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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 12, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) congratulates Pens right wing Bryan Rust (17) on his gaol against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at the PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) congratulates Pens right wing Bryan Rust (17) on his gaol against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at the PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Previous Ranking: 2 (-)

Team Record: (10-4-2)

Player of the Week: F Sidney Crosby (3gp 2g 1a 3pts)

Special Teams

PP: 13-for-55 (23.6 percent) (T-5th)
PK: 12-for-63 (81.0 percent) (20th)

Despite taking an absolute beating on Wednesday night at the hands of Washington, Pittsburgh still remains near the top. Fact is, they’ve been borderline unstoppable since Matt Murray returned. So, that game against Washington might serve as a great wake-up call for a team that was likely feeling somewhat invisible.

The Pens turned to Marc-Andre Fleury last Thursday. And although he took the loss and allowed three goals, he turned in a solid outing stopping 40 shots. The problem was the guy at the other end; Devan Dubnyk. Minnesota’s starter has been among the NHL’s best over the past month or so. Murray got the nod on Saturday versus Toronto and delivered another top-notch performance stopping 35 of 36 shots for the win. Wednesday was a bit of a write-off for both goalies, so look for the pair to bounce back in their next starts.

Up front, Sidney Crosby continues to prove why he’s the best player in the world. He added three more points over the last seven days, bringing his season total up to 10 goals, three assists (13 points) in 10 games. Could Sid be in store for another 100+ point season, even after missing time with a concussion to open the year?

Malkin also had a decent week adding a pair of points. He leads the team with eight goals, seven assists (15 points) in 16 games so far. Even Phil Kessel is still racking up points, although it’s the assists that continue to pile up. With four goals, 10 assists (14 points), Phil the Thrill is proving he’s more than a one-trick pony dishing out the helpers. – Ryan Ritchie

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