NHL Power Rankings: Week 20 Injuries, Prospects, In-Depth Analysis

Jan 13, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the first period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the first period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
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NHL Power Rankings (Heading Into Week 20) – 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 this week, however, we will be releasing the rankings before Friday’s games. 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.

It was another interesting week of NHL action. We had a number of top performers over the last seven days. Penguins F Sidney Crosby, Blue Jackets D Zach Werenski, Flames F Johnny Gaudreau, Capitals F Nicklas Backstrom, Oilers F Connor McDavid, Hawks F Jonathan Toews, Red Wings F Henrik Zetterberg, Wild F Mikko Koivu, Preds F Filip Forsberg, Blues D Kevin Shattenkirk, and Lightning F Tyler Johnson all had significant weeks statistically.

*all stats in our week 20 NHL power rankings are heading into Friday (Feb.24) night’s action.

Top 5 Forwards

1. Connor McDavid, EDM (61gp, 20g, 48a, 68pts)
2. Sidney Crosby, PIT (53gp, 33g, 33a, 66pts)
3. Nicklas Backstrom, WSH (59gp, 18g, 45a, 63pts)
4. Mark Scheifele, WPG (60gp, 25g, 37a, 62pts)
5. Evgeni Malkin, PIT (52gp, 25g, 35a, 60pts)

Top 5 Defensemen

1. Brent Burns, SJ (60gp, 27g, 37a, 64pts)
2. Erik Karlsson, OTT (58gp, 10g, 42a, 52pts)
3. Victor Hedman, TB (56gp, 10g, 38a, 48pts)
4. Kevin Shattenkirk, STL (60gp, 11g, 31a, 42pts)
5. Duncan Keith, CHI (60gp, 5g, 36a, 41pts)

Top 5 Rookies

1. Patrik Laine, WPG (55gp, 30g, 24a, 54pts)
2. Auston Matthews, TOR (59gp, 28g, 24a, 52pts)
3. Mitch Marner, TOR (56gp, 15g, 33a, 48pts)
4. William Nylander, TOR (58gp, 17g, 25a, 42pts)
5. Matthew Tkachuk, CGY (56gp, 11g, 28a, 39pts)