Dave B’s NHL Power Rankings – February 25, 2014
The Olympic Break is over – hockey fans were treated to quite a two weeks in Sochi but it is time to rein everything in and get back to the reality that is the NHL chase for the Stanley Cup.
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As we enter the stretch drive, playoff races have tightened up – a quick start after the two week break will be absolutely essential for a number of NHL squads.
The cream keeps rising to the top, the middling teams continued to look average before the Olympics and the bottom-dwellers – they continued to disappoint their fans as we headed into Sochi. Pre-Olympic results could all be forgotten with a stellar stretch run!
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. St. Louis Blues (Two Weeks Ago: 2)
The Blues had 10 players head to Sochi – it may be tough for this team to retain their momentum. But with one regulation loss in their last eight games and three games in hand over the two teams sandwiching them atop the overall standings the Blues look like the toughest team in a stellar Western Conference.
2. Pittsburgh Penguins (Two Weeks Ago: 4)
The Pens have two games in hand over league overall leader Anaheim and third place Chicago and went 6-3-1 in their 10 games prior to the break. This team has conquered a rash of injuries and is still the beast in the East. They come back to action with a stunning 16 point lead in the Metropolitan Division.
3. Chicago Blackhawks (Two Weeks Ago: 3)
The Blackhawks went just 4-3-3 in the 10 games prior to the break but did go 3-1-1 in their last five. One reason they aren’t atop the Rankings? Their 1-9 record in their last 10 shootouts – amazing. There is no rest for the returning Olympians – the Rangers, the Pens and the Avs are on deck their first week back.
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4. Anaheim Ducks (Two Weeks Ago: 1)
The Ducks still sit atop the NHL overall standings but they didn’t been play like world-beaters the 10 games before the break – just 5-5-0 – three straight losses before the break while getting shut out twice. But Anaheim has consistently been the best team in the NHL ALL SEASON long and is a good bet to rebound when we return to action.
5. Boston Bruins (Two Weeks Ago: 7)
The Bruins are 8-1-2 in the last 11 games overall and are looking more like the Eastern Conference juggernaut we have come to know. They get Zdeno Chara back from his Olympic honor for what is sure to be a long playoff run. Boston is coming on offensively – at least 35 shots in each of their last 11 games – impressive.
6. San Jose Sharks (Two Weeks Ago: 5)
The Sharks entered the break on a two game win streak but were just 6-4-0 in their 10 games before the Olympics. The break came at just the right time for a San Jose team that should challenge for a top 5 spot in the Rankings the rest of the way.
7. Colorado Avalanche (Two Weeks Ago: 6)
The Avs went 5-2-0 in their seven games prior to the break and although they have taken a small step backward there is no denying the talent and the excitement this team brings to the rink every night. Colorado is for real – as balanced and as well coached as any team in the West.
8. Toronto Maple Leafs (Two Weeks Ago: 9)
The Leafs went 11-2-1 in their 14 games prior to the break – the hottest team in the NHL. Phil Kessel was terrific in the Olympics and should pick up right where he left off and Dave Bolland is scheduled to get back in the lineup soon which makes this team a whole lot better. The Leafs are in a familiar battle for a playoff spot but there is no taking away the stellar results as of late.
9. New York Rangers (Two Weeks Ago: 11)
The Rangers are 11-4 in their last 15 games overall and beat the juggernaut Penguins before the break. Rick Nash has finally woken up and Henrik Lundqvist, off a superb Olympic run looks to be back in form. New York is a dangerous team in the East suddenly – a team to keep your eyes on!
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10. Montreal Canadiens (Two Weeks Ago: 16)
The Habs went 5-1-1 in their seven games prior to the break and like the Rangers have a goaltender that only cemented his status as an elite guy during the Olympics. Like all good teams the Habs managed to bounce back from a miserable stretch – a three game win streak before the Olympics has them barely in the Top 10.
11. Tampa Bay Lightning (Two Weeks Ago: 8)
The fact that Steven Stamkos was forced to sit out the Olympics may have been a blessing for this team. The teams slips in the Rankings because of their 5-5 record in their last 10 games but you have to like the Lightning to improve drastically once the best player on their team is able to return.
12. Minnesota Wild (Two Weeks Ago: 12)
The Wild went 6-2-2 before the Olympic break and climbed to eleventh in the overall standings. The team has been battling injuries and a huge question mark in the form of Josh Harding but the break may have benefitted this team more than any other. Minnesota entered the break HOT – hopes are that they can keep it up as we head down the stretch.
13. LA Kings (Two Weeks Ago: 10)
14. Philadelphia Flyers (Two Weeks Ago: 20)
15. Phoenix Coyotes (Two Weeks Ago:14)
16. Dallas Stars (Two Weeks Ago: 22)
17. Columbus Blue Jackets (Two Weeks Ago: 17)
18. Carolina Hurricanes (Two Weeks Ago: 13)
19. Detroit Red Wings (Two Weeks Ago: 18)
20. Ottawa Senators (Two Weeks Ago: 19)
21. Winnipeg Jets (Two Weeks Ago: 21)
22. Washington Capitals (Two Weeks Ago: 24)
23. New Jersey Devils (Two Weeks Ago: 26)
24. Vancouver Canucks (Two Weeks Ago: 15)
25. Nashville Predators (Two Weeks Ago: 23)
26. Calgary Flames (Two Weeks Ago: 25)
27. Edmonton Oilers (Two Weeks Ago: 29)
28. New York Islanders (Two Weeks Ago: 27)
29. Florida Panthers (Two Weeks Ago: 28)
30. Buffalo Sabres (Two Weeks Ago: 30)
