NHL Power Rankings: Columbus Makes Biggest Jump, St. Louis Falls Hard
Previous Ranking: 26 (-4)
Team Record: (25-29-12)
Goals For:
147
Goals Against:
189
Special Teams
PP: (17.6 percent) (20th)
PK: (80.9 percent) (16th)
Injury List
Andy Greene – Personal – Day-to-Day
Mike Cammalleri – Upper-Body – Week-to-Week
Jacob Josefson – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Marc Savard – Concussion – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Kyle Palmieri (64gp 20g 22a 42pts)
Top Defenseman: Damon Severson (65gp 3g 24a 27pts)
Top Rookie: Pavel Zacha (54gp 8g 8a 16pts)
Top Goaltender: Cory Schneider (19 wins 2.65GAA .914 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Kyle Palmieri (4gp 1g 1a 2pts)
New Jersey had a tough week 21, to say the least, they went 0-4-0 and only had four players touch the scoresheet. Kyle Palmieri carried the team offensively on what they could muster up while Keith Kinkaid and Cory Schneider played over the week.
Since both goalies played over the week, Schneider appeared in three of them and despite the 0-3-0 record, he did put up some good stats. He finished with a .919 save percentage and a 2.37 goals-against-average. Kinkaid, on the other hand, was even better, surprisingly enough, he finished the week with a .958 save percentage along with a 1.00 goals-against-average. Palmieri had the best week for the Devils putting up two points in four games while Devante Smith-Pelly, Steven Santini, and Taylor Hall all combined for three points and an even rating. New Jersey will have to step things up this week, and it may be a bit easy as they have games against Colorado, Arizona, and Winnipeg.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Artur Gavrus, Dinamo Minsk (KHL)
2016-17 stats: 38gp 5g 4a 9pts
Artur Gavrus is purely offensive, possessing lightning fast speed and dynamic puck handling abilities. He’s a player that has the potential to become a serious scorer when ready for the North American game. He does, however, need to add more size and strength to his body since he is quite prone to injury.
Previous Ranking: 29 (-)
Team Record: (26-27-10)
Goals For:
156
Goals Against:
183
Special Teams
PP: (16.7 percent) (25th)
PK: (85.1 percent) (3rd)
Injury List
Phil Di Giuseppe – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Brock McGinn – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Jeff Skinner (60gp 20g 22a 42pts)
Top Defenseman: Justin Faulk (56gp 12g 14a 26pts)
Top Rookie: Sebastian Aho (63gp 18g 17a 35pts)
Top Goaltender: Cam Ward (21 wins 2.65GAA .904 save percentage)
Player of the Week: D Jaccob Slavin (3gp 0g 3a 3pts)
Carolina started the week off with a loss to Arizona but returned the favor when they met up again, however, the Hurricanes lost their final game of the week to Colorado. Their offense was still great, though, putting up some fairly decent numbers in the process. Defenseman Jaccob Slavin carried the team while both Eddie Lack and Cam Ward split goaltending duties.
But back to the offense, despite the Hurricanes finishing the week with a losing record, Slavin had himself a three point week while finishing as a plus four. Teuvo Teravainen and Jeff Skinner combined for four points and had a plus-two rating as well, while seven other Canes got themselves on the scoresheet. Lack played in two of the games and in doing so earned himself a 1-1-0 record along with a very decent .940 save percentage and a 1.52 goals-against-average. Ward played in the other game but wasn’t so lucky, he brought home a loss and a save percentage of .857 and a goals-against-average of 3.08. Carolina will have to rely on their offense once again this week as well as better goaltending since they have games against the Rangers, Maple Leafs, and back to back games against the Islanders.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Hudson Elynuik, Spokane (WHL)
2016-17 stats: 57gp 26g 39a 65pts
Hudson Elynuik is a massive player who could make a significant impact for the Hurricanes. The 6 foot 5 center who weighs over 200 pounds is a prototypical power forward, he’ll battle in the dirty areas of the ice as well as dominate the opposition physically. Once he’s ready to make his jump to pro, he’s going to become a very serious player for the Hurricanes organization.
Previous Ranking: 30 (+2)
Team Record: (18-44-3)
Goals For:
126
Goals Against:
215
Special Teams
PP: (13.5 percent) (29th)
PK: (78.0 percent) (24th)
Injury List
Nikita Zadorov – Ankle – Out-for-Season
Semyon Varlamov – Groin – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Nathan MacKinnon (65gp 13g 30a 43pts)
Top Defenseman: Tyson Barrie (57gp 6g 24a 30pts)
Top Rookie: Mikko Rantanen (60gp 14g 16a 30pts)
Top Goaltender: Calvin Pickard (11 wins 2.91GAA .909 save percentage)
Player of the Week: D Tyson Barrie (4gp 1g 3a 4pts)
The Avalanche are playing for nothing but pride now and considering any week they can pull out a win, it can be considered a good week. Unfortunately, that means the Avs were only able to win one game this week going 1-3-0. The win will be overshadowed by the embarrassing 6-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets which featured a play where Blake Comeau had a breakaway that he passed back to Nate MacKinnon only to be picked off by Patrik Laine.
Tyson Barrie had a solid four-point week highlighted by a three-point game against the Carolina Hurricanes. Barrie has always been able to put up points on the scoreboard, but his defensive game leaves much to be desired. Matt Duchene and Gabriel Landeskog are playing their last games as members of the Avs, and considering they only contributed to two goals on the scoresheet may mean they have already checked out mentally.
The Avs have three games against teams struggling as well, so they may be able to put together their best week of the season. The Avs take on the New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings and Arizona Coyotes, all of which are also in the basement of the NHL, while their only playoff opposition is the Ottawa Senators.
Weekly Prospect Profile: LW Julien Nantel, San Antonio Rampage (AHL)
2016-17 Stats: 52gp 5g 3a 8pts
The Avalanche have liked what they’ve seen from their 2014 7th round pick Julien Nantel. 7th round draft picks hardly get an entry level contract, but Nantel parlayed a solid but unspectacular junior career into an entry level contract. Nantel was taking a regular shift for the San Antonio Rampage before being felled by injury. Nantel projects as a bottom-six forward at best and will need to use his defensive abilities to make the NHL. He’s on a good track currently to oust his draft position.
Previous Ranking: 21 (-6)
Team Record: (25-29-11)
Goals For:
161
Goals Against:
196
Special Teams
PP: (12.6 percent) (30th)
PK: (81.3 percent) (13th)
Injury List
Ryan Sproul – Knee – Out-for-Season
Jonathan Ericsson – Wrist – Out-for-Season
Joe Vitale – Concussion – Indefinitely
Johan Franzen – Concussion – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Henrik Zetterberg (65gp 14g 39a 53pts)
Top Defenseman: Mike Green (55gp 10g 18a 28pts)
Top Rookie: Anthony Mantha (50gp 14g 19a 33pts)
Top Goaltender: Petr Mrazek (15 wins 2.99GAA .901 save percentage)
Player of the Week: C Henrik Zetterberg (4gp 0g 5a 5pts)
It still feels odd to look at the standings and not see the Red Wings in a playoff spot, but that has become the reality. While head coach Jeff Blashill believes his captain can will his club to the playoffs, he is the only one that shares that thought. The Red Wings weren’t able to muster up a single win and had to settle for a single point against the Calgary Flames. The Red Wings lost one-goal games to the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs before being blasted 6-1 by the Boston Bruins.
Like I mentioned previously, Jeff Blashill believed Zetterberg could will his club to the playoffs. He can’t, but it definitely ain’t for a lack of trying. Zetterberg led the way for the depleted-by-trade-deadline Red Wings with five assists. Sophomore slump Dylan Larkin had one of his more productive weeks with a three-point showing, and Justin Abdelkader matched that point total by adding three helpers.
It doesn’t get any easier for the Red Wings as they will face off against the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers in the upcoming week before things get easier with matchups against the Colorado Avalanche and Arizona Coyotes. The Red Wings are currently at the bottom of the Eastern Conference despite the Devils and Hurricanes’ best efforts, and staying there may be the most beneficial as a high draft pick is in the club’s best interest.
Weekly Prospect Profile: G Jake Paterson, Toledo Walleye (ECHL)
2016-17 Stats: 28 wins, 2.37GAA, .913
The Red Wings hope they have the next Petr Mrazek with Jake Paterson, and they will be taking their time developing him like they did with Jimmy Howard. Paterson is in his second full professional season and he is still plying his trade in the ECHL with the Toledo Walleye. Paterson has seen two games in the AHL with Grand Rapids, and he has fared well so he should see more time in the AHL. Goalies take time, and the Red Wings seem to be willing to be patient with their 2012 3rd round pick.
Previous Ranking: 28 (+2)
Team Record: (28-30-8)
Goals For:
153
Goals Against:
188
Special Teams
PP: (14.1 percent) (28th)
PK: (77.8 percent) (25th)
Injury List
Loui Eriksson – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Jacob Markstrom – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Nikita Tryankin – Illness – Undisclosed
Anton Rodin – Knee – Undisclosed
Erik Gudbranson – Wrist – Indefinitely
Derek Dorsett – Shoulder – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Bo Horvat (65gp 20g 25a 45pts)
Top Defenseman: Troy Stecher (56gp 2g 17a 19pts)
Top Rookie: Troy Stecher (56gp 2g 17a 19pts)
Top Goaltender: Ryan Miller (17 wins 2.66GAA .916 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Bo Horvat (4gp 2g 3a 5pts)
Another Pacific division team to have a quite lengthy week were the Vancouver Canucks who played four games. And surprisingly enough, the Canucks pulled out a winning record of 2-1-1 partly due to the play of Bo Horvat and goaltender Richard Bachman.
Ryan Miller though played in three of the games last week and in doing so posted a record of 1-1-1 as well as putting up a .930 save percentage and a 2.66 goals-against-average. Bachman though was lights out, he earned the team’s other win and on top of that had a save percentage of .977 as well as a goals-against-average of 1.00. Bo Horvat though was amazing, he put up five points in four games while finishing the week with a plus one. Both Sven Baertschi and Ben Hutton had three point weeks while Loui Eriksson had a two-point week. And on top of that nine other Canucks got on the scoresheet. For a team who moved two solid scorers at the deadline did quite well over the past week but can they keep it up? We’ll have to see cause this week they have games against the Islanders, Penguins, and Bruins.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Dmitry Zhukenov, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
2016-17 stats: 58gp 17g 43a 60pts
Dmitry Zhukenov is currently spending his second season in North America in the QMJHL where he’s once against posted more than 55 points. This is due to that fact Zhukenov is an offensive dynamo but also has the traits to be a successful two-way forward since he’ll play the physical game and has the willingness to battle in the corners and in front of the net.
Previous Ranking: 18 (-7)
Team Record: (27-28-12)
Goals For:
169
Goals Against:
196
Special Teams
PP: (23.4 percent) (1st)
PK: (76.7 percent) (29th)
Injury List
Dmitry Kulikov – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Kyle Okposo – Ribs – Week-to-Week
William Carrier – Knee – Day-to-Day
Johan Larsson – Wrist – Out-for-Season
Cody McCormick – Leg – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Jack Eichel (46gp 18g 27a 45pts)
Top Defenseman: Rasmus Ristolainen (67gp 4g 36a 40pts)
Top Rookie: William Carrier (35gp 4g 2a 6pts)
Top Goaltender: Robin Lehner (18 wins 2.67GAA .920 save percentage)
Player of the Week: C Jack Eichel (4gp 4g 4a 8pts)
If the Sabres could dress 18 Jack Eichel’s they would have had a perfect week, but unfortunately Jack Eichel is only one man. The Sabres started off their week with a solid 6-3 win over Arizona, and they got a point in a shootout loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, but that was as good as it got. The Sabres dropped their next two games against the Penguins and Flyers en route to a 1-2-1 record and pretty much pulled themselves out of the playoff race.
Jack Eichel led the way offensively, putting the team on his back and plucking away as much as he could. Eichel will never be as good as Connor McDavid, but he is showing he was definitely worth the second overall pick. Eichel should be on every fantasy hockey poolers radar as a first round pick next year, as he is more than ready to put up an 80-point season. Ryan O’Reilly and Evander Kane also had solid weeks putting up six-point and four-point weeks.
The Sabres better hope they don’t end up in any more shootout games with starting goalie Robin Lehner in net as he has gone waveless in the shootout for the entirety of the season. The Sabres have a back-to-back against the surging Columbus Blue Jackets before finishing their week against the San Jose Sharks. Better luck next year Tim Murray.
Weekly Prospect Profile: D Brycen Martin, Elmira Jackals (ECHL)
2016-17 Stats: 31gp 2g 3a 5pts
The Sabres had high hopes for Brycen Martin when they selected him with the 74th overall in the 2014 NHL Draft, but the early results have been underwhelming. Martin had a steady and solid junior career split between the Saskatoon Blades and Everett Silvertips, but his first pro season has seen a lot of growing pains. Martin hasn’t been able to bring much offense and has struggled defensively playing in the ECHL after only a six-game trial in the AHL with Rochester. It’s still early, though, so he’s not a lost cause.
Previous Ranking: 19 (-5)
Team Record: (31-28-6)
Goals For:
161
Goals Against:
164
Special Teams
PP: (17.7 percent) (18th)
PK: (85.0 percent) (4th)
Injury List
Nick Shore – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Jordan Nolan – Undisclosed – Day-to-Day
Matt Greene – Back – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Jeff Carter (65gp 30g 26a 56pts)
Top Defenseman: Drew Doughty (65gp 8g 28a 36pts)
Top Rookie: Derek Forbort (65gp 2g 13a 15pts)
Top Goaltender: Jeff Zatkoff (2 wins 2.94GAA .879 save percentage)
Player of the Week: D Alec Martinez (2gp 1g 2a 3pts)
Los Angeles was yet another team to have a fairly short week with just two games. And in those two games, the Kings finished with a .500 record of 1-1-0. Jonathan Quick returned from Injury and in doing so played in one game and was quite solid, while newcomer Ben Bishop played in the other and wasn’t so fortunate. Defenseman Alec Martinez carried the team offensively but the offense didn’t just stop with him.
In Quick’s return, he earned himself a win as well as a very respectable .935 save percentage along with a 1.86 goals-against-average. As stated previously, Bishop wasn’t as fortunate he earned the team’s loss as well a below average save percentage of .810 and a goals-against-average of 4.17. Martinez carried the team with three points on the week as well as finishing with a plus-two rating. Anze Kopitar, Adrian Kempe, and Drew Doughty all combined for six points while six other Kings got on the score sheet. So offense was definitely clicking and Quick was hot, so hopefully for the Kings who have hopes of making the playoffs need their continue to play since they have games against Nashville, Washington, St. Louis and Arizona this week.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Matt Luff, Hamilton (OHL)
2016-17 stats: 39gp 19g 21a 40pts
Matt Luff has great size for the NHL, and this season in the OHL he’s been quite dominant for the Hamilton Bulldogs. While he won’t put up the flashiest of goals, or the most points in a rookie season, what he will do is play with a lot of energy and physicality to help his team in the dirtier areas of the ice.
Previous Ranking: 25 (+2)
Team Record: (23-35-7)
Goals For:
157
Goals Against:
210
Special Teams
PP: (14.8 percent) (27th)
PK: (77.7 percent) (27th)
Injury List
Kevin Connauton – Upper-Body – Week-to-Week
Alexander Burmistrov – Undisclosed – Day-to-Day
Brad Richardson – Leg – Indefinitely
Dave Bolland – Lower-Body – Indefinitely
Chris Pronger – Concussion – Out-for-Season
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Radim Vrbata (65gp 15g 33a 48pts)
Top Defenseman: Oliver Ekman-Larsson (65gp 10g 24a 34pts)
Top Rookie: Christian Dvorak (61gp 11g 13a 24pts)
Top Goaltender: Mike Smith (16 wins 2.98GAA .914 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Shane Doan (3gp 1g 2a 3pts)
While Arizona currently sits second last in the entire league, they will do one thing more than win and that’s entertaining you every game. The young Yotes are a spectacle to watch and will be for years to come. Last week they finished with a record of 1-2-0, but the majority of the team’s youth carried them offensively.
Shane Doan wasn’t the only player to have three points in the week, he did, however, finish with the best rating of plus-one. Tobias Rieder also had three points, while Alex Goligoski, Christian Dvorak, and Max Domi all combined for six points. Mike Smith and Louis Domingue split goaltending duties last week with Smith playing in two earning two losses, a .919 save percentage and a 3.06 goals-against-average. Louis played in the other game gathering the win as well as a superb .941 save percentage and a goals-against-average of 2.00. This week should be another tough one for the Yotes as they have games against Ottawa, New Jersey, Colorado, and Los Angeles.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Jared Fiegl, Cornell Univ. (NCAA)
2016-17 stats: 29gp 2g 4a 6pts
Another top prospect for Arizona is NCAA player Jared Fiegl, while not being overly offensive, he will play the physical game and be a solid fit on the fourth line to provide some much-needed energy.
Previous Ranking: 17 (-5)
Team Record: (29-25-11)
Goals For:
162
Goals Against:
183
Special Teams
PP: (16.7 percent) (24th)
PK: (86.4 percent) (1st)
Injury List
Roberto Luongo – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Vincent Trocheck (65gp 22g 23a 45pts)
Top Defenseman: Keith Yandle (65gp 3g 29a 32pts)
Top Rookie: Michael Matheson (64gp 5g 9a 14pts)
Top Goaltender: Roberto Luongo (17 wins 2.68GAA .915 save percentage)
Player of the Week: D Aaron Ekblad (3gp 2g 0a 2pts)
The Panthers looked like they were ready to show their true selves when they swept California on a historic five-game road trip, but they have come back down to earth and hurt their playoff chances this past week. The Cats lost in the shootout to the Philadelphia Flyers, lost in regulation to the Dallas Stars, and lost in a big way to the New York Rangers to post a horrid week of 0-2-1.
Aaron Ekblad may be one of the only guys happy with his personal play on the week, putting up two goals. Ekblad has disappointed this season both offensively and defensively throughout the season as a whole, and he is a big reason for his team fighting for their playoff lives. Trade deadline acquisition Thomas Vanek scored his first goal as a Panther and will need to find more goals in his stick to help get his new club back to the postseason.
The Panthers were jumped by the Philadelphia Flyers and Tampa Bay Lightning over the week and now find themselves four points back with four teams to jump. Not looking good for the Cats. The Panthers will be able to dictate their season next week following a matchup with the Western Conference leading Minnesota Wild. The Panthers will face the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs and could make up the ground they lost this past week with wins against those clubs.
Weekly Prospect Profile: C Jayce Hawryluk, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)
2016-17 Stats: 29gp 7g 11a 18pts
Hawryluk is yet another one of those players that are undersized but can light the scoresheet and fire and have it never go out. Hawryluk was selected with a high 32nd overall draft pick in 2014, so the Panthers obviously knew he was worth it. Hawryluk continues to score in his first pro season on an unimpressive AHL club in Springfield. Hawryluk doesn’t get enough credit for his scrappiness and work ethic, but they are just as big of a factor as his offensive abilities.
Previous Ranking: 22 (+1)
Team Record: (29-22-14)
Goals For:
197
Goals Against:
195
Special Teams
PP: (22.9 percent) (2nd)
PK: (83.5 percent) (9th)
Injury List
Connor Carrick – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Joffrey Lupul – Abdomen – Indefinitely
Stephane Robidas – Knee – Day-to-Day
Nathan Horton – Back – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Auston Matthews (65gp 31g 24a 55pts)
Top Defenseman: Jake Gardiner (65gp 9g 23a 32pts)
Top Rookie: Auston Matthews (65gp 31g 24a 55pts)
Top Goaltender: Frederik Andersen (25 wins 2.72GAA .916 save percentage)
Player of the Week: RW Mitch Marner (3gp 0g 4a 4pts)
The Maple Leafs have fallen out of a playoff spot, but they will remain in a dogfight for the final spot. The Leafs have been prone to late period collapses lately and one can only hope for their fan’s sake that they will be able to correct that issue. The Leafs lost 3-2 in a shootout to the Kings before falling 5-2 to the Anaheim Ducks. They finished off their week with a 3-2 victory against the Detroit Red Wings to finish the week 1-1-1.
Mitch Marner returned to their lineup after sitting out with an injury and his presence was felt immediately. Marner may not get the headlines that Auston Matthews’ does, but he is every bit as important to the team’s overall success. Marner had four assists to tie Tyler Bozak for the lead in points on the week. Nazem Kadri also had a notable week scoring two goals to bring his career-high total to 27.
If the Leafs want to solidify their playoff chances, they will have as good a chance as any this upcoming week. The Leafs will battle the Philadelphia Flyers, a team that is one point away from them, in a sure-to-be-exciting game on Thursday. They will then travel to Carolina to face the struggling Hurricanes before finished their week with a Tuesday night matchup against the Florida Panthers. Hold your breath Leafs Nation, it’s going to be a nail-biter of a week.
Weekly Prospect Profile: RW Tobias Lindberg, Toronto (AHL)
2016-17 Stats: 36gp 5g 10a 15pts
Lindberg was the factor in the Dion Phaneuf trade to the Ottawa Senators, and he will always be tied to the nine-player trade. Lindberg hasn’t had the offensive breakout the Leafs were hoping for but power forward big-bodied forwards normally take some time to percolate. He is not known as a great skater, and that will be his biggest hurdle in the descent to the NHL. The Leafs will be more patient with him as they have a similar player in Kerby Rychel in the system.
Previous Ranking: 11 (-9)
Team Record: (33-27-5)
Goals For:
178
Goals Against:
183
Special Teams
PP: (22.1 percent) (5th)
PK: (84.0 percent) (8th)
Injury List
Robby Fabbri – Knee – Out-for-Season
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Vladimir Tarasenko (65gp 29g 28a 57pts)
Top Defenseman: Alex Pietrangelo (64gp 9g 24a 33pts)
Top Rookie: Ivan Barbashev (14gp 2g 1a 3pts)
Top Goaltender: Jake Allen (24 wins 2.57GAA .908 save percentage)
Player of the Week: G Jake Allen (2-0-0 0.50GAA .983)
The St.Louis Blues began their week being shut out by the Winnipeg Jets but they were able to rebound with a shutout of their own over the lowly Colorado Avalanche in a 3-0 victory. The big game on the calendar was heading to Minnesota to face the Western Conference-leading club. Former Wild coach Mike Yeo was more than happy to see his team walk out with a 2-1 win. The Blues finished the week 2-1-0 and finished the week happy about their playoff chances.
Starting goalie Jake Allen has had his share of ups and downs but there have been more ups than downs lately, especially since Mike Yeo took over. This week was yet another up. Elsewhere on the club, David Perron led the club offensively with a goal and an assist, while Colton Parayko, Jaden Schwartz, and captain Alex Pietrangelo had two assists.
The Blues will host the Anaheim Ducks and New York Islanders on back to back the night before they gear up for their biggest game of the season in Los Angeles against the Kings. The Kings currently sit three points back of the Blues for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, and a loss would hinder the Blues’ playoff hopes.
Weekly Prospect Profile: LW Kenneth Agostino, Chicago (AHL)
2016-17 Stats: 53gp 21g 48a 69pts
Agostino was Penguins draft pick that had an infamous moment of being one of the prospects traded to Calgary in the Jarome Iginla trade, but he found himself as a free agent this past summer. Agostino was signed by the Blues and he has found another offensive gear with St.Louis’ AHL affiliate in Chicago. Agostino has a whopping 69 points to lead the league by 17 points. Agostino scored his first NHL goal in a seven-game recall and may be able to turn his AHL success into an NHL career. Not bad for a 24-year-old free agent.
Previous Ranking: 24 (+5)
Team Record: (27-30-10)
Goals For:
188
Goals Against:
216
Special Teams
PP: (18.3 percent) (17th)
PK: (73.5 percent) (30th)
Injury List
Antoine Roussel – Hand – April
Mattias Janmark – Knee – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Tyler Seguin (67gp 23g 44a 67pts)
Top Defenseman: John Klingberg (65gp 11g 29a 40pts)
Top Rookie: Devin Shore (67gp 11g 17a 28pts)
Top Goaltender: Kari Lehtonen (16 wins 2.91GAA .904 save percentage)
Player of the Week: C Jason Spezza (4gp 3g 3a 6pts)
The Stars embraced their status as trade deadline sellers, effectively believing they didn’t have it in them this season to make a late-season push for a playoff spot. It was a good call. The Stars have done an 180 from the division winning season last year and this past week was exhibit An of both version of the team over the past seasons. The Stars actually had an even 2-2-0 week, but the highs are high and the lows are low. The Stars were able to manage an impressive 4-2 victory over the league-leading Capitals but came back to earth with a 5-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators.
The usual suspects were up to their old tricks again as Jason Spezza, Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn were the club’s best players. Spezza had three goals and six points and Seguin matched his point total with five assists being the highlight. Jamie Benn added three goals and two assists as well.
The Stars don’t have much else to play for other than pride, and the only other solace they have is to play the spoiler as they take on the San Jose Sharks and Edmonton Oilers in the next week. One would have to think the club will see a makeover either in the front office or the coaching staff before next season begins. It’s been a disaster this year.
Weekly Prospect Profile: D John Nyberg, Frolunda HC (SHL)
2016-17 Stats: 48gp 7g 8a 15pts
John Nyberg is having a breakout year in the top Swedish league but the Stars may not be able to see the fruits of his labor. Nyberg was selected with a 6th round pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft and was not signed to an entry level contract so he may be a free agent. He is still listed as a prospect on the Dallas Stars website, so they may still retain his rights. Nyberg has all the tools to become a solid defenseman, and his production in the SHL is a good indication of that.
Previous Ranking: 20 (+2)
Team Record: (23-22-10)
Goals For:
172
Goals Against:
168
Special Teams
PP: (19.0 percent) (16th)
PK: (84.8 percent) (6th)
Injury List
John Gibson – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Antoine Vermette – N/A – March
Clayton Stoner – Abdomen – Indefinitely
Simon Despres – Concussion – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Ryan Getzlaf (59gp 12g 40a 52pts)
Top Defenseman: Cam Fowler (66gp 11g 21a 32pts)
Top Rookie: Ondrej Kase (47gp 5g 9a 14pts)
Top Goaltender: John Gibson (23 wins 2.24GAA .922 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Ryan Getzlaf (3gp 1g 5a 6pts)
Anaheim put up a pretty solid week 21, they had a record of 2-1-0 and both Ryan Getzlaf and Jonathan Bernier were solid. The club started off the week with a 5-2 win over Toronto then lost to Vancouver two nights later, they did, however, squeak out a win Tuesday night in a shootout over Nashville.
Getzlaf carried the team offensively all week putting up some great numbers while doing so, he had six points in three games as well as finishing with a plus-three rating. Newcomer Patrick Eaves also had a terrific week with four points of his own. With starter John Gibson out with injury, the majority of play has fallen to Jonathan Bernier. And he’s been quite solid, last week he posted the 2-1-0 record as well as a very respectable 2.30 goals-against-average with a .925 save percentage. Anaheim has a tough week ahead of them though as they play two games against the Blues than Washington and Chicago.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Andre Petersson, HK Sochi (KHL)
2016-17 stats: 39gp 14g 15a 29pts
Originally drafted by Ottawa in 2008, Anaheim acquired Andre in 2014 from the Sens but he’s yet to make an appearance in North America under the Ducks organization. He is a very skilled player with tremendous offensive upside, but the way things seem as of now, Andre rather spend his time in Europe where he hasn’t done too bad for himself.
Previous Ranking: 23 (+6)
Team Record: (31-26-8)
Goals For:
170
Goals Against:
193
Special Teams
PP: (20.5 percent) (12th)
PK: (80.8 percent) (17th)
Injury List
Michael Raffl – Lower-Body – April
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Jakub Voracek (65gp 17g 36a 53pts)
Top Defenseman: Shayne Gostisbehere (59gp 5g 22a 27pts)
Top Rookie: Travis Konecny (53gp 8g 16a 24pts)
Top Goaltender: Steve Mason (19 wins 2.76GAA .906 save percentage)
Player of the Week: D Radko Gudas (3gp 1g 2a 3pts)
Philadelphia put up a great winning record of 2-0-1 last week meaning they captured five of the possible six points, something the Flyers needed desperately. The offense was firing on all cylinders as well with both Radko Gudas and Sean Couturier carrying the team. Steve Mason was also tremendous while appearing in all three games.
Mason was absolutely terrific, along with his 2-0-1 record he had a sparkling .939 save percentage and a 1.91 goals-against-average. Both Gudas and Couturier had similar weeks, both had one goal and two assists while posting ratings of plus four. And to go along with them, Travis Konecny, Matt Read, Jordan Weal, Jakub Voracek, Michael Del Zotto, and Nick Cousins all had two-point weeks and combined for a plus 14 rating. The question is can Philadelphia continue this hot play heading into this week? Well, there’s a 50/50 chance since they play Toronto, Boston, Columbus, and Pittsburgh.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Anthony Salinitri, Sarnia (OHL)
2016-17 stats: 61gp 23g 28a 51pts
Anthony Salinitri is a pure offensive prospect that the Flyers cannot wait to have playing for their team. With his tremendous speed, Anthony is also capable of making incredible puck handling techniques while at top speed which many players cannot do. And on top of that Anthony isn’t afraid of the physical play either, however, he could add a bit more strength to his body.
Previous Ranking: 27 (+11)
Team Record: (30-32-6)
Goals For:
204
Goals Against:
216
Special Teams
PP: (17.2 percent) (22nd)
PK: (76.9 percent) (27th)
Injury List
Ondrej Pavelec – Knee – Day-to-Day
Tyler Myers – Lower-Body – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Mark Scheifele (65gp 28g 40a 68pts)
Top Defenseman: Dustin Byfuglien (68gp 10g 35a 45pts)
Top Rookie: Patrik Laine (60gp 32g 27a 59pts)
Top Goaltender: Connor Hellebuyck (22 wins 2.83GAA .908 save percentage)
Player of the Week: RW Blake Wheeler (4gp 3g 3a 6pts)
The Jets may be the poster boys for the old slogan; one step forward, two steps back. This week the Jets took two steps forward and followed it up with two steps back. The Jets shut out the St.Louis Blues and then whooped the Avalanche 6-1. The played a hard fought game against the San Jose Sharks but came up short one goal in a 3-2 loss and saw the defensive wheels come off in a 7-4 defeat at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Captain Blake Wheeler did all he could, contributing three goals, three assists and a spirited fight against the Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin. Nikolaj Ehlers also had an offensively impressive week scoring five points to tie defender Dustin Byfuglien in that regard. Chris Thorburn, Joel Armia, and Toby Enstrom were the only players to not contribute to the scoresheet during the week.
The loss to the Penguins almost effectively ends Winnipeg’s playoff chances, and the team can’t seem to outscore their defensive liabilities. The Jets sit five points back of a playoff spot and they played at least three more games than the team’s they are chasing. Their last glimmer of hope comes with games against the Calgary Flames, Nashville Predators, and New Jersey Devils.
Weekly Prospect Profile: D Luke Green, Sherbrooke (QMJHL)
2016-17 Stats: 54gp 4g 28a 32pts
Luke Green will always be looked at as a potential NHL player based on the fact that he was selected as the first overall pick in the QMJHL draft. Green didn’t blow the doors off NHL scouts, but the brass in Winnipeg saw enough to make Green a 3rd round pick in last year’s draft. Green has been steady producing around 35 points per season in the Q, but he is known as a defensive defender. He has enough offensive abilities to warrant an NHL career.
Previous Ranking: 16 (+1)
Team Record: (32-24-10)
Goals For:
195
Goals Against:
188
Special Teams
PP: (20.8 percent) (10th)
PK: (81.0 percent) (14th)
Injury List
P.A. Parenteau – Finger – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Filip Forsberg (66gp 27g 24a 51pts)
Top Defenseman: Roman Josi (57gp 11g 27a 38pts)
Top Rookie: Kevin Fiala (40gp 7g 3a 10pts)
Top Goaltender: Pekka Rinne (25 wins 2.54GAA .915 save percentage)
Player of the Week: D PK Subban (3gp 0g 3a 3pts)
The Predators took a step back this past week that was pretty much summed up in their breakdown against the Anaheim Ducks. The Predators held a 3-1 lead against the Ducks before allowing two goals and losing in the shootout in Tuesday’s matchup. The Preds preceded that disappointing loss with a 5-3 loss to rival Chicago Blackhawks and a 2-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in P.K. Subban’s emotional return.
While PK shed tears on the ice in Montreal, he shed brilliance in his game adding another three assists to his season total. You gotta give hats off to the Montreal franchise for putting on a tremendous tribute to the stud defender and his tears brought me to tears. Filip Forsberg continues to tear up the scoreboard and now has an outstanding 27 goals on the year, only six back of his career high.
The Preds are sitting comfortably in a playoff spot, but they can’t get too cozy if they want to avoid falling into a wild card spot. The Blues are only three points back with a game in hand, so the upcoming week will be vital for the Predators. Nashville can put a dagger into Los Angeles’ playoff hopes with a victory on Thursday before they head off for a matchup with the Sharks in a matinee and then finish off their week with a game against Winnipeg.
Weekly Prospect Profile: G Karel Vejmelka, Brno (CZE)
2016-17 Stats: 14wins, 2.50GAA, .905
The Predators have been known for chiming out goaltenders year after year, and they hope they have another one in Vejmelka and that he doesn’t fizzle out like countryman Marek Mazanec. Vejmelka was selected in the 5th round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft after posting an incredible .937 save percentage in the biggest Czech league, albeit in a small sample size. Vejmelka’s workload has increased, starting 31 games so far and his numbers have dropped, but the real results won’t be known until he crossed the pond.
Previous Ranking: 8 (-6)
Team Record: (35-23-8)
Goals For:
188
Goals Against:
174
Special Teams
PP: (21.1 percent) (9th)
PK: (79.2 percent) (23rd)
Injury List
Benoit Pouliot – Undisclosed – Day-to-Day
Tyler Pitlick – Leg – Out-for-Season
Andrew Ference – Hip – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Connor McDavid (66gp 22g 52a 74pts)
Top Defenseman: Oscar Klefbom (66gp 11g 17a 28pts)
Top Rookie: Matt Benning (51gp 3g 10a 13pts)
Top Goaltender: Cam Talbot (33 wins 2.40GAA .919 save percentage)
Player of the Week: D Adam Larsson (2gp 1g 1a 2pts)
The Oilers were another team in the NHL to have a rather quiet week, they only had two games on the docket, however, they only managed a 1-1-0 record. Connor McDavid now leads the NHL in points by four where he’s most likely going to win the Art Ross. And speaking of Connor, he and Adam Larsson carried the team offensively but one finished just a tad better than the other. Goaltender Cam Talbot played in both games and despite the team’s record, his numbers were quite horrendous which is rather unusual.
Now back to Larsson and McDavid, both had two point weeks but while Connor finished as an even player, Larsson finished as a plus one, thus giving him the nod for player of the week. But the offense didn’t stop there, Jordan Eberle, Zack Kassian, Patrick Maroon, Matt Benning, David Desharnais, Milan Lucic, Leon Draisaitl, and Drake Caggiula all combined for eight points. Talbot played in both games for the Oilers and even though he earned a win next to his loss it’s his statistics that really hurt, he finished the week with a .882 save percentage and a goals-against-average of 3.04. The Oilers have no troubles scoring but in order to put up a winning week this week, Talbot will have to return to form in order for that to happen since Edmonton has games against Pittsburgh, Montreal, and Dallas.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Aidan Muir, Western Michigan Univ. (League)
2016-17 stats: 17gp 2g 8a 10pts
Aidan Muir is a perfect power forward to have in your prospect pool, he’s tough and will not shy away from the physical play. He’ll also drive to the net as well as protect the puck very well and fish it out from the dirtier areas of the ice. In all, he’s the type of player who will bring his A game every night as well as a lot of energy to help boost his team’s morale.
Previous Ranking: 13 (-)
Team Record: (42-16-6)
Goals For:
213
Goals Against:
151
Special Teams
PP: (22.0 percent) (6th)
PK: (84.4 percent) (7th)
Injury List
Christian Folin – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Victor Bartley – Triceps – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Mikael Granlund (64gp 21g 39a 60pts)
Top Defenseman: Ryan Suter (64gp 8g 27a 35pts)
Top Rookie: Tyler Graovac (49gp 7g 1a 8pts)
Top Goaltender: Devan Dubnyk (35 wins 2.01GAA .933 save percentage)
Player of the Week: C Eric Staal (3gp 2g 0a 2pts)
The Wild have been known as an offensive club this season under the tutelage of Bruce Boudreau, but their sticks dried up this past week, being shutout once and only throwing four goals on the board in three games. The Wild lost 1-0 to the Columbus Blue Jackets and followed that up with a 3-1 win over the San Jose Sharks. They then lost to the St.Louis Blues 2-1 in former head coach Mike Yeo’s return. They finished the week 1-2-0 in a week they’d like to forget.
Eric Staal scored two goals during the week to tie the team lead with Ryan Suter, who added two apples to the scoresheet. The offensive slump was not what the Wild were expecting after adding Martin Hanzal at the trade deadline, but it’s only a small hiccup in an otherwise solid season putting goals in the net.
The Wild have the Chicago Blackhawks hot on their tails heading into the final stretch of the season. The Wild will embark on a five-game road trip that will see them face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Chicago Blackhawks, and Washington Capitals this week. The Wild will have a chance in Florida to get a cushion on the Blackhawks before the teams meet for what’s sure to be a solid hockey game on Sunday.
Weekly Prospect Profile: D Gustav Olofsson, Iowa (AHL)
2016-17 Stats: 48gp 5g 17a 22pts
The Wild may have traded a high draft pick this year prompting GM Chuck Fletcher to apologize to his scouting staff, who have turned out various gems like 2013 2nd rounder Gustav Olofsson. Olofsson is currently playing with the Minnesota Wild after having a solid start to his season in the AHL. Olofsson projects to be a top-four defenseman and has been compared to fellow Wild d-man Jonas Brodin. Look for Olofsson to make the jump to the NHL next season.
Previous Ranking: 10 (-2)
Team Record: (31-23-11)
Goals For:
192
Goals Against:
194
Special Teams
PP: (15.8 percent) (26th)
PK: (80.3 percent) (20th)
Injury List
Johnny Boychuk – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Alan Quine – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Casey Cizikas – Upper-Body – Week-to-Week
Mikhail Grabovski – Concussion – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: John Tavares (65gp 24g 32a 56pts)
Top Defenseman: Nick Leddy (64gp 10g 25a 35pts)
Top Rookie: Anthony Beauvillier (50gp 6g 9a 15pts)
Top Goaltender: Thomas Greiss (22 wins 2.53GAA .918 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F John Tavares (4gp 1g 3a 4pts)
The Islanders had a pretty lengthy week but still pulled off a winning record of 2-1-1. John Tavares was brilliant last week as well as carrying the team offensively. While both Thomas Greiss and Jean-Francois Berube were just as good.
Berube started in one of the games but had to leave the game shipping play over to Greiss, but in the time Berube did play, he still put up a .938 save percentage and a 1.61 goals-against-average. Greiss was solid as well but his save percentage was quite average with it being just .905, his goals-against-average was almost average as well sitting at 2.93. The offense really shined for the Islanders last week, Tavares had himself a four-point week while finishing with an even rating. But things didn’t stop there, Anders Lee, Jason Chimera, Ryan Strome, Nick Leddy, and Josh Bailey all had three-point weeks this meaning they combined for a total of 15 points. The Isles once again have themselves a four-game week this week since they play Vancouver, St. Louis, and then back to back games against Carolina.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Collin Adams, Muskegon (USHL)
2016-17 stats: 46gp 22g 24a 46pts
Collin Adams has been absolutely solid this year in the USHL putting up 46 points in 46 games thus meaning he’s been a point per game player. This is due to the fact Collin has tremendous confidence which makes him want to go out every shift and score goals, and he can, he also plays with a very high level of intensity often making him tough to play against since he’s very quick as well. But since he’s on the rather small side, he’ll need to add weight and strength to his body in order to be a successful pro.
Previous Ranking: 15 (+4)
Team Record: (43-22-2)
Goals For:
216
Goals Against:
175
Special Teams
PP: (17.4 percent) (21st)
PK: (81.8 percent) (11th)
Injury List
Michael Grabner – Hip – Day-to-Day
Jesper Fast – Shoulder – March
Dan Girardi – Ankle – Day-to-Day
Kevin Klein – Back – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: J.T. Miller (67gp 19g 30a 49pts)
Top Defenseman: Ryan McDonagh (66gp 3g 32a 35pts)
Top Rookie: Brady Skjei (66gp 3g 29a 32pts)
Top Goaltender: Henrik Lundqvist (30 wins 2.65GAA .913 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Oscar Klefbom (4gp 1g 2a 3pts)
The Rangers had a terrific week 21 posting a record of 3-1-0 with wins over Florida, Tampa Bay, and Boston. Due to this both Henrik Lundqvist and Antti Raanta were superb as well as the team’s offense which was well rounded from top to bottom.
Lundqvist appeared in three games for the Rangers last week and in doing so posted a 2-1-0 record along with a .938 save percentage and a 2.34 goals-against-average. Raanta was lights out, though, he posted a shutout, thus meaning a 1.000 save percentage and a 0.00 goals-against-average. But what was really great for the Rangers was the offense, Oscar Lindberg carried the team with three points in four games while Chris Kreider, Pavel Buchnevich, Tanner Glass, Nick Holden, Mats Zuccarello, Brady Skjei, and Rich Nash all put up two point weeks, and combined for a plus-nine rating. And the Rangers can continue this play this week since they play Carolina, Detroit, and Tampa Bay.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Brad Morrison, Prince George (WHL)
2016-17 stats: 61gp 21g 31a 52pts
Expected to make his jump to pro next season, Brad Morrison has spent his entire career with the Prince George Cougars of the WHL. He’s a very versatile forward who possesses lightning fast speed which allows him to create open spaces for himself and his team. He’s also a hard worker and isn’t afraid to shy away from the physical play.
Previous Ranking: 12 (+2)
Team Record: (41-16-8)
Goals For:
230
Goals Against:
184
Special Teams
PP: (23.1 percent) (2nd)
PK: (80.6 percent) (18th)
Injury List
Derrick Pouliot – Illness – Day-to-Day
Marc-Andre Fleury – Illness – Day-to-Day
Kris Letang – Upper-Body – Week-to-Week
Bryan Rust – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Trevor Daley – Lower-Body – April
Olli Maatta – Hand – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Sidney Crosby (59gp 34g 36a 70pts)
Top Defenseman: Justin Schultz (62gp 12g 33a 45pts)
Top Rookie: Scott Wilson (62gp 7g 14a 21pts)
Top Goaltender: Matt Murray (25 wins 2.39GAA .923 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Evgeni Malkin (3gp 5g 3a 8pts)
Pittsburgh finished last week with an undefeated record of 3-0-0 which was something they needed to get a stronger foothold on the Eastern Conference. Maybe this was due to Evgeni Malkin and the superb week he had along with the rest of the team’s offense. But despite the record, Matt Murray wasn’t so great over the week while Marc-Andre Fleury was.
Murray started all three games and in doing so only had a record of 2-0-0, this is because Fleury had to take over, but we’ll get to that. Now back to Murray, even though he had two wins and his save percentage was only .894 and his goals-against-average was just 3.86. Fleury, on the other hand, came in relief and in doing so didn’t allow a single goal against meaning he had a 1.000 save percentage and a 0.00 goals-against-average. Malkin, on the other hand, has been going back and forth with Sidney Crosby all year for the team lead in points and last week he got himself tied with an eight-point effort in only three games. Defenseman Justin Schultz has come into his own playing for an offense first team and in doing so leads Pens defenseman in points and last week put up six in three games while Nick Bonino had five points on the week as well. Newcomer Mark Streit, as well as Conor Sheary and Phil Kessel all, had four point weeks as well meaning the team’s offense was at the top of their game. And Pittsburgh can continue this heading into this week since they have games against Edmonton, Vancouver, Calgary, and Philadelphia.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Nikita Pavlychev, Penn State Univ. (NCAA)
2016-17 stats: 29gp 3g 7a 10pts
Possessing strong skating and outstanding balance, Nikita Pavlychev also has a great understanding of the game. He’s effective in all three zones of the ice making him a very solid two-way prospect.
Previous Ranking: 3 (-6)
Team Record: (44-14-7)
Goals For:
212
Goals Against:
139
Special Teams
PP: (21.6 percent) (7th)
PK: (85.0 percent) (5th)
Injury List
Andre Burakovsky – Hand – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Nicklas Backstrom (65gp 21g 46a 67pts)
Top Defenseman: Matt Niskanen (62gp 4g 31a 35pts)
Top Rookie: Jakub Vrana (16gp 2g 2a 4pts)
Top Goaltender: Braden Holtby (34 wins 1.93GAA .929 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Nicklas Backstrom (3gp 2g 1a 3pts)
The powerhouse Capitals had yet another solid week putting up a winning record of 2-1-0. Nicklas Backstrom carried the team offensively while newcomer Kevin Shattenkirk also had himself a solid week with the Caps. Both Braden Holtby and Philipp Grubauer appeared in games for Washington last week and in doing so were great as well.
Nicklas Backstrom has been leading the Capitals in scoring for quite some time now which is rather surprising mostly due to that fact that Alex Ovechkin is not. But back to Backstrom, he had himself a three point week. Kevin Shattenkirk was the only Caps player to have a two point week then after him T.J. Oshie, Jakub Vrana, Dmitry Orlov, Karl Alzner, Brooks Orpik, John Carlson, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Matt Niskanen, and Alex Ovechkin all had a single point in the week. Holtby started all three games last week and in doing so means he took home the 2-1-0 record but along with it came a .920 save percentage along with a 1.61 goals-against-average. Grubauer, on the other hand, had to come in relief and in doing so didn’t allow a goal against meaning he finished the week with a 1.000 save percentage and a 0.00 goals-against-average. The might Caps have a chance to get a stronger foothold on first place this week as they have games against San Jose, Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Minnesota.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Beck Malenstyn, Calgary (WHL)
2016-17 stats: 63gp 25g 23a 48pts
Capable of playing either center or wing, Beck Malenstyn possesses a strong frame that’s ready and fit for pro hockey and is also a very hard worker every shift. He’ll battle along the boards, mostly in the dirtier areas and he’ll also battle in front of the net hoping to bang in the occasional loose puck making him a very solid two-way player.
Previous Ranking: 2 (-6)
Team Record: (30-26-9)
Goals For:
179
Goals Against:
181
Special Teams
PP: (22.1 percent) (4th)
PK: (80.0 percent) (22nd)
Injury List
Ryan Callahan – Hip – Indefinitely
Steven Stamkos – Knee – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Nikita Kucherov (58gp 28g 35a 63pts)
Top Defenseman: Victor Hedman (62gp 12g 43a 55pts)
Top Rookie: Brayden Point (51gp 9g 15a 24pts)
Top Goaltender: Andrei Vasilevskiy (14 wins 2.64GAA .915 save percentage)
Player of the Week: G Andrei Vasilevskiy (1-0-1, 0.93GAA, .970)
The Lightning went into the trade deadline as sellers, but they still had enough faith that they could make a run and be a playoff team again. Without Brian Boyle and Valterri Filppula, the Lightning put up a 1-1-1 record, gaining a possible three points out of six games. They lost 5-2 to the Pittsburgh Penguins, beat the Buffalo Sabres 2-1 in a shootout and lost 1-0 in overtime to the New York Rangers.
When the Lightning dealt Ben Bishop it was time for Vasilevskiy to take the reins and he looks good so far. Vasilevskiy was in net for both games that saw the Lightning nab points and he looked good in both of those games. The Bolts only loss came in Peter Budaj’s debut in a Lightning jersey. Nikita Kucherov continues to be the beating heart of the Lightning’s offense, scoring a goal and an assist on the week. Victor Hedman also had two points on the week, both being assists, and Adam Erne scored his first NHL goal.
The Lightning only sit four points back of the New York Islanders for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, although they have to jump over the Philadelphia Flyers and Toronto Maple Leafs to get there. The Bolts will face the Minnesota Wild and Florida Panthers at home before heading out on a short two-game road trip with matchups against the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators. The jury is out, but it’s hard to count out to Lightning.
Weekly Prospect Profile: D Matthew Spencer, Peterborough (OHL)
2016-17 Stats: 54gp 7g 19a 26pts
The Lightning has a deep prospect pool so Spencer may go underrated. Spencer is a definitive defensive defenseman and has very little offensive upside. He is having a moderately better offensive season in his post-draft season, but his game will be judged on his defensive acumen. Spencer will be a guy who will be on the ice defending a lead and his top attributes are his positioning and hockey IQ.
Previous Ranking: 5 (-2)
Team Record: (35-26-6)
Goals For:
188
Goals Against:
175
Special Teams
PP: (20.0 percent) (13th)
PK: (85.9 percent) (2nd)
Injury List
Ryan Spooner – Concussion – Indefinitely
Brian Ferlin – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Brad Marchand (67gp 32g 38a 70pts)
Top Defenseman: Torey Krug (67gp 6g 38a 44pts)
Top Rookie: Brandon Carlo (67gp 6g 9a 15pts)
Top Goaltender: Tuukka Rask (31 wins 2.25GAA .914 save percentage)
Player of the Week: LW Brad Marchand (4gp 4g 0a 4pts)
The Bruins have looked like a new team under new Head Coach Bruce Cassidy, and the club has all but obtained their ticket to the playoffs. While they aren’t the elite team they once were, they are on track to return to the postseason for the first team in three years. The Bruins began their week with a 2-1 loss to the Rangers before a win over the struggling New Jersey Devils. They lost to the Senators 4-2 and finished the week with a 6-1 drubbing of the Detroit Red Wings.
Brad Marchand continued to add to his impressive season a strong and solid four-goal performance. Marchand now sits at 32 goals as his career high 37 from last year remains in reach. David Pastrnak actually led the Bruins in points on the week scoring a goal and adding four assists to bring his total to 57, behind only Marchand’s 70 points.
The Bruins will take on the Philadelphia Flyers in a matinee matchup on Saturday before embarking on the Western Canadian road trip that will see stops in Vancouver and Calgary before the week is over. While they may breathe easily sitting in the third spot in the Atlantic Division, they must be wary of the Toronto Maple Leafs who are only four points behind with two games in hand.
Weekly Prospect Profile: D Cameron Clarke, Ferris State University (WCHA)
2016-17 Stats: 35gp 1g 10a 11pts
Clarke may be one of the best project prospects in the pipeline for the Boston Bruins. Clarke passed through the 2015 NHL Draft, but he would not be ignored in his next draft eligible season. He began his career as a forward, so he always had offensive skills before turning into a defenseman. Clarke was the highest scoring d-man in the NAHL before being selected in the 5th round in last year’s draft. Currently plying his trade at Ferris State, Clarke will be an interesting prospect to keep an eye on as he takes the long road to the NHL.
Previous Ranking: 9 (+3)
Team Record: (37-22-6)
Goals For:
175
Goals Against:
169
Special Teams
PP: (17.8 percent) (18th)
PK: (81.6 percent) (12th)
Injury List
Chris Neil – Finger – Day-to-Day
Bobby Ryan – Finger – Indefinitely
Clarke MacArthur – Concussion – Out-for-Season
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Mark Stone (62gp 22g 28a 50pts)
Top Defenseman: Erik Karlsson (65gp 11g 47a 58pts)
Top Rookie: Fredrik Claesson (20gp 1g 6a 7pts)
Top Goaltender: Craig Anderson (20 wins 2.24GAA .931 save percentage)
Player of the Week: LW Alex Burrows (4gp 3g 1a 4pts)
The Senators just keep on rolling. After a controversial trade deadline, the Senators have shut up their doubters and have maintained their threat to win the Atlantic Division over the Montreal Canadiens. The Sens defeated the Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets, Boston Bruins and Dallas Stars to go a perfect 4-0-0 on the week.
I was one of many to completely trash the Alex Burrows trade, and I still stand by it. The Sens gave up way too much for the aging vet but I’m one to admit that Burrows has played extremely well since dawning his new colors. Burrows scored a pair of goals in his debut and further added two more points including another goal in his four games with his new club. Fellow trade deadline acquisition Viktor Stalberg also put up two goals in his first four games with his new club. Hats off to Pierre Dorion.
The Sens shouldn’t have any issues stringing along at least two more wins with matchups against the Western Conference basement dwellers in Arizona and Colorado before they finish out their week against the Tampa Bay Lightning. It’s a very realistic possibility the Senators can make a run in the playoffs to at least the third round.
Weekly Prospect Profile: LW Francis Perron, Binghamton (AHL)
2016-17 Stats: 56gp 6g 15a 21pts
Francis Perron had almost the perfect season in his final year in the QMJHL with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. Perron led the Huskies to the Memorial Cup after scoring an unreal 108 points in the final season, and 33 points in the playoffs. The 2014 7th round draft pick isn’t scoring at the similar rate as a professional, only scoring five goals, but Perron has the fundamentals and a strong work ethic that should help him Improve as a scorer.
Previous Ranking: 7 (+2)
Team Record: (38-21-8)
Goals For:
185
Goals Against:
166
Special Teams
PP: (20.7 percent) (11th)
PK: (80.2 percent) (21st)
Injury List
Tomas Plekanec – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Alexander Radulov – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Max Pacioretty (67gp 31g 27a 58pts)
Top Defenseman: Shea Weber (67gp 15g 23a 38pts)
Top Rookie: Artturi Lehkonen (58gp 12g 5a 17pts)
Top Goaltender: Carey Price (30 wins 2.28GAA .923 save percentage)
Player of the Week: G Carey Price (3-0-0, 0.99GAA, .963)
The Price is right, and so is everything else in Montreal. The Habs are starting to see the fruits of Claude Julien’s labor as the team is currently thriving on a six-game win streak. The Canadiens started off their week with a 2-1 win over the Nashville Predators, before defeating the New York Rangers 4-1. They ended their week with a 2-1 overtime victory against the Vancouver Canucks thanks to Paul Byron’s thrilling overtime winner. They finished their week a perfect 3-0-0.
Carey Price has returned to form since the Claude Julien hiring and has himself back in the conversation for the Vezina Trophy. Price is back in the top ten for save percentage after the team’s most recent stretch. Offensively Alex Galchenyuk led the way with four assists in the three victories. Scoring has been by committee even though the trade deadline acquisitions haven’t really brought anything to the table other than Jordie Benn’s lone marker.
Although the Habs have played more games than the Ottawa Senators, they have created a bigger cushion on them for the lead in the Atlantic. The Habs will take on the surging Calgary Flames where one team’s win streak will come to end before they end their week with matchups against the Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks.
Weekly Prospect Profile: C Jacob de la Rose, St.John’s (AHL)
2016-17 Stats: 45gp 7g 13a 20pts
Jacob de la Rose is a bit of an enigma. After surprising many and making the Canadiens out of camp as a 19-year-old, de la Rose was never able to find enough consistency to stay in the NHL. He struggled to put up offense anywhere he plays since coming over to North America, and that trend has continued. He has good NHL size, and he plays a strong two-way game so he may never produce offense in the way that many expected of him.
Previous Ranking: 6 (+2)
Team Record: (39-19-7)
Goals For:
180
Goals Against:
152
Special Teams
PP: (16.7 percent) (23rd)
PK: (81.0 percent) (15th)
Injury List
David Schlemko – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Joe Pavelski (65gp 23g 34a 57pts)
Top Defenseman: Brent Burns (65gp 27g 40a 67pts)
Top Rookie: Kevin Labanc (49gp 7g 12a 19pts)
Top Goaltender: Martin Jones (30 wins 2.28GAA .915 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Logan Couture (3gp 1g 2a 3pts)
The Sharks managed a winning week last week going 2-1-0 despite playing some tough games against Vancouver and Winnipeg. Both Martin Jones and Aaron Dell appeared in games last week for the Sharks and in doing so were very solid. Offensively Logan Couture carried the team when it came to scoring.
Dell played in two of the games last week and in doing so earned himself a record of 2-0-0 while posting a save percentage of .941 and a goals-against-average of 1.50. Jones was solid too despite earning the team’s only loss, he had a .926 save percentage and a 2.06 goals-against-average. Couture was awesome as well putting up three points in three games while finishing the week with a plus one. Joe Pavelski, Mikkel Boedker, and Melker Karlsson all put up two points and combined for a rating of plus seven. 11 other Sharks got themselves on the scoresheet meaning offense was definitely clicking, and with goaltending being top notch as well this is something that will need to continue as the Sharks make a serious run in the playoffs. But this week the Sharks have a lot in front of them since they play Washington, Nashville, Dallas, and Buffalo.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Karlis Cukste, Quinnipiac Univ. (NCAA)
2016-17 stats: 34gp 5g 10a 15pts
A very talented skater, Karlis Cukste is a very solid two-way defenseman and already has an NHL-size frame for when he’s ready to transition to the pro game. He competes hard every single shift often making him very important in all situations, and while his shot is not the most accurate, he plays a very smart game.
Previous Ranking: 14 (+11)
Team Record: (42-17-6)
Goals For:
207
Goals Against:
149
Special Teams
PP: (21.2 percent) (8th)
PK: (83.1 percent) (10th)
Injury List
Ryan Murray – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Josh Anderson – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Matt Calvert – Oblique – Week-to-Week
Lukas Sedlak – Abdomen – Day-to-Day
David Clarkson – Back – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Cam Atkinson (65gp 30g 26a 56pts)
Top Defenseman: Zach Werenski (65gp 9g 30a 39pts)
Top Rookie: Zach Werenski (65gp 9g 30a 39pts)
Top Goaltender: Sergei Bobrovsky (35 wins 2.05GAA .931 save percentage)
Player of the Week: G Sergei Bobrovsky (3gp 3W 3SO 1.000 save percentage 0.00GAA)
The Blue Jackets finished the week in very convincing fashion, forget the 3-1-0 record. Three of those games came by the way of shutouts, and they were over teams like Minnesota, and New Jersey twice, their only loss came at the hands of the Ottawa Senators.
Sam Gagner has been a surprising addition to the Jackets all season and he surprised last week again as he carried the team offensively with four points in four games as well as finishing with a plus-two rating. Both Oliver Bjorkstrand and Cam Atkinson had three point weeks as well and combined they finished with a plus-two rating. Where the team really shined though was goaltending, Sergei Bobrovsky played in three games, and in those three he earned three wins and three shutouts, putting him save percentage on the week at 1.000 and his goals-against-average at 0.00 obviously. Joonas Korpisalo played in the other game though and despite the loss was rather quite solid as well, he finished with a .923 save percentage and a goals-against-average of 2.07. Can offense and goaltending keep up this trend heading into this week? Definitely, since they have back to back games against Buffalo before finishing the week against Philadelphia.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Keegan Kolesar, Seattle (WHL)
2016-17 stats: 49gp 26g 28a 54pts
Keegan Kolesar is a very solid two-way forward, he can put pucks in the back of the net while also playing on the physical side drawing players off of pucks. What makes him even better is the fact that every shift he goes out and plays like it’s his last, making him better and better everytime he touches the ice.
Previous Ranking: 4 (+2)
Team Record: (36-26-4)
Goals For:
179
Goals Against:
182
Special Teams
PP: (19.6 percent) (14th)
PK: (80.4 percent) (18th)
Injury List
Curtis Lazar – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Ladislav Smid – Neck – Out-for-Season
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Mikael Backlund (66gp 20g 27a 47pts)
Top Defenseman: Dougie Hamilton (65gp 10g 31a 41pts)
Top Rookie: Matthew Tkachuk (62gp 12g 30a 42pts)
Top Goaltender: Brian Elliott (18 wins 2.65GAA .905 save percentage)
Player of the Week: G Brian Elliott (2gp 2W .944 save percentage 1.94GAA)
Calgary had a fairly short week last week only have two games to play, they did, however, win both to go undefeated. Brian Elliott carried the team all week which was something the Flames have needed from him for quite awhile now. While star forward Sean Monahan carried the team offensively.
The Flames only had two games all of the last week, one against Detroit where they won in overtime by a score of 3-2. And the last one against the Islanders where they stomped on them by a score of 5-2. Monahan was solid too last week with three points in two games as well as a rating of plus-two. Kris Versteeg, Michael Frolik, T.J. Brodie, Mikael Backlund, and Dougie Hamilton all combined for 10 points on the week. Who really shined though was Elliott, he played in both games for the Flames and in doing so earned the 2-0-0 record along with an outstanding .944 save percentage and a 1.94 goals-against-average. Calgary has a chance to continue their hot play this week but it won’t be so easy as they have games against Montreal, Winnipeg, Pittsburgh, and Boston.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Pavel Karnaukhov, Zvezda Chekhov (VHL)
2016-17 stats: 24gp 7g 11a 18pts
Pavel Karnaukhov is a raw talented prospect, he possesses the perfect size frame to be an efficient NHL player and has shown that he can thrive in the North American style of play. Due to his large body, Pavel has no problems getting into the physical side of the game and knocking players off pucks as well as driving to the net to create opportune scoring chances.
Previous Ranking: 1 (-)
Team Record: (42-18-5)
Goals For:
198
Goals Against:
164
Special Teams
PP: (19.4 percent) (15th)
PK: (76.9 percent) (28th)
Injury List
Niklas Hjalmarsson – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Johnny Oduya – Ankle – Day-to-Day
Scott Darling – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Patrick Kane (65gp 29g 41a 70pts)
Top Defenseman: Duncan Keith (65gp 5g 40a 45pts)
Top Rookie: Ryan Hartman (60gp 15g 11a 26pts)
Top Goaltender: Corey Crawford (26 wins 2.55GAA .918 save percentage)
Player of the Week: RW Patrick Kane 2gp 2g 0a 2pts
The Blackhawks have been making a bid for the top spot in the Western Conference, and they have their best players to thank for that. The Hawks began their week with a 2-1 shootout win over the New York Islanders and finished it out with a 5-3 victory over rival Nashville Predators to finish the week with a perfect 2-0-0 record. The Hawks have been on days off for four days.
Patrick Kane has brought some of his best hockey to the table over the last month and is now just four points back of Connor McDavid for the scoring lead. Last season’s Art Ross Trophy winner scored two goals in the two victories over the last week. While Kane was putting up goals, Brent Seabrook actually brought the assists to lead the team in points on the week with three helpers.
The Hawks are only one point back from the Minnesota Wild and the Wild have one game in hand, but the Wild are 6-4-0 over their last ten and the Hawks have been hot with a 9-1-0 record in their last ten. The winner of the Division will likely take on one of the St.Louis or Los Angeles in an easier matchup than battling the Nashville Predators. The Hawks have games against the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild and Montreal Canadiens this week, with the Sunday matchup against the Wild circled on the calendar.
Next: NHL Player Rankings: Henrik Zetterberg Jumps, Shattenkirk Falls
Weekly Prospect Profile: D Dennis Gilbert, Notre Dame (HE)
2016-17 Stats: 34gp 0g 20a 20pts
The Blackhawks seem to be able to find gems all throughout the NHL draft and have become the new Detroit Red Wings in that regard. They hope that have another one in the third round with Gilbert. Gilbert was projected to be a defensive defenseman but in his sophomore season with Notre Dame, he is showing signs of being able to add offense to his regimen. Gilbert is well known for his fundamentals including skating and positioning.