Another week has come and gone in the NHL, as some teams gear up for the playoffs and others linger on the outskirts. It will be a tight race until the end, so we should be expecting to see some really great games. As always, a loss or win doesn’t necessarily mean that one team will be ranked higher than a team they beat or lost to. Here we go!
Numbers in parentheses reference last week’s rankings and all stats are current as of 3/6
No.32: Seattle Kraken (-1)
With only two wins in the last ten games, Seattle has hit the bottom of the list. Usually, the only way to go is up when you hit bottom, but sometimes you get bogged down and stuck.
No.31: Buffalo Sabres (+1)
After losing six in a row, it looked like they were moving in a good direction with two consecutive wins. Then the Kings happened with a shutout. Sometimes bad things happen to mediocre teams.
No.30: Philadelphia Flyers (-2)
Two wins in ten games say a lot about you, mainly that you are having difficulty keeping the other team from scoring. But, of course, the Flyers have a lot on their mind with the looking trade deadline, so it is understandable.
No.29: Arizona Coyotes (+1)
They deserve some credit for winning against the Avalanche. It might not mean much in the long run, but beating a good team never gets old.
No.28: New Jersey (+1)
There is still too much inconsistency when it comes to the Devils. However, it does not help when two of your goaltenders are on the injured list. It is not a great situation to be in, and it will probably not get any better for the foreseeable future.
No.27: San Jose Sharks (-1)
Three losses in a row is not a good sign. Two wins in the last ten games is not a great way to play. They almost won against the Ducks, but overtime was not kind to them.
No.26: Montreal Canadiens (+1)
They are still looking good with Martin St. Louis at the helm. It has been one of the best turnarounds of the season. Losing to Winnipeg stopped their win streak, but then they picked right back up with another win streak. Time will tell if they are able to end their season knowing they tried their best.
No.25: Ottawa Senators (-2)
Four losses in a row have given the Senators a feeling of defeat, especially when one of those losses comes at the hands of the Coyotes. They still have a long way to go, but they are getting there slowly but surely.
No.24: Chicago Blackhawks (+1)
Chicago is another team that has been inconsistent this season with their play. Their loss to Tampa Bay puts them on a two-game losing streak.
No.23: New York Islanders (+1)
The Islanders swap places with the Senators again. They still have an issue with scoring goals and keeping the other team from scoring.
No.22: Columbus Blue Jackets (-1)
They are back to losing, although neither loss was in regulation. Their last fours losses were all to teams that will be making the playoffs, so it is nothing to be ashamed about.
No.21: Detroit Red Wings (+1)
Detroit is almost in the same boat as Columbus. They have lost several games recently to playoff-bound teams; however, they were able to beat Carolina in overtime. Sometimes things happen like that.
No.20: Winnipeg Jets (+0)
No going anywhere for Winnipeg. They have just started a losing streak, which could snowball into something worse if they are not careful. It is also good for fans to see Nikolaj Ehlers back from his knee injury, especially since he’s gotten points in the two games he’s played.
No.19: Edmonton Oilers (-2)
The oilers have not looked like a playoff team lately. They are still questionable at the goaltender position and will need to shore it up if they want a shot at getting in and going far into the playoffs. However, with the trade deadline coming up, it’s always a possibility they will find one available.
No.18: Anaheim Ducks (+0)
Despite their struggles, they are not going anywhere this week. They need to be more consistent in their play, but they appear to be allowing three goals per game on the defensive side. However, they are killing 82.3 percent of their opponent’s power plays.
No.17: Vancouver Canucks (+2)
They are on a two-game winning streak and were looking pretty good in their victory over the Leafs. Thatcher Demko has played outstanding for the team, and they appear to be getting contributions from more players.
No.16: Nashville Predators (+0)
They have had more losses than wins lately, but the hope is that they will be able to hold on and grab a playoff spot. The Predators will have to play better than they have if they want to make it eight consecutive seasons. There is still no sign of what will happen at the trade deadline for the team.
No.15: Washington Capitals (-1)
With their recent wins over Carolina and the Kraken, Washington now has the seventh-best power play in the league since February 1. The special teams were in full effect against Carolina and will be needed going forward until the end of the season.
No.14: Vegas Golden Knights (-1)
Despite a two-game win streak, the Knights are still trying to find their way with Jack Eichel added to the mix. Nevertheless, Vegas won their second straight game and moved four points ahead of Edmonton for third place in the Pacific.
No.13: Minnesota Wild (-3)
They were on a losing streak, but one win didn’t make much difference. Then, they went right back to losing. The Wild aren’t as dominant defensively as they’ve been, and with questions about goaltending, it is not looking too good at the moment.
No.12: Dallas Stars (+3)
The Stars are shining big and bright now that they are on a four-game winning streak. Jason Robertson is the first Stars player with back-to-back hat tricks, and all appears to be well in Dallas. For now. Nothing is ever easy for the Stars, and they will be fighting for a playoff bid until the end of the season.
No.11: New York Rangers (+1)
Winning their last three games, the Rangers are still trying to show the NHL they are for real. However, with the extraordinary play of Igor Shesterkin, some wonder if they are where they are at because of him.
No.10: Boston Bruins (+2)
The Bruins are 7-3 in the last ten games, in which all but one were away games. A loss to the Ducks set them back slightly, but they are still on a roll. They still appear to have issues with allowing late goals in periods. They have the ninth-most points in the NHL and have the eighth-most wins.
No.8: Florida Panthers (+0)
The Panthers are back to winning, but we still need to see more from them. If they want to be first in the Atlantic again, they will need all the points they can get. They will have a fight on their hands with Tampa Bay for the top space.
No.7: Toronto Maple Leafs (-1)
Losing two games in a row brings Toronto down a spot for right now. However, they still have questions regarding their goaltending, so it will be a wait-and-see situation.
No.6: St. Louis Blues (-1)
Losing three in a row is not the end of the world, but it is not a great place to be. They have the players they need, but play execution appears to be an issue. As with a few other teams, goaltending is being questioned, if only to wonder who will be the one going forward.
No.5: Pittsburgh Penguins (+3)
Pittsburgh is finally coming into their own this season. They’ve been doing amazing on the road, and as long as they have a strong start in a game, things generally go their way. So moving up the list was inevitable, and the Pens will keep on rolling.
No.4: Calgary Flames (+0)
Calgary did not go anywhere this week. They simply exist, showing the NHL they are here to stay. Consistency down the stretch is most important if the Flames want to go far into the playoffs.
No.3: Colorado Avalanche (-1)
They were on a winning streak until they lost to Arizona, one of the worst teams in the NHL right now. Luckily it won’t derail their season, and they will continue rolling along into the playoffs.
No.2: Tampa Bay Lightning (+1)
Tampa moves up another spot this week. A loss to Pittsburg set their win streak back; however, they are back on one with two wins in a row. They still are on a trajectory back to how they usually play, which may not bode well for other teams come playoff time.
No.1: Carolina Hurricanes (+0)
A loss against Detroit snapped their win streak, and losing to division rival Washington stung as well. However, they were able to win over the Penguins, who are second in the Metropolitan behind Carolina. Their home point streak is now at 11 games, thanks to their recent win against the Kraken.
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