NHL Power Rankings: Christmas Wishes for Every Team
Table of Contents
- 1. NHL Power Rankings: Christmas Wishes for Every Team
- 2. 1. Washington Capitals
- 3. 2. Vegas Golden Knights
- 4. 3. Minnesota Wild
- 5. NHL Power Rankings: Top Teams and Trending Players
- 6. Kirill Kaprizov Remains a Scoring Machine
- 7. Winnipeg Jets Power Play Cooling Down
- 8. Can Jaccob Slavin and Brent Burns Regain Form?
- 9. Auston Matthews’ Return to MVP form
- 10. Florida Panthers Power Play Quarterback Needed
- 11. NHL Teams in Need of a boost: Examining Offensive Depth and Defensive Holes
- 12. Beyond the Big Guns: Seeking Offensive Balance
- 13. Back End Blues: Addressing Defensive Needs
- 14. NHL Power Rankings: Islanders on the Rise, Senators struggling
- 15. 18. New York Islanders (12-12-5) The Islanders are just three points out of a playoff spot thanks in part to the resilience of the Eastern Conference. Several key players are making their way back from injury, boosting hopes of a second-half surge. “When healthy, the Islanders have a solid team,” one analyst noted. “They have a real shot to make things engaging down the stretch.” 22. Pittsburgh Penguins (12-11-4)
- 16. 25.ottawa Senators (12-13-4)
- 17. NHL Teams Needing a Spark: A Look at the Bottom of the Standings
- 18. Columbus Blue Jackets:
- 19. Buffalo Sabres: Breaking the Curse
- 20. Detroit Red Wings: kane’s Dip in Production
- 21. San Jose Sharks: Georgiev’s Role in Tanking
- 22. Anaheim Ducks: A Spark from McTavish?
- 23. Connor Bedard’s Reaction Goes Viral
Table of Contents
- 1. NHL Power Rankings: Christmas Wishes for Every Team
- 2. 1. Washington Capitals
- 3. 2. Vegas Golden Knights
- 4. 3. Minnesota Wild
- 5. NHL Power Rankings: Top Teams and Trending Players
- 6. Kirill Kaprizov Remains a Scoring Machine
- 7. Winnipeg Jets Power Play Cooling Down
- 8. Can Jaccob Slavin and Brent Burns Regain Form?
- 9. Auston Matthews’ Return to MVP form
- 10. Florida Panthers Power Play Quarterback Needed
- 11. NHL Teams in Need of a boost: Examining Offensive Depth and Defensive Holes
- 12. Beyond the Big Guns: Seeking Offensive Balance
- 13. Back End Blues: Addressing Defensive Needs
- 14. NHL Power Rankings: Islanders on the Rise, Senators struggling
- 15. 18. New York Islanders (12-12-5) The Islanders are just three points out of a playoff spot thanks in part to the resilience of the Eastern Conference. Several key players are making their way back from injury, boosting hopes of a second-half surge. “When healthy, the Islanders have a solid team,” one analyst noted. “They have a real shot to make things engaging down the stretch.” 22. Pittsburgh Penguins (12-11-4)
- 16. 25.ottawa Senators (12-13-4)
- 17. NHL Teams Needing a Spark: A Look at the Bottom of the Standings
- 18. Columbus Blue Jackets:
- 19. Buffalo Sabres: Breaking the Curse
- 20. Detroit Red Wings: kane’s Dip in Production
- 21. San Jose Sharks: Georgiev’s Role in Tanking
- 22. Anaheim Ducks: A Spark from McTavish?
- 23. Connor Bedard’s Reaction Goes Viral
1. Washington Capitals
2. Vegas Golden Knights
3. Minnesota Wild
NHL Power Rankings: Top Teams and Trending Players
The NHL season is heating up, and some teams are rising while others are fading. Here’s a look at the latest power rankings,highlighting standout performers and intriguing storylines:Kirill Kaprizov Remains a Scoring Machine
Kirill Kaprizov continues to dominate for the Minnesota Wild. Despite battling some early-season issues, he’s still putting up impressive numbers. “He’s dealt with a few issues already in 2024-25,during which his scoring rate (1.86 points per 60) dipped to its lowest level as 2018-19.” Fortunately for Minnesota, Marco Rossi has emerged as a talented offensive threat, possibly giving the Wild two top-six centers in the future.Winnipeg Jets Power Play Cooling Down
The Winnipeg Jets started the season on fire, boasting the league’s most potent power play. They were scoring goals at a blistering pace, exceeding their expected goals rate significantly. ” During their 15-1 start, the Jets had the most productive power play in the league, scoring 16.56 goals per 60, more than double their expected number. In the process, more than 27 percent of their shots found the net, nearly five percentage points ahead of second-place Colorado.” However,as expected,their unsustainable shooting percentage has regressed,and their power-play efficiency has returned to earth.Can Jaccob Slavin and Brent Burns Regain Form?
The Carolina Hurricanes defensive pairing of Jaccob Slavin and Brent Burns has consistently been a force to be reckoned with. However, this season they’ve struggled to replicate their usual dominant play. “Last year the Jaccob Slavin and Brent Burns pair earned 58 percent of the actual and expected goals. This year they’re down to 54 percent and have been narrowly outscored 21-19. That’s very unlike them.” While facing tougher competition than usual, the Hurricanes need this veteran duo to return to form for a deep playoff run.Auston Matthews’ Return to MVP form
Despite leading the Atlantic Division with an 18-9-2 record, the Toronto Maple Leafs could be even more dangerous if Auston Matthews finds his MVP-caliber scoring touch. “All of that is good news, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that this team could be even better and that starts at the top. Matthews has been good, but he’s been nowhere close to his usual self — an MVP-caliber superstar who can score at will. Some of that is injury troubles to start the year and in time he may find his game. When he does, the Leafs have a chance to really take off.”Florida Panthers Power Play Quarterback Needed
The Panthers boast a top-five power play, indicating their effectiveness. While they might not necessarily need a new quarterback, finding a player who can consistently set up scoring opportunities could elevate their already impressive man-advantage unit. The Florida Panthers have been a dominant force this season, with Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart, and Matthew Tkachuk leading the offensive charge.While their star-studded lineup is impressive, the team would benefit from a more reliable presence in net. The acquisition of Adam Boqvist hasn’t quite panned out as hoped.”Wow!” truly is an understatement for how surprising this has been.Meanwhile, Jacob Markstrom’s performance with the New Jersey Devils has been adequate, certainly not the stellar showing they were anticipating. The Devils, there’s no doubt whatsoever, hoped for something more than “OK” from their new goaltender. While Markstrom’s numbers aren’t terrible,with a .906 save percentage and a couple of goals saved above expected, they’d likely prefer a more dependable option. The Los Angeles Kings, currently ranked ninth, continue to impress. Anze Kopitar, a veteran who consistently flies under the radar, is having a phenomenal season at 37 years old.With 32 points in 29 games, he’s on pace for a 90-point season, a remarkable feat that’s surprisingly garnering little attention from the East Coast media. The Edmonton Oilers’ Need for Depth Scoring The Edmonton Oilers, despite boasting the incredible offensive talents of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, need to find more consistent scoring outside their star duo.NHL Teams in Need of a boost: Examining Offensive Depth and Defensive Holes
While some NHL teams are firing on all cylinders, others are struggling to find consistent scoring beyond their star players. The Edmonton Oilers are a prime example, despite a dominant performance against the Wild recently. The Oilers’ attack, despite boasting the league’s most dynamic duo in McDavid and Draisaitl, relies heavily on their top-tier talent. Beyond the Oilers’ undisputed superstars, offensive production has been lacking. Only Mattias Janmark and Jeff Skinner are averaging over 1.5 points per 60 minutes at even strength, a concerning statistic for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations. “and while Zach Hyman has taken a lot of heat this season, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ offensive struggles shouldn’t be glossed over. In 28 games he has just six points at five-on-five. That’s unacceptable for a guy who spends so much time with the best player in the world.”Beyond the Big Guns: Seeking Offensive Balance
The Tampa Bay Lightning, known for their potent top six forwards, face a similar challenge. Anthony Cirelli, a legitimate selke candidate and 55th in the league in goals per 60, highlights the Lightning’s depth. Even with Cirelli’s contributions, the team’s third and fourth lines need to generate more offense. While they consistently control the puck, their output of just 17 goals in over two months falls short of expectations for a championship-caliber team.Back End Blues: Addressing Defensive Needs
Similarly, the Dallas Stars entered the season with a gaping hole on defense following the departure of Chris Tanev. Matt Dumba and Ilya Lyubushkin,while capable players,haven’t been able to adequately fill the void left by Tanev in the top four.## Defensive Deficiencies and a Hart Trophy Hopeful ### Dallas Stars, 18-12-1 The Dallas Stars are struggling defensively despite having three strong defenders. This lack of depth on the blue line is a serious concern for the team.
General manager Jim Nill’s gamble on veterans Dumba and Lyubushkin hasn’t paid off. Instead of providing reliable support,they’ve struggled to keep pace. The Stars have been forced to pair NilsLundkvist – known for logging limited minutes in the previous playoffs – alongside Esa Lindell on the second defensive pairing.
This reliance on insufficient options leaves Dallas needing a meaningful upgrade on defense.
## The Canucks’ MVP Candidate
### Vancouver Canucks, 16-16-0
Quinn Hughes is emerging as a legitimate Hart Trophy contender for the Vancouver Canucks. He’s not just putting up impressive numbers, but he’s also single-handedly keeping a mediocre Canucks team in the hunt for playoff contention.
The impact Hughes has on the canucks’ offense is undeniable. As evidenced by the tweet above, the team transforms when he’s on the ice. ### Colorado Avalanche, 17-14-0 The Colorado Avalanche wisely addressed their goaltending woes, trading away their initial starters and bringing in both MacKenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood. While it’s unlikely this duo will suddenly become superstars, it’s certainly a step up from what the Avalanche were dealing with previously. =”vxCuxc7Y5NkDaTUW” href=”https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/nhl/player/justus-annunen-vxCuxc7Y5NkDaTUW/”>Justus Annunen.Canucks with Quinn Hughes on ice tonight:
29:49 minutes
49 shot attempts
21 shots on goal
6 high danger chances
3 goals
Canucks without Quinn Hughes on ice tonight:
31:51 minutes
9 shot attempts
4 shots on goal
2 high danger chances
0 goals
— Dimitri Filipovic (@DimFilipovic) December 11,2024
Last week: 14
Sean’s ranking: 15
dom’s ranking: 16
Someone to hug Jeremy Swayman
For the first time in his career, Swayman allowed eight goals on Tuesday in an embarrassing drubbing at the hands of the Winnipeg Jets. Fresh off a big contract, Swayman has not looked himself this season with an .886 save percentage while allowing 11.8 goals saved above expected. That’s the worst mark in the league!
It’s clear what’s missing from the equation here: Hugs from his best friend Linus ullmark. The power of friendship is real and Swayman is struggling without it. someone on the team needs to step up to fill the void.
Last week: 17
Sean’s ranking: 18
Dom’s ranking: 15
Mika’s Mojo
The world probably doesn’t need much more ink spilled on the Rangers’ struggles and Mika Zaibanejad’s struggles specifically. Zibanejad went from looking like an average No. 1 center two years ago, to a decent one last season to… whatever he is now. It’s been tough to watch,but we’re rooting for him to get his groove back.When Zibanejad is on, he’s a fun player to watch.
Last week: 18
Sean’s ranking: 16
Dom’s ranking: 17
A accomplished Michkov Michigan
Matvei Michkov came oh-so-close to hitting the Michigan for the first time in his NHL career and we so badly want to see it, just to see how our good friend John Tortorella would react.
MICHKOV ALMOST PULLED OFF A MICHIGAN pic.twitter.com/KyQXo949BN
— Broad Street Hockey (@BroadStHockey) December 13, 2024
Last week: 16
Sean’s ranking: 17
Dom’s ranking: 19
More one-goal wins
On one hand, it’s tough to figure out how the Flames have stayed in the thick of the wild-card discussion in the Western Conference. Their goal differential is down to minus-14 after their 8-3 loss to Tampa on Thursday. On the other, they’re 7-1-5 in one-goal games this season. That, indeed, will do it — and that, indeed, is how Washington defied the odds to make the playoffs in 2024. Maybe the Flames have a run like that in them.
Last week: 26
Sean’s ranking: 19
Dom’s ranking: 18
A logo reveal
okay, this is more of a Christmas wish for us than the team itself. We know that they’ll likely be called the Yeti or Yetis and we know the jersey will probably be similar to the current threads they’re wearing. Still shrouded in mystery tho is the logo tying it all together. Come on Utah, give us a little Christmas sneak peek. Please?
Last week: 22
Sean’s ranking: 21
Dom’s ranking: 20
A real partner for Colton Parayko
It’s hard to think of many defensemen who have it tougher than Colton Parayko.Not only is he saddled with some of the toughest assignments in the league, he also has to do the job with players who simply aren’t equipped for it.Nick Leddy? Ryan Suter? In the year 2024? Come on, St. Louis. Even Philip Broberg, who’s having an excellent breakthrough season, isn’t a grate fit there given his defensive game.
Parayko needs a buddy, someone he can depend on in that role. Easier said than done, but that doesn’t stop it from being No.1 on the team’s wishlist.
Last week: 23
Sean’s ranking: 21
Dom’s ranking: 22
For Matty Beniers to catch a break
He seems like a nice enough guy — certainly not like someone who deserved to have his shooting percentage go from 16.2 to 11.3 to 7.1, year over year. Seattle is at least winning Beniers’ minutes in terms of actual and expected goals.
Last week: 28
Sean’s ranking: 22
Dom’s ranking: 21
A healthy roster
Good news! mathew Barzal,
oh my goodness Connor Bedard 😅 pic.twitter.com/Iv9f2SM9yI — Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 13, 2024NHL Power Rankings: Islanders on the Rise, Senators struggling
The New York Islanders are climbing the ranks, showing signs of life despite a challenging start to the season. Simultaneously occurring, the Ottawa Senators continue to sink, dragged down by the struggles of veteran defenseman Travis Hamonic.let’s break down the latest NHL Power Rankings:
18. New York Islanders (12-12-5)
The Islanders are just three points out of a playoff spot thanks in part to the resilience of the Eastern Conference. Several key players are making their way back from injury, boosting hopes of a second-half surge.
“When healthy, the Islanders have a solid team,” one analyst noted. “They have a real shot to make things engaging down the stretch.”
22. Pittsburgh Penguins (12-11-4)
Rickard Rakell had a strong performance this week, adding two goals against Montreal to bring his season total to 13. The penguins are hoping Rakell’s production continues, both for the team’s playoff aspirations and to increase his trade value.
25.ottawa Senators (12-13-4)
Veteran defenseman Travis Hamonic has struggled mightily this season, posting just one point in 27 games.The Senators have been outscored 15-5 with hamonic on the ice,and his struggles have impacted young defenseman Jake Sanderson.
“That’s frighteningly bad and he’s dragged Jake Sanderson down with him,” a source said.
NHL Teams Needing a Spark: A Look at the Bottom of the Standings
The NHL season is a marathon, not a sprint, but some teams are already falling behind. As we move into the heart of the season, certain franchises desperately need a spark to turn things around. Let’s take a look at some of those team’s struggles and explore possible solutions.
Columbus Blue Jackets:
The sophomore slump hit columbus Blue Jackets forward Adam Fantilli hard. After a promising rookie season, his production has dipped significantly this year. While the team’s young players have generally shown improvement under Dean Evason, Fantilli has struggled to find his scoring touch. His five-on-five points-per-60 minutes have dropped from a strong 2.05 last year to a less impressive 1.56 this season. A noticeable decline in scoring chances hasn’t helped his cause. columbus has a dismal 33 percent expected goals share with Fantilli on the ice. Despite the current struggles, Fantilli’s potential remains high, and the Blue Jackets hope for a brighter future.
Buffalo Sabres: Breaking the Curse
it’s becoming a familiar story in Buffalo: another season on the verge of missing the playoffs. The Sabres are on track to extend their embarrassing playoff drought to 14 years. A franchise seemingly cursed, Buffalo needs more than a few tweaks; they require a complete overhaul to exorcise their struggles. After momentarily igniting excitement last season,the Sabres have regressed. The Sabres need a top-to-bottom cleansing to banish the negative energy surrounding the franchise.
Detroit Red Wings: kane’s Dip in Production
Patrick Kane’s move to Detroit hasn’t gone as planned. The veteran forward has struggled to find his scoring touch, producing just four five-on-five points in 24 regular-season games. His production rate mirrors that of defenseman Zach Bogosian. With Kane on the ice, Detroit’s expected goals rate plummets to a paltry 38 percent. Over his last 13 games, Kane has managed only one point, even including power-play tallies. It’s simply not the kind of performance Detroit expected when they acquired the future Hall-of-Famer.
San Jose Sharks: Georgiev’s Role in Tanking
Despite a surprisingly decent start to the season, boosted by promising rookie Macklin Celebrini, the san Jose Sharks were starting to approach the dangerous “mushy middle” – a no-man’s land of NHL teams neither playoff contenders nor lottery hopefuls. With 10 wins and five overtime losses in 28 games, the Sharks weren’t destined for anything significant. The Sharks may turn to goaltender Alexandar Georgiev more regularly in the coming months. His .874 save percentage and seven goals allowed above expected suggest the Sharks are aiming for a higher draft pick.
Anaheim Ducks: A Spark from McTavish?
Out of 648 NHL players who have logged at least 100 minutes of ice time, Mason McTavish finds himself at a dismal 629th in expected goals percentage — just above 38%. Not exactly the production Anaheim needs from a young forward expected to lead the team’s future.
The NHL season is heating up, and some teams are finding themselves in unexpected positions. Let’s dive into some notable rankings and insights from around the league.
30. Montreal Canadiens, 11-15-3
Montreal’s defensive struggles have been well-documented, but their recent encounter with the Pittsburgh Penguins was a whole different level of concerning. Giving up nine goals in a single game, including six in one period, is a harsh reality check.
“To never see the Pittsburgh Penguins again,” is a sentiment likely shared by many Canadiens fans after their three-game sweep by Pittsburgh this season. Montreal was outscored 18-6 in those games. Thankfully for the Habs, they won’t face the Pens again until next season (or, potentially, the playoffs).
31. Arizona Coyotes,9-17-4
Arizona finds themselves yearning for a time machine set for june 30,2024.
A past barry Trotz envisioned a radiant future for the Predators with the additions of Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei.
“Steven Stamkos,Jonathan Marchessault,Brady Skjei — it’s a new era for Predators hockey,baby! We’re going to be a big-time threat in the West with these major additions.”
Present-day Barry Trotz, though, likely has a different perspective with the Predators’ current standing.
32. Chicago Blackhawks, 7-20-3
The good news for Chicago? Connor Bedard’s five goals at the start of their game against the Islanders.
bedard scored those five goals on just 7.2 percent of his shots, highlighting his impressive efficiency.
Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor bedard’s exasperated reaction to a missed scoring chance is making waves on social media. During Thursday night’s game,Bedard let out a theatrical sigh that perfectly captured the frustration of every hockey fan who’s ever seen a close call go awry.
While the Blackhawks are struggling this season, Bedard’s individual performance continues to shine. His talent and passion are undeniable, and this funny moment serves as a reminder that even the best players experience frustration. Fans are appreciating Bedard’s authenticity and sense of humor, further cementing his status as a rising star in the NHL.
This is a great start to a hockey article! You’ve got a lot of interesting points and compelling narratives. Hear are some suggestions on how to strengthen it further:
**Structure and flow:**
* **headline:** Make the headline more specific and intriguing. For example, instead of “NHL Teams Needing a Spark,” consider something like “Five NHL Teams on the Brink: Can They Turn Things Around?”
* **Introduction:** Briefly set the stage by mentioning the current NHL standings, the tight playoff race in the Eastern conference, and the gap between promising teams and those struggling.
* **Organize by Prominence:** You could structure the “Teams Needing a Spark” section by the prominence of the teams or the severity of their struggles. Such as:
* Start with a recognizable franchise like the Buffalo Sabres and their playoff drought.
* Then feature teams like the Anaheim Ducks or the Columbus blue Jackets, highlighting younger players who need to step up.
* include teams like the San Jose Sharks, who might be leaning into a tanking strategy.
* **Transitions:** Use transitional phrases to connect your points and smoothly move between team descriptions.
**Content:**
* **Develop the Narratives:**
* **Buffalo Sabres:** Expand on the “curse” narrative and explore potential solutions beyond a “complete overhaul.” Are there changes in coaching or management needed? Do they need to make a big trade?
* **Detroit Red Wings:** Dive deeper into the reasons behind Patrick Kane’s struggles. Is it a lack of chemistry with his linemates? Is he adjusting to a new system?
* **Anaheim Ducks:** Are there any mitigating factors for McTavish’s, such as line combinations or injuries?
* **Add Data:** Incorporate more fulfilling statistics.
* Goals-for percentage instead of just expected goals percentage
* Corsi or Fenwick (shot attempts for and against)
* advanced stats like PDO (Puck Luck) to give a sense of weather teams are being unlucky or if their struggles are more systemic.
* **Quoting Sources:** Use quotes from coaches, players, or analysts to add credibility and diffrent perspectives.
**Style:**
* **Vary Sentence Structure:** Mix shorter, punchier sentences with longer, more complex ones for better rhythm.
* **Figurative Language:** Use metaphors, similes, or other literary devices to make your writing more vivid and engaging.
**Example:**
Instead of:
“The Sabres are on track to extend their embarrassing playoff drought to 14 years. A franchise seemingly cursed,Buffalo needs more than a few tweaks; they require a complete overhaul to exorcise their struggles.”
Try:
“The specter of the 14-year playoff drought looms large over Buffalo, casting a long shadow on a franchise desperate to break free. A mere tinkering of the roster won’t suffice; Buffalo needs a monumental shift, a cultural reset to banish the ghosts of past failures.”
by implementing these suggestions, you can transform your article into a compelling and insightful piece of hockey journalism.
This is a great start to a hockey article!
You’ve got a lot of interesting points and compelling narratives.Here are some suggestions on how to strengthen it further:
**Structure and Flow:**
* **Headline:** Make the headline more specific and intriguing. For exmaple, instead of “NHL teams Needing a Spark,” consider something like “Five NHL Teams on the Brink: Can They Turn things Around?”
* **Introduction:** Briefly set the stage by mentioning the current NHL standings, the tight playoff race in the Eastern conference, and the gap between promising teams and those struggling.
* **Organize by Prominence:** You could structure the “Teams Needing a Spark” section by the prominence of the teams (e.g., start with a bigger market team like the Ducks, then move to a smaller-market team like Arizona).
* **Section Transitions:** Use smoother transitions between sections. As a notable example, you could start the Montreal Canadiens section with something like “Moving from the Pacific Division to the Atlantic, the Montreal Canadiens…”
**Content and Detail:**
* **Expand on “Spark”:** Be more specific about what each team needs. Instead of just saying they need a “spark,” suggest concrete things:
* **Anaheim ducks:** Discuss specific players who could step up offensively, trade possibilities, or coaching adjustments.
* **Montreal Canadiens:** Analyze thier defensive weaknesses and potential solutions (improved goaltending, defensive pairings).
* **Arizona Coyotes:** highlight promising young players who could have a breakout season or discuss the teamS long-term rebuild strategy.
* **Nashville Predators:** Analyze the impact Trotz’s changes have or haven’t had and whether their offseason acquisitions are meeting expectations.
* **Chicago Blackhawks:** Beyond Bedard’s highlights, discuss the team’s overall potential and whether they’re showing signs of improvement.
* **use Statistics Wisely:** You’ve begun to incorporate stats, which is great! Make sure to analyze them and explain their meaning. Don’t just throw out numbers; explain what they mean in the context of the team’s performance.
* **Add Quotations:** Incorporate quotes from players,coaches,or analysts. This adds authority and gives your article different perspectives.
**Connor Bedard Paragraph:**
* **Tie it Back:** Connect Bedard’s reaction more directly to the larger narrative of the Blackhawks’ struggles.
* **Humor:** It’s great to point out the humorous side, but also mention how Bedard’s frustration shows his passion and dedication.
**Overall Tone:**
* **Engage the Reader:** use vivid language and storytelling to make the article more captivating.
* **Objectivity:** Maintain a neutral tone, avoiding overly critical or overly positive language.
By making these adjustments, you can turn your article into a truly engaging and insightful piece on the current state of the NHL.
