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NHL Power Rankings: Week 17 Injuries, Prospects, In-Depth Analysis

By Trin Potratz

Jan 18, 2017; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) skates against the Florida Panthers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2017; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) skates against the Florida Panthers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /
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NHL Power Rankings: St. Louis Blues goalie Jake Allen (34) gives up a goal to Winnipeg Jets right wing Patrik Laine (not pictured) during the second period at Scottrade Center. The Jets won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Power Rankings: St. Louis Blues goalie Jake Allen (34) gives up a goal to Winnipeg Jets right wing Patrik Laine (not pictured) during the second period at Scottrade Center. The Jets won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Previous Ranking: 25 (-4)

Team Record: (24-21-5)

Goals For: 140

Goals Against: 156

Special Teams

PP: 34-for-154 (22.1 percent) (8th)
PK: 30-for-174 (82.8 percent) (T-9th)

Injury List

Kyle Brodziak (foot) – day-to-day

Statistical Leaders in 2016-17

Top Forward: Vladimir Tarasenko (50gp 22g 27a 49pts)
Top Defenseman: Kevin Shattenkirk (50gp 11g 23a 34pts)
Top Rookie: Ivan Barbashev (2gp 0g 0a 0pts)
Top Goaltender: Jake Allen (17-13-3 2.87GAA .895 save percentage)

Player of the Week: F Vladimir Tarasenko (2gp 2g 1a 3pts)

St. Louis had another tough week with a record of 0-2-0 which continues to show that Jake Allen continues to struggle with full-time starting duties, and Carter Hutton isn’t helping much either. With Brian Elliott struggling in Calgary there have been quite the rumors of him returning to St. Louis, but that may be a long shot. Vladimir Tarasenko and Alex Pietrangelo were solid, though.

The Blues started off the week with a huge 5-1 loss to Minnesota then finished with another big loss to Winnipeg by a score of 5-3. Allen played in only one game last week and in doing so had a 3.12 goals-against-average and a .846 save percentage. Hutton was much worse though, he posted a 7.11 goals-against-average and a .833 save percentage. Tarasenko had himself a decent week and a decent time at the All-Star Game and competition, he had three points on the week. Next to him was Pietrangelo who also had three points, but while Alex was a minus one, Tarasenko finished with an even rating. Hopefully, the goaltending can step up this week since St. Louis will need it playing Toronto, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Ottawa.

Weekly Prospect Profile: Liam Dunda, Sudbury (OHL)

2016-17 stats: 44gp 6g 8a 14pts

Liam Dunda is a strong physical forward that has the perfect size to compete at the professional level. While his offensive abilities still need to need to be worked on (which can be done with a couple years in the AHL), he’ll eventually fill the potential of being a fourth line player who will help his team crash the net when possible and open up scoring chances. He’s much more of a two-way player with the defensive side in his favor more than the offensive.

– Matt Duscharme

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