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Todd Cordell
1. Vegas (31-11-4)
The Golden Knights (shockingly) have one of the best top lines in the NHL, they have a league-best +28 penalty differential at 5v5, which makes it a lot easier to win the special teams battle, and Marc-Andre Fleury is providing them with excellent goaltending. There is a lot to like about this team.
2. Boston (27-10-8)
They've picked up at least a point in every game since the beginning of time and have been as dominant as anyone since they've gotten healthy. They're making the race for top spot in the Atlantic a fun one.
3. Tampa Bay (31-12-3)
As you'd expect, their play has fallen off since they lost Victor Hedman. Now Ondrej Palat is out, too. They're still a really good team, but the road is probably going to get a little bumpy.
4. Dallas (27-17-4)
They own a 7-2-1 record over the last 10 games and lead the league in expected goals for% at 5v5. They're playing fantastic defensive hockey and they have the firepower to give them offense when they need it. This team is really solid.
5. Winnipeg (28-13-7)
They continue to pile up the wins without arguably their best player in Mark Scheifele. Their new-look 2nd line (Nik Ehlers - Bryan Little - Mathieu Perreault) has been caving teams in at 5v5.
Jared Crozier
1. Vegas (31-11-4)
Seriously? This could be the greatest story in NHL history if an expansion team could somehow win the President's trophy. They are in first place overall past the midway point of the season.
2. Tampa (31-12-3)
On top for what seemed like forever, a 3 game losing streak including a home loss to Vegas drops them out of top spot.
3. Colorado (26-16-3)
A nine game winning streak is the second longest of the current season, and has them in a playoff spot. Considering I thought they might be as bad or worse than last season, MacKinnon and Co. are on fire.
4. Boston (27-10-8)
Have at least a point in each of their past 15 games, they haven't dropped one in regulation since December 14th.
5. Nashville (28-11-6)
After going through a mini-slump around Christmas and New Year's (2-4-2 over an 8 game stretch), they have won 5 straight to put themselves back in position to take first in the Central (holding 3 games in hand on the Jets while trailing them by a point.
Peter Tessier
Power Rankings based on my irrefutable opinion!
1. Golden Knights. Tampa may be a better team but right now the Golden Knights deserve some huge praise. #1 overall and 6-2-2 in last 10.
2. Bruins. Who would want to see these guys in the playoffs? They may have the top line in hockey and the rumours of their demise from two years ago are greatly exaggerated. 7-0-3 in last ten too.
3. Jets. Not scoring no problem. 7-2-1 in last 10 without Scheifele, without Lowry and simply finding ways to win in almost any game.
4. Lightning. Hedman's injury is being felt but the Bolts still keep going but are only 4-5-1 in last 10. They'll be fine but some short term pain is going to happen.
5. Stars/Avalanche. What two teams have done more to make a push in the toughest division in hockey? 9-0-1 in last ten for Avs and 7-2-1 for Stars is impressive enough and no one in Central should want to play either of these teams.
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Midseason Hart Trophy picks
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