Dave B’s NHL Power Rankings – December 23, 2013
Two more weeks of NHL action is in the books and predictably, there has been a shakeup in the Power Rankings. The Ducks and the Penguins are the hottest teams in the land – the Rankings reflect that, while a few of the early season powers have hit a bit of a hiccup as we approach Christmas.
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Let’s break it all down in Dave B’s bi-weekly edition of the NHL Power Rankings
1. Anaheim Ducks (Two Weeks Ago: 2)
The Ducks are absolutely on fire. They have won eight straight and have picked up a point in 10 straight games. Anaheim leads the NHL standings and with the trio of Corey Perry (22 goals and 18 assists), Ryan Getzlaf (19 goals and 24 assists) and Dustin Penner (10 goals and 14 assists), it is hard to imagining this team slowing down.
2. Chicago Blackhawks (Two Weeks Ago: 1)
The Blackhawks are just 5-3-2 in their last 10 games and are coming off a disappointing shootout loss of the Canucks. Still, the Hawks are the deepest team in the NHL. Need further proof? With Corey Crawford out with injury, backup goaltender is 7-1-1 with a 2.22 goals against average this season.
3. Pittsburgh Penguins (Two Weeks Ago: 7)
The Pens have gone 9-1-0 in their last 10 games and now sit in third place in the NHL overall standings – two points behind the Ducks. Five of their top six defensemen are sidelined with injuries and Evgeni Malkin is still on the shelf as well and the Pens keep winning – unreal!
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4. LA Kings (Two Weeks Ago: 4)
The Kings are also dealing with injuries – the loss of Jonathan Quick was thought to be the one that would have set this team back. But the Kings are 9-1-0 in their last 10 games and backup goaltender Martin Jones is 8-0-0 with an unfathomable 0.98 GAA. Size, speed, talent and depth have the Kings in the #4 spot again this week.
5. St. Louis Blues (Two Weeks Ago: 8)
The Blues are on a two game win streak but have gone 6-3-1 in their last 10 games overall. They sit fifth in the NHL overall standings and lead the league with a terrific +44 goal differential. The Blues climb back into the top 5 this week and look mighty dangerous as Christmas approaches.
6. Boston Bruins (Two Weeks Ago: 5)
The Bruins are 7-3-0 in their last 10 games overall and sit in second place in the East as we near Christmas. The Bruins don’t mind a little controversy and they are still among the elite in the NHL.
7. San Jose Sharks (Two Weeks Ago: 3)
The Sharks are just 4-5-1 in their last 10 games overall – un Shark-like for sure. The loss of rookie Tomas Hertl for a while may be a factor but this team is uber-deep and is absolute money on home ice where they will spend a fair bit of time the next couple of weeks.
8. Montreal Canadiens (Two Weeks Ago: 6)
The Habs have slumped a bit after a scorching start to December. They are 6-4 in their last 10 games – playing some inconsistent hockey at the moment.
9. Colorado Avalanche (Two Weeks Ago: 9)
The Avs are another team that has slowed their furious pace – they are 4-4-2 in their last 10 games. Seymon Varlamov has escaped criminal charges allowing the team to get rid of that side-show – they maintain their top 10 spot this week with the expectation that they will climb in two weeks.
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10. Vancouver Canucks (Two Weeks Ago: 11)
The Canucks are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games overall – a somewhat hot and cold team all season long. But right now there is no denying that they are HOT. The depth on this team is starting to show – Santorelli, Higgins, Hansen and Kesler have been picking up the slack for the twins.
11. Tampa Bay Lightning (Two Weeks Ago: 14)
The Lightning climb back into the dirty dozen this week thanks to a 6-2-2 stretch and four wins in a row. Imagine where this team would be if Steve Stamkos was in the lineup! Goaltender Ben Bishop has been a difference maker – 19-5-2 with a 1.96 GAA this year.
12. Phoenix Coyotes (Two Weeks Ago:12)
The Coyotes barely maintain their spot in the dirty dozen this week – just 4-4-2 in their last 10 games and sliding to 13th in the overall NHL standings. Surprisingly it has been the defense and goaltending that has let them down – Mike Smith needs to elevate his game or the Yotes will further slide down the Rankings.
13. Minnesota Wild (Two Weeks Ago: 10)
14. Detroit Red Wings (Two Weeks Ago: 13)
15. Washington Capitals (Two Weeks Ago: 17)
16. Dallas Stars (Two Weeks Ago: 15)
17. Toronto Maple Leafs (Two Weeks Ago: 16)
18. Winnipeg Jets (Two Weeks Ago: 19)
19. Philadelphia Flyers (Two Weeks Ago: 22)
20. Nashville Predators (Two Weeks Ago: 24)
21. New Jersey Devils (Two Weeks Ago: 21)
22. Carolina Hurricanes (Two Weeks Ago: 18)
23. New York Rangers (Two Weeks Ago: 20)
24. Columbus Blue Jackets (Two Weeks Ago: 23)
25. Ottawa Senators (Two Weeks Ago: 25)
26. Florida Panthers (Two Weeks Ago: 28)
27. Calgary Flames (Two Weeks Ago: 26)
28. New York Islanders (Two Weeks Ago: 29)
29. Edmonton Oilers (Two Weeks Ago: 27)
30. Buffalo Sabres (Two Weeks Ago: 30)
