In this edition of the hotstove, we share our rankings for the top-5 teams in the league based on record, recent performance, underlying numbers, and more.
Todd Cordell
1. Nashville Predators (47-14-10)
The Preds are 9-0-1 in their last 10 games and their underlying numbers are trending up in a big way. They're deep up front, they have three defenders piling up points and shots at a ridiculous rate, and their goaltending tandem has been excellent all season long. They're not going to be fun to deal with come playoff time.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning (49-19-4)
I'm still a little concerned about their defense, and Andrei Vasilevskiy has hit a wall of late, but there isn't a team in the league that can score goals like they can.
3. Boston Bruins (45-17-8)
Several key players – including Patrice Bergeron, Charlie McAvoy and Zdeno Chara, among others – have missed time with injuries of late yet the Bruins continue to win games and look really impressive doing it.
4. Winnipeg Jets (43-19-10)
They're big, they're skilled, they play with a lot of team speed, and they're getting healthy at the right time. All signs point to a 2nd round matchup with the Predators, which could very well be the most exciting series we see all playoffs.
5. Pittsburgh Penguins (41-26-5)
Having an elite point producer on each of the top three lines allows them to overcome a lot of their flaws. When their stars are on, the Penguins can overwhelm teams like few can. Whether they finish 1st or not. I think they're the best team in the Metro.
Peter Tessier
Pete's undisputed power rankings:
1. Predators. Demolished their rival in Winnipeg at home, 9-0-1 in last 10 games and are tops in the West and league now.
2. Bruins. Who wants to face these guys? Beat rival Tampa in Tampa Bay and are making easy work of almost everyone going 8-2-0 in last 10 games.
3. Lightning. May have lost to Bruins but are still second overall. Dangerous as hell and are looking like they have the depth to really go for a run in post season. Are 7-2-1 in last 10 games.
4. Jets. Call me a homer but a 19 year-old is killing teams single handedly for the Jets. After some scoring woes offence is back and team is getting healthy. 6-3-1 in last 10.
5. Maple Leafs. Whaaaat? Yes the Leafs are surging and not trading JVR looks genius. Won 4 straight beatig Dallas and Pittsburgh and are 6-2-2 in last 10 games
…‹…‹…‹…‹Recent posts