NHL Power Rankings: A New Number One, San Jose Falls Like A Rock.
Previous Ranking: 30 (-)
Team Record: (27-33-12)
Goals For:
167
Goals Against:
211
Special Teams
PP: (18.6 percent) (18th)
PK: (80.5 percent) (18th)
Injury List
Miles Wood – Undisclosed – Day-to-Day
Devante Smith-Pelly – Lower-Body – Week-to-Week
Mike Cammalleri – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Jacob Josefson – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Marc Savard – Concussion – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Kyle Palmieri (70gp 25g 24a 49pts)
Top Defenseman: Damon Severson (71gp 3g 27a 30pts)
Top Rookie: Pavel Zacha (60gp 8g 13a 21pts)
Top Goaltender: Cory Schneider (20 wins 2.71GAA .911 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Kyle Palmieri (4gp 3g 2a 5pts)
New Jersey spent a week where they went back and forth, and thankfully for them on Tuesday they ended with a win leaving their record at .500 winning two and losing two. Kyle Palmieri was spectacular over the week as well as four other Devils. Both Cory Schneider and Keith Kinkaid split goaltending duties appearing in two games each.
Let’s start with Kinkaid, he earned a 1-1-0 record and a .885 save percentage with a 3.53 goals-against-average. Schneider, on the other hand, was much better, he posted a 1-1-0 record as well but his save percentage was .924 and had a 2.43 goals-against-average. Palmieri was awesome, though, in four games he had three goals, two assists and finished with a plus-two rating. Taylor Hall, Adam Henrique, Joseph Blandisi, and Pavel Zacha all had four points on the week but combined for an even rating. The Devils are at the bottom of the metro so they’re playing for pride but this week will still be tough as they play Toronto, Carolina, Dallas, and Winnipeg.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Joey Dudek, Boston College (NCAA)
2016-17 stats: 40gp 13g 9a 22pts
As the Devils get younger, you can expect Joey Dudek to become an NHL player. His skating and all around skills are at an elite level. His vision, his puck handling, and his acceleration are awesome. But the best part about Dudek is the fact that he’s a team player.
Previous Ranking: 29 (-)
Team Record: (31-30-11)
Goals For:
183
Goals Against:
208
Special Teams
PP: (16.4 percent) (25th)
PK: (85.9 percent) (1st)
Injury List
Denis Malgin – Concussion – Day-to-Day
Aaron Ekblad – Concussion – Day-to-Day
Roberto Luongo – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Vincent Trocheck (72gp 22g 28a 50pts)
Top Defenseman: Keith Yandle (72gp 5g 31a 36pts)
Top Rookie: Michael Matheson (71gp 5g 10a 15pts)
Top Goaltender: Roberto Luongo (17 wins 2.68GAA .915 save percentage)
Player of the Week: RW Jaromir Jagr (4gp 0g 4a 4pts)
The Panthers have been declawed in the past couple of weeks after it looked like they would be able to take a run at the Division Title they earned last season. That feels like forever ago now, as the Cats dropped three of their four games this week to almost effectively taking themselves out of the playoff race. The Panthers were defeated by the Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes, while their only win came in a 4-3 shootout over the New York Rangers.
The ageless wonder Jaromir Jagr continues to add points to his hall of fame career. Jagr scored four assists on the week and now has 41 points on the season. He may not be the superstar he once was, but Jagr’s production well into his 40’s is unheard of. Free agent acquisition Jason Demers had a strong three assists week, while Aleksander Barkov, Jussi Jokinen, Jonathan Huberdeau, Alex Petrovic, and trade deadline acquisition Thomas Vanek had two point weeks.
The Panthers currently find themselves nine points out of the final playoff spot and have been passed by the Flyers, Hurricanes, and Lightning in the Standings. It’s time to throw in the proverbial towel. The Panthers will need to rattle off four straight wins in their games against the Arizona Coyotes, Chicago Blackhawks, Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs to even be in the race. Don’t place your bet on them.
Weekly Prospect Profile: LW Dryden Hunt, Springfield (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 58gp 10g 16a 26pts
After increasing his offensive production throughout his WHL career, undrafted Dryden Hunt made every NHL general manager take notice with an 116-point season as a 20-year-old. The Florida Panthers won his services, and Hunt is playing very well in his first pro season. Hunt will need to keep expanding his offensive game to make the NHL, but if his AHL career is anything like his junior career, that shouldn’t be an issue. Hunt is known for his shot, which is a cannon upon release.
Previous Ranking: 24 (-4)
Team Record: (44-22-6)
Goals For:
235
Goals Against:
180
Special Teams
PP: (21.3 percent) (9th)
PK: (83.8 percent) (8th)
Injury List
Christian Folin – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Victor Bartley – Triceps – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Mikael Granlund (72gp 25g 41a 66pts)
Top Defenseman: Ryan Suter (72gp 8g 28a 36pts)
Top Rookie: Tyler Graovac (52gp 7g 2a 9pts)
Top Goaltender: Devan Dubnyk (37 wins 2.17GAA .927 save percentage)
Player of the Week: LW Zach Parise (4gp 0g 4a 4pts)
The Wild have seen their first taste of adversity in the month of March, but they’re hoping their latest victory will get them back on track before heading into the playoffs. The Wild had lost five straight before they ended their week with a 3-2 win over the also-struggling San Jose Sharks. The Wild lost to the Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers, and Winnipeg Jets. Finishing a week 1-3-0 doesn’t normally scream cup contender, but the Wild are hoping this is only a slight hiccup.
While Zach Parise has been one of the struggling stars on a group that features various players producing at career high levels. Parise had four assists in four games and that has him with only 35 points in 60 games. Getting Zach Parise back to his full offensive form will be essential heading into the playoffs. Charlie Coyle and Mathew Dumba put up three-point weeks as both players find themselves having career seasons. Leading scorer Mikael Granlund added another two goals to his season total, but he was a liability defensively, finishing the week with an ugly -6 rating.
The Wild have five points to make up for the top spot in their division and conference as they try to catch the Chicago Blackhawks. They will face non-playoff teams in Philadelphia, Vancouver, and Detroit before they finish their week off with a battle against the Washington Capitals. The Wild added one of the big fish on trade deadline day when they acquired Martin Hanzal, so this is a team that is going all in. If the Wild get their offensive confidence back this week, they will be primed for a long playoff battle.
Weekly Prospect Profile: LW Kurtis Gabriel, Iowa (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 39gp 7g 1a 8pts
Kurtis Gabriel has made his career out of being a shift disturber and the closest thing to an enforcer in today’s NHL. Drafted in the third round of the 2013 NHL Draft, the Wild hoped Gabriel would become an effective bottom-six forward in the NHL, but it’s looking like he doesn’t have enough offensive abilities to become a full-time player in the NHL. Gabriel may need to reinvent his game down the stretch of his career or else he’ll never leave the American Hockey League.
Previous Ranking: 25 (-2)
Team Record: (20-49-3)
Goals For:
140
Goals Against:
238
Special Teams
PP: (12.9 percent) (30th)
PK: (77.9 percent) (26th)
Injury List
Nikita Zadorov – Ankle – Out-for-Season
Semyon Varlamov – Groin – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Nathan MacKinnon (72gp 15g 30a 45pts)
Top Defenseman: Tyson Barrie (64gp 6g 28a 34pts)
Top Rookie: Mikko Rantanen (67gp 14g 17a 31pts)
Top Goaltender: Calvin Pickard (13 wins 2.88GAA .909 save percentage)
Player of the Week: D Tyson Barrie (3gp 0g 3a 3pts)
Another week, another winless week for the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche further cemented their place as the worst team in the league (and in the past 20 years) as they were defeated by the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, and St.Louis Blues to finish the week 0-3-0. Good news Avs fans: only ten losses remaining!
Defender Tyson Barrie may get a lot of bad rep for his defensive game, but in a down season, the offensive defender has produced 34 points on the season, including three over the past week. It almost makes you forget about his horrid -30 rating. Mikhail Grigorenko scored a pair of goals over the past week as well, showing he still has a little bit of a chance to become a productive forward in the NHL. Trade deadline pickup Sven Andrighetto had two points on the week to bring his totals to two goals and three assists in nine games with his new club. Andrighetto may be the most shrewd acquisition by GM Joe Sakic.
The Avalanche are playing strictly for pride nowadays, so their upcoming week will not matter much at all to them. The Avs will play the Edmonton Oilers twice in a home and home battle before they take on the Oilers’ division rival in Calgary. The Avs will finish out the week with a battle against the Washington Capitals. Nolan or Nico Avalanche fans???
Weekly Prospect Profile: C Rocco Grimaldi, San Antoinio (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 62gp 25g 20a 45pts
Colorado traded backup goaltender Reto Berra to the Florida Panthers in order to acquire Rocco Grimaldi. The 2011 2nd round pick is a pint-sized AHL scorer, but he has not been able to successfully produce at the NHL level. Grimaldi has the obvious skill and has the chance to make the bottom-feeding Avalanche out of camp next season. He had a strong camp this year and many believed he deserved a spot on the team. At 24-years-old, Grimaldi needs to establish himself as an NHL player soon. Place your bets on his chances.
Previous Ranking: 28 (+2)
Team Record: (30-32-12)
Goals For:
183
Goals Against:
214
Special Teams
PP: (23.9 percent) (1st)
PK: (76.8 percent) (28th)
Injury List
Cody Franson – Undisclosed – Day-to-Day
Taylor Fedun – Foot – Day-to-Day
Justin Falk – Calf – Day-to-Day
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 (53gp 21g 29a 50pts)
Top Defenseman: Rasmus Ristolainen (74gp 5g 39a 44pts)
Top Rookie: William Carrier (35gp 4g 2a 6pts)
Top Goaltender: Robin Lehner (20 wins 2.65GAA .921 save percentage)
Player of the Week: C Jack Eichel (4gp 1g 1a 2pts)
The Buffalo Sabres have been out of the playoff race for a few weeks now, so they aren’t much for the headlines. The Sabres began their week with a 2-0 shutout at the hands of the LA Kings, but they recovered with a 2-1 shootout win over the Anaheim Ducks. They strung a second win in a row in a 2-1 defeat over the Detroit Red Wings and then fell 3-1 to the Pittsburgh Penguins to finish their week 2-2-0.
Lost in the static that is the Sabres season is the strong play of sophomore forward Jack Eichel. Eichel has quietly put up 50 points in 53 games which are good for 77 points over a full 82-game schedule. If the Sabres can fix their defense over the summer, then Eichel will be able to lead this team back to the playoffs. One of their top defenders Rasmus Ristolainen made headlines with a crushing hit on the Penguins’ Jake Guentzel. Ristolainen has also quietly put up another impressive 40+ point season with 44 on the year.
The Sabres are idle until Saturday when they’ll take on the Toronto Maple Leafs for a stretch that will see them play three games in four days. They will face the Florida Panthers and Columbus Blue Jackets in back-to-back matchups.
Weekly Prospect Profile: RW Justin Bailey, Rochester (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 40gp 19g 10a 29pts
The Buffalo Sabres feel like they got a steal in the second round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft in Justin Bailey. The 6’4 206-pound winger is seeing a lengthy tenure in the big leagues, and to this date has played 32 NHL games this season alone. Bailey’s production in the AHL proves he has the scoring ability but is still trying to translate his game to the NHL level. A power forward in the making, Bailey should be a full-time NHLer next season.
Previous Ranking: 27 (+2)
Team Record: (29-34-9)
Goals For:
166
Goals Against:
211
Special Teams
PP: (14.1 percent) (28th)
PK: (77.3 percent) (27th)
Injury List
Jack Skille – Undisclosed – Day-to-Day
Markus Granlund – Wrist – Indefinitely
Jacob Markstrom – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Brendan Gaunce – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Nikolay Goldobin – Illness – Day-to-Day
Loui Eriksson – 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 (71gp 20g 27a 47pts)
Top Defenseman: Troy Stecher (62gp 3g 19a 22pts)
Top Rookie: Troy Stecher (62gp 3g 19a 22pts)
Top Goaltender: Ryan Miller (18 wins 2.78GAA .915 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Brandon Sutter (3gp 2g 0a 2pts)
For a team buried in the Pacific division, last week’s record for the Canucks reflected that as they went 1-2-0 on the week. However, their were five Canucks who had themselves two point weeks. While both Ryan Miller and Richard Bachman were just average at best.
Miller appeared in two of the games last week and in doing so earned a 1-1-0 record along with a .900 save percentage and a 4.02 goals-against-average. Bachman, on the other hand, was slightly better despite earning a loss, he had a .909 save percentage with a 2.07 goals-against-average. Brandon Sutter, Henrik Sedin, Reid Boucher, Daniel Sedin, and Sven Baertschi all had two-point weeks, the only difference is Sutter finished with a plus-one rating while the others were minus players, excluding Reid Boucher who finished with an even rating. If you’re hoping the Canucks can redeem themselves this week that may be a long shot since they have some tough competition in St. Louis, Minnesota, Winnipeg, and Anaheim.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Adam Gaudette, Northeastern Univ. (NCAA)
2016-17 stats: 37gp 26g 26a 52pts
Adam Gaudette had himself one solid season in the NCAA this year putting up 52 points in 37 games. But that’s not all that surprising once you find out what this kid is capable of. He works hard every single shift and doesn’t take a second off, every moment he’s at the top of his game. His biggest attribute has to be his poise when he’s under pressure that’s when he plays at his best and makes the really smart plays. Gaudette is going to be a serious prospect for the Canucks in the future.
Previous Ranking: 5 (-19)
Team Record: (42-24-7)
Goals For:
198
Goals Against:
167
Special Teams
PP: (16.6. percent) (24th)
PK: (81.7 percent) (11th)
Injury List
Chris Tierney – Flu – Day-to-Day
Jannik Hansen – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Melker Karlsson – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Joe Pavelski (73gp 28g 36a 64pts)
Top Defenseman: Brent Burns (73gp 27g 43a 70pts)
Top Rookie: Kevin Labanc (49gp 7g 12a 19pts)
Top Goaltender: Martin Jones (32 wins 2.26GAA .916 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Patrick Marleau (4gp 2g 1a 3pts)
Despite sitting first in the Pacific division, San Jose couldn’t muster up a single win finishing the week with a 0-4-0 record. Patrick Marleau was the team’s best player over the week and even though the team didn’t earn a single win, both Martin Jones and Aaron Dell were pretty solid statistically.
Dell was much better out of the two, though, he had a .927 goals-against-average and a 2.06 save percentage. Jones had a .907 save percentage and a 2.58 goals-against-average and both posted two losses. Marleau was the only player last week to score three points but surprisingly given the week he finished as a plus two. Logan Couture had himself a two-point week but finished with an even rating. Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Joe Pavelski, Joe Thornton, David Schlemko, and Dylan DeMelo combined for five points and a minus-one rating. The Sharks have a shot at redemption cause they have games against Dallas, Nashville, and then the Rangers.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Jacob Jackson, Michigan Tech (NCAA)
2016-17 stats: 40gp 10g 5a 15pts
Jacob Jackson may be ready for pro hockey next season, every single season he’s been developing his skills higher and higher. He skates very well, loves to play physical, has incredible intelligence, and is rarely caught out of position.
Previous Ranking: 26 (+3)
Team Record: (29-32-11)
Goals For:
180
Goals Against:
213
Special Teams
PP: (14.0 percent) (28th)
PK: (81.5 percent) (12th)
Injury List
Darren Helm – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
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 (72gp 15g 45a 60pts)
Top Defenseman: Mike Green (62gp 11g 21a 32pts)
Top Rookie: Anthony Mantha (55gp 15g 19a 34pts)
Top Goaltender: Petr Mrazek (16 wins 3.01GAA .900 save percentage)
Player of the Week: LW Tomas Tatar (4gp 4g 2a 6pts)
The Detroit Red Wings will not be in the playoffs this year, so the remainder of the season is bittersweet as the city and team say goodbye to the Joe Louis Arena. The Wings had a solid week, looking like a team that doesn’t want to miss the playoffs next year. The Wings beat the Arizona Coyotes 5-4 in a shootout and then got their revenge on former rival Colorado Avalanche with a 5-1 shelling. They lost 2-1 to the Buffalo Sabres before finishing their week with a 2-1 overtime win over the Montreal Canadiens. Chalk it up to a 3-1-0 record.
Leading the way offensively was Slovakian winger Tomas Tatar who scored four goals and two assists in the four games this week. Tatar has been a very streaky player over his career, and this season has been no exception. Tatar has not been able to take the next step to becoming an elite scorer like his captain Henrik Zetterberg did when the Yzerman’s, Fedorov’s and Shanahan’s moved on. Henrik Zetterberg continued his impressive season with a five-point effort on the week, while defender Mike Green also produced at a point per game level with four points. Zetterberg’s 60 points this season is his best year since his injury-plagued 2013-14 season.
The Red Wings face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday before a day off on Saturday. Following that break, the Wings will do something that is very scarce in the NHL and plays games on three consecutive nights. The Wings will play the Wild on Sunday, before taking on the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday and Tuesday. The Red Wings may relish playing spoiler as both the Lightning and Hurricanes are within sniffing distance of a playoff spot. It was a good run Detroit, but they should enjoy the longest summer in over 25 years.
Weekly Prospect Profile: C Dominic Turgeon, Grand Rapids (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 58gp 5g 10a 15pts
The Detroit Red Wings consistently find solid prospects in the draft, and Dominic Turgeon is looking like he was selected to be groomed for a particular role. Turgeon showed his offensive abilities during his WHL tenure with the Portland Winterhawks, but his best attribute is his defensive abilities. Turgeon may be the Red Wings next Darren Helm. The son of Pierre is a strong face-off man and he has drawn comparisons to Ryan Kesler in his shutdown abilities. He’ll be a fun prospect to keep an eye on over the next two seasons.
Previous Ranking: 23 (+1)
Team Record: (33-31-8)
Goals For:
188
Goals Against:
216
Special Teams
PP: (19.6 percent) (13th)
PK: (79.3 percent) (22nd)
Injury List
Nick Cousins – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Michael Raffl – Lower-Body – April
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Jakub Voracek (72gp 17g 38a 55pts)
Top Defenseman: Shayne Gostisbehere (66gp 6g 25a 31pts)
Top Rookie: Ivan Provorov (72gp 6g 22a 28pts)
Top Goaltender: Steve Mason (21 wins 2.77GAA .905 save percentage)
Player of the Week: D Michael Del Zotto (3gp 1g 2a 3pts)
Last week was tough on the Metro division, Philadelphia posted a losing record of 1-2-0. But there were some bright spots, four Flyers shared the lead in points. However, goaltending wasn’t so hot as both Michal Neuvirth and Steve Mason struggled.
Michael Del Zotto, Ivan Provorov, Claude Giroux, and Sean Couturier all had three points, Del Zotto, on the other hand, finished with a plus-four rating, the other three combined for a minus-two rating. Neuvirth appeared in one game but was later relieved of his duties, he posted a .800 save percentage and a 3.35 goals-against-average. Due to Michal being replaced Mason had to take over and in doing so earned the 1-2-0 record along with a .872 save percentage and a 3.75 goals-against-average. The Flyers have one tough week ahead of them since they play Minnesota, Columbus, Pittsburgh, and Ottawa.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Mikhail Vorobyov, Salavat Yulaev Ufa (KHL)
2016-17 stats: 44gp 3g 8a 11pts
Mikhail Vorobyev is spending his second season in the KHL and is doing fairly well. He’s a fast and sneaky player who also managed to put up 10 points in the World Juniors this past December. Next season he could very well crack the Flyers lineup.
Previous Ranking: 17 (-4)
Team Record: (45-25-4)
Goals For:
235
Goals Against:
195
Special Teams
PP: (19.0 percent) (16th)
PK: (79.3 percent) (23rd)
Injury List
Dan Girardi – Ankle – Day-to-Day
Henrik Lundqvist – Hip – Day-to-Day
Kevin Klein – Back – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: J.T. Miller (74gp 20g 32a 52pts)
Top Defenseman: Ryan McDonagh (73gp 5g 34a 39pts)
Top Rookie: Brady Skjei (73gp 4g 30a 34pts)
Top Goaltender: Henrik Lundqvist (30 wins 2.65GAA .913 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Oscar Lindberg (4gp 2g 2a 4pts)
The Rangers didn’t have the week they wanted but they still put up some points earning themselves a 1-1-2 record. In the process both Mats Zuccarello and Oscar Lindberg were great, but as usual one was better than the other. Also, Antti Raanta played in all four games last week.
Quite surprising that Raanta played in all four of the games for the Rangers last week but in doing so he had some fairly decent numbers. He posted a .909 save percentage and a 2.67 goals-against-average along with the 1-1-2 record. Zuccarello had himself a four-point week putting up three goals but he finished as an even player. Lindberg, on the other hand, finished the week with two goals and two assists but was a plus four. After those two, eight other Rangers had themselves two point weeks. This week may be a tough one for the Rangers who hold the top wild-card spot in the East but they could still squeak out some points as they have games against Los Angeles, Anaheim, and San Jose.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Tarmo Reunanen, TUTO Hockey (Mestis)
2016-17 stats: 42gp 0g 9a 9pts
Possessing fantastic offensive skills, Tarmo Reunanen is just that, an offensive defenseman. He has tremendous poise and puck handling abilities making him a great player to watch as he flys through the center of the ice. Another thing about Tarmo is the fact that he won’t shy away from the physical play either.
Previous Ranking: 12 (-8)
Team Record: (34-26-12)
Goals For:
213
Goals Against:
220
Special Teams
PP: (15.8 percent) (26th)
PK: (80.6 percent) (16th)
Injury List
Shane Prince – Leg – Indefinitely
Johnny Boychuk – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Mikhail Grabovski – Concussion – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: John Tavares (72gp 27g 35a 62pts)
Top Defenseman: Nick Leddy (71gp 11g 29a 40pts)
Top Rookie: Anthony Beauvillier (56gp 8g 13a 21pts)
Top Goaltender: Thomas Greiss (25 wins 2.67GAA .914 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Anthony Beauvillier (2gp 0g 3a 3pts)
The Islanders didn’t have the week they expected last week but still settled with a .500 week posting a 1-1-1 record. So they manage to get three points of a possible six, rookie Anthony Beauvillier was great as well as new starter Thomas Greiss.
Beauvillier, John Tavares, and Anders Lee all had themselves three-point weeks, the only difference is Beauvillier finished as a plus two while the other two combined for an even rating. Since taking over the net from Jaroslav Halak, Thomas Greiss has been quite consistent. And last week he played all three games for the Islanders earning the 1-1-1 record, as well as a .912, save percentage and a 2.99 goals-against-average. The Islanders may have to settle for a losing record this week cause it’s going to be a tough one as they have games against Pittsburgh, Boston, and Nashville.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Taylor Cammarata, Univ. Of Minnesota (NCAA)
2016-17 stats: 33gp 5g 14a 19pts
Taylor Cammarata has been deemed one of the top playmakers in the NCAA due to his outstanding creativity and on ice vision. He possesses a rather small body which is why he often struggles but once he gets bigger he’ll be able to produce like a machine.
Previous Ranking: 15 (-4)
Team Record: (34-31-7)
Goals For:
175
Goals Against:
181
Special Teams
PP: (18.8 percent) (17th)
PK: (85.0 percent) (4th)
Injury List
Nick Shore – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Matt Greene – Back – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Jeff Carter (72gp 31g 29a 60pts)
Top Defenseman: Drew Doughty (72gp 8g 31a 39pts)
Top Rookie: Derek Forbort (72gp 2g 13a 15pts)
Top Goaltender: Jonathan Quick (5 wins .922GAA .2.21 save percentage)
Player of the Week: G Jonathan Quick (1w 1l 1.86GAA .938 save percentage)
The mighty Kings feel lest week when they put up a 1-2-0 record, however, Jonathan Quick was brilliant and has been since returning from injury. Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar, and veteran Jarome Iginla all had okay weeks as well.
Brown had himself a decent week putting up three assists in three games while finishing with a plus-two rating. Both Kopitar and Iginla had a goal and an assist each but combined with a minus one. Quick, on the other hand, was superb, he posted a 1-1-0 record but had a .938 save percentage and a 1.86 goals-against-average. Ben Bishop played in the other game in doing so earned the team’s other loss, and his stats reflected that. He had a .875 save percentage and a 2.60 goals-against-average. The Kings have a decent squad but they have a tough week ahead of them as they have games against the Jets, Rangers, Oilers, and Flames.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Nikolay Prokhorkin, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)
2016-17 stats: 43gp 6g 8a 14pts
Nikolay Prokhorkin possesses every single attribute to thrive in the pro game, he’s got on ice vision, creativity, amazing puck handling skills and love to play a physical game. He’s yet to impress the Kings, however, and that’s why he has been playing home in the KHL.
Previous Ranking: 19 (+1)
Team Record: (29-33-10)
Goals For:
196
Goals Against:
233
Special Teams
PP: (18.1 percent) (20th)
PK: (74.0 percent) (30th)
Injury List
Jason Spezza – Back – Day-to-Day
Antoine Roussel – Hand – April
Mattias Janmark – Knee – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Tyler Seguin (72gp 24g 44a 68pts)
Top Defenseman: John Klingberg (70gp 11g 31a 42pts)
Top Rookie: Devin Shore (72gp 11g 18a 29pts)
Top Goaltender: Kari Lehtonen (18 wins 2.89GAA .903 save percentage)
Player of the Week: C Jason Spezza (2gp 0g 2a 2pts)
It wasn’t supposed to go this way this season for the Dallas Stars, but a lack of defense depth and mediocre goaltending has brought the Stars to well out of the playoff race. The Stars began their week with a 4-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks before a 3-1 loss to the Calgary Flames. The Stars ended their week on a high note as Kari Lehtonen shut out the San Jose Sharks in a goaltending performance that has been too absent so far.
Jason Spezza put up a pair of assists in the only two games he played on the week to bring his total to 42 in 59 games. Injuries have prevented Spezza from being a factor too often this season. Rookie Remi Elie has brought some p*ss and vinegar to the lineup, and he produced a single assist on the week. Kari Lehtonen has not been very good this season, but his 30-save shutout over the San Jose Sharks boosted his save percentage up to .903, which is actually an improvement for the Stars team.
The Stars will likely be mathematically eliminated from the playoffs in the next week, but they can use the remained of the season to try out some of their younger players in early auditions for the turnaround season next year. The Stars will take on the Chicago Blackhawks, San Jose Sharks, New Jersey Devils and Montreal Canadiens in the upcoming week, so they’ll have some say in how the standings finish if they’re able to string together a few wins.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Julis Honka, Texas (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 46gp 6g 24a 30pts
The Dallas Stars are run by GM Jim Nill who learned his trade with the slow developing Detroit Red Wings, so it’s no surprise that Julius Honka is taking the slow route to their NHL. Honka is only 21-years-old but the 2014 1st round pick is already in his third professional season. Honka is blessed with offensive abilities and his defensive game is more than capable of being NHL caliber. He has the highest ceiling out of the Star’s defensive cupboard and should challenge for full-time NHL work next season.
Previous Ranking: 3 (-14)
Team Record: (38-29-6)
Goals For:
209
Goals Against:
195
Special Teams
PP: (21.2 percent) (10th)
PK: (85.0 percent) (3rd)
Injury List
Tim Schaller – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Brian Ferlin – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Brad Marchand (73gp 37g 43a 80pts)
Top Defenseman: Torey Krug (73gp 7g 41a 48pts)
Top Rookie: Brandon Carlo (73gp 6g 9a 15pts)
Top Goaltender: Tuukka Rask (33 wins 2.33GAA .911 save percentage)
Player of the Week: LW Brad Marchand (3gp 1g 3a 4pts)
The Boston Bruins have found themselves sliding down the standings this week in which they lost all three of their matchups. The Bruins started off their week with a 7-4 loss to the Edmonton Oilers in which Tuukka Rask was chased. They then lost 4-2 to the Maple Leafs and 3-2 to the Senators to fall all the way down to the final wild card spot.
One good headline the Bruins produced this week was the strong play of Brad Marchand. Marchand is very much in the scoring race, as he was once tied with Connor McDavid for the league lead. Marchand had four points in the week and now has his totals up to 37 goals and 80 points. Defenseman Torey Krug scored three points in the week to bring his point total to an amazing and underrated 48 points.
The Maple Leafs and Islanders won their games on Wednesday which puts the Bruins in a precarious position. The Islanders are only two points back with a game in hand, so the Bruins will need to get back to their winning ways to stay in a playoff position. They’ll decide their own fate with games against the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Islanders before a battle with the Nashville Predators finishes out their week. The Bruins are a good team this year, but it goes to show you how fast things can change.
Weekly Prospect Profile: G Malcolm Subban, Providence (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 29gp 10-12-1, 2.48, .915
It seems like forever ago since the Bruins selected Malcolm Subban with their first round selection in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Subban has had his fair share of ups and downs throughout his career, but the Bruins remain dedicated to his development. Subban has been downright horrid in each of his NHL appearances, but he has put up decent numbers in the AHL. Many believe the Vegas Golden Knights will steal PK’s little brother from the Bruins, but until then, he is still the heir to Tuukka Rask’s throne.
Previous Ranking: 20 (+4)
Team Record: (33-33-7)
Goals For:
220
Goals Against:
232
Special Teams
PP: (17.5 percent) (23rd)
PK: (76.7 percent) (29th)
Injury List
Paul Postma – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Shawn Matthias – Shoulder – Out-for-Season
Jacob Trouba – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Toby Enstrom – Concussion – Indefinitely
Ondrej Pavelec – Knee – Day-to-Day
Tyler Myers – Lower-Body – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Mark Scheifele (70gp 29g 45a 74pts)
Top Defenseman: Dustin Byfuglien (73gp 12g 35a 47pts)
Top Rookie: Patrik Laine (65gp 33g 27a 60pts)
Top Goaltender: Connor Hellebuyck (23 wins 2.90GAA .907 save percentage)
Player of the Week: RW Blake Wheeler (3gp 1g 5a 6pts)
If the Jets would’ve played this way all season, we wouldn’t be talking about what a waste this past week was. The Jets are a complete long shot to make a run at the playoffs, but their perfect week allowed them to stay in the whisper of a conversation. The Jets defeated the Islanders 4-2, the Wild 5-4, and the Flyers 3-2 as they rode to a perfect 3-0-0 week.
Captain Blake Wheeler led the way offensively and his offensive game has come back around after a relatively average beginning half of the season. Wheeler’s six points on the week put him up to 63 points as he flirts with 70 points once again. The Hockey News once called Mathieu Perreault the Rodney Dangerfield of hockey players, and that could not be more accurate. Perreault put up a five-point week and now has a quiet but solid 33 points in 56 games. Mark Scheifele continued to add to his impressive 74-point season with a five-point week as well.
The Jets are a distant 10 points out a playoff spot with 10 games to go, so let’s effectively say nothing short of a miracle will change the current standings. The recent win streak is a nice treat for their fans, but the Jets should know that next year they need to be a playoff team. They can end the Kings playoff chances with a win tonight and they can play spoiler to the Anaheim Ducks in their quest for a Pacific Division title, but that’s all they have left to play for.They will also face the Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils on the week.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Brandon Tanev, Manitoba (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 23gp 3g 6a 9pts
The Jets were thoroughly impressed with Brandon Tanev during training camp and preseason this year that he made the big club. The Providence College graduate used his strong work ethic and ability to forecheck vigorously to earn a spot on the big club, but he was unable to improve on his game. Tanev was eventually assigned to the Manitoba Moose after 42 games in Winnipeg. At 25 years old, Tanev is an older prospect and will need to rediscover his game to stay relevant.
Previous Ranking: 16 (+1)
Team Record: (47-17-8)
Goals For:
232
Goals Against:
161
Special Teams
PP: (22.0 percent) (6th)
PK: (83.8 percent) (8th)
Injury List
Marcus Johansson – Illness – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Nicklas Backstrom (72gp 22g 56a 78pts)
Top Defenseman: John Carlson (66gp 8g 28a 36pts)
Top Rookie: Jakub Vrana (21gp 3g 3a 6pts)
Top Goaltender: Braden Holtby (37 wins 2.05GAA .925 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Nicklas Backstrom (3p 1g 6a 7pts)
For a team sitting atop the Metro division, it’s no surprise they finished the week with a 2-0-1 record. Another thing that isn’t so surprising is the offensive numbers Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie had. And Braden Holtby was also solid in all three games.
Since Holtby appeared in all three games he earned the 2-0-1 record but along with it, he posted a .917 save percentage and a 2.32 goals-against-average. Backstrom was outstanding last week putting up seven points in three games while finishing the week with a plus-three rating. Oshie was just as good but he put up six points and also finished as a plus three. Alex Ovechkin, on the other hand, was quite average like he has been all season by only netting three points. With the Caps having a stronghold on the Metro, they have a chance to get a tighter grip this week as they have games against Columbus, Arizona, Minnesota, and Colorado.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Shane Gersich, Univ. Of North Dakota (NCAA)
2016-17 stats: 39gp 21g 16a 37pts
Shane Gersich relies on his speed and agility to capitalize on scoring chances. He also has a fantastic shot which he loves to use on a nightly basis. The only things he needs to do is add size and strength before competing in pro full time.
Previous Ranking: 7 (-7)
Team Record: (34-29-9)
Goals For:
197
Goals Against:
202
Special Teams
PP: (21.9 percent) (7th)
PK: (80.6 percent) (16th)
Injury List
Vladislav Namestnikov – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Tyler Johnson – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Cedric Paquette – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Ryan Callahan – Hip – Indefinitely
Steven Stamkos – Knee – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Nikita Kucherov (65gp 34g 39a 73pts)
Top Defenseman: Victor Hedman (69gp 15g 45a 60pts)
Top Rookie: Brayden Point (58gp 12g 17a 29pts)
Top Goaltender: Andrei Vasilevskiy (17 wins 2.68GAA .915 save percentage)
Player of the Week: RW Nikita Kucherov (3gp 3g 1a 4pts)
The Lightning followed the path laid out by their state rivals in Florida and totally dropped a deuce on their playoff hopes after giving their fans hope that the team could make the dance. The Lightning dropped three straight games this week and their goaltending completely lets them down. The Bolts were defeated 5-0 in a heartbreaker against the Maple Leafs. They then lost a 5-3 matchup to the Washington Capitals before losing by the same score to the lowly Arizona Coyotes.
Nikita Kucherov continued to do everything he possibly could to bring his team to within striking distance of a playoff spot, but he is only one man. Kucherov scored another four-point week to bring his season totals to an outstanding 73 points in only 65 games. Kucherov may very well be the difference between the Lightning being in the conversation and being bottom dwellers. Rookie Brayden Point, Ondrej Palat, and Jonathan Drouin put up two point weeks but Andrei Vasilevskiy only stopped pucks at a poor .855 rate, lamenting in three losses.
Not all hope is lost, as the Lightning are still only five points back of the final playoff spot (now held down by the Boston Bruins) but with only ten games remaining there will be little margin for error. The Lightning can make a huge leap as the team they are chasing in Boston is their first opponent on the week. They will then play the Red Wings the night after before a two-day break prepares them for a date with the Chicago Blackhawks. Paging Steven Stamkos’ doctor!!!!
Weekly Prospect Profile: D Slater Koekkoek, Syracuse (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 38gp 2g 9a 11pts
While his name is fun to pronounce (Coo, Coo) there’s something frustrating about his development as a prospect. Selected 10th overall in the 2012 Draft, Koekkoek was expected to be a regular in the NHL by now, but the 23-year-old is still splitting time between Tampa Bay and Syracuse. Koekkoek has worked on his overall game and focused on improving his defensive play this season. His offense still needs some polishing, but he has shown impressive puck-moving abilities. Koekkoek may be on the Vegas Golden Knights’ radar.
Previous Ranking: 9 (-4)
Team Record: (36-25-11)
Goals For:
212
Goals Against:
202
Special Teams
PP: (20.2 percent) (11th)
PK: (79.9 percent) (20th)
Injury List
Miikka Salomaki – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Ryan Johansen (72gp 12g 43a 55pts)
Top Defenseman: Roman Josi (63gp 11g 33a 44pts)
Top Rookie: Kevin Fiala (44gp 8g 5a 13pts)
Top Goaltender: Pekka Rinne (28 wins 2.51GAA .915 save percentage)
Player of the Week: D Ryan Ellis (3gp 2g 2a 4pts)
The Predators have been jockeying with the St. Louis Blues for position in the top three seeds and wild card spot lately. The Preds currently find themselves in the wild-card spot, but that doesn’t mean they had a bad week. The Preds started off their week with a strong 2-1 overtime victory over the Washington Capitals whom they’ve beaten in both of their games. They then lost 4-2 to the Carolina Hurricanes to give up some ground. They finished their week off with a 3-1 win over the Arizona Coyotes to finish the week 2-1-0.
Defenseman Ryan Ellis has been really hot of late, and his four-point week was just another example of his offensive prowess. Ellis has now set a career high 34 points, and it’s looking like the added responsibility in the absence of Shea Weber is doing him good. Ellis’ previous career high was the 32 points he had last season, but his big shot from the point should help him turn in 40 and 50 point seasons in the next few of his career. The Predators will NOT expose him in the expansion draft. Viktor Arvidsson scored another three goals to bring his amazing season totals to 27 goals and 53 points as he is only two points back of linemate Ryan Johansen for the team lead.
The Predators will have an important game against the Calgary Flames to kick off their week, before battles against the San Jose Sharks, New York Islanders, and Boston Bruins. The Predators always seem to be in playoff contention but have not been able to take the next step and become a cup contender. It looks like this year they will enter with the underdog label once again, which may not be a bad thing. Depends on who they match up against in round one.
Weekly Prospect Profile: C Frederick Gaudreau, Milwaukee (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 54gp 21g 22a 43pts
Frederick Gaudreau has had to fight for every chance he’s every gotten, and it’s time the NHL takes notice. Gaudreau went undrafted following a junior career that saw stops in Shawinigan and Drummondville. Gaudreau went undrafted and didn’t receive any contract from an NHL team. Instead, Gaudreau turned pro with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL before getting a chance with the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL. Gaudreau upped his offensive production in his second year with the Admirals, and the big club took notice. In January last year, the Nashville Predators signed the center and he has rewarded the club with improved play. Gaudreau got a nine-game cup of coffee in the big leagues and should challenge for a full-time spot next season.
Previous Ranking: 13 (+1)
Team Record: (27-37-9)
Goals For:
178
Goals Against:
233
Special Teams
PP: (14.7 percent) (27th)
PK: (78.0 percent) (25th)
Injury List
Shane Doan – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Kevin Connauton – Upper-Body – Week-to-Week
Alexander Burmistrov – Upper-Body – 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 (73gp 18g 34a 52pts)
Top Defenseman: Oliver Ekman-Larsson (73gp 12g 25a 37pts)
Top Rookie: Christian Dvorak (69gp 12g 16a 28pts)
Top Goaltender: Mike Smith (18 wins 2.93GAA .914 save percentage)
Player of the Week: D Oliver Ekman-Larsson (4gp 2g 1a 3pts)
Arizona has struggled all season, but last week was fairly decent for them as they put up a 1-2-1 record earning three of a possible eight points. While that’s not the greatest, it’s still pretty decent for this young team. Four Coyotes tied with three points on the week, but one was better than the others. Mike Smith appeared in three of the team’s games while Louis Domingue played in the other.
With Smith playing in three of the games and given the team’s record, Mike finished with a 0-2-1 record with a .913 save percentage and a 2.97 goals-against-average. Domingue, on the other hand, was great in his only game played, earning a win and a .923 save percentage with a 3.00 goals-against-average. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Alex Goligoski, Christian Dvorak, and Josh Jooris all put up three points for the club, but Oliver stood out as he put up two goals and an assist. The young Yotes have a very tough week ahead of them as they have games against Florida, Washington, and then back to back games against St. Louis.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Connor Clifton, Quinnipiac Univ. (NCAA)
2016-17 stats: 39gp 7g 7a 14pts
Connor Clifton may be a small guy, but loves to play physical but also possesses a tremendous hockey IQ. While he’s still under construction so to speak, his potential upside is still huge.
Previous Ranking: 22 (+11)
Team Record: (39-25-9)
Goals For:
212
Goals Against:
190
Special Teams
PP: (22.4 percent) (3rd)
PK: (80.1 percent) (20th)
Injury List
Tyler Pitlick – Leg – Out-for-Season
Andrew Ference – Hip – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Connor McDavid (73gp 26g 59a 85pts)
Top Defenseman: Oscar Klefbom (73gp 12g 18a 30pts)
Top Rookie: Matt Benning (55gp 3g 10a 13pts)
Top Goaltender: Cam Talbot (37 wins 2.36GAA .921 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Connor McDavid (4gp 2g 7a 9pts)
If Anaheim didn’t spoil the party Wednesday night, the Oilers would have finished with a perfect 4-0-0 record. But they still get to settle with a record of 3-1-0 which is still fantastic. And speaking of fantastic, both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were just that. Cam Talbot was also pretty awesome over the week appearing in all four games.
Laurent Brossoit appeared in a game but that was in relief of Talbot, so Brossoit finished with a 1.000 save percentage and a 0.00 goals-against-average. Talbot, on the other hand, finished with the 3-1-0 record while posting a .934 save percentage and a 2.27 goals-against-average. Both McDavid and Draisaitl finished with nine points in four games, however, Connor finished the week as a plus five while Leon was a plus four. Patrick Maroon also had himself a decent week putting up five points in four games. The Oilers have a shot this week at even more points since they start the week with back to back games against Colorado then finish the week against Los Angeles.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Ryan Mantha, Niagara (OHL)
2016-17 stats: 65gp 17g 41a 58pts
Originally selected by the New York Rangers, Ryan Mantha was signed as a free agent by the Oilers. He’s put up tremendous offensive seasons in the OHL which is great for a defenseman. He moves the puck extremely well and sees the ice even better, the only thing he needs to work on is his overall speed.
Previous Ranking: 14 (+4)
Team Record: (34-23-15)
Goals For:
221
Goals Against:
212
Special Teams
PP: (23.8 percent) (2nd)
PK: (83.4 percent) (9th)
Injury List
Joffrey Lupul – Abdomen – Indefinitely
Stephane Robidas – Knee – Day-to-Day
Nathan Horton – Back – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Auston Matthews (72gp 33g 25a 58pts)
Top Defenseman: Jake Gardiner (72gp 9g 27a 36pts)
Top Rookie: Auston Matthews (72gp 33g 25a 58pts)
Top Goaltender: Frederik Andersen (30 wins 2.64GAA .919 save percentage)
Player of the Week: RW William Nylander (4gp 2g 3a 5pts)
Last week it looked like the Toronto Maple Leafs would disappoint their fans once again and fall short of the playoffs. Fast forward seven days and the Leafs have given their fan base something to scream about….in a good way! The Leafs began their week with a strong 5-0 statement win over the Tampa Bay Lightning before squeezing out a point in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. They posted two more statement wins with victories over the Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets to find themselves in a top three spot in their division. The Leafs nabbed seven out of a possible eight points on the week.
William Nylander doesn’t get the same headlines as Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews, but he really should. The Swedish rookie had the best week on the team scoring five points including his 20th goal of the season. Nazem Kadri booked a four-point week as well while Auston Matthews, Morgan Rielly, Nikita Zaitsev, Leo Komarov, James van Riemsdyk, and Tyler Bozak all added to the team mentality attack with three point weeks. The Leafs need to do everything by a committee to become a successful team, and this last week proved they are up to the challenge.
They are not going to be able to rest on their laurels, but they should be proud of what they’ve done. The Leafs can’t look too far ahead and look past their relatively weak schedule in the coming week. The Leafs will take on the New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres, and Florida Panthers as they try to solidify their spot in the playoffs. With only ten games remaining it’s okay to be cautiously optimistic and start saving for playoff tickets in Toronto.
Weekly Prospect Profile: RW Kasperi Kapanen, Toronto (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 41gp 17g 23a 40pts
The centerpiece of the Phil Kessel trade, Kasperi Kapanen was one of the young Leaf prospects who didn’t make the jump to the big leagues this year. Instead, Sami’s son has become a go-to guy on the farm club, producing at almost a point per game clip. Kapanen has potential to be a game-breaking offensive forward in the NHL, but the Leafs know they can take their time with him. Kapanen will likely will his way onto the big club for the beginning of next year.
Previous Ranking: 6 (-3)
Team Record: (40-24-8)
Goals For:
191
Goals Against:
187
Special Teams
PP: (17.7 percent) (22nd)
PK: (81.3 percent) (13th)
Injury List
Mark Stone – Lower-Body – Week-to-Week
Chris Neil – Finger – Day-to-Day
Clarke MacArthur – Concussion – Out-for-Season
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Mike Hoffman (65gp 21g 32a 53pts)
Top Defenseman: Erik Karlsson (72gp 14g 52a 66pts)
Top Rookie: Fredrik Claesson (24gp 2g 7a 9pts)
Top Goaltender: Craig Anderson (22 wins 2.29GAA ..928 save percentage)
Player of the Week: D Erik Karlsson (4gp 1g 3a 4pts)
The Senators were one of the hottest teams in the league which got them within breathing distance of leading their division before they faced off against the team they were chasing. After losing some ground with a 2-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, the Sens dropped consecutive battles against division rival Montreal Canadiens. They gained some more ground with a win over the Boston Bruins, but the damage had already been done.
Erik Karlsson led the way offensively and his recent offensive outburst has much of us believing he is the front runner for the Norris Trophy Award, gaining ground on San Jose’s Brent Burns. Karlsson has bought into head coach Guy Boucher’s defence-first approach, but he has still managed to produce a team-leading 66 points. Incredible. Mike Hoffman led the team in offensive production on the week with five assists, while Kyle Turris added four points himself. After hot starts, trade deadline acquisitions Alexandre Burrows and Viktor Stalberg combined for just one point.
The Sens now find themselves three points back of the Montreal Canadiens with a game in hand. The division title is still within reach. The Sens will battle the Pittsburgh Penguins before they battle the Montreal Canadiens in a Hockey Night in Canada battle on Saturday. The Senators will finish off the week with a date with the Philadelphia Flyers. The Sens have grown quite a bit since last season, and a division title may be in their futures, but with a more favorable matchup by finishing second, they are gonna be happy anyway.
Weekly Prospect Profile: D Ben Harpur, Binghamton (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 57gp 2g 24a 26pts
The Senators have found a few gems in the later rounds of the draft, including leading scorers Mike Hoffman (5/130) and Mark Stone (6/178), but they may have their first late round gem for a defenseman. Ben Harpur was selected in the 4th round of the 2013 NHL Draft. After completing his junior career, Harpur went through some ups and downs as a first-year pro, but he has completely blown a sophomore slump out of the water. Harpur looks like he has the ability to play in the NHL, considering the 26 points he has put up in Binghamton.
Previous Ranking: 4 (-4)
Team Record: (47-19-6)
Goals For:
230
Goals Against:
169
Special Teams
PP: (21.4 percent) (8th)
PK: (82.6 percent) (10th)
Injury List
Alexander Wennberg – Neck – Day-to-Day
Ryan Murray – Hand – April
David Clarkson – Back – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Cam Atkinson (72gp 33g 27a 60pts)
Top Defenseman: Zach Werenski (72gp 11g 36a 47pts)
Top Rookie: Zach Werenski (72gp 11g 36a 47pts)
Top Goaltender: Sergei Bobrovsky (39 wins 2.04GAA .931 save percentage)
Player of the Week: G Sergei Bobrovsky (2 wins 1.00GAA .971 save percentage)
Columbus has gone from bottom feeder team last year to playoff team this year, that should put John Tortorella in the Jack Adams discussion. The team would have had a perfect 4-0-0 week if the Maple Leafs didn’t stop them Wednesday night, so they had to settle for a 3-1-0 week which is still great.
Sergei Bobrovsky played in two games for the club last week while Joonas Korpisalo played in two of his own. Bobrovsky won both of his games while putting up a .971 save percentage and a 1.00 goals-against-average. Korpisalo, on the other hand, was even with a win and a loss, his save percentage struggled a bit as it was only .887 and he posted a 2.98 goals-against-average. Rookie Zach Werenski was amazing last week as well putting up four points in four games while Josh Anderson, Boone Jenner, and Brandon Dubinsky all had three points each. The Blue Jackets have a chance to earn even more points this week as they have games against Washington, Philadelphia, and Buffalo.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Markus Soberg, Stavanger Oilers (Norway)
2016-17 stats: 30gp 13g 15a 28pts
Markus Soberg is one heck of a skater, but that’s not the only thing he can do well. He’ll dish it out anywhere on the ice and then go on to score goals. He does, however, need to tune his game without the puck before becoming a pro in North America.
Previous Ranking: 21 (+14)
Team Record: (31-27-13)
Goals For:
186
Goals Against:
206
Special Teams
PP: (17.9 percent) (21st)
PK: (85.1 percent) (2nd)
Injury List
Jay McClement – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Valentin Zykov – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Jeff Skinner (68gp 28g 23a 51pts)
Top Defenseman: Jaccob Slavin (71gp 5g 26a 31pts)
Top Rookie: Sebastian Aho (71gp 21g 22a 43pts)
Top Goaltender: Cam Ward (24 wins 2.72GAA .904 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Jeff Skinner (4gp 5g 1a 6pts)
Another team that’s been on a hot streak as of late is the Hurricanes and they showed it last week with a 3-0-1 record, meaning they earned seven of the possible eight points. And in doing so a lot of players had top-notch weeks, while Eddie Lack and Cam Ward were solid as can be.
Lack played in two of the four games last week and in doing so earned a 2-0-0 record with a .950 save percentage and a 1.50 goals-against-average. Ward was great too, he earned a win and an overtime loss with a .911 save percentage and a 3.48 goals-against-average. Jeff Skinner was lights out as well putting up five goals and an assist in four games along with a plus-four rating. Both Elias Lindholm and Sebastian Aho had five point weeks but combined for an even rating. Jordan Staal was pretty good too putting up four points of his own, unfortunately, he finished with a minus-two rating. Can the Hurricanes keep up this play this week? They could but they have a tough start, but an easy finish as they have games against Montreal, New Jersey, and then back to back games against Detroit.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Brendan Collier, Northeastern Univ. (NCAA)
2016-17 stats: 38gp 5g 8a 13pts
Brendan Collier has a lot of heart, which makes up for his size which is on the rather small side. He has struggled in the NCAA but due to his drive once he gains size that heart and motivation will push him into a top prospect.
Previous Ranking: 8 (+2)
Team Record: (41-23-9)
Goals For:
200
Goals Against:
182
Special Teams
PP: (19.8 percent) (12th)
PK: (80.3 percent) (19th)
Injury List
Nikita Nesterov – Undisclosed – Day-to-Day
Brian Flynn – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Max Pacioretty (73gp 33g 27a 60pts)
Top Defenseman: Shea Weber (73gp 16g 25a 41pts)
Top Rookie: Artturi Lehkonen (64gp 13g 6a 19pts)
Top Goaltender: Carey Price (33 wins 2.26GAA .923 save percentage)
Player of the Week: RW Andrew Shaw (3gp 1g 2a 3pts)
The Montreal Canadiens had two of their most important games of the season when they had to battle the Ottawa Senators in back to back battles. The Habs answered the bell and defeated the Senators in a 4-3 shootout win before winning the second matchup 4-1. The wins over the Sens kept the Habs in first place in the Atlantic. The week finished on a bit of a sour note as the Habs dropped a 2-1 overtime decision to the Detroit Red Wings. Still, a 2-0-1 record and five out of six points is nothing to fret about.
Offensively, Andrew Shaw led the way scoring a goal and adding a pair of assists. Shaw’s game is enigmatic, but he is starting to get into his playoff mode and Shaw’s playoff mode is akin to Bruce Banner becoming the Hulk. Phillip Danault matched Shaw’s point production in the week, and he continues to add to his surprising season scoring 35 points to this point. Underrated Paul Byron scored his 20th goal of the season, making him one of the greatest bargains in the NHL. Byron is the Habs unsung hero and he will be a guy other teams will have to pay special attention to in the playoffs.
The Canadiens will have a chance to further their stranglehold on the top seed in the Division as they will battle the Ottawa Senators once again on Saturday’s Hockey Night in Canada. The Habs will also host the Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars in the upcoming week. It’s all about turning attention to the playoffs now for the bleu, blanc et rouge, so the rest of the season is just gravy. Expect Carey Price to get a lot more rest down the stretch.
Weekly Prospect Profile: D Keegan Lowe, St.John’s (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 60gp 4g 11a 15pts
The Canadiens made a trade deadline swap for Keegan Lowe, dealing prospect Philip Samuelsson away in the process. Keegan plays a lot like his dad Kevin, in the matter that he focuses on playing a strong and heavy defensive game. Lowe has performed well in his role while playing in the Carolina pipeline, and he should get at least another year on his contract to get to show his stuff to the Habs brass. GM Marc Bergevin knows adding muscle to his group is bountiful, so Lowe has a chance.
Previous Ranking: 2 (-3)
Team Record: (47-20-6)
Goals For:
222
Goals Against:
183
Special Teams
PP: (18.7 percent) (17th)
PK: (78.0 percent) (24th)
Injury List
Marian Hossa – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Artem Anisimov – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Patrick Kane (73gp 32g 48a 80pts)
Top Defenseman: Duncan Keith (73gp 6g 44a 50pts)
Top Rookie: Ryan Hartman (68gp 18g 11a 29pts)
Top Goaltender: Corey Crawford (29 wins 2.54GAA .919 save percentage)
Player of the Week: C Jonathan Toews (4gp 2g 3a 5pts)
The Blackhawks are back with a vengeance. At one point, they trailed the Minnesota Wild by five points, but now the Hawks have five points on the Wild. The Blackhawks rang three straight wins out in battles against the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the lowly Colorado Avalanche. Their week would have been perfect if they had not dropped a 5-4 overtime loss to the Canucks. The Blackhawks outshot the Canucks 44-15 and came back from a 4-1 deficit, but we still unable to get the win. The Hawks went 3-0-1.
Captain Jonathan Toews has seen his offensive game come alive and his 54 points this year have him on his regular consistent 55-65 point trajectory. Toews has found a lot of chemistry with his new linemates in Richard Panik and rookie John Hayden. Hayden, a 2013 3rd round draft pick finished his season at Yale University and immediately signed with the Hawks to turn pro. Hayden scored three points in his first four NHL games. The usual suspects Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin scored four points on the week, while Ryan Hartman and Richard Panik had three goals a piece.
The Blackhawks will try to maintain their hold on home-ice advantage in the Western conference as they will take on the Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Pittsburgh Penguins on the week. The Penguins/Hawks matchup could be a possible Stanley Cup Final preview, and it will be a fun one to watch and see how the two clubs match up.
Weekly Prospect Profile: RW Graham Knott, Windsor (OHL)
2016-17 stats: 56gp 15g 37a 52pts
The Chicago Blackhawks used their highest draft pick in 2015 to select a potential NHL role player. Knott is not known for his scoring abilities and instead is known as a solid two-way player who thrives in a leadership role. Knott will make a career in the NHL as a solid penalty killer and screen on the power play. Knott was traded to the Windsor Spitfires this season, so he will get a chance to play for the Memorial Cup, where his leadership abilities will be on full display.
Previous Ranking: 11 (+7)
Team Record: (39-23-11)
Goals For:
190
Goals Against:
181
Special Teams
PP: (18.0 percent) (20th)
PK: (84.9 percent) (5th)
Injury List
John Gibson – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Ryan Garbutt – Shoulder – Out-for-Season
Clayton Stoner – Abdomen – Indefinitely
Simon Despres – Concussion – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Ryan Getzlaf (66gp 14g 48a 62pts)
Top Defenseman: Cam Fowler (73gp 11g 23a 34pts)
Top Rookie: Ondrej Kase (51gp 5g 9a 14pts)
Top Goaltender: John Gibson (23 wins 2.28GAA .921 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Rickard Rakell (3gp 2g 2a 4pts)
The Ducks had a terrific week last week putting up a 2-0-1 record, meaning they earned five of a possible six points. This output has helped the team gain even more ground in the Pacific division for the playoffs. Both Ryan Getzlaf and Rickard Rakell were superb along with backup goalie Jonathan Bernier.
Bernier played in all three games last week and in doing so put up some fantastic numbers while helping the team earn that 2-0-1 record. He had himself a .948 save percentage and a 1.62 goals-against-average. As for the offense, it was great as well, Rakell had himself a four-point week putting up two goals and two assists while Getzlaf had four assists. Hampus Lindholm carried the team’s defense offensively with three points in three games as well as a plus-three rating. The Ducks have a chance at even more points this week since they play the Jets, Rangers, and Canucks
Weekly Prospect Profile: Marcus Pettersson, Skelleftea AIK (SHL)
2016-17 stats: 41gp 2g 7a 9pts
A highly intelligent player, Marcus Pettersson loves to use his size to his advantage while playing in the defensive zone. He plays a solid two-way game which makes him quite effective in all three zones of the ice. Another thing about Marcus is the fact he can also play any forward position much like Brent Burns which makes him a valuable defensive prospect.
Previous Ranking: 18 (+15)
Team Record: (39-28-5)
Goals For:
201
Goals Against:
195
Special Teams
PP: (22.7 percent) (3rd)
PK: (84.4 percent) (6th)
Injury List
Dmitrij Jaskin – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Jori Lehtera – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Robby Fabbri – Knee – Out-for-Season
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Vladimir Tarasenko (72gp 34g 30a 64pts)
Top Defenseman: Alex Pietrangelo (71gp 10g 28a 38pts)
Top Rookie: Ivan Barbashev (20gp 3g 3a 6pts)
Top Goaltender: Jake Allen (28 wins 2.47GAA .912 save percentage)
Player of the Week: RW Vladimir Tarasenko (3gp 2g 1a 3pts)
The Blues knew the Los Angeles Kings were on their last legs in a playoff push, and the week they had pretty much put the kibosh on the Kings’ playoff chances. The Blues defeated the San Jose Sharks 4-1, Arizona Coyotes 3-0 and the Colorado Avalanche 4-2 to finish their week with a perfect record of 3-0-0. Their perfect week allows the Blues to sit in a top three seed position in the division outside of a wild card spot.
Vladimir Tarasenko led the way offensively like he always does scoring three points in the three games to bring his season total to 64 points. Tarasenko has become a bonafide 70-point player over the last three seasons, and one has to believe that he has another gear. The biggest return in the Kevin Shattenkirk deal, Zach Sanford, also produced a three-point week along with David Perron to tie for the team lead in the week. The Blues can thank their goaltending duo of Jake Allen and Carter Hutton for the three wins as both goaltenders played admirably in their starts on the week.
The Blues have a relatively easy schedule the rest of the way and should be able to hold off the Nashville Predators to prevent falling into the final wild card playoff spot. They have games against the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames and a pair of games against the Arizona Coyotes down the stretch of the upcoming week. It’s not hard to believe the Blues could rattle off three wins in the next four games, with the Flames being their biggest challenge. While they may not be cup contenders this year, the Blues could be a good sneaky pick in the playoffs.
Weekly Prospect Profile: LW Samuel Blais, Chicago (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 64gp 21g 15a 36pts
Samuel Blais made quite the impression when he put up a four-point night in the opening game of the preseason, and that made the Blues take notice to their 2014 6th round draft pick. Blais has been on fire this season, eclipsing the 20-goal mark in his first pro season. Scoring is not a problem with Blais, but he needs to show up his defensive game, as he is known to make noticeable defensive mistakes and he is not a renowned back checker.
Previous Ranking: 1 (-1)
Team Record: (41-28-4)
Goals For:
203
Goals Against:
197
Special Teams
PP: (19.6 percent) (14th)
PK: (80.7 percent) (14th)
Injury List
Matthew Tkachuk – Suspension – March
Micheal Ferland – Illness – Day-to-Day
Ladislav Smid – Neck – Out-for-Season
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Johnny Gaudreau (63gp 16g 37a 53pts)
Top Defenseman: Dougie Hamilton (72gp 11g 36a 47pts)
Top Rookie: Matthew Tkachuk (68gp 13g 33a 46pts)
Top Goaltender: Brian Elliott (23 wins 2.50GAA .911 save percentage)
Player of the Week: D Mark Giordano (3gp 2g 2a 4pts)
Calgary has been on a massive hot streak as of late, three Flames put up four points on the week while Brian Elliott appeared in all three games and was fantastic. And due to Calgary’s superb play over the last little while now has them holding the top wild-card spot in the playoffs.
Since Elliott appeared in all three games last week he helped the team gain a winning record of 2-1-0 while posting a .919 save percentage and a 2.36 goals-against-average. Sean Monahan, Mark Giordano, and Johnny Gaudreau all had four point weeks but in doing so, Giordano easily was the best as he finished with a rating of plus-six. The Flames have a tough week ahead of them as they play Nashville, St. Louis, Colorado, and Los Angeles, but given how the team’s been lately they could come out again with a winning record.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Tim Harrison, Colgate Univ. (NCAA)
2016-17 stats: 37gp 11g 9a 20pts
Tim Harrison has been playing in the NCAA this season, but also appeared in four games in the ECHL for the Flames affiliate, meaning he is ready for pro hockey. Next year he could very well be an AHL regular. Which isn’t too surprising since he has a very high IQ and a solid size frame to fit the pro game. He can score goals and dominate play but what he really likes to do is dominate physically.
Previous Ranking: 10 (+9)
Team Record: (46-17-9)
Goals For:
252
Goals Against:
199
Special Teams
PP: (22.2 percent) (5th)
PK: (80.5 percent) (17th)
Injury List
Evgeni Malkin – Shoulder – Day-to-Day
Ron Hainsey – Upper-Body – Week-to-Week
Carl Hagelin – Lower-Body – 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 (66gp 41g 40a 81pts)
Top Defenseman: Justin Schultz (69gp 12g 36a 48pts)
Top Rookie: Jake Guentzel (35gp 11g 14a 25pts)
Top Goaltender: Matthew Murray (28 wins 2.38GAA .924 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Sidney Crosby (3gp 6g 1a 7pts)
Pittsburgh had a fantastic week putting up and undefeated record of 3-0-0. Partly in due to the Pens offense and goaltending. Both Matthew Murray and Marc-Andre Fleury were definitely on top of their games. And speaking on top of their games Sidney Crosby was also the best player of the week in the entire NHL.
Murray played in two games last week and since the Pens had an undefeated record he earned two wins plus a .924 save percentage and a 2.51 goals-against-average. Fleury, on the other hand, was much better, he earned the other win and in doing so also earned a shutout. Now back to Crosby, in three games he put up six goals and one assist while finishing with a plus four. Conor Sheary had himself a six-point week, Jake Guentzel had himself four points and Tom Kuhnhackl had three. If Pittsburgh continues this play into the playoffs, they’re going to be a team to be reckoned with. And this week they play the Senators, Islanders, Flyers, then finish the week with a clash of titans match with the Blackhawks.
Next: NHL Player Rankings: Kyle Clifford, Plus All New Appearances
Weekly Prospect Profile: Frederik Tiffels, Western Michigan Univ. (NCAA)
2016-17 stats: 36gp 7g 12a 19pts
Frederik Tiffels is playing in his third season in the NCAA which means he’s ready for the AHL or ECHL next season. And with Pittsburgh having to rebuild soon, Tiffels is going to be a key player. He has tremendous speed who skates like he’s been doing it since he was one. But before all of this he needs to add more weight and strength, this way he’s not knocked off the puck so easily.