NHL Power Rankings Heading Into Week 19 of 2016-17

Feb 13, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) and Columbus Blue Jackets center Brandon Dubinsky (17) faceoff during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) and Columbus Blue Jackets center Brandon Dubinsky (17) faceoff during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
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NHL Power Rankings: Carolina Hurricanes forward Teuvo Teravainen (86) gets ready for a face off against the Edmonton Oilers at PNC Arena. the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Edmonton Oilers 2-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Power Rankings: Carolina Hurricanes forward Teuvo Teravainen (86) gets ready for a face off against the Edmonton Oilers at PNC Arena. the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Edmonton Oilers 2-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Previous Ranking: 24 (-4)

Team Record: (24-22-7)

Goals For: 138

Goals Against: 152

Special Teams

PP: 27-for-157 (17.2 percent) (20th)
PK: 19-for-137 (86.1 percent) (2nd)

Injury List

Bryan Bickell (illness) – out indefinitely

Statistical Leaders in 2016-17

Top Forward: Jeff Skinner (52gp 18g 19a 37pts)
Top Defenseman: Justin Faulk (46gp 11g 14a 25pts)
Top Rookie: Sebastian Aho (53gp 17g 15a 32pts)
Top Goaltender: Cam Ward (21-17-6 2.62GAA .905 save percentage)

Player of the Week: C Elias Lindholm (1gp 0g 2a 2pts)

The Carolina Hurricanes are currently in the midst of their bye week, so their only game this week was a tough loss against the struggling Dallas Stars. The Canes lost 5-2 and now find themselves likely on the outside of the playoff picture by season’s end.

Carolina is currently eight points out of a playoff spot, and will need an epic streak down the stretch to climb back into the picture. Don’t hold thy breath. This season is a disappointment for a team with a really good coach that just can’t seem to put it all together. The clock may be ticking on Ron Francis and Bill Peters. They have the Avalanche next, so they have a shot to gain some confidence.

Elias Lindholm and Jordan Staal put up two assists a piece on goals from Justin Faulk and Sebastien Aho in their only game, and will need these players to produce down the line.

Weekly Prospect Profile: D Trevor Carrick, Charlotte (AHL)

2016-17 stats: 29gp 2g 8a 10pts

Trevor Carrick is still a really solid prospect, but he may be a very unknown one. Carrick has quietly put together outstanding offensive seasons in the AHL, scoring 32 and 42 points in the previous two seasons. While he’s dealt with injuries and inconsistent play this year, he has still managed to produce 10 points in only 29 games. While his offense may get headlines, reports are that Carrick is responsible in his own end as well. He may be exposed to the Vegas Golden Knights during the expansion, and they would be smart to take interest in the player.

– Trin Potratz