NHL Power Rankings: One Week Down, Lots More Left!

Mark Jones's NHL Power Rankings

We're just one week into the season, but it feels like an eternity. Mark Jones's gives an early-season breakdown of the NHL in these power rankings.

Eastern Conference

1. New York Rangers (12 pts, 6-1-0)
2. Montreal Canadiens (7 pts, 3-0-1)
3. Washington Capitals (6 pts, 3-1-0)
4. Pittsburgh Penguins (5 pts, 2-2-1)
5. New Jersey Devils (6 pts, 3-1-0)
6. Ottawa Senators (5 pts, 2-1-1)
7. Buffalo Sabres (8 pts, 4-0-0)
8. Carolina Hurricanes (5 pts, 2-1-1)
9. Philadelphia Flyers (1 pt, 0-3-1)
10. Boston Bruins (3 pts, 1-1-1)
11. Florida Panthers (2 pts, 1-2-0)
12. New York Islanders (4 pts, 2-2-0)
13. Toronto Maple Leafs (4 pts, 1-1-2)
14. Tampa Bay Lightning (2 pts, 0-2-2)
15. Atlanta Thrashers (3 pts, 1-2-1)

Western Conference

1. Detroit Red Wings (5 pts, 2-1-1)
2. San Jose Sharks (8 pts, 4-1-0)
3. Minnesota Wild (6 pts, 3-0-0)
4. Dallas Stars (3 pts, 1-2-1)
5. Vancouver Canucks (6 pts, 3-2-0)
6. Anaheim Ducks (2 pts, 1-4-0)
7. Calgary Flames (3 pts, 1-2-1)
8. Edmonton Oilers (6 pts, 3-0-0)
9. Chicago Blackhawks (3 pts, 1-2-1)
10. Colorade Avalanche (2 pts, 1-3-0)
11. St. Louis Blues (6 pts, 3-1-0)
12. Nashville Predators (4 pts, 2-3-0)
13. Phoenix Coyotes (4 pts, 2-2-0)
14. Columbus Blue Jackets (4 pts, 2-2-0)
15. Los Angeles Kings (4 pts, 2-2-0)

So far, the New York Rangers have looked like the team to beat, while the Red Wings and Canadiens are also living up to expectations. Some surprise teams so far are the Blues, Oilers, and Sabres. The Flyers, Bruins, Stars, Avalanche, and Ducks do not seem to be playing as well as predicted by analysts.

It is still very early, and I think things will even out eventually—but it has certainly been a magnificent first week of the NHL season!

Thank you for reading this article. All comments are greatly appreciated.