If you are a hockey enthusiast who enjoys power rankings, then you received some exciting news a few days ago: the Friday rankings are back.
Many believe there’s a rivalry between these rankings and the Friday ones, but that’s not the case. We have different objectives. These rankings provide a long-term perspective, while the Friday updates offer a more immediate view. I focus on my approach, while Dom and Other Sean follow theirs, benefiting the readers. Is there a rivalry? Hardly.
However, they were a bit late to the season this time, particularly since we already have two weeks of rankings completed. I wonder what caused the delay. Let’s see their explanation:
“Of course, we could have compiled our list last week — but some teams had only played three games. It didn’t feel right. Integrity matters, both professionally and personally, and some sample sizes are simply too small.”
(Imagine extending a Kubrick Stare into the distance like Gary Roberts before a playoff game.)
Integrity? Alright, then let’s consider it a rivalry. Here are five issues I found with the initial rankings from those two fans of Taylor Swift.
Bonus five: Points those Friday guys got wrong in their initial rankings
5. They placed the Capitals in the top 10 — I can’t accept that, even with their 5-1-0 start before facing the Lightning on Saturday. If we’re praising unexpected early-season five-win teams, I’d rather spotlight the Blues or even the Flames. Who have the Capitals actually defeated? (Checking the schedule.) Okay, fair enough, but besides the Golden Knights, Stars, and Devils, who have they really beaten? We’ll see what they do against the Rangers tomorrow, and then we can discuss.
4. They ranked the Devils too low — This one is a bit strange for me because I feel I’ve been more skeptical about the Devils than most and have resisted placing them among the elite Cup contenders. However, ranking them below not just the Capitals but also the Leafs and Lightning, and just one spot above the Kings, seems like an overreaction. Yes, they need to get their reportedly improved goalie tandem to stop making mistakes like this, yet I still view them as a top 10 team.
3. They placed the Sharks at 32nd — Honestly, that might be too optimistic.
2. They ranked the 5-0-2 Wild above the 7-0-0 Jets — Both fan bases have been frustrated with me for not giving them enough credit, but I believe one of these cases is stronger than the other, as I mentioned earlier.
To summarize: The Jets closed last season with the same regular-season record as the eventual Stanley Cup winners, which suggests we should take them more seriously than many seem to. In contrast, the Wild missed the playoffs, so shouldn’t they be the fluke? (Sure, they faced injuries, which contributed significantly to their disappointing season, but I think some of their fans may be overstating this.) If I were ranking based on a more immediate perspective, I’d choose the perfect team over one that simply won five of seven — especially with one of those losses occurring in their only head-to-head matchup.
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The Jets, undefeated so far, secured an overtime victory against division rival Minnesota on October 13. (Terrence Lee / Imagn Images)
Does this mean the Jets will be included in my top five this week? We’ll discuss that shortly, but I definitely place them above Minnesota.
By the way, I composed that observation prior to the Wild’s loss to the Flyers in regulation. Speaking of which …
1. They completely overlooked everything that occurred over the weekend — That feels rather lazy, in my opinion.
Indeed, the rivalry is alive. I anticipate all my readers to pledge their loyalty, ink at least one “Monday Rankings 4 Life” tattoo, and boycott Gentille’s podcasts. Wait, scratch that — that might not be the best idea. Let’s hope I invested more consideration into this week’s rankings than I did into concocting this faux rivalry …
Road to the Cup
The five teams positioned best to claim the Stanley Cup.
Remember, fans of competing teams: It’s never too soon to feel like your team’s entire season hinges on snagging a particular player through trade.
5. Vegas Golden Knights (6-2-1, +14 true goals differential*) — With the Oilers still struggling, the Knights emerge as one of two fresh teams making the cut this week. They’ve also secured Shea Theodore’s contract.
4. Winnipeg Jets (8-0-0, +20) — There isn’t much to add, except of course the Jets deserve a place in the top five this week. They were already a strong contender and have started the season with impressive momentum. If you missed it, don’t forget to check out Murat’s conversation with Scott Arniel.
3. Florida Panthers (6-3-1, even) — The completely unnecessary little cross-check is what really makes it:
This is a Matthew Tkachuk clip if I’ve ever seen one 😭 pic.twitter.com/X1iLMJgOG5
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) October 27, 2024
2. New York Rangers (6-1-1, +
18) — Those familiar with the podcasts are likely to recognize this song by now, yet I still fail to grasp why promising young talent is opting for lengthy seven- and eight-year extensions instead of taking a risk on themselves. Were I in Alexis Lafrenière’s position, I certainly wouldn’t reject $52 million. I wouldn’t even pass up a Happy Meal with a handful of change, but I’m not an elite athlete on the brink of my prime. The Rangers are performing impressively, finding success both on the ice and in business.
1. Dallas Stars (7-2-0, +11) — A thrilling early-season clash awaits this week as the Stars prepare to take on the Panthers in a classic back-to-back series in Tampere, Finland, on Friday and Saturday.
*Goal differential calculation excludes shootout outcomes, which the NHL inexplicably includes.
Not ranked: Boston Bruins —For the moment, the crisis has been averted. After heading into the weekend with three consecutive losses and concerning figures across the board, the Bruins appeared to be a team in dire need of a victory. Fortunately, they found their groove just in time and managed to overcome the Maple Leafs.
The conclusion of the week fittingly showcased the Bruins’ challenges coming to light. Amid the mounting losses and worrying analytics, a minor controversy also erupted regarding coach Jim Montgomery’s outburst at Brad Marchand. The captain quickly calmed that situation, leading to a peaceful resolution. The lingering question remains whether the Bruins’ significant issues have truly been resolved or if defeating a struggling Leafs team is merely a brief respite in the ongoing saga.
Currently, the team is sitting at .500 and tied for third place in their division, so we aren’t quite in emergency mode just yet. However, expectations in Boston are elevated, and thus far, the team hasn’t met them. Marchand had yet to score until Saturday, and the recently signed Jeremy Swayman hasn’t performed like the star he is now being compensated as. David Pastrňák has struggled as well. The center position remains uncertain, even with Elias Lindholm on the roster. Moreover, no player has had what could be categorized as a breakout start except perhaps Cole Koepke.
Numerous teams would gladly swap issues with the Bruins, but that doesn’t eliminate their list of concerns. For now, they face the Flyers twice this week, offering a chance to accumulate more points. While the warning signs can’t simply be overlooked, this still appears to be a team that has earned a degree of trust over the years. At this point, let’s say they are far from the top five, yet hardly in a state of panic. (Unless they end up getting swept by the Flyers, in which case, it’s time for drastic measures.)
The bottom five
The five teams trending toward the bottom and vying for the best lottery odds for James Hagens, or perhaps someone else.
Are the Predators truly back, as the youth might say? Following last week’s harsh critique, they rebounded with a perfect 3-0-0 week, so perhaps there’s merit to that claim. However, let’s see how they fare this week with upcoming games against the Lightning, Oilers, and Avalanche. If they can sweep these matches, we might not even need to consider canceling any concerts for this group.
5. Philadelphia Flyers (2-6-1, -14) — This week’s ranking came down to a matchup between the Flyers and the Habs, who kindly faced off last night, simplifying our task. All right, Flyers fans, you can cease lobbying for a ranking now.
4. Anaheim Ducks (3-4-1, -6) — The current standings suggest they’re doing relatively well. However, Dom’s projected standings indicate not to become too accustomed to their position. For the moment, it has been the Lukáš Dostál show, with the
At 24 years old, he appears to be asserting himself and may not be inclined to readily relinquish the starting position back to John Gibson upon the veteran’s return.
3. Columbus Blue Jackets (3-3-1, +3) — Throughout this season, they have alternated between wins and losses. If this trend continues, it suggests a victory against the Oilers tonight, followed by a win against the Jets on Friday. Should that occur, it could be time to begin drafting those “These guys are better than we think” articles.
2. Chicago Blackhawks (2-6-1, -9) — This was a memorable moment:
During the intermission Shoot the Puck contest on Friday night, Ron Jurinek scored both of his shots in honor of his son, Jake, a lifelong fan of the Blackhawks. The Jacob Jurinek Foundation will contribute $100 for each home goal scored by the Blackhawks this season, making every goal… pic.twitter.com/hLqJggurWh
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 27, 2024
1. San Jose Sharks (0-7-2, -20) — Remember when we joked about how “at least they won’t start the season with 11 consecutive losses”? Well, here we are, with nine losses so far, and upcoming matches against Utah, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Vancouver. That sinking feeling is becoming all too familiar. Compounding the issue is the disappointing performance of promising rookie Will Smith, who has not played well.
Not ranked: Pittsburgh Penguins — The grim reality is that the team is in shambles. To make matters worse, I have no idea how they could begin to resolve the situation. I’m not sure Kyle Dubas has a clear plan either.
The Penguins kicked off the 2024-25 season with a seemingly viable strategy. Although they are veteran-heavy, pricy, and not performing particularly well, the team had enough skill to hope for a few fortunate breaks to push them back into playoff contention. Once there, a bit of puck luck and some outstanding goaltending could have supplemented the existing veteran finesse of Sidney Crosby and his teammates to create an intriguing playoff scenario.
It may not have been a good strategy, but it was a strategy nonetheless. As of now, it isn’t yielding any results.
The goaltending situation is dreadful, to the point where Tristan Jarry was sent down to the AHL over the weekend. This move is technically a loan rather than a demotion, framed as a conditioning assignment to address Jarry’s inability to stop pucks this season. Did I mention his hefty contract? That plays a role too. With nominal starter Alex Nedeljkovic performing inconsistently following an injury, goaltending has become a significant liability.
There was a period when the Penguins could outscore this issue. They are certainly trying, having netted six goals in all three of their victories this year. However, they have found themselves 0-for-7 in games where they score fewer than six goals, which is not a recipe for a playoff run. Evgeni Malkin has been carrying the offensive load, which is impressive for a 38-year-old. Conversely, Crosby has managed just one goal, Erik Karlsson appears to be aging, and Kris Letang seems to be past his prime. Relying on Joel Blomqvist while being old and slow is not the way to navigate an NHL season that was meant to feature a playoff chase.
Instead, they are now on a five-game losing streak, blowing leads, and columnists are describing their situation as “disastrous.”
So, what actions should Dubas take next? As mentioned, I have no clear answers. Trades are infrequent at this stage of the season, and it’s not as if other teams are eagerly waiting to…
A segment of the Penguins roster, along with the picks and prospects, appears largely depleted. There are no game-changers among those waiting in the AHL, nor are there any notable players poised to return from injury. This simply reflects their current reality.
This situation raises the possibility of a coaching change, a route that a GM often considers when no other solutions present themselves. Over the past few years, two facts have been evident in Pittsburgh: Mike Sullivan is frequently perceived to be on the hot seat, yet he also seems to have recently secured a multiyear extension, rendering such speculation somewhat irrelevant.
So, what’s next? Perhaps nothing significant, other than continuing to navigate the season and hoping for a turnaround. It is possible. Jarry could reclaim his form, or Nedeljkovic might overcome any lingering rust. Alternatively, Crosby could decide he doesn’t want his final career chapter to unfold this way and may carry the team for as long as he is able. Perhaps Dubas will surprise everyone by orchestrating a genuine hockey trade that could redirect the team’s trajectory.
On the other hand, the window might genuinely close, leaving the Penguins overlooked and causing Crosby’s final years to be spent on a mediocre team that neither rebuilds nor competes. That seems to be the direction we are headed, but it is still early in the season. That might be the only glimmer of good news to emerge from Pittsburgh these days.
(Top photo: Sergei Belski / Imagn Images)
# Power Rankings Showdown: Dissecting the Latest NHL Controversies and Surprises
The NHL season is always packed with drama, surprises, and unexpected twists that keep fans on the edge of their seats. In this article, we will dive deep into the current power rankings, examining the latest controversies and surprises that have characterized the season. From trade rumors to on-ice incidents, we’ll analyze how these elements affect team rankings and fan expectations.
## Current NHL Power Rankings Overview
Understanding the landscape of the NHL is crucial for fans, analysts, and bettors alike. Here’s a quick look at the current power rankings for the 2023 NHL season:
| Rank | Team | Record | Last Week’s Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado Avalanche | 7-1-0 | 2 |
| 2 | Tampa Bay Lightning | 6-2-0 | 1 |
| 3 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 5-2-1 | 5 |
| 4 | Boston Bruins | 6-3-0 | 4 |
| 5 | Vegas Golden Knights | 5-3-0 | 3 |
### Key Factors Influencing Power Rankings
Power rankings are not static; they evolve based on various factors throughout the season. Here are some key elements that currently influence the rankings:
– **Team Performance**: A team’s win-loss record is the primary component of power rankings.
– **Injuries**: The impact of star players getting injured can drastically change team dynamics and performance.
– **Trade Rumors**: Speculation about potential trades can create distractions or motivate players to perform better.
– **Recent Games**: A team’s performance in the last few games can impact momentum and confidence.
## Recent NHL Controversies
The NHL has seen its fair share of controversies this season, which have sparked debates among fans and analysts alike.
### 1. The Officiating Debate
One of the most talked-about controversies this season revolves around the quality of officiating. Fans have expressed frustration over inconsistent calls that have influenced game outcomes.
**Key Points:**
– Some games have been marred by questionable penalty calls, leading to accusations of favoritism towards certain teams.
– The NHL has responded by reinforcing officiating standards and providing additional training to referees.
### 2. Trade Deadline Shenanigans
As the trade deadline approaches, several players have found themselves at the center of speculation. High-profile names are being discussed in potential trades, leading to both excitement and anxiety among fans.
**Example:**
- The ongoing speculation surrounding superstar *Connor McDavid* has fans questioning whether he will remain loyal to the *Edmonton Oilers* or seek a trade to a contender.
### 3. Player Conduct Off the Ice
Player conduct has also made headlines this season. Incidents involving players’ behavior off the ice can lead to suspensions or tarnish team reputations.
**Notable Incident:**
– A recent off-ice altercation involving a prominent player has raised concerns about player discipline within the league, prompting discussions on stricter policies.
## Surprises of the Season
This season has also produced unexpected performances from teams and players alike, reshaping the power rankings.
### 1. Rise of the Newcomers
Several underdog teams have made significant strides this season, surprising fans with their performance.
– **Detroit Red Wings**: With a young, talented roster, the Red Wings have climbed the ranks, showcasing a blend of speed and skill.
– **Seattle Kraken**: The Kraken have proved to be a formidable opponent, continuing to surprise with their competitive spirit and tactical gameplay.
### 2. Breakout Players
The emergence of breakout players has also been a highlight this season. These players have exceeded expectations and significantly impacted their teams.
**Top Breakout Players:**
- **Trevor Zegras (Anaheim Ducks)**: Known for his dynamic playmaking ability, Zegras has quickly become a fan favorite.
– **Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota Wild)**: Kaprizov continues to dazzle with his scoring touch, making him a critical asset for the Wild.
### 3. Veteran Comebacks
Some veteran players have defied age and expectations, providing stability and leadership to their teams.
**Notable Comebacks:**
– **Zdeno Chara**: The longtime defenseman has returned to the league with the *New York Islanders*, proving that experience counts.
– **Phil Kessel**: Kessel’s scoring ability and playoff experience have revitalized the *Arizona Coyotes*.
## Practical Tips for NHL Fans
Engaging with the NHL is more than just watching games; it’s about understanding the dynamics at play. Here are some practical tips for fans:
– **Stay Updated**: Follow reliable sports news sources and NHL insiders for the latest updates on trades, injuries, and controversy.
– **Engage with the Community**: Join forums and social media groups to discuss games, trades, and other hot topics with fellow fans.
– **Analyze Stats**: Utilize statistics and analytics to get a deeper understanding of team performances and individual player contributions.
## Case Studies: Controversies in Action
Examining specific case studies can provide insight into how controversies and surprises shape the league.
### Case Study 1: The Evgeni Malkin Suspension
Earlier this season, Evgeni Malkin faced a four-game suspension for a reckless play that injured an opponent. The incident ignited debates about player safety and the league’s disciplinary measures.
**Impact:**
– The *Pittsburgh Penguins* struggled without their star forward, leading to a dip in their power ranking.
– Discussions arose regarding the need for stricter penalties for dangerous plays.
### Case Study 2: The Calgary Flames’ Shake-up
The Calgary Flames surprised everyone by firing their head coach early in the season following a series of poor performances. The move was controversial but aimed at reigniting the team’s competitive drive.
**Impact:**
– After the coaching change, the Flames saw an immediate improvement, climbing back into playoff contention and altering their power ranking.
## First-Hand Experience: Attending Games
Attending live NHL games can provide an electrifying experience for fans. Here’s what to expect:
– **Atmosphere**: The energy in the arena is unmatched, with fans uniting to support their team.
– **Closer Look**: Watching the game live allows fans to appreciate the skills and strategies that may not be visible on TV.
– **Interactivity**: Many arenas host fan events and activities, making it a fun outing for families and friends.
By following these insights and staying engaged with the latest controversies and surprises, NHL fans can enhance their enjoyment of the game and contribute to discussions that shape the league.
### Summary of Key Takeaways
– Current power rankings are influenced by multiple factors, including team performance, injuries, and trade rumors.
– Recent controversies, such as officiating debates and player conduct, are pivotal in shaping public perception of the league.
– Surprising team performances and breakout players are key storylines this season, redefining expectations.
– Engaging with the NHL community and understanding the dynamics at play enriches the fan experience.
By keeping these points in mind, fans can navigate the ever-changing landscape of the NHL with confidence and enthusiasm.
