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

By Matt Duscharme

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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Jan 31, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg (3) and center Devin Shore (17) and center Radek Faksa (12) and defenseman Esa Lindell (23) celebrate a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Maple Leafs 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Previous Ranking: 26 (-4)

Team Record: (23-17-10)

Goals For:

165

Goals Against:

193

Special Teams

PP: (18.0 percent) (18th)
PK: (73.0 percent) (30th)

Injury List

Adam Cracknell – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Stephen Johns – Illness – Day-to-Day
Johnny Oduya – Ankle – Day-to-Day
Ales Hemsky – Hip – Indefinitely
Mattias Janmark – Knee – Indefinitely

Statistical Leaders in 2016-17

Top Forward: Tyler Seguin (60gp 21g 38a 59pts)
Top Defenseman: John Klingberg (58gp 8g 24a 32pts)
Top Rookie: Devin Shore (60gp 9g 15a 24pts)
Top Goaltender: Kari Lehtonen (13 wins 2.88GAA .902 save percentage)

Player of the Week: RW Antoine Roussel (2gp 3g 1a 4pts)

The Stars are in the midst of their bye week, but their final game before the break gave them a glimmer of hope at making the playoffs with an overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning. They lost their previous game against the Minnesota Wild to finish out their week with an even 1-1-0 record.

Gritty French winger Antoine Roussel scored his first NHL hat trick against the Lightning, scoring all three of their goals in regulation before captain Jamie Benn iced it in overtime. Tyler Seguin added three assists during the week, and he leads the team in scoring with 59 points in 60 games.

The Stars may want to believe they can make a run at the playoffs, but they are eight points out of the race, and will likely be sellers on trade deadline day. Defenceman Johnny Oduya and Winger Patrick Sharp are two wily veterans with playoff experience and will likely draw a lot of attention on the open market. Ales Hemsky is close to returning and he could be sold at the deadline, as well as Jiri Hudler. The Stars know the year has been a huge disappointment, but they will be able to gain assets to strengthen their team next season.

Weekly Prospect Profile: D Ludvig Bystrom, Texas (AHL)

2016-17 Stats: 42gp 2g 12a 14pts

Not much is known about the Dallas Stars’ 2012 2nd round pick, but the Swede seems to be developing in a straight line. Now in his second full season in Texas, Bystrom may possibly be on the recall list. Bystrom plays a simple game and although he doesn’t necessarily have NHL size (6’0, 175 lbs), he is effective defensively due to his strong positioning. Sweden chimes out some very smart young defensemen, and Bystrom could be the next in line.

– Trin Potratz

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