Weekly NHL Power Rankings

by Erik Erlendsson | @Erik_Erlendsson | Like us on Facebook
October 30, 2017

Who’s on top, who’s rising and who sits at the bottom.

No, we’re not talking about the current state of the standings (that would be way too easy to do). Instead, we present to you the weekly NHL power rankings, going from 1-31 (yes, 31, remember the Vegas Golden Knights became the newest team, which you might notice early on in this countdown).

Note: Records as of Sunday

1. Los Angeles Kings (9-1-1) The resurgent Kings sit atop the league standings and give up less than two goals per game

2. Tampa Bay Lightning (9-2-1) Top flight offense, Vezina caliber goaltender has the Lightnign surging

3. St. Louis Blues (9-2-1) Even with all the early-season injuries, the Blues are finding ways to win games

4. Columbus Blue Jackets (7-4) Sergei Bobrovsky is playing at Vezina caliber levels again and the Jackets have a strong defense

5. Vegas Golden Knights (8-1-0) They’ve been a great story and a victory over Chicago validated the start, for now

6. New Jersey Devils (8-2-0) Another early season surprise, the Devils are starting to turn doubters in to believers

7. Toronto Maple Leafs (7-4-0) One of the top scoring teams, Leafs can beat anybody if they pay better attention to defense

8. Ottawa Senators (5-1-5) Only one regulation loss but living off the loser point with five overtime/shootout losses

9. Anaheim Ducks (6-4-1) Though injuries have taken a toll, the Ducks know how to win games with a veteran core

10. New York Islanders (6-4-1) A motivated John Tavares – two hat tricks in past three games – is a plus for Brooklyn’s team

11. Pittsburgh Penguins (7-5-1) Defending champions are fine in games not on the second night of back-to-back nights, but play league high 19 of them this season

12. Winnipeg Jets (5-3-2) It’s been Connor Hellebuyck, not Steve Mason, who has solidified the team’s play in goal early on

13. Vancouver Canucks (6-3-1) A team predicted to finish near the bottom of the league has found some early-season success behind rookie Brock Boeser along with Derek Dorsett

14. Minnesota Wild (4-3-2) Some inconsistent play in the early stages, but the Wild are balanced and still strong on the backend

15. Dallas Stars (6-5-0) Still some adjusting going on with a new coach and new personnel, but when the figure it out, watch out

16. Chicago Blackhawks (5-5-2) Plenty of offensive depth, but Chicago’s struggles on the backend continue beyond Seabrook/Keith

17. Washington Capitals (5-5-1) With some of their depth gone this year, the Capitals are still looking for a consistency level

18. Nashville Predators (5-4-2) Defending Western Conference champions still have one of the best defensive corps in the league even with Ryan Ellis still out

19. Philadelphia Flyers (6-5) Goaltending is still a question mark, but D is improving to compliment the deep offense

20. Carolina Hurricanes (4-4-2) Jekkyl and Hyde team, look great one period then drop off the next, but D is still among the best groups in the league

21. Colorado Avalanche (6-5-0) Better than expected start, but are still probably playing over their head at this point as Matt Duchene situation continues to play out

22. San Jose Sharks (5-5-0) Rebounded from rough start but Logan Couture has helped Sharks turn things around

23. Boston Bruins (4-3-2) Beyond David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand, the Bruins lack a consistent offensive threat

24. Calgary Flames (5-6-0) Mike Smith will need to continue to keep them in games until they find some consistent offense

25. Detroit Red Wings (5-6-1) Had a quick start, but holes throughout the lineup will lead to more struggles

26. Edmonton Oilers (3-6-1) Living up to expectations can be difficult on a young team, but things figure to turnaround sooner rather than later

27. Florida Panthers (4-5-1) Injury to Roberto Luongo will be felt, but this team can skate and score

28. New York Rangers (3-7-2) It’s not the start the Rangers needed and now there are whispers of Alain Vigneault being on the hot seat

29. Buffalo Sabres (3-7-2) The Sabres were supposed to be better this season, so far, a lot of the same old thing

30. Montreal Canadiens (3-7-1) As long as Carey Price continues to struggle, the Canadiens will be near the bottom of the standings

31. Arizona Coyotes (0-10-1) Can’t imagine a worse start for former Lightning head coach rick Tocchet in his first head job since 2010