THW NHL Power Rankings: Week 14

As we head into the final week of play, it’s amazing to think just how fast this shortened season came and went. With some clubs playing up to 5 games a week, this season was truly a huge test for not only the players, but entire organizations as well. Under these circumstances some teams flourished while others floundered. With only one week left in the 2012-2013 season, it’s safe to say we have a good idea just which teams rose to the occasion this season.

 

Check back every Monday for updated Power Rankings!

30. Florida Panthers (13-26-6)

Last Week’s Ranking: 25

Last 10: 3-7-0

Breakdown: The Florida Panthers are making a strong push for draft position as they find themselves in the midst of a 6 game losing streak. In recent games, the Panthers have lost their ability to put the puck in the net – scoring just 10 total goals over their last 7 games played.

 

29. Nashville Predators (15-21-9)

Last Week’s Ranking: 30

Last 10: 1-7-2

Breakdown: The Nashville Predators are continuing their slow crawl to the offseason after losing their 8th straight game. In those 8 losses, the Predators have been outscored by a combined score of 28 to 12.

 

28. New Jersey Devils (17-18-10)

Last Week’s Ranking: 28

Last 10: 2-7-1

Breakdown: The New Jersey Devils were finally eliminated from playoff contention after losing 7 of their last 9 games. One of the main problems for the Devils has been their depleted powerplay which has only converted 1 of their last 21 opportunities when up a man.

 

27. Carolina Hurricanes (18-24-3)

Last Week’s Ranking: 29

Last 10: 2-7-1

Breakdown: The Carolina Hurricanes continue to flounder after losing 7 of their last 9 games. In those 9 games, the Hurricanes have failed to stay close with opponents – losing by 1 goal in only 3 of the 9 games played.

 

26. Tampa Bay Lightning (17-24-4)

Last Week’s Ranking: 22

Last 10: 2-6-2

Breakdown: The Tampa Bay Lightning remain near the bottom of the Eastern Conference after losing 7 of their last 8 games. One of the biggest problems for the Lightning has been their penalty killing unit – allowing at least 1 PPG in 7 of their last 8 games played.

 

25. Edmonton Oilers (17-20-7)

Last Week’s Ranking: 24

Last 10: 3-7-0

Breakdown: The Edmonton Oilers are once again in play for another number 1 overall draft pick after losing 7 of their last 8 games. Even though they have a handful of talented scorers, the Oilers have been unable to put the puck in the net – scoring just 12 goals over their last 8 games played.

 

24. Colorado Avalanche (15-23-7)

Last Week’s Ranking: 27

Last 10: 3-4-3

Breakdown: The Colorado Avalanche are still in the Seth Jones lottery after losing 4 of their last 7 games. The main problem with the Avs in recent weeks has been the inability to keep opponents off of the scoreboard – allowing 17 total goals over their last 5 games played.

 

23. Philadelphia Flyers (20-22-3)

Last Week’s Ranking: 26

Last 10: 5-5-0

Breakdown: The Philadelphia Flyers’ disappointing season is almost over after having lost 4 of their last 7 games. However, the Flyers have seen some signs of life from their penalty killing unit recently – killing off 18 straight powerplays over their last 3 games played.

 

22. Detroit Red Wings (20-16-8)

Last Week’s Ranking: 21

Last 10: 3-4-3

Breakdown: The Detroit Red Wings find themselves dangerously close to missing the playoffs after losing 5 of their last 7 games. In recent games, the Red Wings’ offense has hit a wall – scoring just 10 total goals over their last 6 games played.

 

21. Buffalo Sabres (19-20-6)

Last Week’s Ranking: 19

Last 10: 6-4-0

Breakdown: The Buffalo Sabres are starting to show signs of life as the season comes to a close – winning 5 of their last 8 games. In recent games, the Sabres have finally discovered their powerplay – scoring 5 PPG over their last 3 games played.

 

20. Calgary Flames (19-22-4)

Last Week’s Ranking: 23

Last 10: 6-4-0

Breakdown: Although they are clearly in the beginnings of the their rebuilding process, the Calgary Flames have still managed to win 5 of their last 7 games as the season nears its’ end. During that 7 game span, the Flames have outscored their opponents by a combined score of 20 to 11.

 

19. Minnesota Wild (24-18-3)

Last Week’s Ranking: 16

Last 10: 3-6-1

Breakdown: The Minnesota Wild only have a 3 point cushion in the playoff standings after losing 5 of their last 7 games. The main reason for the Wilds’ recent losses has been their stagnant offense which has managed to score more than 1 goal in just 3 of their last 7 games played.

 

18. Phoenix Coyotes (19-17-8)

Last Week’s Ranking: 17

Last 10: 5-2-3

Breakdown: The Phoenix Coyotes’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread after losing 4 of their last 6 games. However, even during their recent woes, the Coyotes have done a good job of keeping opponent’s scoring low – allowing just 14 total goals over their last 6 games played.

 

17. Ottawa Senators (23-15-6)

Last Week’s Ranking: 18

Last 10: 4-6-0

Breakdown: The Ottawa Senators are starting to heat back up as we approach the playoffs, winning 4 of their last 6 games. The main reason for the Senators’ success has been their outstanding goaltending which has allowed just 8 total goals over their last 5 games played.

 

16. Winnipeg Jets (23-19-3)

Last Week’s Ranking: 20

Last 10: 5-4-1

Breakdown: The Winnipeg Jets find themselves 3 points out of a playoff spot after winning 6 of their last 8 games. In recent games, the Jets’ offense has been absolutely on fire – scoring 4 or more goals in 6 straight games.

 

15. Boston Bruins (27-12-5)

Last Week’s Ranking: 11

Last 10: 5-4-1

Breakdown: Although they remain a dangerous team, the Boston Bruins are backing in the playoffs after losing 4 of their last 6 games. In recent games, the Bruins’ offense has struggled to put up big goal totals – scoring more than 2 goals in just 2 of their last 6 games played.

 *Scroll to the bottom for a special note.

14. Dallas Stars (22-19-4)

Last Week’s Ranking: 15

Last 10: 6-3-1

Breakdown: The Dallas Stars’ playoff hopes are still alive after winning 6 of their last 9 games. Although the Stars have been winning, their penalty killing unit has been struggling – allowing at least 1 PPG in 5 of their last 7 games played.

 

13. Anaheim Ducks (28-11-6)

Last Week’s Ranking: 10

Last 10: 5-4-1

Breakdown: The Anaheim Ducks are backing into the playoffs after losing 4 of their last 7 games. The main issue for the Ducks has been the disappearance of their offense which has only been able to score 10 total goals over their last 6 games played.

 

12. Montreal Canadiens (27-13-5)

Last Week’s Ranking: 5

Last 10: 4-6-0

Breakdown: The Montreal Canadiens have hit their first big snag of the season – losing 5 of their last 7 games. In those 7 games, the Canadiens have bene outscored by a combined score of 19 to 29.

 

11. San Jose Sharks (24-14-7)

Last Week’s Ranking: 6

Last 10: 6-3-1

Breakdown: The San Jose Sharks are looking like they are ready for the playoffs after winning 4 of their last 6 games. In recent games, the Sharks have benefited from a very consistant powerplay – scoring at least 1 PPG in 5 of their last 6 games played.

 

10. St. Louis Blues (26-17-2)

Last Week’s Ranking: 13

Last 10: 7-3-0

Breakdown: The St. Louis Blues have a 6 point cushion in the playoff standings after winning 5 of their last 8 games. Amazingly, the Blues have won without the help of their offense which has only scored 12 total goals over their last 7 games played.

 

9. Columbus Blue Jackets (22-17-7)

Last Week’s Ranking: 14

Last 10: 7-3-0

Breakdown: The Columbus Blue Jackets are firmly holding onto the 8th seed in the Western Conference after winning 6 of their last 7 games. As it has been all season, the Blue Jackets are winning through their outstanding goaltending which has allowed just 13 total goals over their last 7 games played.

 

8. Vancouver Canucks (25-13-7)

Last Week’s Ranking: 3

Last 10: 6-3-1

Breakdown: The Vancouver Canucks hold a firm grip on the Northwest Division after winning 5 of their last 8 games. In recent games, the Canucks have been outstanding on the penalty kill – allowing just 1 PPG in their last 9 games played.

 

7. Toronto Maple Leafs (25-15-5)

Last Week’s Ranking: 4

Last 10: 6-3-1

Breakdown: After a lengthy absence, the Toronto Maple Leafs are finally returning to the playoffs after having won 5 of their last 8 games. In recent games, the Maple Leafs’ powerplay has been fantastic – scoring 5 total PPG over their last 5 games played.

 

6. New York Rangers (24-17-4)

Last Week’s Ranking: 12

Last 10: 7-2-1

Breakdown: The New York Rangers have looked like a completely different team since the trade deadline – winning 6 of their last 8 games. During that 8 game span, the Rangers outscored their opponents by a combined score of 26 to 17.

 

5. Los Angeles Kings (26-14-5)

Last Week’s Ranking: 7

Last 10: 6-2-2

Breakdown: The Los Angeles Kings look ready to defend their Stanley Cup title after winning 4 of their last 6 games. In recent games, the Kings’ powerplay has been otherworldly – scoring at least 1 PPG in 8 straight games.

 

4. Washington Capitals (25-18-2)

Last Week’s Ranking: 8

Last 10: 9-1-0

Breakdown: The Washington Capitals look like they will end up winning the Southeast Division after winning 8 of their last 9 games. The key to the Capitals’ recent victories has been their outstanding offense which has scored 3 or more goals in 7 of their last 8 games played.

 

3. New York Islanders (24-16-5)

Last Week’s Ranking: 9

Last 10: 8-0-2

Breakdown: The New York Islanders look like they will be brining the playoffs back to Long Island after winning 6 of their last 7 games. In recent games, the Islanders’ offense has been scoring in bunches – totaling 15 goals in just their last 3 games alone.

 

2. Pittsburgh Penguins (34-10-0)

Last Week’s Ranking: 2

Last 10: 8-2-0

Breakdown: Even without their biggest superstars, the Pittsburgh Penguins have still managed to win 6 of their last 7 games. Over those last 7 games, the Penguins have outscored their opponents by a combined score of 25 to 20.

 

1. Chicago Blackhawks (34-5-5)

Last Week’s Ranking: 1

Last 10: 8-0-2

Breakdown: The Chicago Blackhawks remain atop the power rankings after winning 7 of their last 8 games. One of the Blackhawks’ strongest assets has been their exceptional penalty killing unit which has allowed only 1 PPG over their last 16 games played.

 

Honorary Number 1: Boston Bruins

Although the Bruins may sit at 15th in this week’s power rankings, it’s worth noting just so powerful the Bruins have been off of the ice this week. While every team around the league has shown their support for the city of Boston, it has been Boston’s very own Bruins which have really gone above and beyond to rally their city after the horrific events of the Boston Marathon bombings. Between numerous raffles, fan interactions, and donations, the Bruins have done all they can to help those in need and lift the spirits of their wounded city. Although they may be struggling on the ice currently, it is worth celebrating just how strong the team has been outside of the hockey world.

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