NHL power rankings: Bruins enter December on top of standings
Once again, our weekly NHL power rankings have experienced a shakeup at the top, as the Boston Bruins enter December at the same spot they entered November – on top.
It’s officially December. I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving and got to spend some time with friends and family. Our weekly NHL power rankings have seen shakeups at the top virtually every week. This week is no different, as the Boston Bruins will enter December on top. There is so much parity in today’s NHL. 25 teams enter December with a point percentage of at least .500.
Before I begin, I’m going to review what I factor in when I make my power rankings. The factors include overall record, underlying stats, and strength of schedule. As is tradition, feel free to yell at me in the comments if I’m wrong, and say very nice things about me if I’m right. Oh, and I’m not biased – I hate all of your favorite teams equally.
NHL POWER RANKINGS
72. . (7-19-3). Previous: . Detroit Red Wings. 31. team
The Detroit Red Wings are on the verge of being historically bad.
91. . (11-15-1). Previous: . Ottawa Senators. 30. team
For a second there, I was worried the Senators might be good or something. A four-loss week has them back where they belong.
29. team. 67. . (11-14-1). Previous: . Los Angeles Kings
Pretty solid week for the Kings, who beat the Islanders and the Jets.
85. . (9-12-4). Previous: . New Jersey Devils. 28. team
At what point are the Devils going to fire John Hynes?
Anaheim Ducks. 27. team. 105. . (11-12-4). Previous:
John Gibson deserves better than this.
Chicago Blackhawks. 26. team. 94. . (10-11-5). Previous:
Remember when people thought the Blackhawks fixed their defense? Yeah, they didn’t.
(11-11-4). Previous: . Columbus Blue Jackets. 25. team. 113.
Tragic to see Zach Werenski get injured on Saturday. He’s having a pretty darn good season.
98. . (11-11-4). Previous: . Minnesota Wild. 24. team
I’m not an overly religious person, but please keep Devan Dubnyk and his wife in your thoughts and prayers. Or at least send them positive vibes because they need them.
112. . (13-12-4). Previous: . Calgary Flames. 23. team
Props to the Flames for getting rid of head coach Bill Peters. A lot of people are understandably upset he wasn’t fired and I get why, but keep in mind because he resigned, the Flames don’t owe him the rest of the money due on his contract. That’s karma.
12. . (12-10-5). Previous: . Buffalo Sabres. 22. team
Jack Eichel is having a truly fabulous season. Too bad the Sabres are wasting it.
(13-11-4). Previous: . Vegas Golden Knights. 21. team. 942.
The Golden Knights had to give up quite a bit of depth this summer. It’s showing now.
152. . (11-9-6). Previous: . Montreal Canadiens. 20. team
They’ve now lost seven straight games, though three of them weren’t in regulation. Still, ouch.
Nashville Predators. 19. team. 151. . (12-10-4). Previous:
Kyle Turris has had one heck of a decline from grace, hasn’t he?
18. team. 116. . (13-11-4). Previous: . Toronto Maple Leafs
I have been Sheldon Keefe’s hype man for years. He’s making me look mighty smart right now.
17. team. 104. . (13-10-4). Previous: . Vancouver Canucks
Quinn Hughes is having one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory from a defenseman. It’s getting overlooked because of Cale Makar, but it doesn’t make his season any less impressive.
Previous: . New York Rangers. 16. team. 95. . (13-9-3)
Things are finally starting to fall in place for the Rangers. They’ve still got work to do on defense, but help is on the way.
team. 120. . (15-12-1). Previous: . San Jose Sharks. 15
The Sharks have won eight of their last 10 games. They’re finally starting to look like the Sharks we all know.
23. . (12-9-3). Previous: . Tampa Bay Lightning. 14. team
Getting Steven Stamkos back should help the Lightning.
Pittsburgh Penguins. 13. team. 92. . (14-9-4). Previous:
The Penguins miss Sidney Crosby quite a bit. But I think if they’re within striking distance of a playoff spot when he returns, they’ll be fine.
Florida Panthers. 12. team. 97. . (13-8-5). Previous:
Sergei Bobrovsky already has one of the worst contracts in the NHL. Only six years left after this one!
121. . (15-9-4). Previous: . Arizona Coyotes. 11. team
The Coyotes need a spark offensively, but their goaltending is terrific.
(16-10-1). Previous: . Winnipeg Jets. 10. team. 107.
I’m starting to run out of nice things to say about Connor Hellebuyck.
. (16-10-1). Previous: . Carolina Hurricanes. 9. team. 109
Sebastian Aho had three goals in October. A strong November has him back among the best players in the league.
119. . (15-10-2). Previous: . Dallas Stars. 8. team
Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn are finally starting to put up points, which is a good sign.
7. team. 148. . (16-9-3). Previous: . Edmonton Oilers
Do you know who the Oilers could really use right now? Taylor Hall. And for once, I’m not just trolling Oilers fans.
. (15-7-5). Previous: . Philadelphia Flyers. 6. team. 68
Travis Konecny is a certified G and a bonafide stud. And you can’t teach that.
Colorado Avalanche. 5. team. 103. . (16-8-2). Previous:
Nathan MacKinnon has my hypothetical first-place Hart Trophy vote. Yes, Leon Draisaitl, David Pastrnak, and Connor McDavid are amazing, but MacKinnon is carrying the Avalanche on his back.
St. Louis Blues. 4. team. 99. . (17-5-6). Previous:
Only a matter of time before we get a “Blues are better without Vladimir Tarasenko” hot take.
3. team. 106. . (17-5-2). Previous: . New York Islanders
The Islanders had a very rough California road trip, but that gauntlet has defeated many teams. They’re still a great team.
. (19-4-5). Previous: . Washington Capitals. 2. team. 19
It’s time for everyone to accept the cold, hard facts – Alex Ovechkin is the greatest goal scorer of all-time. Better than Gretzky, Howe, Bossy, and Hull.
Next. Every Team's Mount Rushmore. dark
(18-3-5). Previous: . Boston Bruins. 1. team. 70.