NHL Power Rankings: Ranking the Original 6 Teams for 2011-12

The Original Six teams in the NHL draw some of the biggest crowds and have some of the most dedicated fans night in and night out.

These franchises are the most successful, historic and important in hockey history and have defined what it takes to be a successful NHL organization. 

With three different Original Six teams winning the cup in the past four years, the question of whether or not the Original Six can maintain their dominance of the league is on everyone's mind this hockey season. 

Therefore, here's where I think the Original Six stand in relation to each other. 

6. Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been dishing out fan disappointment since the lockout. Having missed the playoffs every season since 2003-2004, The Maple Leafs are looking to once again prove themselves in the elite company of the Original Six. Fans and analysts agree that this may very well be the year that the Leafs sneak by into the seventh or eighth playoff spot. 

With the tremendous offseason additions of Tim Connolly, Cody Franson and John-Michael Liles on defense, and Matthew Lombardi, the Leafs have fielded themselves what appears to be a playoff roster. So why the low ranking here?

Well a lot of things have to fall in place for the Leafs to be back on top.

James Reimer needs to avoid the sophomore slump after his stellar 20 win season last year. Goaltenders often have trouble matching their first year runs at such a young age.

Dion Phaneuf needs to lead his defensive partners in scoring and has to record at least 10 goals this season. Phaneuf has the skills to be a top 10 NHL defenseman but has been falling flat for two season in Toronto. Without a rebound from him, it is unlikely the Leafs will rebound either.

5. Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens are the first of five Original Six teams to have made the playoffs last year. Overall however, I have to give them the fifth spot here because of several question marks. 

First, the man pictured above, Scott Gomez, needs to prove he has the skills to be a legitimate second line (and one of the most expensive at $7 million). Thirty-eight points in 80 games is pretty pathetic for that kind of money and without an improvement in his game, Montreal won't be going any higher than their sixth place finish last year.

Secondly, when looking at free agency, the Canadiens were mediocre at best. They gained Erik Cole and got a little better with the return of Andrei Markov but lost a slew of players. Jeff Halpern, Roman Hamrlik, Benoit Pouliot, Brent Sopel, James Wisniewski, and Paul Mara all will not be returning to Montreal this season. 

Needless to say, the Montreal D is weaker this season and if Markov somehow (hopefully not) gets injured this season, they may not be able to recover. 

Overall they have to be placed fifth out of the Original Six.

4. New York Rangers

Brad Richards is going to carry the Rangers a lot further than some people may think. 

Overall the Rangers have an excellent defense, a pretty deep offensive unit, and a world class goaltender who is able to win games on his own night in and night out. 

However, the only problem is their youth on defense. Their oldest player on D is 27 (Steve Eminger) with most of the group under the age of 24. Although they may have tremendous talent, it is always a recipe for disaster to rely solely on a young defense to bring it every night. 

Therefore, even though the likes of Gaborik, Richards and Lundqvist are going to lead this team into the playoffs, their youth on the blue line puts them at fourth out of six on this list. 

3. Detroit Red Wings

Another season of Lidstrom, Datsyuk, and Zetterberg in Detroit spells another playoff position for this Original Six powerhouse. They have the longest active streak for playoff appearances, having made the big dance every season since 1991. 

Don't be upset about their third place ranking here, they very well could be one of the top four teams in the Western Conference. The two teams ahead of them however have displayed better offseasons and on paper are very dangerous.

Detroit however is always the team to beat in the West, if not the NHL in general and with this probably being Lidstrom's swansong, look for the Red Wings to come out firing. 

2. Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks appear to be a younger Detroit Red Wings. 

With an excellent core peppered with great leaders and outstanding talent, this Chicago core could be headed to the playoffs for a lot more seasons to come. 

Marian Hossa, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Sharp make up an stout forward core while Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook are both rock solid on the defensive spectrum.

There are however two question marks that could be difference makers in the Chicago cup run. 

Injuries, specifically to star forward Patrick Kane, could hamper their odds of beating out Detroit for the Central Division title. 

The second question is whether or not Corey Crawford can really be the starting goaltender and avoid a sophomore slump. His outstanding play throughout the season and especially in the playoffs against Vancouver promises a good production from him this season.

Overall the Blackhawks are second on this list because of their depth at all three positions on the ice. Another year of experience won't hurt this team either. 

1. Boston Bruins

There can't be another team at the first place spot on this list.

A Stanley Cup in 2010-11 coupled with another year of experience for rookies Brad Marchand and Tyler Seguin and the Bruins could very well be headed to another win this year. 

The Bruins still have most of their core players from their cup win and are looking to be contenders again this year, if all goes well.

If Tim Thomas can be as lights out as he was last year then a division victory is almost assured with this squad. If not, look for Tuukka Rask to be the man in net.

The Bruins have the most balanced group of forwards and the best tandem in goal than any team on this list and for that they deserve this number one ranking. 

Keep on smiling Chara.

Conclusion

The 2011-2012 season could very well be an epic one for the Original Six. With four teams in the East and two in the West, all six teams have a legitimate chance of making the playoffs and competing for yet another Stanley Cup. This could very well be one of the most exciting playoffs in recent memory with that much talent competing against itself. 

Thanks for reading!