NHL Power Rankings: Chicago Loses Top Spot, Minnesota Falls Hard

Mar 15, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Dougie Hamilton (27) celebrates his goal with teammates against the Boston Bruins during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Dougie Hamilton (27) celebrates his goal with teammates against the Boston Bruins during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 2, 2017; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Sven Baertschi (47) celebrates his goal against Colorado Avalanche goaltender Calvin Pickard (31) (not pictured) with forward Henrik Sedin (33) and forward Daniel Sedin (22) during the third period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Previous Ranking: 26 (-1)

Team Record: (28-32-9)

Goals For:

159

Goals Against:

201

Special Teams

PP: (13.6 percent) (28th)
PK: (78.2 percent) (25th)

Injury List

Chris Tanev – Illness – Day-to-Day
Brendan Gaunce – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Nikolay Goldobin – Illness – Day-to-Day
Loui Eriksson – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Jacob Markstrom – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Anton Rodin – Knee – Undisclosed
Erik Gudbranson – Wrist – Indefinitely
Derek Dorsett – Shoulder – Indefinitely

Statistical Leaders in 2016-17

Top Forward: Bo Horvat (68gp 20g 26a 46pts)
Top Defenseman: Troy Stecher (59gp 3g 18a 21pts)
Top Rookie: Troy Stecher (59gp 3g 18a 21pts)
Top Goaltender: Ryan Miller (17 wins 2.73GAA .916 save percentage)

Player of the Week: C Markus Granlund (2gp 2g 1a 3pts)

It’s all about evaluation for the Canucks for the remainder of the season, so their poor week isn’t all that alarming. The Canucks began their week with a 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Islanders before being shutout by the Pittsburgh Penguins in a 3-0 loss. They ended their week with a 6-3 loss to the Boston Bruins to finish the week 0-2-1.

The Canucks roster is now full of players trying to make an impression on the organization for next season. The Canucks added Drew Shore to their lineup and he added an assist in his season debut. Markus Granlund led the way offensively scoring two goals and adding an assist on the week. Henrik Sedin had a trio of assists while Troy Stecher and Daniel Sedin chipped in two points. Down the stretch, expect the Canucks to give auditions to their prospects.

The Canucks have completely fallen out of the playoff race, but pride is still a thing that teams need to play for. The Canucks will take on the struggling Dallas Stars, so expect the Goldobin’s, Granlund’s, Gaunce’s and Shore’s to lick their lips at the scoring potential. They will face off in a Hockey Night in Canada matchup against the Edmonton Oilers and finish off their week against the Chicago Blackhawks. Next season will be better.

Weekly Prospect Profile: RW William Lockwood, Michigan (Big10)

2016-17 stats: 29gp 8g 12a 20pts

The Canucks seem to be going the way of developing prospects via the college route, and William Lockwood is another example. The 2016 third rounder is in his first season at the University of Michigan and he has hit the ground running. The Hockey News compares Lockwood to the recently departed Canuck Jannik Hansen with strong skating and scoring. Lockwood will need to add some beef to his small frame to produce at the same level in the big leagues, but he has tons of time to grow before turning pro.