Todd Cordell
1. St. Louis (17-7-1)
Losing to an Anaheim team missing half their roster isn't a good look, however, they are a strong possession team, rank 1st in Expected Goals Against/60, have one of the best lines in hockey, and a positive penalty differential. There aren't many areas of weakness on this team.
2. Tampa Bay (17-6-2)
They have a very high-powered offense and Andrei Vasilevskiy is giving them Vezina-caliber goaltending. As long as that continues, the Lightning will be in contention for top spot.
3. Columbus (16-8-1)
They have a very balanced lineup with talent on all four lines and that makes them very difficult to match up against. If only they could figure it out on the power play...
4. Toronto (16-9-1)
They're 7-2-1 in their last 10 games and I still think they can up another level or two. When William Nylander gets going, look out.
5. San Jose (13-8-2)
It appears I'm on San Jose Island by myself again this week. Their record isn't great but I think they have been playing well and Brent Burns is finally starting to wake up (he has points in four consecutive games).
Honorable mention: the New York Islanders. With John Tavares anchoring the top line, and one of the best 2nd lines in the NHL behind him, this team is in pretty good shape.
Jared Crozier 1. Nashville (15-6-3)
The Preds are rolling, being the only team to win 8 of their last 10 (8-1-1). The Predators are top 5 in both special teams units in the month of November.
2. St. Louis (17-7-1)
Other than being shut out by the Preds, the Blues' offense is rolling and they have won 4 of 5, and getting it done 5 on 5 with subpar special teams of late.
3. Tampa (17-6-2)
Have lost their grip on #1 by dropping 3 of their last 4 on a 4 game road trip, and 4 of 6 overall. They get back to home ice for the next 4 and will try to right the ship.
4. New York Islanders (15-7-2)
The current longest winning streak in the league at 4 games, and they are the lone team without a regulation loss on home ice (8-0-2). Have scored 5 or more goals five times in last 8 games.
5. Columbus (16-8-1)
Consistency is key, and led by Sergei Bobrovsky the Blue Jackets haven't allowed more than 3 goals against in a game since Nov. 6th and have won 7 of their last 8.
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