NHL Power Rankings to Start The New Year
As teams near the half-way point for the 2010-2011 NHL season, it's time to take a look at my Power Rankings so far.
I will be ranking the teams from number thirty to number one. Having watched many hockey games, I will give you my opinion on each team and what I think could happen with said team in the second half of the season.
Each team's record will be as current as possible (January 4th, 2011). I will talk about some of the pros, cons and recent news with the team. I hope that my opinions are shared by many of you and I look forward to hearing your comments.
Enjoy the read!
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No. 30: New Jersey Devils
1 of 30
Record: 10-27-2
Just when you thought that things were going to get better for the New Jersey Devils, things got worse.
Jacques Lemaire was supposed to bring a strong veteran, hard-nosed, coaching method to a team that just looked like a mess. Instead, the Devils just don't appear to be heading anywhere positive. At some point more changes will be made as the team has just two wins in its last ten games.
For a team that was considered a strong contender for the Stanley Cup, things have gone totally wrong for the New Jersey Devils.
I have them ranked 30th because of so many things. Ilya Kovalchuk has got to be one of the worst signings in recent memory and the rest of the team looks uninspired. Combine that with an ineffective coaching change and you have the worst team in the NHL to start the New Year.
No. 29: New York Islanders
2 of 30
Record: 12-19-6
Who would have predicted that the Islanders would be better than the Devils this season? I can tell you that I had no idea. While that holds true, the Islanders are still a mess.
Though the team has played much better hockey of late, it hasn't been enough to take them out of the 29th spot in my Power Rankings to start the New Year. Remember, these rankings are based upon everything we've seen to date.
I don't think I'm alone when I tell you I think that the Islanders are just trying to sacrifice their season to go for that number one pick. They've traded one of their top defensemen, and de facto number one goalie. As Eklund said, the NHL should step in here. It's getting to be quite ridiculous.
If it weren't for the terrible play of the New Jersey Devils, the New York Islanders would easily be number 30 on this list.
No. 28: Toronto Maple Leafs
3 of 30
Record: 14-20-4
Up until this point in this presentation, the rankings have followed the league standings. Is it really a surprise that the Toronto Maple Leafs have broken this trend?
The team looks like an absolute disaster. Phil Kessel hasn't lived up to his salary of the price Brian Burke paid for him. Ron Wilson's job must be in jeopardy despite not having much to work with. Let's be honest, when Grabovski is your only forward that can score, you have a little bit of a problem.
The difference between the Leafs and some of the bad teams ahead of them is that the Leafs just don't appear to be headed anywhere fast. If the team had a draft pick to look forward to, or multiple top end prospects, things may be different. As of right now, the Leafs are simply bad.
Remember the 4-0 start the team had? That looks like the worst thing in the world. Expectations soared and then the team came back down to earth. Thanks guys!
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No. 27: Edmonton Oilers
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Record: 12-19-7
Although the Oilers have a record that is worse than that of the Maple Leafs, there is a difference. That difference is a promising future. The level of excitement and future expectations following this team is undeniable. Players like Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall are showing Oiler fans that there is hope for the future.
I'm not denying that the Oilers are not playing well right now; they are mired in a six game skid. However, what I am saying is that the team appears like it go develop and move up the standings as early as 2011. Would anyone be surprised to see them jump up a spot or two in standing? I wouldn't.
I really like Tom Renney behind the bench in Edmonton as he seems to be getting his message through to the younger players. Another thing that sets the Oilers apart from the Leafs is the strong veteran presence. The team is young, statistically, but players like Horcoff and Hemsky are there to lead along some of the young rookies.
The Oilers just need a couple of holes filled before they become a true force in the NHL.
No. 26: Ottawa Senators
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Record: 16-19-5
The Hockey News recently published an article talking about how hockey could be dying in Canada. When I read it, it was kind of a shock to me. However, now that I really take a close look at the game, I kind of see where they are coming from. Three Canadian teams find themselves in the bottom five of my rankings.
Everything has gone wrong in Ottawa this season. Injuries in goal and up front have hampered the team's ability to grow. With Spezza out for a while, the Sens are forced to throw an underachieving player into the spotlight.
Also, does everyone remember when the Senators announced that they had signed Sergei Gonchar over the summer? People were jumping up and down with excitement.
If we fast forward to the start of 2011, the signing of Gonchar looks like a bad one. He hasn't looked like the player that departed the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Ottawa Senators' coaching staff really doesn't have a lot to work with on this team. I, for one, am hoping that Cory Clouston is not fired. While he's not the best coach in the league, I believe he does have a lot to offer the organization and its players.
No. 25: Calgary Flames
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Record: 18-19-3
This team was once considered one of the top contenders for the Northwest Division. Sorry, Flames fans, that ship has sailed with the Vancouver Canucks taking over.
Many of the management decisions in Calgary made by the now-departed General Manager, Darryl Sutter, were called into question this year. Signing players like Tanguay and Jokinen was a crazy move. Also crazy was spending tons of cap space and salary of the under-performing Jay Bouwmeester. No longer does he look like one of the top defenders in the game.
Under Jay Feaster and Brent Sutter it will be interesting to watch the Flames. How much longer will Sutter be around? I'm not too sure. Just when it looked like things were turning around, the Flames lose to the dreadful Islanders.
The Flames are incredibly unpredictable right now and they look to be heading towards a long off-season with many changes. I'm just going to sit back and enjoy.
No. 24: Florida Panthers
7 of 30
Record: 18-17-2
If you went back to the start of the season and asked a few hockey minds who they thought would finish dead last in the league, I bet most would have said the Florida Panthers.
After the hiring of Dale Tallon, it was thought that he would try and use the exact same formula he used to build a winner in Chicago. He would tank seasons and pick up lots of high draft picks.
While the Panthers are poised to make a fairly high selection in this year's draft, it is not the number one selection many fans were hoping for. The team is playing well with a severely underrated roster. Tomas Vokoun is one of the best goalies in the game.
If Tallon truly wants to rebuild this team, he will trade away Vokoun and most of his veteran players. It's time to bring two solid hockey teams to Florida and hopefully Tallon can do that.
No. 23: Buffalo Sabres
8 of 30
Record: 16-18-5
The Buffalo Sabres is another team that has to be considered one of the biggest surprises this season. With Ryan Miller in net, it was thought that this team was a lock for the playoffs. Well, look at the standings and you will see that the Sabres are a long way away from that goal.
I don't know what's going on in Buffalo but it really isn't good. Injuries have torn the team apart this season and it's really not good to see such a fantastically coached team struggle. Lindy Ruff is one of the top coaches in the game and a lot of people are calling his job into question.
He is one of the most respected coaches in the world and I have no doubt that he won't be fired out of Buffalo. The team would be stupid to do that.
What does that mean? It means that it is up to the players to turn this ship around. They have just over half a season to do so. Is it possible? Sure. Is it probable? Not in my opinion.
No. 22: Phoenix Coyotes
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Record: 18-13-8
While the Phoenix Coyotes aren't a terrible team like they once were, they aren't the same team that made the playoffs last season.
Lee Stempniak and Wojtek Wolski don't look like the same players they were after being traded to the desert late last year. It has to be a little bit of a concern for the Coyotes, who are in the process or an ownership transition.
The low ranking of this team may surprise a lot of people. However, you have consider that the Coyotes have lost a lot of games in overtime and the shootout as a way to gain points. Of course, that is an acceptable way to get the points needed to make the playoffs, but does it really mean you are a good team?
In my mind, overtime and shootout losses are still losses.
No. 21: Minnesota Wild
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Record: 19-15-5
The Minnesota Wild were a team that most people feared earlier in the 21st century. Under Jacques Lemaire, the Wild played one of the most systematic games in history. They were strong defensively, and they know how to take advantage of opposition mistakes.
Now, with Todd Richards at the helm, the Wild are a mess. They aren't very good defensively, nor are they over the top on the offensive side of the puck.
If the Wild can gain a few more top end draft picks, they could be a force once again. Though, at this moment they are far from that state of respectability.
The signing of Havlat appears to be a huge overpayment, and players like Bouchard and Burns just can't seem to stay healthy for very long.
No. 20: Carolina Hurricanes
11 of 30
Record: 18-15-5
In the last five years, the Hurricanes have been one of the most interesting teams to watch. With all-stars in the lineup like Eric Staal and Cam Ward, it's a shock that this team isn't doing better.
Does anyone else find it incredibly interesting to see the Hurricanes have a great season followed by one of incredible mediocrity? I don't think that this team is as bad as its record indicates. Staal is just that good. He is one of those players that makes the guys around him better.
While I'm not sure that the Canes will make the playoffs, I do hope that they can right the ship this season. It hasn't been a great season for attendance in the NHL and having losing franchises in the USA doesn't help.
If you ask me, the Hurricanes have the potential to be one of the powerhouses in the East. Unlike many teams, they have the big first line center in Staal that makes everything easier. He can push players around, create offense and play well in his own end of the ice.
No. 19: Nashville Predators
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Record: 19-13-6
The Nashville Predators are one of the amazing success stories in the NHL. Imagine, this team continues to produce wins despite having a roster without many superstars. I think a lot of credit needs to be given to Barry Trotz. In my mind, he is the best coach in the game.
Although the Predators aren't putting together a stellar season, they are well above .500 in the standings. Yet, they do appear to be a team that is taking advantage of the "loser point". They don't have as many wins as a team below them.
For this team to have success in the future, Poile and his management team is going to have to lock-up players like Suter and Weber. Next, they will have to draft a few superstar forwards. Offensively dynamic players aren't overly abundant in the Preds locker room.
No. 18: Columbus Blue Jackets
13 of 30
Record: 20-17-3
The Columbus Blue Jackets have been an interesting team to watch this season. They haven't played like a powerhouse, but they haven't been bad. Scott Arniel seems to be doing a nice job with the roster there.
With only one true superstar in the line-up, Rick Nash, the Blue Jackets have been on the prowl for more. Ryan Johansen looks like he could be that guy to be a number one center. Until Johansen makes the move to the NHL, it's up to the Jackets to play like a team that can be competitive from night to night.
This season, the Blue Jackets look to be a team in transition. They would love to add a few more pieces to give them their second taste of playoff hockey, but it just isn't that easy in today's NHL. Scott Howson needs to stay patient and develop this team into a winner.
In time, I think the Blue Jackets can become dominant. Right now, it's time to sit back and wait if you are a Jackets fan.
No. 17: Montreal Canadiens
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Record: 21-16-3
Unfortunately for the Montreal Canadiens, their great play to start the season seems to have tailed off. They are still putting up wins, but not like they were earlier in the year.
The reason I have the Canadiens placed so low is that the only real reason for their hot start was the play of Carey Price. If I were power ranking goaltenders, he would be right near the top. Finally, he looks like he can be a true number one keeper in the league.
The rest of the Habs' lineup is small and talented, but weak on the forecheck. The grit factor just doesn't play a big role in their game. In the Eastern Conference, you can be successful with that game plan. The East is quicker and plays a more skilled game than the West.
However, to play against the West, you need to be big, strong and hard on the forecheck. If the Canadiens really want to play with the big boys, they will need to add some skilled size.
No. 16: St. Louis Blues
15 of 30
Record: 20-13-5
The St. Louis Blues got off to one of the hottest starts in the entire league. Jaroslav Halak looked like the player he was during the playoffs for the Montreal Canadiens. Nothing was getting by him.
Although is play hasn't tailed off drastically, it isn't where it was to start the season. When you combine that fact with the incredible amount of injuries that the Blues have suffered, it's no surprise that they have slipped in the standings.
When the team is healthy and Halak is playing well, they have a shot at a solid playoff spot. Right now, with the current state of the team, they look like they will be scratching and clawing for one of the final playoff spots in the Western Conference.
No. 15: Chicago Blackhawks
16 of 30
Record: 21-17-3
Who misses Dustin Byfuglien? The Chicago Blackhawks do. Since his departure, along with the departures of many other players, the Blackhawks just haven't been the same.
The team looks incredibly tired after a grueling playoff run on route to the Stanley Cup last season. It's no surprise that it has taken the Hawks up until now to really get their legs under them. If the play they are showing now continues, they could move up the standings even more.
Injuries haven't helped the struggling Hawks either. Kane and Toews, the two offensive superstars for the Hawks, have both been injured during different portions of the season. It's tough for a team to get into a rhythm when one of the top guys is out.
Hopefully, as the team gets healthy we can sit back and watch some great hockey. That being said, I don't think they have enough size or strength to get the job done again. Too much was lost this past summer.
No. 14: Anaheim Ducks
17 of 30
Record: 21-17-4
The Anaheim Ducks have been one of the pleasant surprises this season. For one, I don't believe that they are quite as good as their record indicates. That can't be too surprising as they have lost two huge defensive pieces in the last few years.
When you look at the Ducks this season, on paper, I think most people would agree that they probably aren't good enough to make the playoffs. There are too many good teams in the West. In the East, I think Anaheim would easily make the top eight. Geography can play a terrible unfortunate role in hockey.
Lead by players like Getzlaf, Perry and Ryan, the Ducks are a young group of guys that will continue to develop. The depth is one issue that needs to be addressed if the team wants to be Cup champions once again. That would be my biggest concern.
No. 13: Colorado Avalanche
18 of 30
Record: 21-14-5
The Avalanche are really missing Chris Stewart right now. The team is young, fast and skilled but they are sorely missing his size and scoring touch. He is one of the few players on that roster that has the ability to power through an all-star defense.
Many people thought that the Avalanche might give the Vancouver Canucks a run for their money this year for the Northwest Division title, but that just hasn't come to fruition.
Craig Anderson isn't playing like the amazing goalie he was last season, and Budaj just hasn't fit the bill either. I would think that it is a little bit worrying to be an Avalanche fan right now, as it looks like the team has taken a step back from last year.
Though, the future looks bright with many young and surprising prospects making their way up to the big club. If I'm the Avalanche, I'm just playing out these next few years and then making a true run at Lord Stanley's Cup.
No. 12: Los Angeles Kings
19 of 30
Record: 22-16-1
The Los Angeles Kings are a lot better than their record indicates, unlike their Californian rivals, the Anaheim Ducks. This team is built to succeed under Terry Murray and Dean Lombardi.
It kind of upsets me that I haven't really been able to rank the Kings too highly in any of my slideshows here on The Bleacher Report. Yet, I don't think I've been unfair in my rankings. The Kings need to be better.
The defense has played incredibly well at some points during this season. Willie Mitchell, when healthy, looks like a great signing. The problem with this young group will continue to be consistency. The team, offensively, defensively, and in goal, needs to learn how to play well from night to night.
Kopitar, Williams and Smyth are all playing well, but there needs to be more. At some point players like Marco Sturm, Dustin Brown and Wayne Simmonds need to play consistent hockey.
No. 11: New York Rangers
20 of 30
Record: 22-15-3
The New York Rangers are another one of those surprises this season. I'm not sure that anyone expected them to be playing as well as they are. Wade Redden is in the minors, Alex Frolov is underachieving, so much has gone wrong. How do they do it?
Under John Tortorella, the team works hard and plays hard. You can't forget Lundqvist in net either. He is one of the NHL's elite goaltenders.
I find it really interesting to watch the Rangers play. You really don't think that they have the firepower or defensive strength to get the job done, yet, they do. Perhaps they are one of the more underrated rosters in the National Hockey League.
No. 10: San Jose Sharks
21 of 30
Record: 21-14-5
Isn't it interesting to see how the mighty have fallen? Well, I guess it's not that bad in San Jose. However, they aren't the team that they have been the last few years. To me, the losses of Rob Blake and Evgeni Nabokov were severely undervalued by the Sharks' management.
Antti Niemi is finally playing like the goalie Doug Wilson signed him to be. Although he is stopping pucks, he is letting out some big rebounds as shown in the game against the Vancouver Canucks. Could that be his undoing later this year?
As the season goes on, teams will begin to play harder and Niemi may not be able to contain as many shots. It could spell disaster for the Sharks.
I still believe that they are a playoff team, but not a division winner.
No. 9: Atlanta Thrashers
22 of 30
Record: 21-15-6
Who would have thought that the Atlanta Thrashers would be challenging for the number one spot in the Southeast Division? It's unbelievable.
They say that someone's lost is someone else's gain, right? Well the Atlanta Thrashers took advantage of the Chicago Blackhawks' cap woes. When they picked up Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd, Brent Sopel and Ben Eager, I'm not sure that anyone felt the four would make such a huge impact.
Look at the leadership core on the Thrashers. You have Byfuglien serving as an alternate captain and Ladd acting as captain. These guys are proud guys who really know what it takes to win a championship.
Hopefully things work out in Atlanta, because the Thrashers look really good right now.
No. 8: Dallas Stars
23 of 30
Record: 23-13-4
Is it just me, or are a lot of the teams up at the top of this list surprises? I can tell you that I thought the Stars would finish either last or second last in the Pacific Division. Well, I've been proven wrong so far. The Stars are sitting in first place and playing like a great team.
They are getting the goaltending, timely scoring, and underrated defense. Brad Richards is carrying the load up front, and one has to wonder what would happen if he ever got traded. Would the Stars survive and still make the playoffs? I doubt it.
A lot of credit should go to Marc Crawford who has really helped to develop this team into the strong powerhouse that it is today. He is a great coach and he is doing exactly what he set out to do when he agreed to coach the Stars; win.
No. 7: Boston Bruins
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Record: 21-11-6
If I was in charge of handing out the NHL awards, I would be giving Tim Thomas the Vezine Trophy right now. He has been so good for the Boston Bruins. Regardless of how the team plays, he is always there to shut the door. His play probably steals the team a few wins a year.
I remember when Nathan Horton was brought on board in Boston, and I thought he would be a perfect fit with the team. His start was hot, but he seems to have cooled down a little bit now. I think that he can pick it up again, and he really needs to if the Bruins are going to make a long run into the playoffs.
This team is built to win now. With players like Savard and Chara leading the team, it's no surprise that they are considered a Stanley Cup contender.
No. 6: Washington Capitals
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Record: 23-12-6
The Capitals haven't been as good this season as they were last season. There is no doubt that we can look directly at Alex Ovechkin for the cause of these troubles. He hasn't played nearly as well as the Caps need him to play.
Lucky for Ovechkin, the Caps roster is full of other solid players who can get the job done. I'm impressed with the play of some the guys like Fehr. They work hard and they get the job done.
If Ovechkin can pick up his play, there is no doubt that the Capitals can move right up to the top of this list. He is the heart that keeps the Caps beating. At some point he will become the elite player we all know he can be.
No. 5: Tampa Bay Lightning
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Record: 24-11-5
This is the team everyone envisioned when the Lightning drafted Steven Stamkos first overall. The team is powerful, fast and hungry to win.
The trade for Dwayne Roloson will only help propel the Lightning up this list. Goaltending was really the only weak point that kept this team all the way down in the fifth spot. They are that good.
With players like Gagne, St. Louis and Stamkos up front, we can't be shocked that the team scores a lot of goals. I think one of the best things about these players is the excitement factor that they bring each and every game. Sure, it's nice to see gritty goals, but skilled goals and rocket shots are way more entertaining.
The Bolts are going to be a team to watch for years to come with a few great prospects coming up to join the ranks soon enough.
No. 4: Pittsburgh Penguins
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Record: 25-12-3
When you have the best player in the league on your team, you had better be right up at the top of the power rankings. What Sidney Crosby has accomplished this season has been really impressive. He is definitely showing why the Penguins call him captain.
At some point, the Penguins will stop getting the two points per game production out of Crosby. When that happens, they will rely on the continued great play of Malkin, Letang and the now healthy, Jordan Staal.
This team has all of the pieces to come out and win another Stanley Cup. If I was picking a team to come out of the East, I would pick the Penguins.
No. 3: Detroit Red Wings
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Record: 25-10-5
The Detroit Red Wings are doing a lot of things right this season. They could easily be number two on this list if it wasn't for some shaky goaltending from Jimmy Howard.
Lidstrom looks like he is a 21 year old phenom, while players like Datsyuk and Zetterberg are playing like they always do. This is a great team, make no mistake.
Everyone focuses on last year and remembers the struggles that the Wings had to even solidify a playoff spot. Well, I think it's safe to say that those worries have been put to rest. The Wings are dominating nearly everyone in the league.
It's amazing to see such a poised, veteran team take care of some of the young guns in the league. Watch out everyone, the Red Wings are coming.
No. 2: Philadelphia Flyers
29 of 30
Record: 24-10-5
The Philadelphia Flyers are flying high. They are getting great output from players like Carter, Richards and Giroux. Their role players are doing everything right, and their defense continues to be one of the best units in the league.
Isn't it funny how no matter what's going on, questions often arise about the Flyers' goaltending? Sergei Bobrovsky and Brian Boucher have played some great hockey, but is it going to continue? That is the question that most Flyers' fans will be asking. There is no back-up option right now. They need these guys to produce.
Baring injuries, this team will continue to dominate the Eastern Conference. However, as shown by their performance against the number one team on this list, they may not be ready to take home the Stanley Cup.
No. 1: Vancouver Canucks
30 of 30
Record: 25-8-5
The Vancouver Canucks appear to be the most complete team in the NHL. Unlike the teams before them in the rankings, they have some of the best goaltending in the league. People can complain about Roberto Luongo all they want, but the fact remains that he is an elite goaltender who can win games.
Vancouver also boasts one of the best defenses in the league. They don't allow many chances in the slot and they can create offense on the rush. They don't have the biggest names on the blue line, but they are deep. Specifically, I draw your attention to Alex Edler. This kid is the real deal and he could be the next big thing in the league.
Of course, who could forget about Vancouver's offense? There's those guys named the Sedin twins, right? I think I've heard of them. They are fantastic players. If I was the all-star captain, I would draft Henrik first. Great players can score, the best players can set scorers up. That's no disrespect to Daniel who is one of the best snipers in the league, it's just my opinion.
The Canucks look like this could be their year. I know the members of Canucks nation have been waiting a long time. Perhaps the wait is nearing its end.
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