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NHL Power Rankings: Week 16 Injuries, Prospects, In-Depth Analysis

By Matt Duscharme

Jan 23, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Justin Williams (14) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first period at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Justin Williams (14) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first period at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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NHL Power Rankings: Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar huddle with his players in the third period against the Vancouver Canucks at the Pepsi Center. The Canucks defeated the Avalanche 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Power Rankings: Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar huddle with his players in the third period against the Vancouver Canucks at the Pepsi Center. The Canucks defeated the Avalanche 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Previous Ranking: 29 (-1)

Team Record: (13-31-1)

Goals For: 93

Goals Against: 155

Special Teams

PP: 21-for-146 (14.4 percent) (26th)
PK: 37-for-173 (78.6 percent) (25th)

Injury List

Erik Johnson (leg) – out until mid-February
Semyon Varlamov (groin) – day-to-day
Rene Bourque (lower body) – day-to-day
Tyson Barrie (lower body) – day-to-day

Statistical Leaders in 2016-17

Top Forward: Nathan MacKinnon (46gp 11g 22a 33pts)
Top Defenseman: Tyson Barrie (42gp 3g 20a 23pts)
Top Rookie: Mikko Rantanen (41gp 7g 12a 19pts)
Top Goaltender: Calvin Pickard (7-13-1 3.01GAA .906 save percentage)

Player of the Week: F Nathan MacKinnon (4gp 0g 3a 3pts)

The Central Division continued to struggle last week, and Colorado topped the list with a 0-3-1 record, on the bright side they did get a point, though. Calvin Pickard was great despite two regulation losses. And rookie goalie Spencer Martin didn’t have the best week either.

Changes are most likely to come at the trade deadline but who will be moved is the big question. Matt Duchene and Gabriel Landeskog have been the highest topics of discussion but don’t be surprised if more players are on the move. There’s no way Colorado moves Nathan MacKinnon, he was pegged as the cornerstone of the team since he was drafted. And last week he posted three points in three games. And along with MacKinnon, Nikita Zadorov also had a three-point week. After that Matt Duchene, Gabriel Landeskog, and Mikhail Grigorenko all tied with two points and combined for a minus four rating. Spencer Martin on the other hand record a regulation and overtime loss over the week but surprisingly his numbers were not that great. Calvin Pickard, on the other hand, had two regulation losses but his numbers were better oddly enough, he had a .935 save percentage and a 2.55 goals-against-average. Things aren’t going to get much easier for the Avs since this week they play both Anaheim and Los Angeles.

Weekly Prospect Profile: Luke Walker, Terrace River (CIHL)

2016-17 stats: 10gp 9g 10a 19pts

Luke Walker is a skilled two-way forward who likes to play with a lot of grit in his game. He thrives very well along the boards and in heavy traffic, he also brings his A game every shift.

– Matt Duscharme

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