NHL Power Rankings Week 6

This is an abbreviated week of power rankings, largely due to a 15-page research paper staring me in the face over this Thanksgiving week.

This week sees a return by Detroit for position of top dog, a lot of teams tank and the Islanders still awful. Remember when the Atlantic division had four teams get into the playoffs?

It will be interesting to see if the top two teams for the lottery are from the Atlantic this year.

1. Detroit Red Wings (13-3-2) Week 5 Rank: No. 3

A thrashing of St. Louis and then two nail biters in overtime that the Wings split. Typically not good enough for top spot, but Detroit has the most points and best winning percentage, so there.

2. Washington Capitals (14-5-2) Week 5 Rank: No. 2

After enacting some revenge against Buffalo, the Caps get shutout by the Thrashers. Yes, the Thrashers. Then they lose a slugfest with Philly via shootout. Still, the Caps are one of the top teams, so they stand pat.

3. Los Angeles Kings (13-6-0) Week 5 Rank: No. 1

  That big time game against San Jose… yeah didn’t go so well. A 6-3 loss to the Sharks and then the Kings cough up leads in each of their next three games. Thankfully for L.A. they steal a win from Boston after blowing a 3-0 lead.

4. Montreal Canadians (13-6-1) Week 5 Rank: No. 5

The Canadians may be streaky, but currently are more on the positive side then the negative. What helps is Carey Price posting two more shutouts, including against Philly.

5. Columbus Blue Jackets (12-6-0) Week 5 Rank: No. 9

The Golden State did wonders for the Blue Jackets as they went on a three game swing through California and came back with three wins. Something special may be developing in Columbus, in large part thanks to Rick Nash who is really looking like the leader in a lot of aspects that the Jackets need him to be.

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