3) 

Another team that had early season success, and they are getting hit in the mouth with some adversity as well. Though Vegas is still looking strong. It is on the backs of the old guard of the Golden Misfits that is getting the job done.

7. Carolina Hurricanes (Previous Ranking 7) 

The Hurricanes continue to march along to the beat of their own drum. While they are favourites to win a Stanley Cup, they always fly under the radar. Pyotr Kochetkov’s incredible season continues for the Hurricanes, he has taken the number one job in Carolina.

8. Winnipeg Jets (Previous Ranking 5) 

The Jets have come back to Earth in a tough Central Division. Two straight losses drop them out of the top 10. The top players continue to be their best players and Josh Morrissey has to be in the conversation for the Norris Trophy.

9. Seattle Kraken (Previous Ranking 8) 

6-4-0 over their last 10 games is not the worst thing in the world. Seattle has definitely slowed down their pace from earlier in the season. But the keys to success for Seattle remain the same rock-solid defence and goaltending leads to goal scoring.

10. Dallas Stars (Previous Ranking 10) 

The Stars have won three of their last four games. Dallas is looking strong getting depth scoring. Roope Hintz has picked it up since he signed his new deal. Though Jason Robertson has cooled off, the rest of the team is stepping up and that is a good thing for Dallas.

11. Colorado Avalanche (Previous Ranking 15) 

The Avalanche have definitely been hit by the injury bug for sure. However, some of those players are coming back and this team is still in really good shape. It is on the depth scoring to get it done now.

12. New York Rangers ( Previous Ranking 17) 

With four wins in a row, the Rangers are sitting in the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. They are playing really well after the little adjustments Gerard Gallant made. Sometimes all you need is a little patience.

13. Minnesota Wild (Previous Ranking 13) 

Just when you think you have solved teams in this league, they flipped the script. Like the Minnesota Wild. 7-3-0 in their last 10 games. Winners of two straight and looking strong again as they try to extend their playoff streak. Matt Boldy is picking up his game alongside Kirill Kaprizov, Mats Zuccarello, and goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury.

14. Edmonton Oilers (Previous Ranking 18) 

Nice four-spot jump for the Oilers this week. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continue to provide the offence. However, their depth scoring is stepping up over their recent stretch of 7-3-0. Here is hoping Jack Campbell is finding the confidence he needs to be the starter.

15. Washington Capitals (Previous Ranking 24) 

The biggest movers of the week are the Washington Capitals. Like the Penguins just when you thought they were out, they are back in it. Charlie Lindgren is playing well and the Capitals have won five straight games. Oh yeah, Alex Ovechkin just joined the 800-goal club.

16. New York Islanders (Previous Ranking 9) 

The biggest issue for the Islanders all season long is scoring goals on a consistent nightly basis. One night they pot six another night two. This team needs a goal scorer to solve their problems.

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17. Calgary Flames (Previous Ranking 16) 

The Flames are still looking for consistency in their game. Jonathan Huberdeau appears to be finally settled. But defensively this team misses Oliver Kylington. Let’s see if that win by Jacob Markstrom get his confidence back.

18. Los Angeles Kings (Previous Ranking 14) 

Los Angeles is right there in the thick of things in the Pacific Division. Just imagine if their defensive numbers were better. A negative (-12) goal differential is not going to get it done if they want to make the playoffs.

19. Florida Panthers (Previous Ranking 19) 

Florida is one of those teams trying to find their game again. After last year’s domination, it is good for them to come back to Earth and find ways to win hockey games. Matthew Tkachuk has been excellent, but maybe the coach might not have been the right choice.

20. Nashville Predators (Previous Ranking 16) 

Nashville is just too inconsistent. One week they look great another week they look awful. The Predators are at a turning point in their season. They have to get it together if they want to make the playoffs in a tough Western Conference.

21. Ottawa Senators (Previous Ranking 27) 

The Senators are playing great right now. They are 7-2-1 over their last 10 games and have won three in a row. All aspects of their game are clicking and as Brady Tkachuk said they are only getting better.

22. Buffalo Sabres (Previous Ranking 23) 

It is fun to watch Buffalo Sabres hockey again. Just look at all the young talent they have led by Tage Thompson. This kid is on fire as he has propelled the Sabres to victory it feels like every night.

23. Montreal Canadiens (Previous Ranking 23) 

The Canadiens are a fun team to watch. The dynamic duo of Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki is a thing of beauty. Montreal is in the thick of things. The question will be can they remain in this position later on in the season? But right now playing better than expected.

24. Vancouver Canucks (Previous Ranking 25) 

Despite all the outside noise of Bo Horvat looking to be traded and Brock Boeser potentially being moved, the Canucks are in striking distance of the final wild-card spot in the West. Spencer Martin is holding his own filling in for Thatcher Demko.

25. St. Louis Blues (Previous Ranking 20) 

The Blues are such a strange team. They are so hard to figure out. Too many inconsistencies in their game. Not to mention the second and third periods have not been kind to the Blues. Too many periods of giving up three or more goals has really hurt this team.

26. Detroit Red Wings (Previous Ranking 21) 

Detroit is hanging on in the Eastern Conference as they plug away to make a return trip to the playoffs. However, the Red Wings have burned another four-game losing streak in their season. You only get so many.

27. San Jose Sharks (Previous Ranking 29) 

The Sharks are on the cusp of being out of the playoffs. San Jose is doing their best to hang on, but it probably will not happen. However, Erik Karlsson continues to have a fantastic season. Timo Meier is only raising his stock as well.

28. Arizona Coyotes (Previous Ranking 26) 

The Coyotes are doing their best in a tough situation. Two of their last three games have been wins. And Clayton Keller is showing no signs of slowing down offensively. He is a bright spot in the desert this year.

29. Chicago Blackhawks (Previous Ranking 28) 

Nobody really knows what Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews will do, but they will start talking to the Blackhawks once the calendar turns to 2023.

30. Philadelphia Flyers (Previous Ranking 30) 

The one thing about the Flyers is they will never quit under John Tortorella. Wins may be hard to come by this year in Philadelphia, but hard work won’t be. Those in Philly will be in for a long season.

31. Columbus Blue Jackets (Previous Ranking 31) 

The Blue Jackets are definitely playing for next season. However, Patrik Laine is showing signs of his old self. Seven points in his last four games will do it. His play has allowed Jack Rosolovic to play better too.

32. Anaheim Ducks (Previous Ranking 32) 

There is not much to say here except for the Ducks are really a bad team. It sure seems like Anaheim is tanking for Connor Bedard and John Klingberg has to be wondering why he signed in Anaheim. He might be wishing he took that deal in Dallas now.

 

That does it for this edition of NHL Power Rankings… Stay Tuned more another edition of NHL Power Rankings next week.