In this edition of the hotstove we share our power rankings of the league's best teams. Record is a factor, obviously, but strength of schedule, underlying numbers, etc. all factor into the rankings.
Todd Cordell
1. Pittsburgh Penguins (12-5-3)
The Penguins lead the league in 5v5 scoring chance for% and Sidney Crosby is tearing teams apart right now. When is playing like this the Penguins are tough to beat.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning (13-7-1)
No Steven Stamkos, no problem. The Bolts have won seven of their last 10 and are getting scoring from all throughout their lineup.
3. Los Angeles Kings (11-9-1)
Despite playing a handful of games without their best player, Anze Kopitar, and the whole season without Jonathan Quick the Kings are a) over .500 and; b) posting fantastic underlying numbers again. They may not post a 'wow' record in the regular season but they'll be legit come playoff time.
4. San Jose Sharks (11-8-1)
They had some poor goaltending earlier in the year but the ship appears to be righted in net. As long as the goaltending holds up they'll win a ton of games.
5. Montreal Canadiens/New York Rangers
Both have won a ton of games in the early going but have been spoonfed home games and own unsustainably high shooting/save percentages. We'll see how hard regression hits.
Honorable mention: Boston. They've been excellent at 5 v 5 and the Brad Marchand - Patrice Bergeron - David Pastrnak line is among the best in hockey.
Peter Tessier Without further discussion here are my indisputable power rankings- the gospel of hockey.
#5 Capitals- they have played 1 or 2 games less than the teams above them and are 6-3-1 in last 10 games. They will challenge for the top all season
#4 Lightning- are 7-3-0 in last 10 game and have a +15 in goal differential. Maybe they should be higher?
#3 Penguins- while 5-3-2 in last 10 they are a team not to be taken lightly, just biding time lying in the weeds ready to strike like a cobra? They did just that to the Rangers in a 6-1 win
#2 Ranger- Aside from the loss to the Penguins, 6-3-1 in last 10 but a whopping +29 goal differential- oooh baby that's good, that real good but can they hold it for the rest of the season?
#1- Canadiens- frick. Enjoy it while it lasts.
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