Dave B’s NHL Power Rankings – Sept 30th, 2013
The NHL Regular Season kicks off this week – time to look at the teams that have looked good in the preseason and which teams have something to look forward to this upcoming year. The top teams in the Rankings come as no surprise. Simply put – the favorites are favorites for a reason.
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So let’s take a look at which teams enter the season with an edge in the Pre-Season edition of Dave B’s NHL Power Rankings.
1. Chicago Blackhawks
Hard to argue that the defending champs aren’t the favorites again to win it all. They are stacked at forward, on defense and between the pipes. An added perk is the Hawk lost Detroit in their own division making an easier path to the playoffs this year. I can’t see any hole – can you?
2. Pittsburgh Penguins
Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang? The Pens have arguably the best group of forwards in the game – they have to be considered the most impressive offensive team in the game. The defense is OK but the goaltending? Not Sure – it could be their undoing this year. The Pens are favorites to come out of the east and rightfully so – they have to be the top eastern conference team in the Rankings.
3. Boston Bruins
Last year’s Stanley Cup finalists lost a couple of pieces in the offseason but still boast size, skill and incredible balance. Defensively the figure to be among the best in the NHL again and offensively they have top tier talent.
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Boston is crazy good and will certainly be in the mix all season long as per usual.
4. LA Kings
The Kings lost the Western Conference Final last year to Chicago and return largely the same lineup – young, strong, fast and an absolute nightmare to play against. Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown and Justin William, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter up front with Drew Doughty and Slava Voynov on D are pretty darn good! Jonathan Quick is still viewed as one of the best goaltenders in the league and alone should carry this club a long way.
5. St. Louis Blues
The Blues took a big step last year and enter this year with the size and speed that defines success in today’s NHL. Coach Ken Hitchcock quietly has quite a lineup in St. Louis – from the forwards to the defense this is a cohesive disciplined bunch. Brian Elliot in goal also helps the Blues to a Top 5 spot.
6. New York Rangers
Too high? Consider that the Rangers have a ton of talent that was being wasted under John Tortarella’s defensive scheme. New Coach Alain Vigneault will let the offensive flair on his roster flourish – Rick Nash, Brad Richards, Ryan Callahan and company will have a blast under Vigneault and with a guy named Henrik Lundqvist between the pipes it is hard to count this team out this upcoming season.
7. Vancouver Canucks
There is absolutely no reason the Canucks should experience a drop-off this year. After all, they have the same nucleus that went to Game 7 of the Final only a few short years ago. Sure they have a ton of question marks like Luongo and Tortarella but the talent is still there.
8. San Jose Sharks
The Sharks still boast a very good lineup on paper – playoff success continues to elude them though. This team is solid from the crease out – they deserve a top 10 spot for sure!
9. Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings are poised for a step backward this year – a move to the Eastern Conference could actually hurt them a bit this year. The Wings are getting a bit older, they have a largely unproven defense and could look simply average this year. But then again – they are the Wings!
10. Ottawa Senators
Perhaps the biggest overachievers last year, the Senators could realistically carry some momentum into 2013-2014. Daniel Alfredsson is gone but Bobby Ryan is an excellent acquisition. They have an absolutely elite D-Man Erik Karlsson, a Stud power forward Bobby Ryan to play alongside Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek and their goaltending has been top tier the last couple of years. [ad-4437448]
11. Montreal Canadiens
The Habs made significant strides last year and I see no reason they don’t continue to elevate their game this year. Carey Price is much better than he played toward the end of last season and with a guy like PK Subban on defense and a budding superstar in Alex Galchenuk up front, expect the Canadiens to be very competitive this season.
12. Washington Capitals
There’s no way this team doesn’t improve this season. Alex Ovechkin on offense and Mike Green on defense make up a very good nucleus. Coach Adam Oats seemed to be getting his point across toward the end of last season as well – the ascension continues as the Caps return to prominence this year.
13. Anaheim Ducks
14. Toronto Maple Leafs
15. Philadelphia Flyers
16. New York Islanders
17. Minnesota Wild
18. Dallas Stars
19. Columbus Blue Jackets
20. Edmonton Oilers
21. Tampa Bay Lightning
22. Winnipeg Jets
23. Nashville Predators
24. Carolina Hurricanes
25. Colorado Avalanche
26. Phoenix Coyotes
27. New Jersey Devils
28. Buffalo Sabres
29. Florida Panthers
30. Calgary Flames
