Welcome to another edition of the Hockeybuzz hotstove.
In this one we'll be sharing our power rankings for the top five teams in the NHL.
Todd Cordell 1. Nashville Predators (39-12-6)
They lead the league in wins, points, goal differential (+43), have won six in a row, eight of ten and just acquired two solid players in Cody Franson and Mike Santorelli.
2. New York Islanders (38-19-1)
The Islanders lead the East in wins, have a plus-25 goal differential and are 1st in the NHL and score adjusted Fenwick at 55.3%. They're getting scoring all throughout their lineup, and will continue to win games in bunches as long as Jaroslav Halak holds his own between the pipes.
3. Chicago Blackhawks (35-18-5)
They're not top-5 in points, but they're right near that top group, and have the 2nd best goal differential (plus-40) in the league. They're an elite possession team, have as much talent as anyone, and if the playoffs started today I'd still have a hard time picking against them.
4. St Louis Blues (37-16-4)
How ridiculous is the central division? The Blues are tied for 2nd in the NHL in points, have a plus-38 goal differential and are an elite possession team. Despite that, a case can be made that they're the 3rd best team. Crazy.
5. Tampa Bay Lightning (36-18-6)
They've slowed down a little bit of late (five wins in their last 10) but they are tied for 2nd in the NHL in points, and lead the league in goals by a solid margin with 195 in 60 games. If their goaltending was a little better this season they'd easily have the best goal differential in hockey and would likely have a few more wins.
Tim Chiasson 1. Nashville Predators (39-12-6)
This team is easily the best team in the league. They've got everything you want; offense, defense, goaltending, you name it. They've also won six straight.
2. St Louis Blues (37-16-4)
The Blues are a fantastic hockey team. I really hope it's a Nashville/St Louis Conference Final. Like the Predators, the Blues are a really deep team getting excellent play from all three areas.
3. New York Islanders (38-19-1)
If Halak could make a few extra saves this team would be running away with the Eastern Conference. The Islanders are a solid possession team that can score a lot of goals. Maybe Halak is saving his star performances for the playoffs, which would suck for the rest of the East.
4. Chicago Blackhawks (35-18-5)
The Blackhawks continue to play great hockey - and climb the standings. Their goal differential is amazing and they play a solid possession game as usual. If their shooting percentage can climb up from the bottom of the league they'll give Nashville a run for their money.
5. Tampa Bay Lightning (36-18-6)
If the Lightning can stay healthy and get a few more saves from their goaltenders they will be the runaway best team in the Eastern Conference. How fun would a Tampa/Nashville Stanley Cup be?
Honorable Mention: Detroit Red Wings (32-14-10)
Recent posts