In this edition of the hotstove we share our power rankings for the top-5 teams in the NHL. Record is meaningful but strength of schedule, underlying numbers, injuries and more are also taken into consideration.
Todd Cordell
1. Pittsburgh Penguins (19-7-3)
The Pens have won six in a row, Sidney Crosby is playing out of this world good, they're getting scoring from all throughout their lineup and they sit atop the league's best division this season.
2. Montreal Canadiens (19-6-4)
Carey Price has returned to form and the Habs are actually scoring some goals for him this season. Their underlying numbers are pretty good, too, and they continue to win without one of their top players in Alex Galchenyuk.
3. Boston Bruins (16-12-2)
Tuukka Rask has been fantastic this year, the Brad Marchand - Patrice Bergeron - David Pastrnak line might be the best in hockey, and the Bruins are 2nd in 5v5 Scoring Chance For%. They're really good.
4. St. Louis Blues (16-9-4)
Vladimir Tarasenko is tearing the league up, Robby Fabbri is starting to get going following a slow start, and the West kind of sucks this year. Put it all together and you have the Blues in the four spot.
5. Philadelphia Flyers (18-10-3)
Seriously, has anyone seen Wayne Simmonds play hockey this year? What about Jakub Voracek? Claude Giroux? The Flyers' stars have been incredibly good and rookies Travis Konecny and Ivan Provorov have provided some much needed support. This team is good.
Honorable mention: Columbus.
Peter Tessier The undisputed power rankings- in now way should these be taken as anything less than gospel.
#5 Flyers. As the faithful there say #inronwetrust and right now Hextall's moves look pretty good as the team has gone 9-1-0 in last 10 games.
#4 Blue Jackets. You could even put the Flyers ahead of them but any team falling into shape under Torts is something to note when going 7-1-2 in last 10.
#3 Canadiens. Oh they may sit atop the league but the inevitable cracks are showing. Pretty soon fan meltdown will come and fire Thierrien outcry right?
#2 Rangers. They too have cracks but I think they will deal with them in time and Lundqvist step back to form, hopefully right.
#1 Penguins. Here they come all wobbly and cute then they beat you senseless and make you wish that Crosby's rumoured demise a year ago was real. Have fun with these guys Eastern Conference.
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