Dave B’s NHL Power Rankings – April 15
Two weeks left in the NHL’s Regular Season and things are really heating up as the Power Players flex their muscle, the bubble teams scramble for a playoff spot and the weaker teams in the NHL look toward next year.
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Injuries and trade deadline moves have ensured a minor shake-up in the Rankings this week but outside of that, there hasn’t been a ton of change over the past two weeks – except for the mighty rise of the Washington Capitals!
So, without further adieu, here is Dave B’s bi-weekly edition of the NHL Power Rankings.
1. Chicago Blackhawks (32-5-4) Two Weeks Ago: 3
The Hawks have really suffered no hiccups all season long – they have been consistently good, they have locked up the Central and are only a few games away from wrapping up the West. How about the defense and goaltending – just 1.98 goals against per game all season long. They have no holes and are #1 again!
2. Pittsburgh Penguins (32-10-0) Two Weeks Ago: 1
Injuries to Sidney Crosby and James Neal have affected this team a bit but the new acquisitions – Jussi Jokinen, Jarome Iginla and Brenden Morrow have fit in very well. They are 5-4-1 in their last 10 overall but they still look like the class of the East.
3. Montreal Canadiens (26-10-5) Two Weeks Ago: 2
The Habs just can’t seem to beat the Maple Leafs and it may be a first round playoff series! Still Montreal is 6-4-0 in their last 10, they have the fourth best record in the NHL and they are somehow holding off the Bruins. Things are good in Montreal – in all aspects of the game.
4. Anaheim Ducks (27-10-5) Two Weeks Ago: 6
The Ducks have lost two straight games and are in danger of falling out of the top 5. Still, with the league’s third best record and a talented lineup they are #4 but a perilous one at that!
5. Boston Bruins (26-11-4) Two Weeks Ago: 5
The Bruins are just 5-4-1 but lost to the Islanders and Hurricanes this past week. They have been playing without their top two scorers however – Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron – good thing for Jaromir Jagr!
6. Los Angeles Kings (24-14-4) Two Weeks Ago: 10
The Kings are starting to put it all together – 6-2-2 in their last 10 games. The defending champs still have the talent to contend and if not for a hot start by Anaheim, they might be Pacific Division champs this year.
7. Vancouver Canucks (23-12-6) Two Weeks Ago: 7
The Canucks let one get away Saturday against the hapless Avs but they are finally starting to score – 18 goals in their last five games. Jason Garrison is finally looking like a difference maker and the return of Ryan Kesler has really made a difference for this squad.
8. Toronto Maple Leafs (23-13-5) Two Weeks Ago: 8
The Leafs made a big statement with a 5-1 win over the Habs on Saturday. They are a PLAYOFF TEAM – seriously and are getting contributions from everyone in the lineup. How about James Reimer?
9. San Jose Sharks (21-13-7) Two Weeks Ago: 11
The Sharks are ramping it up again – 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. Brent Burns’ return from injury has really made a difference to this club – size, speed and good defense have returned at precisely the right time for the Sharks!
10. Washington Capitals (23-17-2) Two Weeks Ago: 21
Have won seven straight games and are 8-1-1 in their last 10 overall. The Caps are the hottest team in the NHL and Alex Ovechkin has silenced his legion of critics – 27 goals this year leads the NHL. The Caps now lead the Southeast but have a tough schedule down the stretch.
11. Ottawa Senators (21-14-6) Two Weeks Ago: 9
Lost four in a row but have snapped back with two straight wins. This team is certainly resilient! Milan Michalek and Craig Anderson are back from injury which gives this team a huge boost indeed! [ad-4437448]
12. New York Rangers (21-16-4) Two Weeks Ago: 20
The Rangers have looked like a different team since the trade deadline and now they have perhaps the easiest schedule in the NHL down the stretch. New York is suddenly a dangerous team after an average regular season.
13. Minnesota Wild (22-16-3) Two Weeks Ago: 4
The Wild are a struggling bunch – losers of six of their last seven games has them falling out of the Northwest Division race. If they don’t pick it up soon they may just fall out of a playoff spot! The Achilles heel has resurfaced – the team can’t seem to score.
14. St. Louis Blues (23-16-2) Two Weeks Ago: 13
Have lost two straight games but are still 6-4-0 in their last 10 games. Brian Elliot’s return from injury has been a triumphant one and has boosted the Blues. They get six of their last seven games on home ice with the lone road game in Colorado.
15. Dallas Stars (21-17-3) Two Weeks Ago: 22
The Stars are on fire – five straight wins has them right back in the thick of the playoff race. Oh how they wish they hadn’t traded Brenden Morrow, Derek Roy and Jaromir Jagr!
16. Detroit Red Wings (20-15-7) Two Weeks Ago: 12
17. New York Islanders (21-16-5) Two Weeks Ago: 18
18. Columbus Blue Jackets (19-16-7) Two Weeks Ago: 15
19. Phoenix Coyotes (18-16-7) Two Weeks Ago: 24
20. Edmonton Oilers (16-18-7) Two Weeks Ago: 17
21. Tampa Bay Lightning (17-22-3) Two Weeks Ago: 26
22. Winnipeg Jets (21-19-2) Two Weeks Ago: 16
23. Buffalo Sabres (18-19-6) Two Weeks Ago: 28
24. Philadelphia Flyers (17-21-3) Two Weeks Ago: 25
25. New Jersey Devils (15-16-10) Two Weeks Ago: 14
26. Nashville Predators (15-20-8) Two Weeks Ago: 23
27. Carolina Hurricanes (17-22-2) Two Weeks Ago: 19
28. Colorado Avalanche (14-22-6) Two Weeks Ago: 29
29. Calgary Flames (16-21-4) Two Weeks Ago: 27
30. Florida Panthers (13-22-6) Two Weeks Ago: 30
