NHL Power Rankings Playoff Edition: The Playoff Teams Ranked 16-1

The NHL Playoff teams are set at last. After months and months of teams switching back and forth from the eighth and ninth spots, all the teams in the playoffs are final.

So now the new question rises: Who is the most dangerous?

I'll rank the teams on how dangerous they are from 16-1 and tell you why. 

16. St. Louis Blues

The Blues beat out the Oilers and Predators for the final playoff spot in the West. They may be on a hot streak, but the team just doesn't have enough skill to really compete in the playoffs against any team. Along with that, they get to play the San Jose Sharks, this year's president trophy winner, in the first round.

Sorry Blues fans, the Sharks are just too good. 

15. Calgary Flames

They have the fifth seed in the West and are one of the most skilled teams in hockey. Still, the Flames are a very streaky team, and it only takes a four-game bad streak to get sent back home for the playoffs.

Most likely facing Chicago in the first round, it's unlikely the Flames, led by Iginla and Kipprosouff, will pass the streaking Blackhawks. 

14. Montreal Canadiens 

The Canadiens had a good game a few nights ago against Boston, sending it to OT, which was all they needed to lock up the last playoff spot.

Now, after a dirty game between the two, Boston and Montreal face each other in a playoff series. Montreal will need some big heroics from a rebuilding Carry Price if they can get past them. 

13. Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks made a miraculous run back to the playoffs this year, not only making it but also passing St. Louis for the seventh seed.

Now, they face Detroit, a rematch of two years ago's Western Championship Game where the Ducks prevailed and went on to win the cup. But a repeat of that incredible series in unlikely for the Ducks. 

12. New York Rangers

The Rangers have been hanging out in playoff position all year. They've barely kept themselves from slipping into eighth, and sometimes had to work their way back up to seventh where they've been for a while now.

Led by Drury and Gomez, the Rangers will need some heroics to make a dent in the playoffs. 

11. Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina has been in eighth-ninth place all year and worked their way up to sixth at the last second.

Whether it's Ward on defense or Staal on defense, at least one star always steps up for them in key games and wins it for them. But you can question whether that will be enough in the playoffs. 

10. Philadelphia Flyers 

Philadelphia is a very good team this year. Knuble and Timonen have been stepping up and really leading the team. Briere has been a little overrated in Philly, however. He hasn't really been a star for team or gotten any key goals for them.

Facing a strong Pittsburgh team, how well can they really do?

9. Columbus Blue Jackets 

Rick Nash is on fire lately, getting his 40th goal and leading his team to their first ever playoff appearance. Some people think they'll be not ready for it, but I think they won't blow it and show they actually belong there.

A seaming hot Chris Mason in goal, Columbus looks decently promising going to the playoffs. 

8. Vancouver Canucks

Although they're on fire lately, the Canucks have always blown it in the playoffs.

Luongo in goal and a promising offense with Sundin and the Sedins, the Canucks seem like they'll be amazing, grabbing the 3rd place spot in just a week.

However, like I said, history is big when you're talking about Vancouver. 

7. Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh is really hot lately, winning key games and showing they aren't going to be denied of the playoffs or even the No. 5 seed.

Crosby, Malkin, and Staal are playing better than ever, and leading Pittsburgh to a possible playoff run. Pittsburgh looks pretty good going to the playoffs. 

6. Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago has a few young stars in Toews, Kane, and Huet, but they have a few problems too. They aren't quite streaky, but they have a few bad streaks now and then.

Like I said, it only takes a four-game bad streak to be sent home in the playoffs. But, coming off a key win vs. Detroit, Chicago looks good entering the playoffs. 

5. New Jersey Devils

All their players breaking records all around, Martin Broduer is leading New Jersey to their best season in a long while. Langenbrudder really preforming as their new captain and Shanahan and Roloston playing well as new additions to the team, they look like one of the powerhouses going in to the Playoffs. 

4. Washington Capitals

Ovechkin having his best season so far, Washington has looked past the celebration controversy to playing well in the playoffs. Theodore solid in net, they look strong going in and facing, most likely, the Carolina Hurricanes.

On top of the world, Washington looks incredible lately. 

3. San Jose Sharks

The Sharks are the best team in hockey right now, winning the President Trophy for the first time and showing they have some star power.

However, it seems with San Jose it's always going to the third round and out, or maybe just the second round.

Like with Vancouver, history plays a big role in the Sharks playoff hunt. But, they look like one of the best teams in the league nevertheless. 

2. Boston Bruins

An incredible comeback season to follow up a great first round in last year's playoffs against Montreal. Now, Savard and Chara lead Boston to another No. 1—No. 8 first round battle vs. the Canadiens, only now the seeds are switched.

Boston is full of young stars, including rookie Wheeler, and will be a powerhouse in the playoffs as they attempt to finish off a great season with a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. 

1. Detroit Red Wings

Signing Franzen and Zetterburg each to at least 11-year deals, Detroit is securing their players will still be there, even through 2020.

The Red Wings couldn't quite keep a No. 1 seed, but they still look like the best team in the playoffs.

Sporting the likes of Dastyuk, Zetterburg, and Lidstrom, Detroit is one of the favorites for the cup this year.