NHL Power Rankings (Heading Into Week 16) – Full 30-Team Analysis with Weekly Prospect Profiles, Injury Reports, Statistical Updates (Leaders, Special Teams, Etc.), and More.
Welcome back to our weekly NHL power rankings here at Puck Prose. This is a collaboration between Matt Duscharme, Trin Potratz, and Ryan Ritchie brought to you every Thursday in which we update fans on the latest happenings around the league. In addition to our top 30 rankings, we provide in-depth analysis and feature a weekly prospect profile to help fans get better acquainted with young talent in the system.
The San Jose Sharks led the way this past week with a perfect 4-0-0 record. Not far behind was the New York Rangers and Buffalo, both of whom went without a loss going 3-0-0. The New York Islanders, Nashville Predators, and Ottawa Senators all managed to win three games while dropping one in extra time (3-0-1). Lastly, the Minnesota Wild and Washington Capitals each went 3-1-0 over the last seven days.
No team struggled more than the Calgary Flames and Detroit Red Wings who each lost four straight games. The Carolina Hurricanes also dropped three straight games. It’s a bit surprising to watch these clubs struggle after showing some much promise of late. Other teams that had difficulty winning included Colorado (0-3-1), Florida (0-1-1), and Dallas (0-1-2).
*all stats in our week 16 NHL power rankings are heading into Thursday (Jan.26) night’s action.
Statistical Leaders Around the League
Top 5 Forwards
1. Connor McDavid, EDM (50gp 16g 41a 57pts)
2. Sidney Crosby, PIT (41gp 28g 26a 54pts)
2. Evgeni Malkin, PIT (47gp 22g 32a 54pts)
4. Patrick Kane, CHI (50gp 15g 33a 48pts)
5. Nicklas Backstrom, WSH (48gp 13g 34a 47pts)
5. Brad Marchand, BOS (48gp 19g 28a 47pts)
Top 5 Defensemen
1. Brent Burns, SJ (49gp 21g 30a 51pts)
2. Erik Karlsson, OTT (46gp 7g 32a 39pts)
3. Victor Hedman, TB (46gp 7g 31a 39pts)
4. Kevin Shattenkirk, STL (48gp 11g 22a 33pts)
4. Justin Schultz, PIT (47gp 7g 26a 33pts)
5. Duncan Keith, CHI (50gp 3g 29a 32pts)
5. Dustin Byfuglien, WPG (51gp 7g 25a 32pts)
Top 5 Rookies
1. Auston Matthews, TOR (46gp 23g 16a 39pts)
1. Mitch Marner, TOR (46gp 11g 28a 39pts)
3. Patrik Laine, WPG (43gp 21g 17a 38pts)
4. Matthew Tkachuk, CGY (47gp 9g 22a 31pts)
5. William Nylander, TOR (45gp 9g 21a 30pts)