Dave B’s NHL Power Rankings – UP TO Feb 4th, 2013
NHL Power Rankings – February 4
Three weeks are gone in the NHL’s abbreviated season and my how things have changed. With 3-4 games for each of the NHL clubs per week, every two weeks will be fluid as can be in Dave B’s bi-weekly Power Rankings.
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This edition reflects that fact – some of the projected middle of the road teams are near the top and some of the previously regarded power house teams are middle-of-the-pack of lower – you gotta love this game!
So, without further adieu, here is Dave B’s bi-weekly edition of the NHL Power Rankings.
1. San Jose Sharks (7-0-1) Two Weeks Ago: 7
Patrick Marleau leads the league in goals (nine) and points (14) while teammate Joe Thornton leads in assists (11) and the team has allowed just 13 goals against so far! While the last three games have been decided in shootouts there is no denying that the Sharks are the powerhouse of the West at the moment.
2. Chicago Blackhawks (7-0-2) Two Weeks Ago: 3
Are 5-0-2 on the road this season – amazing! The scoring has been well spread out (12 players have at least one goal) and Corey Crawford has been sensational. If Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook ever woke up – look out!
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3. Tampa Bay Lightning (6-2-0) Two Weeks Ago: 6
The Lightning have been arguably the most impressive team in the NHL so far averaging 4.88 goals per game. Their scoring has been balanced – five players average more than a point per game and they have been blowing teams out for the most part so far. Tampa is #3 with no signs of slowing down.
4. St. Louis Blues (6-2-0) Two Weeks Ago: 5
Some expected the Blues to take a step back this year but that’s simply not happening. Strange considering that their superb goaltending tandem has just a .895 save percentage so far. Halak has been placed on IR – so the Blues have some work to do in order to stay top 5.
5. Boston Bruins (6-1-1) Two Weeks Ago: 2
Tuukka Rask has been terrific making most forget about Tim Thomas. The offense has truly been a committee attack – if the power play gets going (3 for 30) the Bruins could ascend to top 3.
6. Montreal Canadiens (6-2-0) Two Weeks Ago: 26
Not sure if anyone saw the Canadiens coming this year but they are here and they are playing some good hockey. With PK Subban back in the fold and Max Pacioretty back from injury the Canadiens appear legit. Andrei Markov is a true difference maker for this team and Carey Price is…. well… Carey Price.
7. Pittsburgh Penguins (6-3-0) Two Weeks Ago: 1
The Pens didn’t look great at the beginning of last week but they have rebounded nicely with three straight wins in which they outscored the opposition 14-4. The biggest surprise may be the fact that the Penguins currently sit outside the top 5 in the Rankings.
8. Anaheim Ducks (5-1-1) Two Weeks Ago: 10
The Ducks are finally more than just a one line team. It’s not just bout Getzlaf, Perry and Ryan, although they have been good – names like Daniel Winnik, Nick Bononi, Kyle Palmeri and of course Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne have contributed as well.
9. Ottawa Senators (5-3-1) Two Weeks Ago: 9
Got the worst news possible when Jason Spezza was lost to back surgery – two losses in a row since the news. But defenseman Erik Karlsson makes this team a serious threat and Craig Anderson has been absolutely on fire between the pipes – a .964 save percentage so far this season. Expect the Sens to fall out of the top 10 but not just yet.
10. New Jersey Devils (4-1-3) Two Weeks Ago: 8
Have only one regulation loss in eight games but they just can’t seem to win in the shootout. They are healthy and are a decent team but barely sit inside of the top 10.
11. Edmonton Oilers (4-3-1) Two Weeks Ago: 14
We just don’t know what we are going to get with this young club – so good one night and so bad the next. Despite all the talent on this team they have scored three or more goals just once this season. But the talent is there!
12. Vancouver Canucks (4-2-2) Two Weeks Ago: 20
The Canucks’ have been getting it done thanks to Roberto Luongo – the #2 goaltender in the NHL so far, and without the Sedins who have one assist combined in their last four games. Still, the Canucks are still a powerhouse that WILL emerge at some point of the season.
13. New York Islanders (4-3-1) Two Weeks Ago: 30
Have had a tough schedule to start the season but it relaxes substantially over the next two weeks. Their power play is clicking along at 30% and the Isles are no longer just a one trick pony. Top 15 for now – but for how long? [soliloquy id=”82219″]
14. New York Rangers (4-4-0) Two Weeks Ago: 3
The Rangers were slow out of the gate but have come on as of late. Still, with the talent on this team they have to be viewed as underachievers. Ryan Callahan is out a couple more weeks but Henrik Lundqvist seems to be back to his old form. Until they see some secondary scoring the Rangers will be middle-of-the-pack.
15. Detroit Red Wings (3-2-1) Two Weeks Ago: 23
The Red Wings have overcome injuries and retirements and have actually played very well. Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg are absolutely carrying this team right now!
16. Phoenix Coyotes (3-4-2) Two Weeks Ago: 28
17. Minnesota Wild (4-3-1) Two Weeks Ago: 4
18. Colorado Avalanche (4-4-0) Two Weeks Ago: 19
19. Toronto Maple Leafs (4-4-0) Two Weeks Ago: 15
20. Nashville Predators (3-2-3) Two Weeks Ago: 17
21. Buffalo Sabres (3-5-1) Two Weeks Ago: 12
22. Los Angeles Kings (2-3-2) Two Weeks Ago: 21
23. Columbus Blue Jackets (3-5-1) Two Weeks Ago: 30
24. Carolina Hurricanes (3-4-0) Two Weeks Ago: 25
25. Winnipeg Jets (3-4-1) Two Weeks Ago: 27
26. Dallas Stars (3-5-1) Two Weeks Ago: 13
27. Philadelphia Flyers (3-6-0) Two Weeks Ago: 24
28. Calgary Flames (1-3-2) Two Weeks Ago: 29
29. Florida Panthers (3-5-0) Two Weeks Ago: 11
30. Washington Capitals (2-6-1) Two Weeks Ago: 18
