Todd Cordell
1. Toronto (7-2-0)
They lead the league in goals per game, have a plus-61 scoring chance differential at 5v5, and sure look like they're ready to take another big step forward.
2. Los Angeles (7-1-1)
I had them 2nd last week and they've gone 3-1-0 since so they've earned their stay. Their offense still looks potent without Jeff Carter and it's fun to see their puck-moving defensemen have free reign to jump into the play and make things happen.
3. Tampa Bay (8-1-1)
They lead the league in goals, goal differential, and the Steven Stamkos-Nikita Kucherov duo is lighting it up on a nightly basis.
4. Dallas (5-4-0)
I think this is a team that has played better than their record suggests. The Stars are 3rd best in 5v5 shot suppression -- imagine that! -- and they obviously are extremely talented up front. This looks like a team that will win a lot of games.
5. St. Louis (6-2-1)
They have a strong record and outshot their opponent (Vegas) by 30 on the road in one of their three losses. They look really good, and I think their new-look top line of Jaden Schwartz, Brayden Schenn, and Vladimir Tarasenko could be among the best in the NHL.
Jared Crozier My top 2 teams from my top 5 last week have dropped out, to be replaced by 2 new entrants. Here are my top 5 this time around:
1. Vegas (7-1-0)
The Golden Knights just keep going, somehow. Now on their third-string goalie with injuries to Fleury and Subban, all they seem to do is win, including Tuesday's victory over last week #1 Chicago with Oscar Dansk between the pipes.
2. Tampa (8-1-1)
The Lightning were close to my top 5 last week, and led by Stamkos and Kucherov they have the top goal differential in the league.
3. Los Angeles (7-1-1)
They were the last team to lose in regulation, have found a new gear under a new head coach that has given more freedom for players to display their skill.
4. Toronto (7-2-0)
They handed the Kings their first loss in regulation and were a Mitch Marner shot away from making their loss to the Senators a different story.
5. New Jersey (6-2-0)
Quality wins over Tampa and Ottawa both required extra time, but the Devils continued to make noise. New Jersey Lost their last game to the Sharks, so we will see if they can hang in for another week.
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