Dave B’s NHL Handicapping Tips / Ratings
One week to go in the NHL Regular Season – nearly all of the teams that will vie for Lord Stanley’s Cup have been determined. However, there are still a couple of spots still up in the air – the President’s Trophy has yet to be determined and the final Wild Card Spots have yet to be ironed out.
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It figures to be a chaotic final week as some teams try to position themselves in the standings and others scramble just to get themselves in to the second season.
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. Boston Bruins (Two Weeks Ago: 1)
There is little doubt about which is the top team in the NHL tight now – the Bruins have lost just once in regulation since March 1! They have the best offense in the game, the top goaltending tandem and an offense that is often overlooked. Jarome Iginla’s 30 goals have been a nice surprise for the best all around team in the game. The Bruins are locked in a race for the President’s Trophy and if they don’t rest their players the last week it is hard to imagine anyone leap-frogging them.
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2. St. Louis Blues (Two Weeks Ago: 2)
The Blues barely hold onto #2 mostly because of two bad losses last week – to Chicago and Colorado by a combined 8-2 score. They still sit tops in the West by three points and look solid up and down the lineup – the West’s version of the Bruins. Ryan Miller is 10-4-1 with a 2.15 GAA since coming over in a trade – the only shaky piece on the team has been rectified!
3. San Jose Sharks (Two Weeks Ago: 3)
The Sharks beat the Ducks last week and now sit in a tie for fourth in the overall standings. But they are just 4-4-2 in their last 10 games overall. With teams around them faltering the last couple weeks as well the Sharks hang onto third in the Rankings but face the realization they may have to play the Kings in the first round of the playoffs – yikes!
4. Colorado Avalanche (Two Weeks Ago: 7)
The Avs are 6-2-2 in their last 10 games overall and despite the loss of Matt Duchene until the playoffs; they have found a way to keep winning. Their impressive win over the Blues last week has the upstart Avs knocking on the door of a top 3 spot this week.
5. Chicago Blackhawks (Two Weeks Ago: 5)
The Blackhawks are 6-4-0 in their last 10 games and have won three games in a row despite Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews being sidelined with injuries. Corey Crawford has started to play some good hockey down the stretch allowing two or fewer goals in seven of his last nine starts. The Hawks look good and with a rested Kane and Toews are a threat to repeat!
6. Anaheim Ducks (Two Weeks Ago: 6)
The Ducks lost to the Oilers on Sunday and are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games overall. They certainly have come back to earth but when you possess players like Getzlaf and Perry, you are never far from a top 5 spot. The Ducks still sit third in the overall standings and lead the terrific Pacific but their lead is tenuous at best after an unflattering stretch.
7. Pittsburgh Penguins (Two Weeks Ago: 4)
The Pens haven’t looked great lately – just 5-5-0 in their last 10 games. Health continues to plague the Pens and the uneasiness about Marc-Andre Fleury is a definite thing as we near “collapse-time” for the Pittsburgh keeper.
8. LA Kings (Two Weeks Ago: 8)
The Kings were looking terrific at this time last week but have gone 1-3 in their last four games overall. Drew Doughty is injured and the team is struggling to score – surprise! Thank goodness for Jonathan Quick!
9. Montreal Canadiens (Two Weeks Ago: 9)
The Habs are heating up as we head into the playoffs – perhaps worthy of a higher position in the Rankings. They are 7-1 in their last eight games. Max Pacioretty continues to be excellent – Thomas Vanek has been the difference however.
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10. New York Rangers (Two Weeks Ago: 12)
The Rangers are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games and look good as we head into the final week of the season. Martin St. Louis is the X-factor for this team- if he heats up the Rangers could do some damage in the playoffs.
11. Tampa Bay Lightning (Two Weeks Ago: 11)
Tampa has lost two straight games and are quickly falling out of the race with the Habs for home ice in the first round of the playoffs. They play three of their last four at home and Steve Stamkos look to be back to form.
12. Minnesota Wild (Two Weeks Ago: 13)
The Wild will almost surely be in the playoffs but they haven’t looked great lately – just 5-3-2 in their last 10 games overall. Goal scoring has been the issue – the team is 25th in the NHL in that department. They will need to snap out of that funk – the Ducks or the Sharks will be their first round opponent!
13. Philadelphia Flyers (Two Weeks Ago: 10)
14. Detroit Red Wings (Two Weeks Ago: 14)
15. Columbus Blue Jackets (Two Weeks Ago: 18)
16. Phoenix Coyotes (Two Weeks Ago: 15)
17. Dallas Stars (Two Weeks Ago: 19)
18. Washington Capitals (Two Weeks Ago: 17)
19. Toronto Maple Leafs (Two Weeks Ago: 16)
20. New Jersey Devils (Two Weeks Ago: 21)
21. Carolina Hurricanes (Two Weeks Ago: 24)
22. Winnipeg Jets (Two Weeks Ago: 22)
23. Vancouver Canucks (Two Weeks Ago: 20)
24. Ottawa Senators (Two Weeks Ago: 23)
25. Nashville Predators (Two Weeks Ago: 25)
26. Calgary Flames (Two Weeks Ago: 26)
27. New York Islanders (Two Weeks Ago: 28)
28. Florida Panthers (Two Weeks Ago: 27)
29. Edmonton Oilers (Two Weeks Ago: 29)
30. Buffalo Sabres (Two Weeks Ago: 30)
