NHL power rankings: Lightning exit trade deadline as Stanley Cup favorites

15. Calgary Flames

It’s pretty incredible the Calgary Flames are doing so well despite the struggles of Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. Luckily, Matthew Tkachuk and Elias Lindholm have stepped up big time. But unless they get Gaudreau and Monahan going, they won’t go far in the playoffs even if they make them.

14. Toronto Maple Leafs

Bad goaltending has certainly been an issue for the Toronto Maple Leafs, especially in February. But when you lose to an emergency backup goalie and you only put up 10 shots in 30+ minutes against him, maybe there’s a work ethic issue too.

13. Vancouver Canucks

Jim Benning’s job is on the line. That much is obvious. He wouldn’t have given up so much for Tyler Toffoli unless he knew he had to make the playoffs. With all of the Canucks injuries, Benning has to be sweating bullets.

12. New York Islanders

Getting Jean-Gabriel Pageau makes the Islanders better. But it’s fair to ask how much better it makes them. Is he going to make a team that recently scored two goals in a four-game span a Stanley Cup contender? And will Pageau continue to have over 15% of his shots on goal go in the net?

11. Edmonton Oilers

Ken Holland made some nice moves at the trade deadline. Andreas Athanasiou will be fascinating to watch. He certainly has enough speed and skill to play with Connor McDavid. Leon Draisaitl’s a Hart Trophy candidate. But what about the rest of the roster? That’s going to determine how far the Oilers go.