Power Rankings, Penguins on Top

26. Tampa Bay Lightning (16-20-2, 14th in East)
Steven Stamkos leads the NHL in goals, but it’s about winning, not scoring. The Lightning haven’t played well on the road all season and a record of 4-5-1 in their last ten, and losing two in a row now, their season is over. The Bolts traded for goalie Ben Bishop, parting ways with young, talented Cory Conacher. Thanks to Stamkos, the Bolts have the 3rd best offense in the league, but inconsistency in net and on defense has put the team near the bottom of the division. Time to reload in the offseason, and see what you can come out and do next year in a full season.
27. Carolina Hurricanes (16-19-2, 13th in East)
The Hurricanes look like a mess. There’s no offense. There’s no defense. In such a weak division, that they could have won this season, they’re sitting in third with really no chance of getting into the playoffs. Carolina has lost twelve of their last thirteen games and have scored 3 goals in a game only three times during the stretch. The special teams haven’t been good at all this season. 13% on the powerplay and 76.2% on the penalty kill. That isn’t going to get you very far in the NHL these days.
28. Colorado Avalanche (12-21-5, 15th in West)
Colorado is banged up, but that’s not the reason they’re at the bottom of the conference. The team is young. They’re only 1-8-1 in their last ten. Like the Flames, the Avs are having a hard time winning, and are just playing for the future now.
29. Calgary Flames (13-20-4, 14th in West)
The Calgary Flames were sellers at this season’s trade deadline. They traded Jarome Iginla, Jay Bouwmeester, and a few others. The Flames are in rebuild mode, and they’re playing for the future now. The defense is a huge concern, giving up a league worst 3.5 goals a game. Calgary has lost 11 of their last 13 games.
30. Florida Panthers (13-20-6, 15th in East)
The Florida Panthers had a good run last season, but they only set up Panthers fans for disappointment this season. Florida’s powerplay is ranked 8th in the league, and seems to be the only thing keeping this team from sinking into the ocean. The Panthers have won 3 of their last 4. Maybe they’re trying to play their way out of the first pick in the draft this year.