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. Nashville Predators (41-13-7)
They possess the best record in the NHL, the best goal differential (+43) in the NHL, the best defense core in the NHL, and having gone 8-1-1 in their last 10 are showing no signs of slowing down.
2. New York Rangers (37-16-6)
The Rangers have the best record in the league over the last couple months, and continue to pile up the points despite playing without Henrik Lundqvist. They lead the East in ROW (35), goal differential (+41) and are just two points behind the Islanders for top spot in the division with three games in hand.
3. New York Islanders (37-16-6)
Despite some injury problems, the Islanders are 7-2-1 in their last 10 and are just one point out of 1st in the Eastern Conference. John Tavares is playing like John Tavares, Ryan Strome is turning into a star and the Isles are 1st place in score adjusted Fenwick. If Halak plays well, they could do some damage come playoff time.
4. Anaheim Ducks (38-17-7)
The Ducks have slipped of late - they have just four wins in their last 10 - but they've dealt with some injury problems and are still tied for 2nd in the NHL in points.
5. Los Angeles Kings (29-18-12)
The Kings have dominated over the last couple months, and the wins are finally starting to come. They've won eight games in a row, and just acquired an established top-4 defenseman in Andrej Sekera without giving up anyone off their roster. Who wants to play them in the first round?
Ryan Wilson 1. Nashville 41-13-7
Best record in the league and not going to go away anytime soon with the additions of Mike Santorelli and Cody Franson. Filip Forsberg continues to put on a show.
2. Islanders 37-16-6
They take a little bit of a hit losing Grabovsky but Anders Lee has done a nice job picking up the slack. Deep team that dominates possession (best in NHL). If Halak can give them average to above average goaltending they will be very tough to beat.
3. Minnesota 31-22-7
This team has been pretty good all season long. They just had miserable goaltending. Dubnyk has given them a boost at that position and with the addition of Sean Bergenheim the Wild are looking like a team that nobody will want in Round 1 of the playoffs.
4. Tampa Bay 37-14-6
Things are going really well when Steven Stamkos is having a decent season and he is not the leading scorer on the team. Terrific scoring depth. A top 3 possession team in the league.
5. St. Louis 38-18-4
The Blues earn this spot over Chicago because of the injury to Patrick Kane. Blues don't have many holes on their roster. Top five possession team. They just have to hope that Brian Elliott holds up come playoff time.
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