Dave B’s NHL Power Rankings – UP TO March 18th, 2013
Well, the rich just keep getting richer and unfortunately, the poor just keep getting poorer in the world of the NHL. This week there is little change at the top and at the bottom but there is some differences in the middle of the pack.
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Chicago is being challenged greatly but still maintains top spot and the Ducks keep waddling along. Watch out for the Pens as well – they may be your #1 when the next edition of the Power Rankings comes out in two weeks!
So, without further adieu, here is Dave B’s bi-weekly edition of the NHL Power Rankings.
1. Chicago Blackhawks (23-2-3) Two Weeks Ago: 1
The historic run keeps on clipping along. Sure they lost twice in the last couple weeks but who outside of the Penguins hasn’t? What is most impressive about this team is the goaltending and the contributions they are getting from names like Brandon Saad and Victor Stalberg – the top guys are still amazing but the supporting cast is great too.
2. Anaheim Ducks (20-3-4) Two Weeks Ago: 2
The Ducks are 7-0-3 in their last 10 games and are still second overall in the NHL standings. They have always had talent but Bruce Boudreau has found a way to bring it all together. They are the only team close to the Hawks in the standings and are a deserving #2 because of that.
3. Pittsburgh Penguins (2-8-0) Two Weeks Ago: 5
The Pens are finally in top spot in the East! And they have finally leap-frogged the Canadiens and Bruins in the Power Rankings. They have won nine straight games and in the last five have given up just five total goals. They are hot on offense and defense and are getting it done without a guy named Evgeni Malkin – impressive!
4. Montreal Canadiens (19-5-4) Two Weeks Ago: 3
The Habs are 7-1-2 in their last 10 games and are playing very well at both ends of the rink. Those waiting for the drop-off may be waiting a while. Coach Michel Therein has this team believing – he has me believing too!
5. Boston Bruins (19-4-3) Two Weeks Ago: 4
The Bruins are still the best goals against team in the NHL and they have proven to be one of the most solid teams in the NHL – top to bottom. Nobody wants to play this team right now – nobody!
6. St. Louis Blues (16-10-2) Two Weeks Ago: 11
The Blues are 6-4-0 in their last 10 but are trending upward after 3 straight wins. Rookie Jake Allen has been masterful in goal – that’s all the Blues need is another quality keeper! Offensively Chris Stewart has been incredible. Now if they could just avoid the road for the rest of the season!
7. Minnesota Wild (15-10-2) Two Weeks Ago: 12
Don’t look now but the Minnesota Wild have figured a few things out. They are 7-3-0 in their last 10 games and have overtaken the Canucks for first in the Northwest! They are starting to score some goals finally which has helped along their ascension up the Rankings.
8. Ottawa Senators (14-8-6) Two Weeks Ago: 8
I don’t get it! Despite key injuries the Sens still sit 6th overall in the NHL. They beat the Rangers, Buffalo and Winnipeg last week and took Boston and Montreal to a shootout. Imagine this team if Spezza, Karlsson and Craig Anderson were healthy!
9. Los Angeles Kings (15-10-2) Two Weeks Ago: 14
The Kings have gone 6-4 in their last 10 games but are still playing OK despite Jonathan Quick looking average. This team is good top to bottom and barring disaster should remain top 10 this season.
10. Carolina Hurricanes (15-11-1) Two Weeks Ago: 13
The Hurricanes have gone 6-3-1 the last 10 games and have lost to some struggling teams – the Lightning being one! Cam Ward is still injured and the team hasn’t lost any ground – the sign of a great team! The Canes play in a pretty weak division and look like the most talented of the bunch – by far!
11. Vancouver Canucks (13-8-6) Two Weeks Ago: 6
The Canucks haven’t looked great as of late but they still have to be viewed as an elite NHL team. They are 3-5-2 in their last 10 games and the previously solid offense has dried up. It won’t last – that’s why I have them at #11.
12. Detroit Red Wings (14-10-5) Two Weeks Ago: 15
The Wings have gone 5-3-2 in their last 10 games and are looking good considering the players they lost. They have destroyed the Canucks twice the last couple of weeks and with players like Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, I expect this team to rise in the Rankings going forward. [ad-4437448]
13. Toronto Maple Leafs (15-12-2) Two Weeks Ago: 7
The Leafs have lost five straight games and look nothing like the confident bunch that too the league by storm. They should be a playoff team but a short-lived one!
14. Winnipeg Jets (15-11-2) Two Weeks Ago: 20
The Jets look legit! They have gone 6-3-1 in their last 10 games and have beaten some good teams along the way. It may just be a momentum thing but Winnipeg could ride the wave of their rabid fans into the playoffs.
15. New Jersey Devils (13-10-6) Two Weeks Ago: 10
The Devils have not looked good the last couple of weeks – Martin Brodeur is everything to that team. They are still a playoff caliber team and with Brodeur looking like he is ready to return, the Devils are Top 15 due to optimism alone!
16. San Jose Sharks (12-9-6) Two Weeks Ago: 9
17. New York Rangers (13-12-2) Two Weeks Ago: 18
18. New York Islanders (13-12-3) Two Weeks Ago: 24
19. Phoenix Coyotes (13-11-4) Two Weeks Ago: 17
20. Philadelphia Flyers (13-15-1) Two Weeks Ago: 19
21. Calgary Flames (11-11-4) Two Weeks Ago: 28
22. Edmonton Oilers (11-11-6) Two Weeks Ago: 22
23. Dallas Stars (12-12-3) Two Weeks Ago: 16
24. Nashville Predators (11-12-6) Two Weeks Ago: 21
25. Columbus Blue Jackets (11-12-6) Two Weeks Ago: 29
26. Washington Capitals (11-15-1) Two Weeks Ago: 23
27. Colorado Avalanche (10-13-4) Two Weeks Ago: 27
28. Tampa Bay Lightning (12-15-1) Two Weeks Ago: 26
29. Buffalo Sabres (10-14-4) Two Weeks Ago: 25
30. Florida Panthers (7-16-6) Two Weeks Ago: 30
