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 (8-2-2)
They're 1st in the league in scoring chance for% and are off to a fantastic start fresh off a Stanley Cup victory. They deserve top spot.
2. New York Rangers (9-3-0)
They are getting scoring from all throughout their lineup and their team speed is incredible. If they get a top-4 blue liner at some point they could be a legitimate contender.
3. San Jose Sharks (6-6-0)
They are one of the deepest teams in the NHL and seem poised to contend once again. They're top-3 in possession, and in scoring chance for%, but have been sunk by goaltending several times already. If they get consistent goaltending they'll get consistent wins.
4. Washington Capitals (8-2-1)
The Capitals are quietly 8-2-1 yet sit 3rd in their division. The Metro is going to be really good this year, isn't it?
5. Los Angeles Kings (6-6-0)
The Kings are controlling ~56% of the shot attempts and ~55% of the scoring chances at 5 v 5. They may be missing some big name players (Jonathan Quick, Marian Gaborik, etc.) but they're still a handful.
Honorable mention: Chicago, Montreal.
James Tanner 1. Pittsburgh
Letang, Malkin, Crosby, Hornqvist, Kessel, an underrated group of D and 2 x starting goalies. In a cap world.
Salut!!
2. Montreal
21 of 24 points is ridiculous. They've locked up a Playoff spot in October and they've got the best goalie in the world.
however, they aren't the best team in the league and regression is coming.
3. St. Louis
Two games this week where they let in a bout a hundred goals, but it's no big deal. They have one of the deepest rosters in hockey and are a good bet to rep the West in the finals.
4. Tampa
Drouin, Palat and Johnson are afterthoughts on team. They are absolutely stacked.
5. Toronto
No typo. They have what amounts to three first lines and the prospect/ draft pick capital to fill in their holes. (Bozak, Polak, Hunwak)
They may lack a big-name defenseman, but they make up for it by icing four players who wouldn't look bad as the second guy on the top pair on any team. (Gardiner, Rielly, Carrick and Zaitsev).
Having Marner, Kadri and Matthews on three separate lines basically means they have an explosive game-breaker on the ice at all times, and Andersen can always steal a game.
Also: Their possession stats say they should have a better record and they've blown a disproportionate number of leads so far. When things balance out, as they innevitably will, the Leafs will be third in the Atlantic. (And put up a better record than Montreal from this point on.
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