NHL Power Rankings: First Month Surprises and Sleepers
By Jake Nally
Nov 5, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund (11) scores a goal against Philadelphia Flyers goalie Michal Neuvirth (30) during overtime at Scotiabank Saddledome. The Flames won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
25. Philadelphia Flyers (5-6-3) (-1)
Those notorious Philly fans have not had much to cheer about with the Flyers. While the team has found ways to gain points in 8 of their first 14 games, they have only won 5.
Another team struggling to score goals, the Flyers have averaged less than 2 goals a game to begin their campaign. Brayden Schenn is the only player only the team to have at least 5 goals, which indicates a lack of playmaking and goal scoring ability on this Flyers roster.
Michal Neuvirth and Steve Mason have pretty much split time so far this season, but Neuvirth has clearly had the better start to the year, posting a .945 SV& and a 1.81 GAA, while Mason boasts a .902 SV& with a 3.34 GAA. I expect these results will allow Neuvirth to solidify his starting netminder job.
Usual offensive threats Jakub Voracek and Wayne Simmonds have struggled out of the gate early this year, which is a main contributor to the Flyers lack of goals. There is still time to turn things around, especially with the way Neuvirth has been in net, but it has to happen quick for Philly to be considered a threat this year.
24. Edmonton Oilers (5-10-0) (+4)
Nov 8, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Edmonton Oilers right wing Jordan Eberle (14) rests after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at the United Center. The Chicago Blackhawks defat the Edmonton Oilers 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Well, the worst possible thing that could happen in Edmonton, has happened. Rookie sensation Connor McDavid will be out for at least a couple of months with a broken collarbone, after a very promising start to career, that saw him average a point per game through the first 12 full games of his career.
While normally, the loss of a teenager wouldn’t impact most professional sports teams, we aren’t talking about just any teenager. McDavid’s absence for such a lengthy period of time will be a huge loss of this Oilers team looking to show that they are on the rise.
The Oilers haven’t had much problem scoring goals this year, but the issue with a young team like this is the defense, proven by being 27th in the league in goals against. Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have been their usual solid selves, but they are really the only players producing for this team without McDavid. Hall’s production has to make one wonder if the Oilers would consider dealing the star winger if the team continues to flounder.
Their defensive group is just not up to snub with the better teams in the league for them to even consider a playoff run. Even with McDavid playing, the Oilers weren’t exactly winning all the time. Edmonton could be in for a tough a couple months until their rookie phenom returns. On the bright side, goaltenders Cam Talbot and Anders Nilsson have been an upgrade in-goal, even if the stats don’t show it.
23. Carolina Hurricanes (6-8-0) (+3)
Nov 7, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes forward Jordan Staal (11) celebrates his game winning goal with teammates against the Ottawa Senators at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
The Hurricanes are another team that finds themselves struggling on both ends of the ice. Statistically the ‘Canes are 27 in GPG, 21st in GA, 27th in PP%, and 21st in PK%. As we’ve found, being in the bottom third in those categories typically does not bode well.
Captain Eric Staal has been solid to start the year, adding even more fuel to the fire in regards to trade rumors. Stall is asking for a lot of money from Carolina when his contract runs out; likely more than Carolina can afford. It would be surprising if the ‘Canes didn’t try to get something of value in return for their captain. Newcomer Kris Versteeg has been a pleasant surprise, leading the team in points early in the year.
Goaltenders Cam Ward and Eddie Lack have been very average so far this season, but Carolina needs more from their tandem goaltenders. The ‘Canes seem to be one of those teams that are destined for mediocrity, and it will be difficult for me to anticipate them making a run at a playoff spot this year.
22. Buffalo Sabres (6-8-0) (+5)
Nov 7, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (55) and center Jack Eichel (15) hug after beating the Vancouver Canucks at First Niagara Center. Sabres beat the Canucks 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
The Sabres are a team that has improved. There is no doubt. Have they improved enough to be considered a threat in the East? Probably not. But there is reason for optimism. Rookie Jack Eichel seems to have a knack for putting the puck in the net. The 19-year-old leads his team in goals in the early season, and already has a couple of highlight goals to add to his reel.
Ryan O’Reilly seems to have put his offseason issues behind him, en route to an excellent start to his career in Buffalo. Evander Kane was off to a slow start through his first 7 games of the season, and then unfortunately suffered a leg injury that will keep him out at least 4-6 weeks. That is a big blow to a team looking to prove themselves.
His injury along with starting goalie Robin Lehner‘s are two tough pills to swallow for Sabres fans. Chad Johnson certainly hasn’t been great in net, but he has been serviceable. The jury is still out on whether Linus Ullmark can help carry the load.
The Sabres still have work to do on the defensive side of the ice, and that should be their focus for the remainder of the year. One of the lone bright spots on the back-end however, has been Rasmus Ristolainen, who’s quickly establishing himself as a threat on the blue-line.
21. Florida Panthers (5-6-3) (+1)
November 7, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Florida Panthers right wing Jaromir Jagr (68) and defenseman Willie Mitchell (33) in position for the face off against Los Angeles Kings during the second period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
After surprising most people last year by being in the playoff race until the very end of the season, the Panthers were hoping to take a step forward to catapult themselves into a top team in the East. So far, that hasn’t quite happened. That’s not to say that Florida hasn’t played well this year, because they have. They just haven’t played well enough to win the close games.
They are receiving solid goaltending from Roberto Luongo and Al Montoya. While their records might not support that claim, the rest of their statistics are pretty solid. I think the most bittersweet aspect of the Panthers’ season has been the play of future hall of famer Jaromir Jagr. Like a fine wine, he only gets better with age. Before suffering a minor injury, Jagr had been playing extremely well for the Panthers, leading them in scoring. That’s the sweet part.
The bitter part is that Florida should not be relying on a 43-year-old to be leading their team in scoring, it should be a pleasant surprise. But right now Jagr is about the only bright spot in Florida. If the Panthers want to take the next step forward it’s going to be up to guys like Nick Bjugstad, Johnathan Huberdeau, and Reilly Smith to step up.
Next: 20-16