Welcome to another edition of the Hockeybuzz hotstove.
In this post we'll be sharing our power-rankings for the top-5 teams in hockey.
Todd Cordell
1. Chicago Blackhawks (25-11-2)
For the most part they're healthy, they have the most wins in the NHL and they have the best goal-differential in hockey. The underlying numbers suggest there's no reason to believe they'll slow down, either.
2. Nashville Predators (24-9-3)
The Preds have won seven of their last 10 and are one of three teams with less than 10 regulation losses. Pekka Rinne has been stellar, their defense is very good and they've had no problems filling the net.
3. Tampa Bay Lightning (24-11-4)
The Lightning were going through a bit of a rough patch, but they seem to be getting back on track with four consecutive wins. Their plus-27 goal differential is 3rd in the NHL, and they currently sit atop the Eastern Conference. That's good enough for me.
4. Anaheim Ducks (24-9-6)
The Ducks were without Corey Perry for an extended period of time and have dealt with several injuries on the backend throughout the year. Despite that they're 1st in the NHL in points.
5. New York Islanders (25-11-1)
Only Chicago has as many wins as New York, and they're only one point behind Tampa Bay for 1st in the Eastern Conference.
Ryan Wilson 1. Chicago 25-11-2
Winter Classic loss aside they are firing on all cylinders and are the best team in hockey. Kris Versteeg looks to have broken his hand blocking a shot, somebody will need to step up, somebody usually does.
2. Tampa Bay 24-11-4
Tampa Bay is 6-3-1 in their last 10, they are relatively healthy and I see no reason to rank them lower in this moment.
3. Nashville 24-9-3
the Predators continue to play well. Their goaltending is in great hands with a healthy Rinne.
4. New York Islanders 25-11-1
The reason I have the Islanders in fourth over the Penguins is that they are healthier right now. They are also expecting to get Grabner back. This is the time frame in which the Islanders will have to do some damage if they want to take the division with Pittsburgh.
5. Pittsburgh Penguins 23-9-5
The Penguins aren't playing at the same level they did earlier in the year but that is totally understandable. They have been without Ehrhoff, Martin, Maatta, Dupuis, Bennett, Downie, Comeau, Hornqvist, Kunitz, Letang, and Crosby for bits of time. They are starting to get a few guys back but until they do they are still a dangerous, but wounded animal.
Tim Chiasson 1. Chicago Blackhawks (25-11-2)
Top possession team, +38 goal differential and they just look dominant on more nights than not. They've finally caught up with the East teams in points and it's only a matter of time before they toss Anaheim aside from the top of the West.
2. Nashville Predators (24-9-3)
Nashville isn't slowing down anytime soon. Laviolette has that team absolutely flying and it's a treat to watch. Filip Forsberg is still making magic happen on the ice and Mike Ribeiro is having a great season as well. Of course, the real story is still how non-human Pekka Rinne has been.
3. Pittsburgh Penguins (23-9-5)
I've been the biggest supporter of the Penguins on these rankings since we started but they've fallen over the last few weeks. Injuries have been hitting them and other teams have been making big pushes. They're always a threat to destroy any team - but they're just not number one right now.
4. Tampa Bay Lightning (24-11-4)
Tampa is back on top of the East but the Penguins have a few games in hand. I'd be shocked if Tampa didn't finish first or second in the East, they're just a great team. They've got a solid roster from top to bottom and they're doing it all with Stamkos having a down year for points.
5. Anaheim Ducks (24-9-6)
I still wonder how Anaheim wins some of their games but they are still leading the NHL in points. The Ducks having the worst goal differential in the league should be concerning for a team hoping to stay in first place. Ryan Getzlaf has done a heck of a job leading this team this year and he'd get my Mark Messier Award vote if I had one.
Recent posts