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.
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The top 7 in the Rankings basically remain intact after two weeks while only one new team has climbed into the Dirty Dozen this week.
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 are 9-1-0 in their last 10 games and proved why they are the best with a dominant, yet OT win against Vancouver on Sunday night. That makes 13 wins in 14 games! The Ducks are still unbeaten in regulation at home this year over half way through the season and boast crazy depth in every aspect of the game.
2. Chicago Blackhawks (Two Weeks Ago: 2)
The Blackhawks have gone 6-0-4 in their last 10 games – not lighting it up but still NEVER getting pushed around. Losing three of five would make many teams tumble down the Rankings – not Chicago who is still, on paper, the best team in the NHL.
3. St. Louis Blues (Two Weeks Ago: 5)
The Blues are on a tidy five game win streak despite the absence of Alex Steen – one regulation loss in 13 games! They are third in the overall standings and have three games in hand on second place Chicago and are still own a league-best +55 goal differential.
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4. Pittsburgh Penguins (Two Weeks Ago: 3)
What can we say about the Pens. They keep clicking along and as they get healthier, they get scarier. They have gone 8-2-0 in their last 10 games and still look like the team to beat in the East.
5. Boston Bruins (Two Weeks Ago: 6)
The Bruins are just 6-4 in their last 10 games – mostly against some softer competition but they head to the west coast to prove their worth. Boston jumps back into a familiar Top 5 spot this week.
6. San Jose Sharks (Two Weeks Ago: 7)
The Sharks have come through a very difficult part of their schedule with flying colors – 7-3-0 in their last 10 games overall and in fifth in the overall standings. The Sharks climb one spot this week based on their play against the top dogs in the West.
7. LA Kings (Two Weeks Ago: 4)
The Kings handled the Canucks on Saturday night with ease to put an end to a five game losing streak in a game that saw the return of Jonathan Quick back to the lineup. They are just 4-6-0 in their last 10 overall and are lucky not to have slid further down the Rankings.
8. Tampa Bay Lightning (Two Weeks Ago: 11)
The Lightning have been terrific despite the loss of their best player – but Steven Stamkos doesn’t look far off from return. They are 7-2-1 in their last 10 but a loss to Edmonton Sunday shows that there are cracks even among the best.
9. Colorado Avalanche (Two Weeks Ago: 9)
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The Avs have been up and down the last couple of weeks – a four game losing streak was followed by a current three game win streak. They are 5-2-3 in their last 10 games overall and a win against the Sharks Saturday keeps them in the top 10. Seymon Varlamov is back to form which certainly helps!
10. Vancouver Canucks (Two Weeks Ago: 10)
The Canucks were the hottest team in the league through December but have lost four straight games. Roberto Luongo is getting evaluated again for injury but Eddie Lack made 44 saves against Anaheim Sunday night. Vancouver doesn’t fall this week, but they don’t climb either.
11. Montreal Canadiens (Two Weeks Ago: 8)
The Habs have gone just 5-3-2 in their last 10 games overall – Carey Price and Alex Galchenyuk have struggled which has set this team back. But if they can get Daniele Briere going, Price’s issues will work themselves out and the Habs should remain strong.
12. Detroit Red Wings (Two Weeks Ago: 14)
Barely squeak into the Dirty Dozen this week but they look as though they have gotten over the woes that plagued them up until the Winter Classic. This team is as healthy as they have been all year and should challenge seriously for a playoff spot in the East.
13. Dallas Stars (Two Weeks Ago: 16)
14. Minnesota Wild (Two Weeks Ago: 13)
15. New York Rangers (Two Weeks Ago: 23)
16. Ottawa Senators (Two Weeks Ago: 25)
17. Phoenix Coyotes (Two Weeks Ago:12)
18. Philadelphia Flyers (Two Weeks Ago: 19)
19. Toronto Maple Leafs (Two Weeks Ago: 17)
20. Carolina Hurricanes (Two Weeks Ago: 22)
21. Washington Capitals (Two Weeks Ago: 15)
22. Florida Panthers (Two Weeks Ago: 26)
23. Winnipeg Jets (Two Weeks Ago: 18)
24. New Jersey Devils (Two Weeks Ago: 21)
25. Nashville Predators (Two Weeks Ago: 20)
26. Columbus Blue Jackets (Two Weeks Ago: 24)
27. New York Islanders (Two Weeks Ago: 28)
28. Calgary Flames (Two Weeks Ago: 27)
29. Edmonton Oilers (Two Weeks Ago: 29)
30. Buffalo Sabres (Two Weeks Ago: 30)
