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NHL Power Rankings: Washington Capitals Off to Hot Start in Week 2

By Ryan Ritchie

Oct 18, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) and Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner (27) celebrates with Capitals goalie Philipp Grubauer (31) after their game against the Colorado Avalanche at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) and Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner (27) celebrates with Capitals goalie Philipp Grubauer (31) after their game against the Colorado Avalanche at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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NHL Power Rankings: Washington Capitals players celebrates with Capitals goalie Philipp Grubauer (31) after their game against the Colorado Avalanche at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Power Rankings: Washington Capitals players celebrates with Capitals goalie Philipp Grubauer (31) after their game against the Colorado Avalanche at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

NHL Power Rankings (Week 2) – Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning Continue Their Dominance, Avalanche/Canucks Off to a Hot Start, Columbus Blue Jackets Quickly Find a Home in NHL’s Basement

We’re now seven days into the new season with teams having played anywhere between two to four games so far.  There has been no shortage of headlines over the past week with high-scoring affairs as teams are still looking to tighten things up defensively.

History was made on opening night when the Toronto Maple Leafs faced off against the Ottawa Senators.  1st overall pick Auston Matthews put his name in the record book with an outstanding four-goal performance in his debut.  His second goal was a work of art beating two opponents, he briefly lost the puck to Erik Karlsson, but lifted his stick and drove to the net for a beauty.

Edmonton Oilers phenom Connor McDavid put up back-to-back three-point efforts against Alberta rival Calgary before being left off the score sheet in a 6-2 loss to Buffalo on Sunday and again on Tuesday.  Sabres Ryan O’Reilly had a four-point night on Sunday, while D Rasmus Ristolainen provided three assists.

Boston Bruins winger Brad Marchand led the way in the B’s debut last Thursday toppling the Blue Jackets 6-3.  Marchand had five points, David Pastrnak had four, and David Backes had three.

Other highlight performances of the past week included hat-tricks by Winnipeg Jets F Patrik Laine, Colorado Avalanche F Joe Colborne, Chicago Blackhawks F Richard Panik, and Detroit Red Wings D Mike Green.

Top Scorers After Week 1 (Oct.12-Oct.18)

1. D Brent Burns, SJ – 8pts
2. F Brad Marchand, BOS – 7pts
2. F Chris Kreider, NYR – 7pts
2. D Erik Karlsson, OTT – 7pts
5. F David Pastrnak, BOS – 6pts
5. F Connor McDavid, EDM – 6pts
5. F Paul Stastny, STL – 6pts
5. F Joe Pavelski, SJ – 6pts
5. D Mike Green, DET – 6pts
5. F Mark Scheifele, WPG – 6pts
11. F Blake Wheeler, WPG – 5pts
11. F Richard Panik, CHI – 5pts
11. F Vladimir Tarasenko, STL – 5pts
11. F Leon Draisaitl, EDM – 5pts
11. F Thomas Vanek, DET – 5pts
11. F Joe Thornton, SJ – 5pts
11. F Auston Matthews, TOR – 5pts
11. F Patrik Laine, WPG – 5pts
25 players tied at 19th with 4pts

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