Welcome to another edition of the Hockeybuzz hotstove.
In this one we'll be sharing our power rankings for the top-5 teams in hockey.
Todd Cordell
1. Anaheim Ducks (42-17-7)
The Ducks are sitting atop the NHL standings after four consecutive wins. I like the additions of Tomas Fleischmann and Jiri Sekac to give them more speed, skill, and depth up front, and they made some excellent moves remodelling their backend. When healthy they can run out a top-6 of Hampus Lindholm, James Wisniewski, Sami Vatanen, Cam Fowler, Francois Beauchemin and Simon Despres. That's scary good.
2. New York Rangers (39-17-7)
They have the best record in the NHL over the last couple months and continue to win games without Henrik Lundqvist. Oh, and they just acquired Keith Yandle.
3. Tampa Bay Lightning (39-20-6)
They are tied for the best goal differential in the East (+42), are the 2nd best possession team in the league, and just shored up their blue line bringing in Braydon Coburn. They paid a lot to get him, but didn't lose anyone off their already stacked roster.
4. Nashville Predators (41-17-7)
They've dropped four consecutive games, yet still remain just two points back of 1st and have a game in hand on the Ducks.
5. New York Islanders (41-21-3)
They're one win behind Anaheim for most in the league, and are the NHL's best possession team. I like the addition of Tyler Kennedy to shore up the bottom-6, and Michal Neuvirth gives them a legitimate backup option going forward.
Honorable mention: Los Angeles. They're starting to figure it out again, having won seven of 10. They also just acquired Andrej Sekera without losing a roster player. I wouldn't want them in the 1st round (I'm looking at you Calgary/Vancouver/San Jose).
Tim Chiasson 1. Anaheim Ducks (42-17-7)
They've won four in a row, they've won the trade deadline and they're healthy. This team is playing like they deserve to be at the top and just got a whole lot tougher to play against. They edge Nashville this week for me.
2. Nashville Predators (41-17-7)
I'm not throwing this team under the bus for losing four straight. This is a deep, quality team that's played at a high level all year long. They've got all the tools to make a teams night miserable every time they step on the ice.
3. New York Rangers (39-17-7)
The Rangers are poised to make another trip to the Stanley Cup final. This team was hot before they bolstered the back end with Keith Yandle. This is a very good hockey team right now and it wouldn't surprise me if they finished first in the Eastern Conference.
4. St Louis Blues (40-18-5)
If Zybnek Michalek suits up he's going to be a great addition for that team - if he doesn't then they're no worse for wear. Still a quality club that has the depth to give the West a run for their money.
5. New York Islanders (41-21-3)
The Isles are such a great story this year. The Tyler Kennedy injury has no bearing on this team as he's never even suited up for them and they're a top team in the East - maybe the Rangers toughest opponent. Tavares continues to do his thing and Garth Snow has built a contender.
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