Welcome to another edition of the Hockeybuzz hotstove.
In this one we'll share our power rankings for the top-5 teams in hockey.
Todd Cordell 1. Nashville Predators (35-12-6)
The Predators have slipped a little, at least compared to the NHL's top teams, having won five of their last 10, but they still lead the league with 35 wins, and they have a plus-34 goal differential. Their defense has been excellent, Filip Forsberg, Mike Ribeiro and co. continue to put up points, and Pekka Rinne is playing like an MVP candidate.
2. Anaheim Ducks (34-13-7)
They've won six of their last 10, their goal differential continues to improve, and they're 2nd in the NHL with 75 points. That's hard to argue against.
3. Tampa Bay Lightning (34-16-5)
The Lightning have caught fire having won seven of their last 10, and picked up at least a point in eight of those games. They're 2nd in the league with a score adjusted Fenwick of 54.5%, and lead the East with a plus-34 goal differential.
4. St Louis Blues (34-15-4)
Despite losing their last two contests they have still won seven of 10. They're an elite puck possession team, they have a plus-36 goal differential, and they recently improved their bottom-6 swapping Maxim Lapierre for Marcel Goc. They're doing a lot of good things in St. Louis.
5. Detroit Red Wings (31-12-9)
They've won nine of their last 10, and are just two points out of 1st in the East with three games in hand. Enough said.
Honorable mention: Chicago Blackhawks (33-18-3).
Tim Chiasson 1. Nashville Predators (35-12-6)
The Predators continue to play good hockey and they're taking a legitimate run at the President's Trophy this year. Now that Pekka Rinne is back - not that they were awful without him - the Preds are the likely candidate to continue to roll through the regular season on top for me.
2. Anaheim Ducks (34-13-7)
Anaheim has it figured out now, goal differential matters. The Ducks are a tough hockey team to play against and if they're firing on all cylinders there aren't too many teams qualified to handle them.
3. Detroit Red Wings (31-12-9)
The Wings have been flying under the radar this year. So much so that the league has barely even noticed that this team - that was supposed to be performing lower than they are - are hovering around the top of the Eastern Conference. Babcock's slick coaching methods are keeping his top players fresh too.
4. St. Louis Blues (34-15-4)
Before they lost two in a row, the Blues were on an absolute tear. They were steamrolling everyone in the league. Everyone has to lose a few games so it shouldn't really concern everyone. The Blues are a top team in the league and are a legitimate Cup contender.
5. Tampa Bay Lightning (34-16-5)
Injuries to the blueline? Not a problem. The Lightning just keep winning games. The depth on this team amazes me and hockey gods help the team that meets them in the playoffs should Stamkos go into overdrive. The Lightning have been consistently at the top of the East all season long.
Honorable Mention: Carey Price
Recent posts