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 (10-3-2)
They're 7-2-1 in their last 10, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and co. have been playing fantastic and as a team they're controlling ~56% of the scoring chances at full-strength. They are legitimate contenders once again.
2. New York Rangers (12-4-0)
They have some issues defensively but Henrik Lundqvist, and a ridiculously high powered offense, have a way of masking them. It's hard to argue with a +29 goal differential through 16 games.
3. San Jose Sharks (9-6-0)
They've gotten .906 goaltending at 5 v 5 and are still just one point out of top spot in their division. When the goaltending improves they're going to win a ton of games.
4. Boston Bruins (10-6-0)
Tuukka Rask has regained his old form and the Bruins are caving teams in at full-strength. Goaltending + controlling play = a lot of wins.
5. Chicago Blackhawks (11-3-2)
They've had a favorable schedule by playing 11 of 16 games at home but they have an impressive record and have held their own at evens despite losing a lot of depth in the off-season.
Honorable mention: Montreal. With Carey Price playing the way he is they are a tough out every night.
Peter Tessier For those holding their breath on my power rankings here goes- but the unconventional version.
#5- Devils. They have won 4 straight games and 7-1-2 in their last 10 games. They also were no supposed to be anywhere near the top 10 in the league by any preseason version.
#4- Penguins. Don't look now but the defending champs are starting to look like the defending champs. 7-2-1 in last 10 and now ramping it up it might be time to think about where they go next.
#3- Rangers. Don't discount Vigneault, no really don't because he has revamped the roster and given the Rangers a new purpose other than hoping Lundqvist plays like Price. Want proof look at the goal differential- +29.
#2-Blackhawks. So we all counted the Blackhawks out right, would struggle to make the playoffs right? Salary cap had caught up to them right? Guess not. Maybe Crawford deserves more credit but 8-0-2 in the last 10 and beating Montreal says a lot.
#1-Canadiens. Oh I know I said they would drop. That reality would come crashing down just like a Trump victory and it will, believe me it will but it hasn't yet so they are still tops. Only one place to go and that's down and with the other teams below them getting stronger I suspect that fall happens sooner-ish.
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