November 2009 Power Rankings

It has certainly been a bizarre week for hockey. The reigning champs continue to pour it on despite injuries to two key players; Malkin and Gonchar. The team they have met twice in the finals back-to-back, the Detroit Red Wings, have taken a nose dive thanks to some poor play, poor goaltending, and unfortunate injuries.

Meanwhile the Avalanche, Coyotes, and Kings have made astonishing leaps thanks to incredible opening months. It remains to be seen if they can keep the pace going or fall back to where they were projected this offseason.

At the same time the Ducks and Hurricanes have completely imploded. The losses on the blueline during the offseason for Anaheim have resulted in more pucks finding twine against them while in Carolina, the losses to injury have just been the start of their problems.

There were also a lot of teams that preyed off of easier scheduling while others seemed a lot worse thanks to long road trips, tough opponents, and poor timing. The first month is never enough to get a great perspective on how the season will go, but there is plenty to talk about.

List of those involved in the project:

• Chris Shafer – Philadelphia Flyers (Power Rankings Committee Head)
• Jim Neveau – Chicago Blackhawks (Power Rankings Committee)
• Derek Jung – Vancouver Canucks (Power Rankings Committee)
• Bruce Hollingdrake – The Hockey Writers Owner/Editor (Guest Appearance)

Pittsburgh Penguins (11-3-0) added by Jim Neveau

What do you get when you combine the league’s sixth best scoring attack (3.31 GPG) and the league’s fourth best defensive attack (2.23 GAA)? You get the Pittsburgh Penguins, who already have 22 points through 13 games. The only possible bad wheel on this squad could be health, as stud forward Evgeni Malkin and defenseman Sergei Gonchar are both on the pine with injuries.

PACE: 128.9 (T – 1st)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 12.6429 (26th)

STRENGTH OF NOVEMBER SCHEDULE:

Washington Capitals (8-2-3) added by Chris Shafer

In the world of hockey, the Washington Capitals are a unique team. You could outplay them and waste 55 minutes scoring a few goals, but in those 5 minutes you give them, they will put in as many as you do if not more. They’re middle of the pack when it comes to goals against per game, but when it comes to lighting up the scoreboard none do it better. They are obviously first in offense so far this year. Of course it certainly doesn’t hurt the team when Ovechkin is off doing what he does best: leading the league in production. Semin, Backstrom, Green, and Laich only make the offense scarier.

PACE: 119.8 (4th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 15.6923 (16th)

Calgary Flames ( 7-4-1) added by Jim Neveau

The Flames have an absolutely lethal power play, converting on 29.4% of their man-advantage situations to tie for the league lead with the current denizens of their former city (Atlanta). They also are scoring 3.82 goals per game to lead the league. Their defense, however, has not been as good, giving up 3.27 goals a game, 24^th in the league. Their penalty kill is also 20^th ranked in the league.

PACE: 102.5 (T – 9th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 16.2500 (10th)

San Jose Sharks (9-4-1) added by Chris Shafer

With center Joe Pavelski out for the count right now, San Jose’s 7th ranked offense relies heavily on Thornton, Marleau, and the newly acquired winger, Dany Heatley. Even with only 2 games from Pavelski and 3 missed games for Setoguchi, the Sharks have overcome a somewhat shifty start. They’re not going to “wow” anyone with their stats, but being pretty good across the board never hurt a team. If they keep it up they could be on their way to the President’s Trophy again.

PACE: 111.3 (6th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 11.0000 (28th)

Colorado Avalanche (10-2-2) added by Jim Neveau

What else can you say about the stunning Colorado Avalanche? They already have 22 points through their first month, and they are only allowing 2.07 goals a game behind the stellar goaltending of Craig Anderson. They are also killing 87.1% of their penalties, 2^nd in the league. If you have to find a weakness, it’s their 45.3% face-off percentage. Not going to get it done in tight games.

PACE: 128.9 (T – 1st)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 20.0000 (2nd)

Buffalo Sabres (8-2-1) added by Jim Neveau

The Sabres, long known as a defensively stout team, have been firing tons of shots this season, leading the league with 35.2 per game. Also, Ryan Miller has helped backstop the team to a league best 1.9 goals per game allowed. The power play does need to improve just a bit, with Buffalo ranking 20^th with a 18.4% success rate.

PACE: 126.7 (3rd)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 09.5455 (30th)

New York Rangers (8-5-1) added by Chris Shafer

The Rangers summer consisted mostly of re-imagining an atrocious offensive unit. Scott Gomez was traded to Montreal and Nikolai Zherdev was allowed to walk. Both were the Rangers’ top producers last year. Many raised an eyebrow when they signed the often injured Marian Gaborik to the New York Special (a monster contract without much foresight) along with the $1.15 million man, Vaclav Prospal (which isn’t very fair seeing as how the Lightning are still paying him not to suit up in Tampa Bay. 14 games in the pair lead the Rangers’ offense. Gaborik missed a couple games, but is expected back soon. If this continues the Rangers suddenly have something more than a top goalie with no help.

PACE: 99.6 (T – 11th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 13.8571 (22nd)

Chicago Blackhawks (8-4-1) added by Jim Neveau

The Blackhawks are a study in contradictions: before the season, everyone touted their offense, but after one month, they are only allowing 2.31 goals per game, and they are allowing 22.7 shots per game, which leads the league. They still can score, but they are only ranked 16^th in goals per game. Also, their power play has been downright anemic, only converting 17.3% of their chances, 23^rd in the league.

PACE: 102.5 (T – 9th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 12.6154 (27th)

New Jersey Devils (8-4-0) added by Chris Shafer

It’s “steady as she goes” for the Devils once again on the back of their captain-at-the-helm, Martin Brodeur. Despite losses of Brian Gionta to free agency and Patrik Elias to severe injury. The offensive depth on the team is adding goals here and there to keep the ship afloat while Travis Zajac and Zach Parise carry the load. As long as the team can keep chugging along they will quietly creep up on the leaders.

PACE: 109.3 (7th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 16.0833 (12th)

Philadelphia Flyers (6-4-1) added by Chris Shafer

It has been a rough start for the Flyers. They won the first three games only to go on a losing streak. Then of course Simon Gagne went down; Briere a bit later. Though Gagne is out indefinitely, he was not doing much to help the team win with a pair of hernias. Briere, who was adding some offense, will be back shortly. Meanwhile everyone else is holding on. The defensive scoring has taken a key role in production for the team while everyone is getting into the action. They dominated most of their opponents, but so far the hardest opening month of any NHL team has cost them some points. With an easier schedule for November (much like Pittsburgh had in October) it may be open season on the NHL basement.

PACE: 96.9 (13th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 20.5455 (1st)

Phoenix Coyotes (9-4-0) added by Chris Shafer

Surprise, surprise. The team that may not even have a home to play for is certainly playing like it. Their attendance dropped nearly 30% on average thanks to the bankruptcy fiasco, but they young, talented team is definitely on the way up. Just like the Avalanche, they clobbered some tough opponents on their way up the charts. It probably doesn’t hurt that their coach spends more time coaching now than smiling for the cameras or running off to public appearances. Unfortunately, unless their offensive weapons start producing more, they likely won’t be able to keep up the pace.

PACE: 113.5 (5th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 19.0000 (4th)

Los Angeles Kings (8-4-2) added by Jim Neveau

Can you say any more about Anze Kopitar? He has 21 points through his team’s first 14 games, including 10 goals, four of which were power play markers. Even more astonishing is that he is converting on about 25% of his shots, which speaks to the quality chances that he and his teammates have been getting. If you want to nit-pick, the Kings are 23^rd in the league in face-off percentage (48%).

PACE: 105.4 (8th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 15.4286 (18th)

Dallas Stars (6-3-5) added by Chris Shafer

Imagine what a healthy team can do. Brendan Morrow and Brad Richards, two of the Stars’ biggest heavy hitters offensively, are back on track. Add them to Ribeiro, rookie Jamie Benn, and key contributors from last year breaking out like Neal and Eriksson. Once Ott and Modano are ready to go and back in form, this is secretly one of the most deadly offenses in the NHL. So far they’ve been holding their own, but there are other issues for the Stars to worry about; namely keeping pucks out of the net.

PACE: 99.6 (T – 11th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 14.5714 (21st)

Columbus Blue Jackets (6-5-1) added by Derek Jung

The Blue Jackets have had an up-and-down October.  Not bad offensively, scoring 3.09 goals per game (13th-ranked), but letting in too many at this point (3.46 per game, 27th-ranked).  Have allowed 6 goals against in four separate games already.  HOT: LW Rick Nash is among the league leaders,  C Antoine Vermette is keeping pace.  COLD:  To say that last year’s Calder winner Steve Mason is off to a slow start would be an understatement.  INJURIES:  Forward Fredrik Modin (knee) and D Jan Hejda (sprained knee) are on IR; C Andrew Murray (torn shoulder muscle) out for another three weeks.

PACE: 88.8 (T – 17th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 15.6667 (17th)

Detroit Red Wings (5-4-3) added by Jim Neveau

The Red Wings have started out slow and injured to begin this season. After losing twice in Stockholm to St. Louis, the Wings have lost players like Johan Franzen and Valtteri Fippula. Their penalty kill is 3^rd worst in the league at 71.4%. They do have the 9^th ranked power play, and they are firing 34.4 shots per game, which is 3^rd in the league.

PACE: 88.8 (T – 17th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 13.7500 (23rd)

Boston Bruins (6-5-1) added by Chris Shafer

Savard and Lucic were hit early bit the injury bug. Wideman missed a couple of games itself. While the team certainly is known for its offensive depth, what organization can recover from the loss of their top goal-scorer to trade and their top point producer to injury? If Savard doesn’t get better soon it could cause some serious problems. At least there is good news for Boston: Bergeron seems to have rediscovered his offensive abilities.

PACE: 88.8 (T – 17th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 13.3333 (24th)

Vancouver Canucks (7-7-0) added by Derek Jung

The Canucks started slow (3 straight losses), then won 6 of 8 before losing to Detroit.  Offense has been mediocre (2.83 goals per game, 18th-ranked), but the defense has been okay (2.75, 10th-ranked).  Power play has been solid (29.1%, 4th-ranked).  Biggest problem for this team is staying healthy; players (D Sami Salo, C Rick Rypien, D Mathieu Schneider) have started trickling back into the lineup, but now Luongo’s out for at least a week.  HOT:  C Henrik Sedin continues to do well without brother Daniel, RW Mikael Samuelsson and C Ryan Kesler, D Christian Ehrhoff is playing solid defense.  COLD:  C Kyle Wellwood had only 1 point prior to his injury, D Alex Edler.  INJURIES: G Roberto Luongo (broken rib) is lost for at least 1 week; forward Pavol Demitra (shoulder surgery) has been on IR all year; RW Jannik Hansen (broken hand, 2-4 more weeks); LW Daniel Sedin (broken foot, 2-4 more weeks); C Kyle Wellwood (broken toe, 3 weeks); C Ryan Johnson (concussion, out indefinitely).

PACE: 82.0 (T – 21st)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 15.9286 (13th)

Edmonton Oilers (7-6-1) added by Chris Shafer

It’s good news for the Oilers if Dustin Penner has finally decided to be relatively useful. Last year Edmonton’s offensive “stars” hardly produced enough to keep the organization out of the basement. This year, Penner’s surprising, early offensive display has put them into the race from the get-go. Hemsky and Gagner aren’t that far behind either while Souray is still hurt. If this is the year Edmonton’s offensive stars finally stop underachieving, the Oilers could finally be taken seriously.

PACE: 87.9 (20th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 18.2143 (5th)

Ottawa Senators (6-4-2) added by Chris Shafer

Heatley’s gone at least, but that doesn’t mean the Ottawa Senators are saved. While Michalek and Spezza have been decent, they haven’t had the starts they hoped for. Meanwhile Alfredsson and Mike Fisher, of all people, are carrying the team offensively. This year Ottawa is a barely hit or miss 20 feet high and 40 feet wide team. With the way the last season went they’re happy just to be doing a solid job so far. If they can somehow keep winning games, then it might be time to take a second look.

PACE: 95.7 (14th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 11.0000 (29th)

Atlanta Thrashers (5-4-1) added by Jim Neveau

The Thrashers have had a potent offense this season. Off-season acquisitions like Evander Kane and Nik Antropov have helped, and Ilya Kovalchuk’s good start has as well. The Thrash are averaging 3.44 goals per game, fifth in the NHL. They do need to cut back on their shots allowed per game, which stands at 32.8, 25^th in the league.

PACE: 90.2 (15th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 15.8000 (15th)

Montreal Canadiens (7-7-0) added by Bruce Hollingdrake

PACE: 82.0 (T – 21st)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 12.7143 (25th)

Tampa Bay Lightning (4-3-4) added by Chris Shafer

Vincent Lecavalier is man you feel could lead a deep offense. Maybe you wouldn’t expect a guy like Steven Stamkos to do it only in his 2nd season. It is Stamkos with 10 goals and Malone with 8 so far this season that are keeping the Lightning just above .500. In 11 games a piece, St. Louis and Lecavalier only combine for 4 though they are getting plenty of assists. Even so, the rebuild is still on for Tampa. Hedman is logging a lot of minutes.

PACE: 89.5 (16th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 15.8182 (14th)

Anaheim Ducks (4-6-2) added by Derek Jung

The Ducks’ loss of Pronger and Beauchemin in the off-season is being felt as they’ve had difficulty keeping the puck out of their net (3.70 goals against per game, 28th overall).  Not scoring much, either (2.40 per game, 24th-ranked).  Making things worse is the 29th-ranked penalty kill. HOT: RW Corey Perry.  COLD:  D Scott Niedermayer, Saku Koivu.  INJURIES:  D Ryan Carter (foot) is on IR.

PACE: 68.3 (26th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 16.5000 (8th)

St. Louis Blues (5-6-1) added by Chris Shafer

The young offensive stars have yet to make a big impact for the team. While everyone was predicting break-out seasons for half the Blues’ young roster this year, it certainly hasn’t come yet. Chalk up a few more defensive injuries like those to Brewer and Jackman, and the early goings could be very rough for the miracle-men of the late 2008-09 season.

PACE: 75.2 (25th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 15.0833 (19th)

Carolina Hurricanes (2-7-3) added by Chris Shafer

What’s wrong with team that miraculously beat New Jersey in seven during last year’s Stanley Cup playoffs? A whole lot of everything. A playoff team should never be third to last in goal scoring unless they’re last year’s New York Rangers or perhaps the Devils of the 90’s. Neither of those teams actually finish that close to the bottom in goal-scoring, but you get the idea. Granted Pitkanen, Sutter, and Cole are out, but the team’s star, Eric Staal has as many points as Matt Bradley. Right about now you should be asking yourself, “Who?”, but coincidentally, Jordan Staal has 5 points as well. In another bizarre twist, defenseman Marc Staal also has 5 points. I hope Eric wasn’t expecting a call from Stevie Y or anything.

PACE: 47.8 (29th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 14.5833 (20th)

New York Islanders (4-4-5) added by Derek Jung

Only four wins so far, but five overtime losses means the games are close, at least.  Special teams have been decent (power play is 15th-ranked, PK is 9th).  John Tavares is off to a decent start with 8 points so far.  HOT: LW Matt Moulson leads the team.  COLD: D Brendan Witt has not scored a point and is a -9. INJURIES: G Rick DiPietro (out indefinitely following knee surgery);  RW Trent Hunter (torn pectoral muscle) should be back soon.

PACE: 82.0 (T – 21st)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 16.4615 (9th)

Nashville Predators (6-6-1) added by Jim Neveau

Folks were worried about the Predators’ ability to score goals going into the season, and those prognosticators have not been proven wrong. The Preds are scoring a league worst 1.92 goals a game, and their power play is terrible too, only converting 11.1% of chances, which also is worst in the NHL. They have managed to win six games, likely because of their 2.92 GAA, 12^th in the league.

PACE: 82.0 (T – 21st)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 16.6154 (7th)

STRENGTH OF NOVEMBER SCHEDULE:

Minnesota Wild (5-9-0) added by Chris Shafer

The answer for the ever-injured Marian Gaborik, Martin Havlat, has been 1 goal, 7 points, and a -7 rating. Granted it isn’t very fair to judge a traditionally defensive team trying to change into a offensive system. Still, all this “new era of Wild hockey” has done is confuse a team that already knew what it was. As I predicted, the offense didn’t get better under an offensive system, but the defense got worse. Backstrom can’t do everything. Back to the drawing board?

PACE: 58.6 (28th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 17.7857 (6th)

Florida Panthers (4-7-1) added by Derek Jung

A tough schedule, lack of scoring (2.10 goals per game, 28th-ranked), and poor defensive effort (3.80 goals against per game, 29th-ranked) contribute to an unimpressive ranking so far.  Shoddy special teams (29th-ranked power play and 28th-ranked penalty kill) certainly don’t help.  And now they lose David Booth.  HOT: C Steven Reinprecht.  COLD: C Michael Frolik, C Nathan Horton, and LW Cory Stillman are all part of the power outage in South Florida.  INJURIES:  LW David Booth (out indefinitely, concussion); RW Radek Dvorak (short term, knee).

PACE: 61.5 (27th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 19.4167 (3rd)

Toronto Maple Leafs (1-7-4) added by Derek Jung

Things are starting to look up in Hogtown — Leafs finally notched their first win of the season.  The team has been horrific defensively, giving up a league worst 4.20 goals per game.  Also a league worst is their penalty kill, but the power play has been stellar, leading the league at 30.8%.  HOT: D Tomas Kaberle, LW Niklas Hagman.  COLD: G Vesa Toskala had a 0.812 save percentage and 5.56 GAA in 3 games before getting hurt.  INJURIES: RW Phil Kessel (out indefinitely following shoulder surgery), D Mike Van Ryn (out for season following knee surgery).

PACE: 41.0 (30th)

STRENGTH OF OCTOBER SCHEDULE: 16.3333 (10th)

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The Hockey Spy`s Mock Draft Round 1
#15 Carter Ashton– The Hockey Spy’s 2009 NHL Entry Draft Rankings
Canucks continue to flirt with .500
#42 Joonas Nattinen – The Hockey Spy’s 2009 NHL Entry Draft Rankings
The Hockey Spy`s Mock Draft Round 2

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