NHL Power Rankings: Kings back on top, Lightning rising fast
New York Rangers. 28. team. 95. . 2-5-2. Previous: 27th
The New York Rangers are off to an extremely slow start this season. This shouldn’t be too surprising, as goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is a notoriously slow starter. However, the Rangers offense has averaged just 2.67 goals per game, the seventh fewest in the NHL. To complicate things, they’re also allowing 3.44 goals per game, which is tied for the 10th highest.
12. . 2-5-2. Previous: . Buffalo Sabres. 27. team
After a very rough start, the Sabres are somewhat stabilizing themselves. However, their power play has been awful. They’ve allowed the most shorthanded goals in the NHL so far. The Sabres defense is currently missing three of their starters, including Nathan Beaulieu and Zach Bogosian.
97. . 3-4-0. Previous: 24th. Florida Panthers. 26. team
The Florida Panthers have been very inconsistent so far. With a goal differential of -2, they are precisely what their record suggests. Their offense has been fairly impressive, averaging over three goals a game. The issue is their defense is also averaging over three goals allowed per game.
3-4-0. Previous: 31st. San Jose Sharks. 25. team. 120.
Credit the San Jose Sharks for improving from their extremely rough start. After losing their first two games, they won three straight before losing to the New York Islanders. The Sharks offense has to get going, as they’re averaging under three goals per game. Meanwhile, their defense, stout last season, is averaging three goals against per game.