Dave B’s NHL Power Rankings – UP TO Feb 4th, 2013
Another two weeks have passed in the world of the NHL and predictably in the shortened season, there has been some significant movement in the Power Rankings. There is still one undefeated team, there is some shocking Division leaders and as always there is a share of complete and utter disappointments.
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So, without further adieu, here is Dave B’s bi-weekly edition of the NHL Power Rankings.
1. Chicago Blackhawks (19-0-3) Two Weeks Ago: 1
Unbelievable record-setting start to the season. This team has yet to lose in regulation time. The Hawks just can’t seem to lose. They are absolutely top notch in every aspect of the game – goaltending, defense and up front. They are nine points clear of the next best team in the standings and definitely the #1 team in the league.
2. Anaheim Ducks (15-3-2) Two Weeks Ago: 2
The Ducks have gone 8-1-1 in their last 10 games and are ties for the second best record in the NHL. They have Phoenix twice the next two weeks and should remain top tier. How about Bruce Boudreau for Coach of the Year?
3. Montreal Canadiens (14-4-4) Two Weeks Ago: 6
7-0-3 in their last 10 games and playing some entertaining hockey. Proof was their insane game Saturday against Pittsburgh and following that up with a win against Boston Sunday. The Habs are one of the most complete teams in the NHL and somehow lead the East.
4. Boston Bruins (14-3-2) Two Weeks Ago: 3
Lost for just the third time in Regulation Sunday and still own the best goals against in the NHL. Before that loss was six straight wins. Boston is a scary team – deep and talented all over the rink.
5. Pittsburgh Penguins (14-8-0) Two Weeks Ago: 5
Lost to Carolina and the lowly Panthers last week but are still 6-4 in their last 10 and are in second in the East – and they’ve done it without Evgeni Malkin the last five games. It is hard to imagine the Pens slipping out of the Top 5 this year unless their goaltending continues to let them down.
6. Vancouver Canucks (11-6-4) Two Weeks Ago: 7
The Canucks haven’t been playing that great and still they are third in the West. A win over the Kings may have cured their woes although a loss in Calgary wasn`t great. Still, a look at this team reveals that they are one of the elite and worthy of a top 10 spot in the Rankings.
7. Toronto Maple Leafs (13-9-0) Two Weeks Ago: 9
The Leafs are hanging around and despite a couple of disappointing losses last week, they have gone 6-4 in their last 10 and are sixth in the East. Waiting for the free-fall – still hasn`t happened!
8. Ottawa Senators (12-7-4) Two Weeks Ago: 18
Have been without their three best players and still they are finding ways to win. They have gone 5-3-2 in their last 10 without Karlsson, Spezza and Craig Anderson – impressive.
9. San Jose Sharks (10-6-4) Two Weeks Ago: 17
Seem to have righted the ship after a terrible stretch a couple of weeks ago and have gone 3-4-3 in their last 10. The offense continues to struggle but the defense has been terrific this year.
10. New Jersey Devils (10-6-5) Two Weeks Ago: 4
The Devils are slumping at the moment and have gone just 3-5-2 in their last 10 games. Still, you never can seem to count this team out – they simply find ways to get it done.
11. St. Louis Blues (11-8-2) Two Weeks Ago: 10
Are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games but the losses were against teams like the struggling Sharks, the Avs and the Dallas Starts. The Blues are better than they have been playing and are officially out of the Top 10 for now.
12. Minnesota Wild (11-8-2) Two Weeks Ago: 13
The Wild have gone 6-3-1 in their last 10 games and finally resemble the team we thought they were. To be honest, this team should be top 10 – we`ll see in two weeks. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
13. Carolina Hurricanes (12-8-1) Two Weeks Ago: 11
The Hurricanes have won three straight games and now sit in third place in the East. A 4-1 win against Pittsburgh last week has them solidly in the top 15 and looking to crack the top 10 perhaps in the next couple of weeks.
14. Los Angeles Kings (10-7-2) Two Weeks Ago: 23
The Kings have been playing some smothering defense; they have been scoring just enough and they look like an uber-confident team – sound familiar? They are 7-3-0 in their last 10 games and now have the next five games on home ice.
15. Detroit Red Wings (10-8-4) Two Weeks Ago: 14
Are just 3-4-3 in their last 10 games but have been playing OK. They are a proud franchise – it is hard to put them outside the top 15. They almost did the impossible Sunday – beat the Chicago Blackhawks – almost! Detroit is Detroit.
16. Dallas Stars (11-9-2) Two Weeks Ago: 25
17. Phoenix Coyotes (10-8-3) Two Weeks Ago: 15
18. New York Rangers (10-8-2) Two Weeks Ago: 8
19. Philadelphia Flyers (11-11-1) Two Weeks Ago: 22
20. Winnipeg Jets (10-10-1) Two Weeks Ago: 29
21. Nashville Predators (9-8-5) Two Weeks Ago: 12
22. Edmonton Oilers (8-9-4) Two Weeks Ago: 20
23. Washington Capitals (8-11-1) Two Weeks Ago: 26
24. New York Islanders (9-11-2) Two Weeks Ago: 21
25. Buffalo Sabres (9-12-2) Two Weeks Ago: 19
26. Tampa Bay Lightning (9-11-1) Two Weeks Ago: 16
27. Colorado Avalanche (8-8-4) Two Weeks Ago: 28
28. Calgary Flames (8-8-4) Two Weeks Ago: 24
29. Columbus Blue Jackets (6-12-4) Two Weeks Ago: 27
30. Florida Panthers (6-11-5) Two Weeks Ago: 30
