NHL Playoff Power Rankings: Pittsburgh and Washington in Surprising Positions

Apr 17, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators players celebrate after an overtime win against the Chicago Blackhawks in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators won in overtime 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

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NHL Playoff Power Rankings – Full 8-Team Analysis with Players to Watch, Injury Reports, Statistical Updates (Leaders, Special Teams, etc.), and More.

Welcome back to our NHL Playoff Power Rankings. In addition to our top 8 rankings, I provide in-depth analysis and feature a weekly player to watch profile to help fans now who to keep on eye on during the second round. Seven new players appear in the top five below, and you’ll be surprised who is number one.

Site expert Matt Duscharme will be covering all 8 teams.

*all stats in this week’s NHL Playoff Power Rankings are heading into Thursday (Apr.27th) night’s action.

Top 5 Forwards
1.Evgeni Malkin, PIT (5gp, 2g, 9a, 11pts)
2.Derick Brassard, OTT (6gp, 2g, 6a, 8pts)
3.Phil Kessel, PIT (5gp, 2g, 6a, 8pts)
4.Bobby Ryan, OTT (6gp, 4g, 3a, 7pts)
5.Ryan Getzlaf, ANA (5gp, 4g, 3a, 7pts)

Top 5 Defensemen
1.Erik Karlsson, OTT (6gp, 0g, 6a, 6pts)
2.Shea Theodore, ANA (5gp, 2g, 3a, 5pts)
3.P.K. Subban, NSH (5gp, 1g, 4a, 5pts)
4.Morgan Rielly, TOR (6gp, 1g, 4a, 5pts)
5.Ryan Ellis, NSH (5gp, 1g, 4a, 5pts)

Top 5 Rookies
1.Jake Guentzel, PIT (5gp, 5g, 1a, 6pts)
2.Auston Matthews, TOR (6gp, 4g, 1a, 5pts)
3.Shea Theodore, ANA (5gp, 2g, 3a, 5pts)
4.Artturi Lehkonen, MTL (6gp, 2g, 2a, 4pts)
5.Mitch Marner, TOR (6gp, 1g, 3a, 4pts)

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