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Todd Cordell
1. Tampa Bay (16-3-2)
They have fewer total losses than any other team in the league has regulation losses. The top line continues to dominate and Andrei Vasilevskiy has been giving the Bolts Vezina-caliber goaltending.
2. St. Louis (16-5-1)
The Blues have an elite top line and may be the best defensive team in the NHL. That's certainly what the numbers suggest as they're 1st in Expected Goals Against/60 at 5v5 by a wide margin.
3. Columbus (14-7-1)
They've won five consecutive games, lead the NHL in Expected Goals For% at 5v5, and just completely locked down a Calgary Flames team that entered the game having won seven of 10.
4. Nashville (13-6-2)
The Predators are finally starting to look like the Predators again. The addition of Kyle Turris has really jump-started the second line and given the top unit some help (and also allowed them to stay together). As long as they stay healthy, they're going to be a big threat come playoff time.
5. Toronto (14-8-1)
There have been some bumps along the way but, you know what? They played a handful of games without Auston Matthews and are still tied for 3rd in points.
Jared Crozier
1. Tampa (16-3-2)
Still the class of the league, only team with fewer than 5 regulation losses.
2. St. Louis (16-5-1)
Schenn, Tarasenko, and Schwartz are challenging Tampa's trio of Stamkos/Kucherov/Namestnikov for the status of the league's best line and getting veteran Bouwmeester back from injury makes their blueline even stronger.
3. Nashville (13-6-2)
Winners of 8 out of their last 10 and 3 straight, still climbing in the ultra-competitive Central.
4. Columbus (14-7-1)
With Bobrovsky leading the way, the Blue Jackets are among the hottest teams in the league, on a 5 game winning streak that has propelled them to the top of the Metro division.
5. Vegas (13-6-1)
How the clock hasn't struck midnight on Cinderella yet is beyond me, but a win on Wednesday gives them sole possession of first place in the Pacific, with games in hand on the chase pack.
Recent posts
Biggest reason for the Oilers' struggles?
Who is the worst team in the NHL?
Thoughts on Cam Atkinson's long-term extension with the Blue Jackets?
What should the Sabres do with Evander Kane?
Which overacheiving team is most likely to take a step back?
Thoughts on the three-way blockbuster between Ottawa, Nashville, and Colorado?
Which off-season acquisition has been most impactful thus far?
Stanley Cup predictions
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