NHL Power Rankings (Previous Ranking, Points)
1. Boston - 206 points (#1, 197 pts.)
2. Detroit – 190 (2, 183)
3. Vancouver – 175 (3, 175)
4. San Jose – 173 (6, 167)
5. St. Louis – 170 (9, 140)
6. NY Rangers – 168 (8, 160)
7. Chicago – 166 (7, 163)
8. Philadelphia – 164 (4, 173)
9. Ottawa – 153 (18, 96)
10. Pittsburgh – 148 (5, 172)
11. Toronto – 125 (16, 100)
12. Washington – 115 (17, 99)
13. Phoenix – 111 (12, 113)
14. Dallas – 105 (25, 75)
15. Nashville – 104 (14, 110)
16. Montreal – 94 (15, 109)
17. Tampa Bay - 88 (24, 80)
18. Los Angeles – 87 (27, 53)
19. Colorado – 84 (22, 82)
20. Winnipeg – 83 (21, 90)
21. Edmonton – 79 (11, 120)
22. Minnesota – 78 (10, 124)
23. Florida – 76 (13, 111)
24. New Jersey – 23 (20, 92)
25. Calgary - 72 (23, 81)
26. Buffalo - 67 (18, 96)
27. Columbus – 44 (26, 54)
28. Carolina – 42 (28, 41)
29. Anaheim – 33 (30, 21)
30. NY Islanders – 32 (29, 29)
Seven Categories Explained
With rare exception, the six Stanley Cup winners following the 2004-05 NHL lockout have ranked among the elite in the following seven statistical categories:
Team plus-minus
Record when trailing after two periods
Goals scored/gm
5-on-5 goals for/against ratio
Winning percentage in three-goal games
Shots/gm
Team goal differential
Team Summaries
Boston – The Bruins are four points from perfection in the rankings. It's hard to believe they went 4-7 to start the season.
Detroit – Continues to rank high in the ratings despite uneven scoring from offense. Jimmy Howard has been one of the season's big surprises. Last year the Wings reportedly tried to trade for Tomas Vokoun.
Vancouver – The Canucks are the only team with the same number of points from the previous ranking (175). Roberto Luongo has recovered from a slow start and Cory Schneider continues to play well. Can the team afford to deal one of its two goaltenders?
San Jose – Sharks and Bruins have both played a league-low 39 games, trading for players on these team will net owners extra games down the stretch.
St. Louis – Blues have gained four places and 30 points in the rankings. Halak, Oshie and Perron have all picked up their play. Jaden Schwartz and the Russian Tarasenko give this team an exciting future.
Rangers – Rankings list them lower than they probably should. The team's low shot total – only five teams have taken fewer shots – from a higher spot.
Chicago – The Hawks have improved 5-on-5 play, moving seven places higher, and remain solid across the board.
Philadelphia – Philly has lost only nine points since the last rankings (173 to 164) but drops four places in the rankings. A poor record when trailing after two periods bogs the team down.
Ottawa – The All-Star Game hosts are peaking just in time for the showcase event. The Sens jump from 18th to ninth in the rankings, the biggest movement in the league. An increase from 96 points to 153 bodes well for the exciting squad.
Pittsburgh – The Pens have lost six straight games. Their ranking has fallen accordingly, from fifth place to 10th. Missing Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang and Jordan Staal will do that to a team. An interesting second half awaits.
Toronto – The Leafs are putting the puck in the net and it shows in the rankings. If they ever find a way to come back late in games, then they'll make another rankings jump. Only three teams have a worse record when trailing after two periods.
Washington – The Caps are moving up in the most important rankings – the Eastern Conference standings. They're back in eighth place, winning five of their last seven games.
Phoenix – The 'Yotes are average in most categories. A bump up in goals scored would help their cause.
Dallas – Better 5-on-5 play has lifted the Stars 30 points since the last ranking. They'll have to get past injuries to top-six forwards now that Kari Lehtonen has returned.
Nashville – Removing the shots category would boost Preds' ranking. Only three teams take fewer shots.
Montreal – The Habs drop just one spot but lose 15 points. If only Randy Cunneyworth spoke French.
Tampa Bay – The Lightning gain only eight points, but that's enough to move them from 24th to 17th. Will Tampa shore up its goalie situation at the deadline?
Los Angeles – No team scores less often. Starter Quick had to be mad when Kings scored five for Bernier.
Colorado – Only three teams come from behind after two periods better than Avs, but that's about it.
Winnipeg – Gain a place in standing but lose seven points, getting Enstrom back big for fantasy owners.
Edmonton – The run was fun but now it's done. Huge 41-point drop leads to 10 spots lower in rankings.
Minnesota – The Wild seemed over-ranked at no. 10 last time, now two points from missing playoffs.
Florida – Twelve teams have as many points (50) but they're still leading the Southeast Division.
New Jersey – The Reign of Martin Brodeur coming to a close. Kovalchuk still not worth $100 million, but the likes of Adam Henrique and Adam Larsson give plenty of hope.
Calgary – Need a spark, any spark. Rene Bourque heading to Pittsburgh? Feel bad for Iginla and his lack of postseason prospects. Giordano due back shortly on defense.
Buffalo – That new owner has really turned things around! No one's scoring goals for the Sabres.
Columbus – One year the Blue Jackets will head in the right direction. Vinny Prospal doing well, anyhow.
Carolina – 'Canes owe it to fans to do something. That said, the fewest points in the East gives them a chance to land one of the big Russians at the draft in Pittsburgh over the summer.
Anaheim – Everyone's tradable, huh. Ducks moved up five places in goals scored with 16 goals in last three games – all wins at home.
NY Islanders – Not sure where big 5-1 win over Detroit came from. Ah, Ty Conklin started for the Wings. Matt Moulson already with 20 goals.