Dave B’s NHL Power Rankings – Jan. 22, 2013
NHL Power Rankings – Where Every Team Ranks After Weekend 1
The first weekend of the NHL’s abbreviated season is in the books – nice to have the game we love back isn’t it? While we may not be ready to crown a champion just yet, the first few games offered us a glimpse into what we can maybe expect during this sprint to the finish.
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Most teams have only played 1 game with some playing two – let’s not panic if you are a Flyers, a Canucks or a Rangers fan.
They simply haven’t shown up YET!
Let’s take a look at who impressed and who we should look out for the rest of the way in Dave B’s bi-weekly NHL Power Rankings.
1. Penguins 2-0 -0
No surprise here! The Penguins looked great on the weekend going 4 for 8 on the power play and with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and James Neal combining for eight points in their two games. Unless something drastic happens expect to see the Penguins near the top of the Rankings all season long!
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2. Bruins 1-0 -0
Beat the juggernaut Rangers in their only game of the season so far but looked very good in doing so. Tuukka Rask looked sensational as did the defense ahead of him. The Bruins have dates with the Jets and the Islanders this week – they should be poised to keep their strong start going.
3. Blackhawks 2-0 -0
The Hawks haven’t really been challenged so far in their two games which included an impressive win over the defending champs. Marion Hossa is scorching with four goals and three assists so far. With the offense clicking, the Hawks look like a serious contender in the West.
4. Wild 2-0 -0
Beat Dallas and Colorado over the weekend and look to be living up to the lofty expectations. Zach Parise has three points in two games, Ryan Suter looks solid and Dany Heatley looks reborn. The Wild appear dangerous – we will have to see if it lasts.
5. Blues 1-0 -0
Put up a six spot in their beat down of the Detroit Red Wings in their only game this season. A rookie happened to be the offensive star – Vladimir Terasenko netted two goals along the way and the power play went a stunning 4 for 5. Jaroslav Halak got the shut out for a sneaky team in the West.
6. Lightning 1-0 -0
Destroyed Washington 6-3 in their only game thus far. Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier turned back the clock in that game for the very nice Tampa offense. Anders Lindback looked solid in goal as well for a team that we may have to watch in the East.
7. Sharks 1-0 -0
Did what they were supposed to do in their first game – beat the Calgary Flames 4-1.Patrick Marleau scored twice and Antti Niemi stopped 31 of 32 shots in that game – good signs moving forward for this aging squad.
8. Devils 1-0 -0
The Devils beat the Islanders in their only action this year but held the young opponent to just 19 shots in the game. With solid defense and Martin Brodeur in goal, the Devils crack the top 10 with Philadelphia, Washington and Montreal on the horizon this week.
9. Senators 1-0 -0
The Sens beat a pretty bad Winnipeg team in their only game this yea., Eric Karlsson proved once again that he is one of the most exciting players in the game with a goal and two assists in that game. Craig Anderson stopped 27 of 28 shots which bodes well for a team most feel is middle-of-the-pack.
10. Ducks 1-0 -0
Absolutely have to be in the top 10 after a 7-3 thrashing of the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night. Teemu Selanne had two goals and two assists on Anaheim’s second line and the top line of Getzlaf, Perry and Ryan looked strong as well.
11. Panthers 1-0 -0
Destroyed the rebuilt Carolina Hurricanes 5-1 in their opener – very impressive indeed. Alex Kovalev looked like he cared and Jose Theodore stopped 41 of 42 shots directed his way – who needs Roberto Luongo?
12. Sabres 1-0 -0
Beat the Flyers in their opener thanks to Thomas Vanek who registered 5 points and a power play that went 3 for 6. Ryan Miller will take care of the defensive end – if the offense can keep on ticking, we may be looking at a surprise team in Buffalo.
13. Stars 1-1 -0
Jaromir Jagr registered 4 points in Dallas’s win against Phoenix – incredible! Ray Whitney also looked good for a Stars lineup that has been criticized for being too old. Imagine this team when they gate Jamie Been signed! [soliloquy id=”82219″]
14. Oilers 1-0 -0
Beat the Canucks in a shootout in their only game this year but looked good in the process. The perceived weakness on the team, the defense was serviceable and the offense still has some work to do. That said the Oilers are going to be fun to watch all season long.
15. Maple Leafs 1-0 -0
Ya, ya – they beat a lowly Canadiens team Saturday. I don’t imagine they will be mentioned too much this season – don’t get used to it Leafs fans!
16. Blue Jackets 1-0 -0
17. Predators 0-0 -1
18. Capitals 0-1 -0
19. Avalanche 0-1 -0
20. Canucks 0-1 -1
21. Kings 0-1 -0
22. Rangers 0-2 -0
23. Red Wings 0-1 -0
24. Flyers 0-2 -0
25. Hurricanes 0-1 -0
26. Canadiens 0-1 -0
27. Jets 0-1 -0
28. Coyotes 0-2 -0
29. Flames 0-1 -0
30. Islanders 0-1 -0
