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NHL Power Rankings Heading Into Week 6 of 2016-17

By Matt Duscharme

Nov 13, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The New York Rangers celebrate a first period goal by Dan Girardi (5) against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The New York Rangers celebrate a first period goal by Dan Girardi (5) against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 16, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) reacts to the goal by Calgary Flames right wing Michael Frolik (not pictured) during the overtime period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) reacts to the goal by Calgary Flames right wing Michael Frolik (not pictured) during the overtime period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Previous Ranking: 29 (-1)

Team Record: (5-9-1)

Player of the Week: F Radim Vrbata (3gp 2g 0a 2pts)

Special Teams

PP: 5-for-45 (11.1 percent) (25th)
PK: 11-for-46 (76.1 percent) (28th)

The Coyotes continue to lurk around the NHL’s basement. Here’s a team that some thought had a chance to challenge for a Wild-Card spot in 2016-17. Instead, it’s becoming more and more obvious that we could looking at a lottery team with a chance at a high pick. If you’re a Yotes fan, don’t let the rough start discourage you. This wasn’t supposed to be a Stanley Cup winning team. All you’re looking for with a team in this state are reasons to be optimistic about the future.

For example, Louis Domingue settled in and finally put together a decent week. You might even argue it was his best week starting two of three games. Things get even better from there though. Starter Mike Smith made his return on Wednesday night and looked fairly sharp stopping 22 of 24 shots in a 2-1 loss.

That massive crop of rookies up front is also a reason to be optimistic. Despite a number of slow starts, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that Arizona is on the right path with the likes of Max Domi, Anthony Duclair, Dylan Strome, and Christian Dvorak.

On a bit of a side note, GM John Chayka is reportedly letting any teams know the price to acquire Martin Hanzal is a young center or quality forward. Of course, any team is going to look to secure an extension with Hanzal as part of the deal.

Potential Targets for Martin Hanzal (not suggesting a 1-for-1 hockey deal):

Ryan Spooner (Boston), Riley Sheahan (Detroit), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Edmonton), Nick Bjugstad (Florida), Alex Killorn (Tampa Bay)

– Ryan Ritchie

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