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NHL Power Rankings Heading Into Week 5 of 2016-17

By Ryan Ritchie

Nov 6, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Jesper Fast (19) celebrates his goal with left wing Pavel Buchnevich (89) and teammates during the second period against the Winnipeg Jets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Jesper Fast (19) celebrates his goal with left wing Pavel Buchnevich (89) and teammates during the second period against the Winnipeg Jets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Galchenyuk (27) reacts with teammates including Artturi Lehkonen (62) and Andrei Markov (79) after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Flyersduring the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Galchenyuk (27) reacts with teammates including Artturi Lehkonen (62) and Andrei Markov (79) after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Flyersduring the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /

Previous Ranking: 1 (-1)

Team Record: (10-1-1)

Player of the Week: F Alex Galchenyuk (2gp 2g 1a 3pts)

Special Teams

PP: 7-for-39 (17.9 percent) (18th)
PK: 11-for-52 (78.8 percent) (23rd)

If you still think the Montreal Canadiens are a powerhouse team, think again. That 10-0 embarrasment should have opened a lot of eyes for a fan base that largely believes they’re a Cup contender every year.

You’ve got to feel for Al Montoya being left in net for all 10 goals. Now, we know the coaching staff spoke to him between periods and everything is hunky doory on the surface, but that’s absolutely demoralizing for a netminder.

The problem is this: Montreal is still relying far too heavily on the best goaltender in the world to carry them. That might work for a round or two in the playoffs, maybe even three, but this roster of skaters stands little chance of matching up against the NHL’s best. To be fair though, several of their top guys are getting the job done (i.e. Alex Galchenyuk, Shea Weber, Alex Radulov, and Brendan Gallagher).

Despite having eight points in 13 games, you could even point the finger at captain Max Pacioretty in terms of players who need to be better. Arguably the biggest weakness though; their secondary forwards. Not all hope is lost though. The Habs have a number of quality prospects down in the AHL that could give this team a massive boost. Names such as Sven Andrighetto (recently called-up), Charles Hudon, Michael McCarron, Nikita Scherbak, and Jacob de La Rose all come to mind. Montreal might consider giving a few of these guys a long look, it could wind up giving this team a significant boost.

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