NHL Power Rankings: Kings back on top, Lightning rising fast

It might be fall, but the Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t falling in this week’s NHL Power Rankings. And what’s up with the Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers?

It’s just week 4 of the 2017-18 NHL season. While it might still be quite early in the season, it’s time to start taking teams at face value. Your record starts counting for something. Once the month of October ends, generally, teams are who they will be for the rest of the season.

Sure, there are some exceptions. There’s about one or two a year at most. However, because of the overtime point rule, it’s harder to come back from an early deficit in today’s NHL than in previous years.

There have been surprises, both positive and negative. Some teams are exceeding expectations. Meanwhile, other teams keep digging themselves into a hole. Let’s take a look at how each of the 31 teams ranks as the month of October slowly comes to an end.

In eight games this season, the Coyotes are averaging 2.25 goals scored per game and 4.25 goals allowed. That’s not a good combination. It’s early, but the Coyotes have to right the ship as soon as possible or they’ll risk their fanbase losing interest. They are the lone team without a win.

The Canadiens have been prone to fast starts over the past two seasons. However, it’s been the opposite this season. Not only are their 12 goals scored the lowest in the NHL, so is their 1.5 goals per game average. The Canadiens are also allowing 4.13 goals against per game, the third highest in the league.

The Oilers entered the 2017-18 NHL season as legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. However, they’ve been extremely disappointing so far. Connor McDavid has eight points and Patrick Maroon has five. But that’s about it. Cam Talbot and Laurent Brossoit have been sub-par in goal so far.