NHL Power Rankings Week 10: Flyers soaring up standings
The Philadelphia Flyers are soaring up the standings thanks to a nine game winning streak in this week’s NHL Power Rankings.
With the month of December underway, the season is already well over 25 percent over. It’s kind of crazy to think about because the 2016-17 NHL season has gone by so fast. However, it hasn’t been too fast for teams because now teams are starting to figure out whether or not they’re Stanley Cup contenders.
Games in hand can change things, but once December hits, it’s hard to overcome anything more than a four point deficit in the standings. Just ask the New York Islanders, who have won six of their last 10 games. Yet they still find themselves in last place in the Metropolitan Division.
Speaking of the Metropolitan Division, it has been by a significant margin the best division in hockey. The division features four of the top five teams in the league and five of the top 10. However, the Western Conference has caught up to the East, with both teams having eight teams in the top 16 in point percentage. Point percentage calculates how effective teams have been while also helping to negate the games in hand issues.
These rankings will be compiled by looking at each team’s record, who they have beaten, and how they have looked in games. A tough loss to a very good team isn’t the worst thing in the world if you play well. Similarly, all wins aren’t equal. The team’s record certainly counts, but so do a lot of other things. All stats, unless otherwise noted, are courtesy of Corsica and are at even strength (five on five). They are also score, venue, and zone adjusted unless otherwise noted. If you’re curious about expected goals for percentage (xGF percentage), which will be referenced throughout the rankings, here’s a good reading.
Without further ado, let’s start this week’s NHL power rankings.
Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Colorado Avalanche
(11-15-1)
Last week: 2-2-0 recordLast rank: 30th
There’s no way around it, the Colorado Avalanche are the worst team in the NHL. They significantly need a rebuild. Not only are they poor defensively and at possessing the puck (46.49 CorsiFor percentage), the Avalanche also can’t score. Colorado can’t do much of anything right. Saturday night’s game against the Montreal Canadiens is a summary of the state of the Avalanche. They aren’t good enough to compete with their current core. Perhaps their core needs to change.
Arizona Coyotes
(9-14-5)
Last week: 1-2-1 recordLast rank: 29th
After an exciting offseason, it seems the Arizona Coyotes remain the joke of the league. The last thing the Coyotes needed was a terrible season. With attendance slumping, their future in Arizona is in question. Max Domi’s injury makes them even worse, taking away their best forward. On the bright side, Arizona should be in a good position to let their young players grow. But this has to be terrible for Coyotes fans. Arizona has the worst xGF percentage (40.62) in the NHL.
Vancouver Canucks
(12-15-2)
Last week: 1-3-0 recordLast rank: 26th
Much like the Avalanche, the Vancouver Canucks desperately need a rebuild. The issue is the front office doesn’t seem to realize this. At the very least, a rebuilding team doesn’t trade for Erik Gudbranson nor does a rebuilding team sign Loui Eriksson. It’s embarrassing to see the Sedin twins play on such a bad team when their careers are likely going to be over soon. Put them out of their misery and trade them. The ironic thing is, the Sedins are probably keeping them from tanking, which might be good for the team long-term.
Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Winnipeg Jets
(13-16-3)
Last week: 0-3-1 recordLast rank: 23rd
The Winnipeg Jets are still not a contender. But there is some hope, even if nothing seems to be going right for them this season. Mark Scheifele, Patrik Laine, and Blake Wheeler should their offense for the foreseeable future. Jacob Trouba and Dustin Byfuglien have been their best defensemen. Even though Connor Hellebuyck has had growing pains this season, they are necessary ones. If he can take those lessons to heart, he’ll be much better in the near future.
Dallas Stars
(11-13-6)
Last week: 1-3-0 recordLast rank: 25th
Perhaps no team has underwhelmed this season more than the Dallas Stars. Even after losing two of their top defensemen during the offseason, they were considered Stanley Cup favorites by many entering the season. However, even though their xGF percentage is over 50 percent, at some point, the Stars have to start winning games. That’s something they haven’t been doing much of lately.
Buffalo Sabres
(10-11-6)
Last week: 1-1-0 recordLast rank: 28th
Though the Buffalo Sabres didn’t have an overly impressive week, a win over the Edmonton Oilers in overtime ensures they go up a bit. However, that’s more telling of the teams below them than anything else. Buffalo has performed admirably despite having quite a few injuries. However, their lack of depth has been on display. All teams suffer injuries. The good ones have the NHL depth necessary to overcome them. Buffalo is on the right path to success, but now must start building depth behind their stars.
Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Carolina Hurricanes
(11-11-6)
Last week: 1-1-1 recordLast rank: 24th
The Carolina Hurricanes went 1-1-1 during their West Coast road trip. Though they lost to the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks, Carolina got an impressive win over the Los Angeles Kings. Their 52.95 xGF percentage is among the best in the NHL. However, the same problem still remains. The Hurricanes have terrible goaltending. Expect them to make a move for a new goaltender after the 2016-17 season.
New York Islanders
(11-11-5)
Last week: 2-1-0 recordLast rank: 27th
While the New York Islanders are climbing out of the hole their slow start pushed them into, getting out has been hard. They’re not gaining much ground on the rest of the Metropolitan Division. This is why making up huge deficits in the standings can be hard. You can’t control what the teams in front of you do unless you play them. The Islanders need a win over the Capitals on Tuesday to be taken seriously.
Toronto Maple Leafs
(11-11-5)
Last week: 1-2-0 recordLast rank: 20th
It’s amazing how much better the Toronto Maple Leafs are this season from last season. Granted, a lot of it has to do with getting full seasons from Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner. However, they are also much deeper than they were. Frederik Andersen has been steady in goal after a rough start. Their main issue is consistency and their blue line.
Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Florida Panthers
(13-12-4)
Last week: 1-1-1 recordLast rank: 19th
No Eastern Conference team has been a bigger disappointment so far than the Florida Panthers. Sure, the Islanders have been bad. However, no one had the Islanders winning their division in September. Many analysts had the Panthers winning the Atlantic. And rightfully so, with numerous improvements made during the offseason. However, they haven’t lived up to the hype yet. But they’re still very much in the postseason hunt despite their 48.94 percent xGF percentage. At some point though, Florida has to start winning games.
Tampa Bay Lightning
(14-13-2)
Last week: 0-2-0 recordLast rank: 18th
The Tampa Bay Lightning have quickly started declining without captain Steven Stamkos. They have lost eight of their last 10 games, including seven of them in regulation. The Lightning have gotten a long leash before in these rankings, but now it’s time to panic. Ben Bishop is nothing performing to his usual standards, which is really hurting them. But don’t count the Lightning out yet. They usually tend to work themselves out of slumps and if they get Stamkos back healthy, Tampa Bay will be among the most dangerous teams in the NHL.
Detroit Red Wings
(13-12-4)
Last week: 1-1-1 recordLast rank: 21st
Analytics suggest the Detroit Red Wings probably aren’t going to make the playoffs this season. After all, their team CorsiFor percentage is below 50 percent and so is their Scoring Chances For percentage. Not only that, their xGF percentage is a mere 47.31 percent. Detroit’s playoff streak is one of the most impressive accomplishments in NHL history. But maybe it’s good for them that it ends so the rebuild can start.
Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Nashville Predators
(12-11-4)
Last week: 1-2-0 recordLast rank: 16th
After a great November, the Nashville Predators are off to a very slow start in December. And it’s not hard to find the biggest reason why. Pekka Rinne hasn’t been nearly as good in December as he was in November. Back in November, he had a save percentage of .946, among the best in the NHL. However, in December, Rinne’s save percentage has taken a nose dive to .843. Sure, the Predators aren’t scoring quite like they did in November. But Rinne’s struggles are the biggest factor.
New Jersey Devils
(12-10-6)
Last week: 1-3-0 recordLast rank: 17th
The New Jersey Devils don’t have a very good defense. However, they are still trying to play a bit too conservatively considering their blue line struggles. It’s not like they don’t have NHL caliber forwards. The Devils have quite a few forwards who can play fast exceptionally well, including Taylor Hall and Kyle Palmieri. So why not let them loose and put some faith in their excellent goaltender Cory Schneider? They’re close to being a playoff team, but their failure to replace Adam Larsson is hurting them.
Calgary Flames
(16-13-2)
Last week: 3-0-0 recordLast rank: 22nd
Now this is the Calgary Flames team people were expecting to see at the beginning of the 2016-17 NHL season. While the acquisition of Brian Elliott didn’t work out, Chad Johnson has been spectacular in net for the Flames. With Johnny Gaudreau back and healthy, Calgary could make some noise. They have some issues to work out, but everything’s going right for them right now.
Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Bruins
(16-12-2)
Last week: 1-2-1 recordLast rank: 13th
Though the Boston Bruins haven’t had a good offense, a strong defense has kept them in playoff position. Tuukka Rask deserves serious Vezina Trophy consideration for what he has done this season. Their xGF percentage of 53.79 percent is the fifth highest in the NHL. At some point, they will have to stop relying on David Krejci, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak to provide most of the scoring.
Edmonton Oilers
(15-11-5)
Last week: 1-1-2 recordLast rank: 12th
The Edmonton Oilers continue to be carried by Connor McDavid. So far, it’s working for them as he has been a serious Hart Trophy contender. However, it isn’t good for their chances of winning the Stanley Cup. Also, their xGF percentage of 50.31 percent isn’t too promising, although they have the elite talent to potentially overcome the offensive side of it. However, the Oilers don’t have an elite NHL goaltender, meaning they likely can’t overcome their rather unimpressive defense.
Los Angeles Kings
(14-11-2)
Last week: 1-1-0 recordLast rank: 12th
Despite the significant injury to Jonathan Quick, the Los Angeles Kings are still a good team. They are once again one of the NHL’s leaders in CorsiFor percentage. Also, Peter Budaj hasn’t been outstanding, but he’s been solid enough for the Kings to win games. Though their winning is more due to their defensive system than his abilities. Los Angeles has a 2.41 xGF60 (expected goals for per 60 minutes), ranking among the lowest in the league.
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Ottawa Senators
(16-11-2)
Last week: 1-2-0 recordLast rank: 9th
The Ottawa Senators have been a bit of a surprise this season. They have also been one of the NHL’s best storylines, rallying behind goaltender Craig Anderson and his ailing wife. However, their underlying numbers are a bit concerning. Ottawa’s 47.75 xGF percentage ranks as the ninth lowest in the league. Their possession numbers are very unimpressive as well. Anderson and Mike Condon will need to continue to be great for the Senators to sustain their success.
San Jose Sharks
(16-11-1)
Last week: 1-2-0 recordLast rank: 7th
Though the San Jose Sharks had a poor week, they can rest their hats on their offense finally showing up. They lost to the Ottawa Senators and Anaheim Ducks, but the Sharks scored at least three goals in two of their three games last week. On the other hand, their defense failed them, as they allowed at least three goals in each of their three games. Despite San Jose’s poor week, things are looking up for them.
Anaheim Ducks
(15-9-5)
Last week: 3-0-0Last rank: 14th
The Anaheim Ducks had a great week, beating the Carolina Hurricanes, San Jose Sharks, and Ottawa Senators. Their offense is led by a quartet of forwards with at least 20 points. Ryan Kesler and Corey Perry lead the team with 25 points, while Ryan Getzlaf has 23 and Jakob Silfverberg has 20. John Gibson is starting to rebound from a slow start with a .912 save percentage.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
St. Louis Blues
(16-9-4)
Last week: 2-2-0Last rank: 8th
The St. Louis Blues still have significant goaltending issues, though Jake Allen has been better as of late. Neither of their goalies have a save percentage of over .911, meaning both of them are below league average. Also, Vladimir Tarasenko is starting to carry the Blues on offense a bit too much. He has 32 points, but only five other players have even half of his 32 points. Kevin Shattenkirk is setting himself up for a very nice payday after this season, whether it’s with the Blues or someone else.
Minnesota Wild
(15-8-4)
Last week: 3-0-0Last rank: 10th
The team MVP for the Minnesota Wild this season has definitely been Devan Dubnyk. He leads all goaltenders in save percentage, shutouts, and goals against average. While their offense lacks a true star, 11 of their skaters have at least 10 points. Sure, they could use a star, but that’s a pretty good recipe for success in the NHL. Minnesota’s xGF percentage is among the best in the league.
Philadelphia Flyers
(18-10-3)
Last week: 4-0-0Last rank: 15th
What’s the secret to the Philadelphia Flyers’ recent nine game winning streak? It’s very simple. They’ve been getting much better goaltending from Steve Mason and have been relying on a very potent power play. Though their even strength xGF percentage of 45.10 puts them in the bottom five of the NHL, during all situations, it rises to 49.68, which is far more respectable. Jakub Voracek is having a great bounce back year, ranking second in the league in points.
Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Blackhawks
(18-8-4)
Last week: 2-0-1Last rank: 6th
Despite losing their star goaltender Corey Crawford, the Chicago Blackhawks are doing very well, even without Jonathan Toews. This is quite promising for their Stanley Cup chances. Chicago has been a bit reliant on the duo in recent years. Having success without them is encouraging. Patrick Kane remains one of the NHL’s most productive players. Once the Blackhawks get healthy, they should be a very dangerous team.
New York Rangers
(20-9-1)
Last week: 3-1-0Last rank: 4th
The New York Rangers did extremely well last week despite Henrik Lundqvist only playing in one game (their lone loss). Antti Raanta has the hot hand and it’s probably smart for them to ride him. If nothing else, this gives Lundqvist some rest and will help make sure he’s not overworked by the postseason. A healthy King Henrik makes the Rangers a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. Their play has been slipping as of late, though it’s easy to see why. The Rangers have lost numerous forwards due to injury.
Washington Capitals
(17-7-3)
Last week: 3-0-0Last rank: 5th
The Washington Capitals are starting to get their groove back on offense. This past week, they scored a combined 11 goals in three games, scoring at least three goals in each game. Sure, blowing a 3-0 lead to the Boston Bruins wasn’t good. But they managed to hang on and get the win in overtime. A player’s meeting appears to have served them well, as they dominated the next two games. Granted, it was merely against the Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks, but still, pretty impressive.
Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Penguins
(19-7-3)
Last week: 3-0-0Last rank: 2nd
The Pittsburgh Penguins are resembling the same team that won the Stanley Cup last season. That should scare the living daylights out of every NHL team because they have been deadly and effective. Sidney Crosby leads the league in goals despite missing the first few games. Matt Murray is proving last season was not a fluke. When the Penguins are firing on all cylinders, no one can beat their skill and speed.
Montreal Canadiens
(19-6-4)
Last week: 2-0-2Last rank: 3rd
The Montreal Canadiens get bonus points for playing very well even without top scorer Alex Galchenyuk and very serviceable center David Desharnais. Also, their xGF percentage is excellent, ranking third in the NHL. However, with two of their top two centers out, Montreal should probably make a trade. Expect Martin Hanzal to wind up with the Canadiens. That could give Montreal excellent center depth once everyone’s healthy. Galchenyuk, Hanzal, Tomas Plekanec, and Desharnais are good enough to carry Montreal to a deep playoff run. Torey Mitchell might have to switch to wing, but he’s talented enough to make the transition efficiently. Also, he can still take face-offs even if he switches to wing.
Columbus Blue Jackets
(17-5-4)
Last week: 2-0-0Last rank: 1st
It’s amazing how quickly the Columbus Blue Jackets have turned things around. At first, their success seemed a bit like a hot streak. It still might be, but their underlying numbers have been rising consistently. Though their power play is still elite, they are no longer exclusively relying on it. The Blue Jackets have an xGF percentage of 51.92. Granted, it’s not elite. However, it’s a heck of a lot better than it was earlier in the season.
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