NHL Power Rankings: Pittsburgh Falls From Number One, Anaheim Surprises.
Previous Ranking: 27 (-3)
Team Record: (20-53-3)
Goals For:
150
Goals Against:
258
Special Teams
PP: (12.5 percent) (30th)
PK: (76.4 percent) (29th)
Injury List
Nikita Zadorov – Ankle – Out-for-Season
Semyon Varlamov – Groin – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Nathan MacKinnon (76gp 16g 34a 50pts)
Top Defenseman: Tyson Barrie (68gp 6g 29a 35pts)
Top Rookie: Mikko Rantanen (71gp 17g 18a 35pts)
Top Goaltender: Calvin Pickard (13 wins 2.94GAA .906 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Sven Andrighetto (4gp 3g 3a 6pts)
The Avalanche had a season to remember and for them one to forget. So far they have only managed 20 wins and with the season coming to a close, it’s unlikely that they will surpass that number. And last week was a further indication of that as they went 0-4-0 on the week. However, there were some bright spots.
Sven Andrighetto who was acquired at the trade deadline put up six points in four games while Nathan MacKinnon put up five of his own. Rookie Mikko Rantanen had himself a four-point week as well. Both Calvin Pickard and Jeremy Smith played games last week and were far from superb. Pickard earned a record of 0-3-0 with a .876 save percentage with a 3.73 goals-against-average. Smith earned the other loss and along with it a .793 save percentage and a 6.03 goals-against-average. And as stated above, they may not pass 20 wins cause this week they have some tough competition since they have games against St. Louis, Minnesota, and Chicago.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Will Butcher, Univ. Of Denver (NCAA)
2016-17 stats: 41gp 7g 29a 36pts
When a defensive prospect puts up 36 points in 41 games and your team is coming off the worst record in a long time, you can expect Will Butcher to at least get some NHL playing time next season. He’ll most likely be an AHL player, but that won’t stop the Aves from giving him some playing time.
Previous Ranking: 28 (-1)
Team Record: (44-24-8)
Goals For:
244
Goals Against:
195
Special Teams
PP: (20.1 percent) (12th)
PK: (82.1 percent) (10th)
Injury List
Victor Bartley – Triceps – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Mikael Granlund (76gp 25g 41a 66pts)
Top Defenseman: Ryan Suter (76gp 9g 28a 37pts)
Top Rookie: Tyler Graovac (52gp 7g 2a 9pts)
Top Goaltender: Devan Dubnyk (37 wins 2.23GAA .924 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Eric Staal (4gp 3g 1a 4pts)
For a team that has clinched a playoff spot they definitely had a week to forget last week. The Wild posted a record of 0-2-2 which at least gave them two points. Besides Eric Staal and defenseman Jared Spurgeon carrying the team offensively, nothing else was really that solid, including Devan Dubnyk.
Staal had himself a four-point week putting up three goals and a plus-three rating. Spurgeon on the other hand also had a four-point week with three assists but finished as an even player. Now, this is where things get really surprising. Dubnyk played in three of the team’s games last week and in doing so earned a 0-1-2 record along with a dizzying .846 save percentage with a 3.31 goals-against-average. Darcy Kuemper on the other was much worse, earning a regulation loss, a .810 save percentage and a 4.08 goals-against-average. If the Wild want to do some damage in the playoffs, that’s an area that needs to improve. This week they have a chance to rebound since they play Ottawa, Nashville, Colorado, and Carolina.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Nick Boka, Univ. Of Michigan (NCAA)
2016-17 stats: 34gp 2g 2a 4pts
Nick Boka definitely had a season to forget in the NCAA this year as he only put up four points in 34 games. He still has some potential, though, all of the defensive attributes you need to succeed in that position he has.
Previous Ranking: 25 (-3)
Team Record: (30-37-9)
Goals For:
173
Goals Against:
223
Special Teams
PP: (14.0 percent) (29th)
PK: (77.6 percent) (25th)
Injury List
Erik Gudbranson – Wrist – Indefinitely
Troy Stecher – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Jack Skille – Ankle – Day-to-Day
Markus Granlund – Wrist – Indefinitely
Jayson Megna – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Joseph Cramarossa – Foot – Day-to-Day
Jacob Markstrom – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Brendan Gaunce – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Loui Eriksson – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Anton Rodin – Knee – Undisclosed
Derek Dorsett – Shoulder – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Bo Horvat (75gp 20g 30a 50pts)
Top Defenseman: Troy Stecher (65gp 3g 21a 24pts)
Top Rookie: Troy Stecher (65gp 3g 21a 24pts)
Top Goaltender: Ryan Miller (18 wins 2.80GAA .915 save percentage)
Player of the Week: RW Brock Boeser (3gp 2g 0a 2pts)
The Canucks have started looking toward the future with their group, and the early returns are looking good. The Canucks haven’t been winning of late, but their young players have been contributing to their offense. The Canucks lost 4-1 to the Blues to start off their week but took advantage of the struggling Minnesota Wild with a 4-2 victory. They consequently lost 2-1 to the Winnipeg Jets and then 4-1 to the Anaheim Ducks to finish the week 1-3-0.
Rookie Brock Boeser made his NHL debut in style as he scored his first NHL goal in his NHL debut in front of his hometown crowd in Minnesota. Boeser would add another goal in the week to get a flying start to his NHL career. Boeser will be one of the players expected to right the ship in Vancouver and he will spend the summer getting prepared for full-time NHL duty. Bo Horvat is another player that will be expected to lead the turnaround, and his three assists this week prove he is on the right track. Reid Boucher added a pair of goals himself.
The Canucks will finish their season as spoilers as they can all but destroy the L.A. Kings’ playoff chances in a Thursday night battle. The Canucks will face the San Jose Sharks two more times to finish out their week. The season is all about auditions for the remainder of the year, but the Canucks fans’ can be excited to know the team will be younger and more exciting next season.
Weekly Prospect Profile: C Curtis Valk, Utica (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 66gp 16g 26a 42pts
Stop me if you’ve heard this before; we have a small player who can score. Curtis Valk was signed by the Canucks after he made sure the NHL team would take notice. Valk has taken the long road, going from the WHL to the ECHL and now to the AHL. Valk is scoring at a solid rate in the AHL and may see his first taste of NHL action before the season is over. He doesn’t have size but his work ethic may protrude him to the big leagues.
Previous Ranking: 30 (+3)
Team Record: (27-35-14)
Goals For:
174
Goals Against:
224
Special Teams
PP: (18.3 percent) (18th)
PK: (80.1 percent) (21st)
Injury List
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: Taylor Hall (66gp 19g 32a 51pts)
Top Defenseman: Damon Severson (75gp 3g 28a 31pts)
Top Rookie: Pavel Zacha (64gp 8g 15a 23pts)
Top Goaltender: Cory Schneider (20 wins 2.71GAA .911 save percentage)
Player of the Week: LW Taylor Hall (4gp 1g 2a 3pts)
Is it fair to call Taylor Hall a curse? Hall’s former team, The Edmonton Oilers, are heading to the postseason for the first time in ten years, and Taylor Hall’s new team is near the bottom of the NHL Standings. The Devils were the first team in the Eastern Conference to be eliminated from playoff contention. The Devils dropped all four of their games this past week in losses against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets. They salvaged loser points against the Stars and Jets, to finish with a 0-2-2 record.
The aforementioned Taylor Hall brought the offense with three points in four games, but he wasn’t able to be the team’s savior, for this week and the entire season. Defenseman John Moore buried two goals this past week and may have put himself more on Vegas’ radar come expansion time. Travis Zajac and rookie Pavel Zacha were the only other players to put up more than a single point as each player put up two points. The Devils have brought in rookies Blake Pietila and John Quenneville to get an extended look for the remainder of the season. Expect that to be more of the norm as the season winds down for the Devils.
The Devils can play spoiler in their matchups against the New York Islanders on Thursday and effectively end the Philadelphia Flyers doubtful bid with a pair of battles to finish out their week. The Devils can only hope and pray (oh the irony) that they will get into a position to select either Nolan Patrick or Nico Hirschier.
Weekly Prospect Profile: D Yohann Auvitu, Albany (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 23gp 3g 8a 11pts
Yohann Auvitu was a complete unknown when the Devils signed him, but his name wasn’t the only thing that was intriguing about the defender. The France native was signed out of HIFK Helsinki and made the Devils out of camp. Eventually, Auvitu was assigned to the Albany Devils to rediscover his game. As a 27-year-old Auvitu is an older prospect but he will have a shot to make the Devils next season.
Previous Ranking: 24 (-2)
Team Record: (42-26-7)
Goals For:
201
Goals Against:
182
Special Teams
PP: (17.2 percent) (24th)
PK: (80.5 percent) (17th)
Injury List
Micheal Haley – Suspension – March
Logan Couture – Mouth – Day-to-Day
Chris Tierney – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Joe Pavelski (76gp 28g 37a 65pts)
Top Defenseman: Brent Burns (76gp 28g 45a 73pts)
Top Rookie: Kevin Labanc (50gp 7g 12a 19pts)
Top Goaltender: Martin Jones (33 wins 2.37GAA .912 save percentage)
Player of the Week: D Brent Burns (3gp 1g 2a 3pts)
The Pacific Division is there for the taking, and it’s strict because the Sharks let go of the stranglehold they had on it. The Sharks were tail spinning in a six-game losing streak before they snapped the skid with a 5-4 overtime win over the New York Rangers. He Sharks lost in humiliating fashion in their previous games in a 6-1 loss to the Dallas Stars and a 7-2 loss to the Nashville Predators.
Brent Burns has slowed down quite a bit and has fallen out of the Art Ross trophy scoring race, but he did put up a three-point week, albeit with a dreaded -5 rating. Chris Tierney buried two goals on the week and Jannik Hansen scored his first goal as a San Jose Shark while adding an assist. Patrick Marleau, Justin Braun, Joe Thornton, and Mikkel Boedker also put up two-point weeks. Captain Joe Pavelski struggled and Logan Couture was injured, and there is no current timetable for his return. It’s not a good time for the group to be struggling.
The Sharks have allowed the Anaheim Ducks to pass them in the standings, and they are in danger of even falling down to a wild card spot. The good thing is the Pacific Division teams will play one another down the stretch. The Sharks take on the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames in a back to back before two games against the Vancouver Canucks. It’s all up in the air for the Sharks and their divisional rivals.
Weekly Prospect Profile: LW Adam Helewka, San Jose (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 50gp 12g 11a 23pts
Adam Helewka was selected in the 4th round of the 2015 NHL Draft out of the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL and he is in his first professional season. Helewka has scored decent in a secondary role, and the Sharks are hoping he can take the next step next year and become a more prominent scorer. Helewka has a strong two-way game, so all he is missing is a little more scoring.
Previous Ranking: 12 (-13)
Team Record: (27-41-9)
Goals For:
182
Goals Against:
247
Special Teams
PP: (14.3 percent) (27th)
PK: (78.1 percent) (24th)
Injury List
Shane Doan – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Kevin Connauton – Upper-Body – Week-to-Week
Brad Richardson – Leg – Indefinitely
Dave Bolland – Lower-Body – Indefinitely
Chris Pronger – Concussion – Out-for-Season
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Radim Vrbata (77gp 18g 35a 53pts)
Top Defenseman: Oliver Ekman-Larsson (77gp 12g 25a 37pts)
Top Rookie: Christian Dvorak (73gp 12g 17a 29pts)
Top Goaltender: Mike Smith (18 wins 2.96GAA .913 save percentage)
Player of the Week: D Alex Goligoski (4gp 1g 1a 2pts)
The Coyotes looked to be building towards a winning mentality and forgetting about the club’s dreaded start that ended their playoff chances before they began. This past week, the Yotes looked more like the club from the beginning of the year. Arizona lost 3-1 to the Florida Panthers, 4-1 to the Washington Capitals and lost 4-1 and 3-1 to the St. Louis Blues to go winless in a 0-4-0 week.
Alex Goligoski was the only player to score more than a single point, as Goligoski scored a goal and added an assist to bring his totals to 32. Goligoski has been a consistent point producing defender over the last nine years and will be a crucial part of the turnaround in Arizona. The Coyotes signed 2016 1st round pick Clayton Keller and injected him into the lineup immediately. Keller was named the top prospect by The Hockey News in their Future Watch article and will be expected to challenge for the Calder Trophy next season.
The Coyotes will turn the club over to their young guns for the remainder of the season and will see an even greater youth movement by next season. There’s not much else to play for other than pride the rest of the way. The Coyotes will take on the Washington Capitals, Los Angeles Kings and Dallas Stars this week.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Tyler Gaudet, Tucson (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 55gp 4g 15a 19pts
The Arizona Coyotes signed Gaudet as an over-age player out of the OHL after a 61-point season with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Gaudet is lauded for being a defensive specialist and projects to be a fourth-liner in the NHL. His lack of scoring in the AHL is concerning as it is believed you need to score a lot more in the minors to be an effective NHL player. Still, the young man’s Boyd Gordon has an NHL future as a role player.
Previous Ranking: 29 (+5)
Team Record: (33-32-11)
Goals For:
197
Goals Against:
216
Special Teams
PP: (16.9 percent) (25th)
PK: (85.7 percent) (1st)
Injury List
James Reimer – Undisclosed – Day-to-Day
Aaron Ekblad – Neck – Day-to-Day
Denis Malgin – Concussion – Day-to-Day
Roberto Luongo – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Vincent Trocheck (76gp 22g 30a 52pts)
Top Defenseman: Keith Yandle (76gp 5g 35a 40pts)
Top Rookie: Michael Matheson (75gp 5g 10a 15pts)
Top Goaltender: Roberto Luongo (17 wins 2.68GAA .915 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Jonathan Huberdeau (4gp 2g 5a 7pts)
Florida is still very much in the race if they put some wins together, but if they lose a few games this week that’s it for the Panthers. They were off to a hot start last week especially with a 7-0 win over Chicago but then fell in their next two games. But Jonathan Huberdeau was awesome as well as forwards Jonathan Marchessault, and Aleksander Barkov. James Reimer was also solid as well as Reto Berra.
Reimer played in three games last week for the Panthers and in doing so earned a 2-1-0 record with a .917 save percentage and a 2.26 goals-against-average with one shutout. Berra, on the other hand, was even better even though he lost his only game, he posted a .952 save percentage and a 1.17 goals-against-average. Huberdeau though was lights out, he put up seven points in four games with a plus-two rating. Marchessault had himself a six-point week while Barkov put up five points of his own. So if Florida can keep up the scoring and hot goaltending, they may string together a few wins and pull off an upset. But this week won’t be easy as they start off the week with games against Montreal and Boston than end the week with another against the Canadiens.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Matt Buckles, Cornell Univ. (NCAA)
2016-17 stats: 29gp 9g 9a 18pts
Finishing his fourth season in the NCAA it’s not hard to imagine Matt Buckles in the AHL next season. He’s one of those power forwards that also has a very strong two-way game. While he doesn’t possess a piece of his game that stands out the most, he is reliable and doesn’t take a shift off.
Previous Ranking: 21 (-2)
Team Record: (46-26-4)
Goals For:
241
Goals Against:
201
Special Teams
PP: (19.6 percent) (14th)
PK: (79.1 percent) (23rd)
Injury List
Kevin Klein – Back – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Mats Zuccarello (77gp 15g 41a 56pts)
Top Defenseman: Ryan McDonagh (76gp 5g 35a 40pts)
Top Rookie: Brady Skjei (76gp 5g 33a 38pts)
Top Goaltender: Henrik Lundqvist (30 wins 2.74GAA .911 save percentage)
Player of the Week: D Brady Skjei (3gp 1g 3a 4pts)
The New York Rangers were among four of their division mates to clinch a playoff spot during the week. The Rangers had a rather forgettable week even though they clinched the division. The Rangers started the year off with a strong 3-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. They followed that victory up with a 6-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks and a 5-4 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks on the west coast road trip.
Rookie defenseman Brady Skjei is having a very quiet rookie season, but he’s arguably the second-best rookie defender next to Columbus’ Zach Werenski. Skjei had four points on the week, and now has an outstanding 38 points on the season. To say his season has been a surprise is an understatement. Skjei only had 28 points in his first pro season in the AHL. Mika Zibanejad matched Skjei’s production with a goal and three assists himself and Mats Zuccarello put up four assists on the week.
The Rangers are safe in their wild card position and likely won’t jump up to the third seed, so they will wait and see who finishes first in the Atlantic Division to find out their playoff opponent. Either way, the Rangers will have an easier opponent in the first round of the playoffs. The Rangers will play the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, and Washington Capitals next week.
Weekly Prospect Profile: G Tyler Wall, UMass-Lowell (HE)
2016-17 stats: 37gp 26-10-1, 2.06, .918
The Rangers have quite a few young goaltenders in their prospect pool, so it looks like their searching for the heir to King Henrik’s throne. Wall is one of the best goaltenders in his league, and the 2016 6th round draft pick hopes to be a trailblazer for late-blooming goaltenders. Wall played his junior hockey in the junior B league GOJHL before landing a scholarship at UMass-Lowell
Previous Ranking: 20 (-2)
Team Record: (35-28-12)
Goals For:
219
Goals Against:
228
Special Teams
PP: (15.2 percent) (26th)
PK: (81.3 percent) (12th)
Injury List
Nikolai Kulemin – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Ryan Strome – Wrist – Indefinitely
Johnny Boychuk – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Mikhail Grabovski – Concussion – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: John Tavares (75gp 28g 37a 65pts)
Top Defenseman: Nick Leddy (74gp 11g 30a 41pts)
Top Rookie: Anthony Beauvillier (59gp 8g 13a 21pts)
Top Goaltender: Thomas Greiss (25 wins 2.64GAA .914 save percentage)
Player of the Week: LW Josh Bailey (3gp 1g 2a 3pts)
The New York Islanders continue to remain in the playoff battle, but their chances took a shot in this past week. After the Isles pulled out a 4-3 shootout win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, they dropped their next two games in regulation. The Islanders lost a crucial game against the Boston Bruins 2-1 and then lost 3-1 to the Nashville Predators.
Josh Bailey continued his career production with another three points on the week. Bailey is now up to 52 points on the season, besting his previous career high of 41 set two years ago in the 2014-15 season. Bailey’s production is second to only captain John Tavares. Tavares matched Bailey’s three points on the week and continues to prove he is the engine that keeps the Islanders running. Brock Nelson was the only other Islander to best a single point as he buried a goal and an assist. This week also saw the return of Jaroslav Halak, who won his only start while Thomas Greiss dropped both of his games, although not on his own.
The Islanders don’t have a particularly difficult schedule in the upcoming week, so the three points they need to make up to become a playoff team aren’t out of reach. The Isles have a back to back against the Philadelphia Flyers and lowly New Jersey Devils. They finish out their week with a Sunday matinee against the Buffalo Sabres and a Tuesday night matchup against the Nashville Predators. Doug Weight has done a tremendous job since taking over for Jack Capuano and a playoff birth would guarantee a permanent job offer.
Weekly Prospect Profile: D AnDong Song, Madison (USHL)
2016-17 stats: 47gp 0g 2a 2pts
The only Chinese player to be drafted into the NHL, Song will get his fair share of headlines. As a player Song is lauded for being a strong and sturdy defender, but he has little to no offensive capabilities. Song played prep hockey in Oakville to get on NHL radars and is currently plying his trade in the USHL. He doesn’t project to be a player worth signing, but he is a cool story to follow.
Previous Ranking: 19 (-2)
Team Record: (36-33-7)
Goals For:
185
Goals Against:
189
Special Teams
PP: (19.4 percent) (15th)
PK: (84.8 percent) (5th)
Injury List
Nick Shore – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Matt Greene – Back – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Jeff Carter (76gp 32g 30a 62pts)
Top Defenseman: Drew Doughty (76gp 9g 32a 41pts)
Top Rookie: Derek Forbort (76gp 2g 14a 16pts)
Top Goaltender: Jonathan Quick (5 wins 2.19GAA .922 save percentage)
Player of the Week: RW Jarome Iginla (4gp 2g 1a 3pts)
The Kings have all but been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, but they are still holding on. To say the year has been disappointing would be an understatement. The Kings lost crucial games over the past two weeks to effectively take themselves out of the playoff picture. They started their week off with a 5-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets and then lost 3-0 to the New York Rangers. They allowed the Edmonton Oilers to clinch a playoff spot in a 2-1 loss before redeeming themselves against the Calgary Flames in a 4-1 victory.
Don’t tell Jarome Iginla that he may be playing his last few NHL games because he doesn’t want to back down. Iggy scored a pair of goals and added an assist this past week as he possibly winds down his incredible career. Iginla was dynamite in the Kings’ win over his former team in Calgary by scoring a Gordie Howe hat trick. Anze Kopitar led the way offensively with a four-point week, while Jake Muzzin and Marian Gaborik (who was a healthy scratch against the Oilers) had three points.
The Kings need to win every game the rest of the way to make the playoffs and need either the Predators, Flames, and Blues to lose every game, so let’s just say the Kings are going to be golfing early. The team is in dire need of scoring next season, and their only addition this year was a second starting goalie when they added Ben Bishop. The Kings will take on the Vancouver Canucks, Arizona Coyotes, and Edmonton Oilers to finish out the second last week of the season. The domination of the Kings’ club is officially over and they will need to undergo a bit of a facelift in the offseason to return to the dance.
Weekly Prospect Profile: C Alexander Dergachyov, St. Petersburg (KHL)
2016-17 stats: 31gp 0g 3a 3pts
The Kings have had to look for diamonds in the rough and that is why they have to look near and far. In the case of Alexander Dergachyov, the Kings are hoping they have found a potential scorer that is buried in the KHL. Dergachyov has not had much ice time in the KHL like most players his age do, but it is expected that he will cross the pond next season.
Previous Ranking: 18 (-2)
Team Record: (31-34-11)
Goals For:
207
Goals Against:
242
Special Teams
PP: (18.1 percent) (20th)
PK: (74.0 percent) (30th)
Injury List
Patrick Sharp – Hip – Out-for-Season
Jiri Hudler – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Antoine Roussel – Hand – April
Mattias Janmark – Knee – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Tyler Seguin (76gp 25g 45a 70pts)
Top Defenseman: John Klingberg (74gp 12g 33a 45pts)
Top Rookie: Devin Shore (76gp 11g 19a 30pts)
Top Goaltender: Kari Lehtonen (20 wins 2.81GAA .905 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Ales Hemsky (4gp 3g 1a 4pts)
With the Stars officially eliminated from all playoff hope, they have one thing left to play for, and that’s pride. And with the record they posted last week of 2-1-1, it just wasn’t enough. But some good things did happen. Ales Hemsky and Jamie Benn were on fire as well as goaltender Kari Lehtonen.
Hemsky finally had himself a solid week for the Stars and in doing so earned four points in four games, three of which were goals. Benn on the other hand also had a four-point week with three assists, and both combined for a plus-four rating. Lehtonen was great as well even though he played in all four games. He earned the 2-1-1 record but that’s fine when you post a .923 save percentage and a 1.96 goals-against-average. Hopefully, he can carry this over to next season if he’s not traded of course. As for the Stars this week, they have games against Boston, Carolina, Tampa Bay, and Arizona.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Rhett Gardner, Univ. Of North Dakota (NCAA)
2016-17 stats: 38gp 8g 13a 21pts
Coming off his second NCAA season, Rhett Gardner may just be heading back to North Dakota next season. He’s not expected to put up blistering seasons point wise, but what he will do is take the body and be a force to be reckoned with on the ice.
Previous Ranking: 22 (+3)
Team Record: (36-32-8)
Goals For:
200
Goals Against:
222
Special Teams
PP: (19.3 percent) (16th)
PK: (79.3 percent) (22nd)
Injury List
Nick Cousins – Upper-Body – Indefinitely
Michael Raffl – Lower-Body – April
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Jakub Voracek (76gp 19g 38a 57pts)
Top Defenseman: Shayne Gostisbehere (70gp 7g 27a 34pts)
Top Rookie: Travis Konecny (64gp 11g 17a 28pts)
Top Goaltender: Steve Mason (24 wins 2.70GAA .907 save percentage)
Player of the Week: C Jordan Weal (4gp 2g 1a 3pts)
The Philadelphia Flyers fell out of a perennial playoff spot weeks ago, and now it may be too late. Nonetheless, the Flyers had a week that gives them hope. The Flyers began their week with a 3-1 win over the suddenly struggling Minnesota Wild and then lost 1-0 to the Columbus Blue Jackets. They destroyed their divisional rival in Pittsburgh with a 6-2 victory and then topped off their week with a 3-2 shootout win over the Senators. The Flyers finished their week with a 3-1-0 record, and that brought them to within six points of a playoff spot. Sadly, it looks to be too late.
Rookie Jordan Weal was recalled after he put up an incredible 47 points in 43 AHL games and he is looking like a real NHL player. Weal put up a three-point week and now has eight points in 18 NHL games this year. The man dubbed “Ghost Bear” put up a three-point week as well, as did Brayden Schenn and Claude Giroux.
The Flyers have had a decent season, but they will ultimately come up short of a playoff spot. They have a good foundation, but the group needs to find more strength in between the pipes. Everyone knows the Michal Neuvirth/Steve Mason combination doesn’t work. The Flyers will take on the New York Islanders on Thursday in what could be the nail-in-the-coffin game. They will take on the New York Rangers once and New Jersey Devils twice to finish out the week.
Weekly Prospect Profile: G Carter Hart, Everett (WHL)
2016-17 stats: 54gp 32-11-2, 1.99, .927
Carter Hart was the first goaltender selected in the 2016 draft at 48th overall. His numbers have improved every season with the Everett Silvertips and his status only grew as he was pegged as the starting goaltender for the Canadian World Junior team. Hart stole the job from Connor Ingram and showed why he has potential to be a starting goaltender in the NHL. Hart has one more season of junior hockey before turning pro so there is still tons of time for him to develop.
Previous Ranking: 26 (+8)
Team Record: (32-33-12)
Goals For:
193
Goals Against:
221
Special Teams
PP: (25.3 percent) (1st)
PK: (77.3 percent) (27th)
Injury List
Kyle Okposo – Illness – Day-to-Day
Rasmus Ristolainen – Suspension – April
Cody Franson – Undisclosed – Day-to-Day
Taylor Fedun – Foot – Day-to-Day
Johan Larsson – Wrist – Out-for-Season
Cody McCormick – Leg – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Jack Eichel (56gp 23g 32a 55pts)
Top Defenseman: Rasmus Ristolainen (74gp 5g 39a 44pts)
Top Rookie: Evan Rodrigues (25gp 4g 2a 6pts)
Top Goaltender: Robin Lehner (22 wins 2.63GAA .922 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Jack Eichel (3gp 2g 3a 5pts)
The Sabres have been on quite the little streak as of late that was unfortunately ended by the Blue Jackets. But during this streak, Jack Eichel also had himself a solid week as well as Ryan O’Reilly. And both Robin Lehner and Anders Nilsson were great too.
Buffalo has officially been eliminated from any playoff hope, but that’s not stopping them from trying to ruin the nights of teams that are in. Lehner played in two games last week earning an undefeated record of 2-0-0 along with a .939 save percentage and a 2.00 goals-against-average. Nilsson was just as good despite earning the team’s only loss, he put up a .929 save percentage with a 2.07 goals-against-average. Now let’s shift focus to the offense, Jack Eichel has been on fire since returning and is now almost a point-per-game player. And last week he put up five points in three games, O’Reilly was just as good with four points of his own, unfortunately, they both combined for an even rating. But now that Buffalo has been eliminated points don’t really matter to them, the only thing that matters is pride now. So now they can go out this week and try to ruin the chances of other teams as they play the Islanders, Maple Leafs, and Canadiens.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Christopher Brown, Boston College (NCAA)
2016-17 stats: 34gp 9g 17a 26pts
Christopher Brown isn’t the most skilled prospect Buffalo has but he still possesses some talent. Putting up a career high in points in the NCAA this season, Brown is expected to return to Boston College if he doesn’t crack the AHL. He’s an incredibly strong two-way forward who has some very significant offensive instincts.
Previous Ranking: 1 (-16)
Team Record: (46-19-11)
Goals For:
259
Goals Against:
216
Special Teams
PP: (22.4 percent) (5th)
PK: (80.4 percent) (19th)
Injury List
Chad Ruhwedel – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Matt Cullen – Illness – Day-to-Day
Conor Sheary – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Jake Guentzel – Concussion – Day-to-Day
Tom Sestito – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
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
Trevor Daley – Lower-Body – April
Olli Maatta – Hand – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Sidney Crosby (70gp 42g 40a 82pts)
Top Defenseman: Justin Schultz (73gp 12g 36a 48pts)
Top Rookie: Jake Guentzel (35gp 11g 14a 25pts)
Top Goaltender: Matthew Murray (28 wins 2.40GAA .923 save percentage)
Player of the Week: C Matt Cullen (4gp 2g 2a 4pts)
The Penguins have had better weeks, to say the least. Trying to keep pace with the Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets, the Pens fell under the pressure and were only able to nab two points in four games this past week. They began the week with back to back shootout losses to the Ottawa Senators and New York Islanders. They hit a new low with a 6-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers and then fell 5-1 to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Veteran Matt Cullen was the most productive forward up front scoring four points splitting goals and assists. The 40-year-old continues to surprise with his two-way game and his solid secondary scoring production. Better yet, Cullen does his best work in the playoffs. Sidney Crosby was quiet this past week as he loses his grip on the Art Ross trophy falling seven points behind the Oilers’ Connor McDavid. Crosby was only able to score one goal this past week and he’ll need to find another gear to finish out the season. AHL veteran Cameron Gaunce had a goal and an assist this past week and the 26-year-old has taken advantage of the injuries on the Penguins blueline.
The Penguins will have a chance to end their four-game skid with a matchup against division rival New York Rangers. The Pens will then take on the Carolina Hurricanes and finish the week off with a potential playoff preview against the Columbus Blue Jackets. It’s looking like the defending Cup champions will not get home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs as they have fallen a bit behind the Jackets and Capitals.
Weekly Prospect Profile: D Derrick Pouliot, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 39gp 6g 14a 20pts
The Penguins acquired the right to select Derrick Pouliot in the 2012 Draft at 8th overall via the Jordan Staal trade with the Carolina Hurricanes. Pouliot had a tremendous WHL career, but he has not been able to solidify himself as an NHL player and has been past by the likes of Jacob Trouba (9th), Cody Ceci (15th) and Olli Maatta (22nd). Pouliot is a strong power play quarterback and I saw him play in the Super Series against Russia live, and he was the best player on the ice. Pouliot’s chances are winding down and may need a change of scenery.
Previous Ranking: 9 (-7)
Team Record: (41-25-9)
Goals For:
196
Goals Against:
194
Special Teams
PP: (17.9 percent) (22nd)
PK: (80.5 percent) (18th)
Injury List
Viktor Stalberg – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Marc Methot – Finger – Week-to-Week
Chris Neil – Finger – Day-to-Day
Clarke MacArthur – Concussion – Out-for-Season
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Mike Hoffman (75gp 22g 33a 55pts)
Top Defenseman: Erik Karlsson (75gp 15g 53a 68pts)
Top Rookie: Fredrik Claesson (26gp 2g 8a 10pts)
Top Goaltender: Craig Anderson (22 wins 2.30GAA .927 save percentage)
Player of the Week: G Mike Condon (1gp 1w 0.92GAA .971 save percentage)
The Senators put up a .500 week last week going 1-1-1 earning three of a possible six points. This is good for a team sitting second in the Atlantic. Kyle Turris carried the Sens offensively last week while both Craig Anderson and Mike Condon were solid.
Condon only played in one game but in doing so earned himself a 1-0-0 record and a blistering .971 save percentage with a 0.92 goals-against-average. Anderson wasn’t as good but was still pretty solid despite the 0-1-1 record. He had a .915 save percentage with a 2.44 goals-against-average. Turris had himself a three point week while finishing as a plus one. Both Erik Karlsson and Mike Hoffman combined for four points and a plus-one rating as well. The Sens have a tough start to this week but it finishes off quite smoothly as they play Minnesota, Winnipeg, and then back to back games against Detroit.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Filip Ahl, Regina (WHL)
2016-17 stats: 54gp 28g 20a 48pts
Filip Ahl played his first season in North America this year for the Regina Pats in the WHL. And in doing so did quite good putting up 48 points in 54 games. He’s a highly skilled winger that possesses all the offensive attributes to succeed, what’s also great is the fact that he’s just as good defensively.
Previous Ranking: 16 (+1)
Team Record: (35-35-7)
Goals For:
229
Goals Against:
244
Special Teams
PP: (18.3 percent) (19th)
PK: (76.9 percent) (29th)
Injury List
Ben Chiarot – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Paul Postma – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Shawn Matthias – Shoulder – Out-for-Season
Toby Enstrom – Concussion – Indefinitely
Ondrej Pavelec – Knee – Day-to-Day
Tyler Myers – Lower-Body – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Mark Scheifele (74gp 29g 48a 77pts)
Top Defenseman: Dustin Byfuglien (75gp 12g 36a 48pts)
Top Rookie: Patrik Laine (68gp 34g 27a 61pts)
Top Goaltender: Connor Hellebuyck (24 wins 2.94GAA .905 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Blake Wheeler (4gp 1g 4a 5pts)
Winnipeg has been officially eliminated from the playoffs, however, they did manage to string together a .500 week with a 2-2-0 record. Mathieu Perreault and Blake Wheeler had solid weeks as well as Mark Scheifele, and Michael Hutchinson.
Hutchinson played in two games last week putting up a 1-1-0 record along with a very respectable .952 save percentage and a 1.50 goals-against-average. Connor Hellebuyck, on the other hand, wasn’t so great, he obviously earned a 1-1-0 record but his stats were definitely hurting. He only had a save percentage of .864 and a 3.84 goals-against-average. Perreault had himself five points, two of which were goals, however, he finished with a horrendous minus five rating. Wheeler also had a five-point week but managed to stay at a plus one. So now that they have been eliminated what do the Jets do now? Evaluate some players, play for pride and try to cause some upsets. And this week they have a chance to do so as they have games against Anaheim, Ottawa, and St. Louis, all playoff teams.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Mason Appleton, Michigan State Univ. (NCAA)
2016-17 stats: 35gp 12g 19a 31pts
Mason Appleton just finished his NCAA season where he put up 31 points in 35 games. A strong a skilled forward, he’s yet another key piece to the Jets future. He could very well make his move to the AHL next season if he’s ready, if not another year in the NCAA won’t hurt.
Previous Ranking: 23 (+9)
Team Record: (31-33-12)
Goals For:
189
Goals Against:
224
Special Teams
PP: (14.1 percent) (28th)
PK: (82.1 percent) (11th)
Injury List
Andreas Athanasiou – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Luke Glendening – 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 (76gp 16g 47a 63pts)
Top Defenseman: Mike Green (66gp 12g 21a 33pts)
Top Rookie: Anthony Mantha (59gp 17g 19a 36pts)
Top Goaltender: Petr Mrazek (17 wins 2.99GAA .902 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Gustav Nyquist (4gp 0g 5a 5pts)
After 25 years the Red Wings won’t be making the playoffs, but that’s not stopping them from going out and competing every night. Last week they posted a 2-1-1 record with Gustav Nyquist carrying the team offensively. And both Jimmy Howard and Petr Mrazek split the workload.
Howard played in two of the games last week for the Red Wings and in doing so earned a 1-1-0 record, his save percentage took a big hit as it was only .897 and his goals-against-average wasn’t much better at 2.95. Mrazek, on the other hand, was much better, he posted a record of 1-0-1 and had a .932 save percentage with a 2.39 goals-against-average. Nyquist was solid too putting up five points in four games while finishing as a plus one. And both Andreas Athanasiou and Henrik Zetterberg combined for six points. Now that the Wings are out they have very little to do but get ready for next season, and why not start some evaluations this week. And they may do so since they play Tampa Bay, Toronto, and then back to back games against Ottawa.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Adam Almqvist, HV71 (SHL)
2016-17 stats: 52gp 4g 14a 18pts
Selected way back in the 2009 entry draft, Adam Almqvist has yet to make an impact in the NHL, he has played a few seasons in the AHL though. In order for him to keep thriving in North American hockey, he needs to work on his skating big time as well as his strength.
Previous Ranking: 2 (-11)
Team Record: (43-30-4)
Goals For:
212
Goals Against:
208
Special Teams
PP: (20.3 percent) (10th)
PK: (80.8 percent) (14th)
Injury List
Ladislav Smid – Neck – Out-for-Season
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Johnny Gaudreau (67gp 17g 42a 59pts)
Top Defenseman: Dougie Hamilton (76gp 13g 36a 49pts)
Top Rookie: Matthew Tkachuk (71gp 13g 33a 46pts)
Top Goaltender: Brian Elliott (25 wins 2.51GAA .911 save percentage)
Player of the Week: C Sean Monahan (4gp 2g 5a 7pts)
The Calgary Flames had a chance to clinch a playoff spot if they were able to defeat the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday. They were not able to as they fell 4-1 to the Kings and will need to wait another day to clinch a playoff spot The Flames began the week with a 3-1 loss to the Nashville Predators and won 3-2 in overtime over the St. Louis Blues and 4-2 over the Colorado Avalanche. The Flames will be going to the playoffs but it’s looking like they will be doing so from a wild card spot.
Sean Monahan was hot this past week scoring two goals and five assists in just four games. Monahan had a very slow start but he has been able to find his game again and is on pace with the past two seasons. Monahan has 57 points this season and has an outside chance to beat last year’s production of 63 points. Johnny Gaudreau followed suit with his line mate by producing six points in the week and bringing his team-leading total to 59 points. Matthew Tkachuk likely made the most headlines as the youngster stirred up veteran Drew Doughty and then answered the bell playing a solid agitating role in the loss against the Kings. Do we have the next Brad Marchand?
The Flames will have another chance to clinch a playoff spot and move up in the standings with a crucial matchup against the San Jose Sharks before they face off against the Anaheim Ducks twice to finish out the second last week of the season. If the Flames can put up two wins in the upcoming week, they will have a shot at the Division title, but it’s an uphill battle. Either way, the club has been hot this past month and will be able to parlay that into a possible playoff streak.
Weekly Prospect Profile: D Josh Healey, Ohio State (Big10)
2016-17 stats: 35gp 4g 21a 25pts
The day before the Flames signed Josh Healey, a viral video went around proclaiming Healey to be the next Scott Stevens. Stevens, of course, is known for his ability to dish out bone crushing hits, and if Healey brings half of what Stevens brought, then the NHL should be alarmed. It’s been said that Healey hits too hard for college hockey, so the Flames definitely have a hammer on their hands. Healey will begin his pro career shortly as he’s expected to sign an amateur tryout with the Stockton Heat.
Previous Ranking: 17 (+5)
Team Record: (40-30-6)
Goals For:
218
Goals Against:
203
Special Teams
PP: (20.7 percent) (8th)
PK: (85.1 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 (76gp 37g 44a 81pts)
Top Defenseman: Torey Krug (76gp 7g 41a 48pts)
Top Rookie: Brandon Carlo (76gp 6g 9a 15pts)
Top Goaltender: Tuukka Rask (34 wins 2.35GAA .910 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Riley Nash (3gp 3g 2a 5pts)
Boston needed a winning week last week and they got one with a 2-1-0 record, they now hold the second wild card spot in the east because of it. The only question now is can they keep it up and hold it. Riley Nash had himself a solid week as well as Dominic Moore.
Nash was very solid last week putting up five points in three games, Moore wasn’t too far behind with four points of his own. And they both combined for a plus-eight rating which is also superb. Both Tuukka Rask and Anton Khudobin appeared in games last week for the Bruins. Rask played in two earning a 1-1-0 record along with a .887 save percentage and a 3.03 goals-against-average. Khudobin, on the other hand, was much better with a .947 save percentage and a 1.00 goals-against-average and a 1-0-0 record. As they regular season comes to an end the Bruins are in need of more points, and this week they’ll get a hand with that since they play the Stars, Panthers, Blackhawks, and Lightning.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Anders Bjork, Univ of. Notre Dame (NCAA)
2016-17 stats: 38gp 21g 31a 52pts
Anders Bjork is coming off a career season in the NCAA where he scored 52 points in 38 games. Which isn’t too surprising granted how gifted of a player he is. He’ll most likely be making his jump to pro next season with the majority of his time being spent in the AHL.
Previous Ranking: 6 (-5)
Team Record: (43-24-9)
Goals For:
208
Goals Against:
188
Special Teams
PP: (20.2 percent) (11th)
PK: (80.4 percent) (20th)
Injury List
Al Montoya – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Nikita Nesterov – Undisclosed – Day-to-Day
Brian Flynn – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Max Pacioretty (76gp 34g 29a 63pts)
Top Defenseman: Shea Weber (76gp 17g 25a 42pts)
Top Rookie: Artturi Lehkonen (67gp 14g 8a 22pts)
Top Goaltender: Carey Price (35 wins 2.23GAA .924 save percentage)
Player of the Week: D Andrei Markov (3gp 2g 2a 4pts)
Montreal put up a much needed 2-1-0 record last week since they sit first in the Atlantic with a few teams nipping at their heels. And in doing so Andrei Markov was solid, actually carrying the team offensively. But both Max Pacioretty and rookie Artturi Lehkonen were great as well. Carey Price played in all three games and in doing so was pretty close to perfect.
Price obviously earned the 2-1-0 record but what’s great for him is the fact he posted a .939 save percentage and a 1.67 goals-against-average. Something he will have to continue doing, even in the playoffs. Another surprise is the fact defenseman Andrei Markov carried the team offensively with four points in three games as well as putting up a plus-two rating. Both Pacioretty and Lehkonen had themselves three-point weeks but combined for an even rating. This week the Canadiens have a chance to put a serious gap between them and the rest of the East as they have a very easy week. They start the week against Florida, Tampa Bay, then another game against Florida before finishing against Buffalo.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Simon Bourque, Saint John (QMJHL)
2016-17 stats: 30gp 7g 21a 28pts
Simon Bourque had a terrific year this year in the QMJHL, he started the season with Rimouski putting up 28 points in 29 games but was later traded to Saint John where he put up another 28 points but this time in 30 games. That’s 56 points in 59 games, not bad for a defenseman. He has a tremendous on-ice vision and can move the puck extremely well, he can read plays often before they happen. What else is great is the fact that his defensive skills are just as good.
Previous Ranking: 14 (+4)
Team Record: (37-29-9)
Goals For:
210
Goals Against:
210
Special Teams
PP: (22.5 percent) (4th)
PK: (81.1 percent) (13th)
Injury List
Jason Garrison – 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 (68gp 38g 42a 80pts)
Top Defenseman: Victor Hedman (72gp 15g 50a 65pts)
Top Rookie: Brayden Point (61gp 13g 19a 32pts)
Top Goaltender: Andrei Vasilevskiy (19 wins 2.67GAA .915 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Nikita Kucherov (3gp 4g 3a 7pts)
Sitting right on the cusp of the final wild-card spot in the East, Tampa needed to put up a winning week last week to close the gap and they did just that with a perfect 3-0-0 record. Nikita Kucherov keeps showing the Bolts management that even without Steven Stamkos this team can achieve. But he wasn’t the only one who had a great week, so did Ondrej Palat, Jonathan Drouin, Victor Hedman, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Peter Budaj.
Vasilevskiy played two of the team’s games last week meaning he earned himself two wins, but to top it off he had a .915 save percentage and a 2.47 goals-against-average. Budaj was just as great earning the other win while putting up a .912 save percentage and a 2.71 goals-against-average. But back to Kucherov, this has to be over 10 times now he’s been player of the week for the Bolts. He put up seven points in three games last week in which four were goals. Palat had himself a six-point week while Drouin and Hedman combined for ten points and a plus-two rating. Hopefully, for the Bolts, they can continue their hot play this week as they play Detroit, Montreal, Dallas, and Boston.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Carter Ashton, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
2016-17 stats: 59gp 18g 10a 28pts
Carter Ashton has been a part of the Lightning organization for quite a while now. Originally signed back in 2012 as a college free agent he was later traded to Toronto for defenseman Keith Aulie. The Leafs later traded him back to Tampa in 2015 along with David Broll for a draft pick. And since then Carter’s been playing in the KHL. He just needs to improve his defensive game in order to thrive in the NHL or he’s gonna be a minor league guy forever, he’s also expected to play for Torpedo once again next season in the KHL.
Previous Ranking: 15 (+6)
Team Record: (51-17-8)
Goals For:
248
Goals Against:
170
Special Teams
PP: (22.7 percent) (3rd)
PK: (84.5 percent) (7th)
Injury List
N/A
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Nicklas Backstrom (76gp 22g 60a 82pts)
Top Defenseman: John Carlson (70gp 9g 28a 37pts)
Top Rookie: Jakub Vrana (21gp 3g 3a 6pts)
Top Goaltender: Braden Holtby (40 wins 2.04GAA .926 save percentage)
Player of the Week: LW Marcus Johansson (4gp 1g 7a 8pts)
If you thought the Capitals wanted another President’s Trophy, then you would be correct. While it’s not the prize they really want, the Capitals went on an offensive rampage this past week. The Capitals beat their biggest competition for the President’s Trophy in Columbus with a 2-1 shootout victory. They then defeated the Arizona Coyotes 4-1, and Alex Ovechkin terrorized Devan Dubnyk in a 5-4 overtime victory over the Minnesota Wild. They finished the week off with a 5-3 win over the bottom dweller Colorado Avalanche to finish the week a perfect 4-0-0.
Marcus Johansson quietly put up a solid eight-point week to bring his career-high total to 54 points on the season. Johansson’s previous career high was the 47 he set in the 2014-15 season. As previously mentioned Alex Ovechkin buried a hat trick against the Minnesota Wild to bring his goal total to 33. While it’s not the big number we are used to seeing attached to Ovechkin’s goal column, it still meant he has scored over 30 goals in each of his 12 NHL seasons. Kevin Shattenkirk and Nicklas Backstrom were their regular productive selves tallying five and four assists on the week respectively.
The Caps will take on the Arizona Coyotes in a late-night battle on Friday before a possible President’s Trophy-clinching game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday. They will take on the Toronto Maple Leafs to close out the second last week of the season. The Caps have been dominant in the regular season for far too long without any reasonable playoff success, so we will have to wait and see if this year is finally the year.
Weekly Prospect Profile: C Chandler Stephenson, Hershey (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 65gp 9g 26a 35pts
The Caps have depth throughout every aspect of their lineup, so it’s difficult for prospects to break through to the big club. Stephenson plays a role that is easier to break into as a checking center. Stephenson has seen 12 NHL games so far in his young career, but next year it is expected that he will compete for full-time NHL duty. Known as a solid penalty killer, Stephenson has done his time in the trenches and may get rewarded with some playoff time if he earns a recall.
Previous Ranking: 10 (+2)
Team Record: (36-24-15)
Goals For:
230
Goals Against:
221
Special Teams
PP: (23.3 percent) (2nd)
PK: (82.4 percent) (9th)
Injury List
Frederik Andersen – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Josh Leivo – Undisclosed – Day-to-Day
Roman Polak – Suspension – March
Eric Fehr – Upper-Body – Day-to-Day
Nikita Soshnikov – Undisclosed – 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 (75gp 35g 27a 62pts)
Top Defenseman: Jake Gardiner (75gp 9g 27a 36pts)
Top Rookie: Auston Matthews (75gp 35g 27a 62pts)
Top Goaltender: Frederik Andersen (30 wins 2.66GAA .918 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Auston Matthews (3gp 2g 2a 4pts)
Toronto has been a massive surprise all season, from having three rookies in the top five rookie scoring race and having all three set new franchise records among rookies. Now they sit in third place in the Atlantic primed for a playoff spot. And speaking of the rookies two of them carried the team offensively last week while Curtis McElhinney was solid but Frederik Andersen was not.
Andersen didn’t quite have the week he was hoping for, being pulled from his only game due to injury is never a good thing and neither are the stats attached. He had a .875 save percentage and a 6.11 goals-against-average. McElhinney, on the other hand, earned the team’s 2-1-0 record while putting up a solid .914 save percentage and a 2.63 goals-against-average. Now let’s get back to the rookies, Mitch Marner set a franchise record with most assists by a rookie, Auston Matthews set a franchise record with most goals by a rookie and William Nylander set a franchise record with a 10 game point scoring streak as a rookie. And both Matthews and Nylander put up four points last week and combined for a plus-two rating. Connor Brown and Leo Komarov also had solid weeks combining for six points and a rating of plus-three. For the sake of Toronto fans, let’s hope they can put together another solid week and keep their spot in the playoffs. And it all begins this week as they play Nashville, Detroit, Buffalo, and Washington.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Miro Aaltonen, Vityaz Podolsk (KHL)
2016-17 stats: 59gp 19g 25a 44pts
Originally drafted by the Anaheim Ducks back in 2013, Miro Aaltonen was never offered an entry level deal and became a free agent this season. So the Leafs went out and signed him to a three-year entry level deal. Which was a great idea, he’s a highly talented forward who can play any forward position, the only things he needs to work on is his strength and physicality.
Previous Ranking: 13 (+6)
Team Record: (39-26-11)
Goals For:
226
Goals Against:
210
Special Teams
PP: (20.0 percent) (13th)
PK: (80.7 percent) (16th)
Injury List
Yannick Weber – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Mike Fisher – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Miikka Salomaki – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Ryan Johansen (76gp 13g 45a 58pts)
Top Defenseman: Roman Josi (67gp 11g 36a 47pts)
Top Rookie: Kevin Fiala (48gp 9g 5a 14pts)
Top Goaltender: Pekka Rinne (30 wins 2.49GAA .916 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Craig Smith (4gp 1g 4a 5pts)
For a team sitting third in the Central division, Nashville needed to put up a solid week last week and they did with a 3-1-0 record. Both Craig Smith and Colin Wilson had tremendous weeks along with Pekka Rinne and Juuse Saros.
Rinne played in three of the team’s games last week and in doing so earned a 2-1-0 record along with a .928 save percentage and a 2.01 goals-against-average. Saros was much better earning himself a win while posting a .960 save percentage and a 1.00 goals-against-average. Smith was great putting up five points in four games, four of which being assists and finishing with a plus-seven rating. Colin Wilson wasn’t too far behind as he also had himself a five point week but finished as a plus six. Nashville has a chance to gain more ground this week as they have games against Toronto, Minnesota, St. Louis, and the Islanders.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Taylor Aronson, Lada Togliatti (KHL)
2016-17 stats: 51gp 2g 13a 15pts
Taylor Aronson has been with the Nashville for quite some time now since 2010 to be exact. After playing for Milwaukee the last two seasons he opted to play in the KHL this year. This will be good for his development as a defenseman since he still has a few things to work on.
Previous Ranking: 11 (+5)
Team Record: (42-25-9)
Goals For:
225
Goals Against:
196
Special Teams
PP: (22.4 percent) (6th)
PK: (80.8 percent) (15th)
Injury List
Tyler Pitlick – Leg – Out-for-Season
Andrew Ference – Hip – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Connor McDavid (76gp 27g 62a 89pts)
Top Defenseman: Andrej Sekera (74gp 8g 27a 35pts)
Top Rookie: Drake Caggiula (54gp 6g 10a 16pts)
Top Goaltender: Cam Talbot (38 wins 2.37GAA .920 save percentage)
Player of the Week: C Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (3gp 1g 4a 5pts)
The wait is over! After a lengthy ten seasons without a playoff birth, the Edmonton Oilers clinched their first ticket to the playoffs with a 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. The Oilers preceded their playoff-clinching win with two wins over the lowly Colorado Avalanche to finish the week in a perfect fashion and a 3-0-0 record. The Oilers are in a position to win a Pacific Division title, but they will be in a dogfight with the Ducks, Sharks, and Flames.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has not had the most productive season to this point, but his offense is starting to come in at the right time. The Nuge had his best week of the season with five points in the three games, including an assist on the game-winner in L.A. Drake Caggiula also had his best week of the season with two goals and two assists. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continued their torching of the NHL as the duo is now on twin eight-game point streaks. The Oilers have all four lines running at the right time, and it looks like Cam Talbot put his two bad starts behind him with a game-saving performance against the Los Angeles Kings.
The Oilers may be going to the playoffs, but they won’t be able to take their foot off the pedal if they want to gain home ice advantage and possibly the division title. They will take on the struggling San Jose Sharks on Thursday before a Saturday night matchup against the Anaheim Ducks. Those games will be crucial in the standings placement. The Oilers will finish the week with a rematch against the Los Angeles Kings.
Weekly Prospect Profile: C Greg Chase, Bakersfield (AHL)
2016-17 stats: 45gp 3g 9a 12pts
The Oilers believed they had stolen Greg Chase when they selected him with a 7th round selection in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Chase’s agitating game has continued in his progression as a pro player, but the offensive upside has left him. Chase has underwhelmed in his second pro season, but he still has enough talent to get a chance to play in the NHL.
Previous Ranking: 8 (+3)
Team Record: (49-19-7)
Goals For:
235
Goals Against:
172
Special Teams
PP: (20.6 percent) (9th)
PK: (82.8 percent) (8th)
Injury List
Oliver Bjorkstrand – Undisclosed – Day-to-Day
David Clarkson – Back – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Cam Atkinson (75gp 34g 27a 61pts)
Top Defenseman: Zach Werenski (75gp 11g 36a 47pts)
Top Rookie: Zach Werenski (75gp 11g 36a 47pts)
Top Goaltender: Sergei Bobrovsky (41 wins 1.97GAA .935 save percentage)
Player of the Week: G Sergei Bobrovsky (3gp 2-0-1, 0.65, .984)
The Jackets lost some ground in their bid for a President’s Trophy when they lost 2-1 in a shootout to the Washington Capitals, a team they are chasing, but that was the only downfall on their week. The Jackets only scored five goals in three games, but still came out with a 2-0-1 record. The defensive group worked together with starting goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 1-0 and the Buffalo Sabres 3-1.
Sergei Bobrovsky has been a brick wall this season for the Blue Jackets, and he added another shutout to his stat line. The Russian netminder had a solid week that should help him get a few more votes in his bid to obtain his second Vezina Trophy for the league’s top goaltender. Trade deadline acquisition Kyle Quincey got his first goal as a Blue Jacket in the win over Buffalo and added his first assist as well. Seth Jones and Alexander Wennberg were the only other Blue Jackets’ to score two points in the low-scoring week.
The Blue Jackets find themselves only four points back of the Washington Capitals so their dream of winning the President’s Trophy may be growing thin. Columbus will take on the surging Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks in back to backs. If they can grab two wins there, they will be able to decide their own fate as they take on those Capitals and another Metro team in Pittsburgh jockeying for position. It’s a good time to be a Jackets fan.
Weekly Prospect Profile: G Elvis Merzlikins, Lugano (Swiss-A)
2016-17 stats: 41gp 2.02, .937
This Latvian hound dog hailing from Switzerland is a bit of an enigma. While Merzlikins looks to be on track as an NHL goaltending prospect, he decided to sign a three-year contract with Lugano that does not include an NHL out-clause. The Jackets still retain his NHL rights, but it looks like he will not be making the jump overseas. Merzlikins was the top goalie at the 2016 Spengler Cup and he is well on his way to being the best goaltender not playing in the NHL.
Previous Ranking: 5 (+1)
Team Record: (49-21-7)
Goals For:
234
Goals Against:
198
Special Teams
PP: (18.3 percent) (17th)
PK: (77.7 percent) (25th)
Injury List
Artem Anisimov – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Patrick Kane (77gp 34g 50a 84pts)
Top Defenseman: Duncan Keith (77gp 6g 45a 51pts)
Top Rookie: Ryan Hartman (71gp 18g 12a 30pts)
Top Goaltender: Corey Crawford (31 wins 2.53GAA .919 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Nick Schmaltz (4gp 0g 4a 4pts)
For a team sitting in first place in the Western Conference, you think they would have had a better week last week. Well, they barely pulled off a winning week with a record a 2-1-1. Both Patrick Kane and rookie Nick Schmaltz carried the team offensively but one was better than the other while Corey Crawford and Scott Darling split the workload.
Kane had himself a solid week putting up four points in four games, however, he finished the week with a minus-one rating. Schmaltz on the other hand also had a four-point week but managed to stay even. Artemi Panarin, Richard Panik, and Tanner Kero all combined for nine points as well. Crawford played three of the team’s games last week earning himself a 2-1-0 record with a respectable .931 save percentage and a 2.47 goals-against-average. Darling, on the other hand, lost his only game in overtime and in doing so had some horrendous numbers, he posted a .778 save percentage and a 6.04 goals-against-average. The Blackhawks have a chance to gain an even bigger hold on first place as this week they play some fairly easy games against Columbus, Boston, and Colorado.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Chris Calnan, Boston College (NCAA)
2016-17 stats: 39gp 6g 10a 16pts
Coming off his fourth year in the NCAA, Chris Calnan also put up his best season with 16 points in 39 games. Selected in the 2012 Draft, Calnan has yet to make any sort of impact in professional hockey. Next season that could change however as he makes his transition to the AHL.
Previous Ranking: 7 (+4)
Team Record: (34-27-14)
Goals For:
200
Goals Against:
213
Special Teams
PP: (18.0 percent) (21st)
PK: (85.2 percent) (2nd)
Injury List
Eddie Lack – Neck – Day-to-Day
Ryan Murphy – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Jay McClement – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Jeff Skinner (72gp 31g 24a 55pts)
Top Defenseman: Justin Faulk (68gp 16g 19a 35pts)
Top Rookie: Sebastian Aho (75gp 23g 24a 47pts)
Top Goaltender: Cam Ward (25 wins 2.69GAA .905 save percentage)
Player of the Week: D Justin Faulk (4gp 2g 3a 5pts)
The Carolina Hurricanes have taken the NHL by a storm of late, and they have charged into playoff contention. It may be too little too late, but the Hurricanes have salvaged what looked like another lost season. The Canes went 3-0-1 on the week defeating the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils and splitting two games against the Detroit Red Wings. The Canes are currently on a 12-game point streak with a record of 8-0-4.
The backbone of the Hurricanes team is Justin Faulk, and as the team has gone on a tear, so has he. Faulk put up five points in four games this past week. Faulk may be the biggest producer from the back end, but the Canes had solid performances from their forwards this past week. Sebastian Aho, Lee Stempniak, Jeff Skinner and Derek Ryan all checked in at a point-per-game rate with four on the week. Elias Lindholm chipped in three points. It wasn’t all good news, however. In the Canes’ only loss on the week, goaltender Eddie Lack was injured on the overtime goal by Andreas Athanasiou and needed to be stretchered off. Lack was diagnosed with a neck strain and a timetable for his return is not known.
The Hurricanes find themselves four points back of the Boston Bruins with a game in hand for the final playoff spot. They will also have to jump over the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders as well. They’ll be in tough as the next opponent is the Columbus Blue Jackets before they take on the Dallas Stars in a Saturday Night matchup. They will face the Pittsburgh Penguins and Minnesota Wild to finish out the week. Likely we’ll be saying, close, but no cigar.
Weekly Prospect Profile: C Nicolas Roy, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
2016-17 stats: 53gp 36g 44a 80pts
The Hurricanes found an absolute gem in the 4th round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft when they selected Nicolas Roy. Roy was one of the top offensive contributors to the Canadian World Junior team and put himself on the map. Roy has a high hockey IQ, but he needs to focus more on his strength and conditioning before turning into a full-time NHL player.
Previous Ranking: 3 (+1)
Team Record: (42-28-6)
Goals For:
214
Goals Against:
201
Special Teams
PP: (21.9 percent) (7th)
PK: (84.5 percent) (7th)
Injury List
Paul Stastny – Lower-Body – Week-to-Week
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 (76gp 36g 33a 69pts)
Top Defenseman: Alex Pietrangelo (75gp 12g 30a 42pts)
Top Rookie: Ivan Barbashev (24gp 4g 4a 8pts)
Top Goaltender: Jake Allen (30 wins 2.42GAA .914 save percentage)
Player of the Week: F Jaden Schwartz (4gp 3g 3a 6pts)
St. Louis almost put up a near perfect record of 4-0-0, instead they have to settle for 3-0-1 which is still superb. And granted where they are in the standings they needed a week like that. Jaden Schwartz, Vladimir Tarasenko, Alex Pietrangelo, and Alex Steen all had great weeks offensively, while both Jake Allen and Carter Hutton were lights out.
Allen played in three of the club’s games last week earning a 2-0-1 record along with a .938 save percentage and a 1.62 goals-against-average. Hutton was just as brilliant, he earned the team’s other win while putting up a .957 save percentage with a 1.00 goals-against-average. Schwartz had himself a six-point week and in doing so finished with a plus-six rating. Tarasenko had five points of his own while both Steen and Pietrangelo combined for eight points and a plus-eight rating. St. Louis has a chance to gain even more points this week as they play Colorado, Nashville, and Winnipeg.
Weekly Prospect Profile: Evgeny Grachev, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
2016-17 stats: 56gp 5g 13a 18pts
Originally drafted by the New York Rangers, Evgeny Grachev became the property of St. Louis and has spent the last four seasons in the KHL. He could be ready to come back to North American hockey next season since he’s been crafting his game since the last time he appeared.
Previous Ranking: 4 (+3)
Team Record: (42-23-11)
Goals For:
203
Goals Against:
186
Special Teams
PP: (17.7 percent) (23rd)
PK: (84.9 percent) (4th)
Injury List
Ryan Getzlaf – Lower-Body – Day-to-Day
Ryan Garbutt – Shoulder – Out-for-Season
Simon Despres – Concussion – Indefinitely
Statistical Leaders in 2016-17
Top Forward: Ryan Getzlaf (68gp 14g 52a 66pts)
Top Defenseman: Cam Fowler (76gp 11g 26a 37pts)
Top Rookie: Ondrej Kase (51gp 5g 9a 14pts)
Top Goaltender: John Gibson (23 wins 2.28GAA .921 save percentage)
Player of the Week: LW Nick Ritchie (3gp 2g 2a 4pts)
The Anaheim Ducks have risen and taken a charge in the standings, culminating in their place at the top of the Pacific Division. The Ducks are currently in the midst of an eight-game point streak and a five-game win streak. The Ducks were a perfect 3-0-0 this past week with victories over the Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks.
Nick Ritchie had his best week as a professional, scoring two goals and two assists en route to a four-point week. Anaheim was slightly criticized for selecting Nick Ritchie over William Nylander in the 2014 NHL Draft. Ritchie is looking like he will grow into a productive power forward with his 28 points so far this season. Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry are heating up at the right time as they put up four point and three point weeks. Trade deadline acquisition Patrick Eaves put up three goals this week to bring his totals to 28 on the season, and seven in 14 games with the Ducks. The 32-year-old is having a career year with 46 points. His previous career high was 32 points in his sophomore season.
The Ducks will be in a dogfight with the San Jose Sharks, Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers for the Pacific Division title. They will take on the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, but they will take on the Oilers once and Flames twice, so they will determine their own destiny.
Next: NHL Player Rankings: Johnny Gaudreu, Carey Price
Weekly Prospect Profile: RW Deven Sideroff, Kamloops (WHL)
2016-17 stats: 67gp 36g 42a 78pts
The Ducks have one of the best prospect pools in the entire NHL, and while it is a top heavy group on the back end, Deven Sideroff is just one of the more notable forward prospects. Sideroff was selected in the 3rd round of the 2015 Draft, and he is having a breakout season in Kamloops this year. Sideroff is a high-energy player and may find himself making a career as a grinder rather than a scorer, but his WHL season proves he has scoring ability.