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

10. Carolina Hurricanes

It’s a bit surprising they didn’t trade for a goalie at the trade deadline, but if the Carolina Hurricanes play as well as they did in front of their emergency backup, they won’t need one. I’m curious to see where Vincent Trocheck fits in their lineup. He could play a variety of roles.

9. Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers have quietly climbed up to third place in the Metropolitan Division. I like what they did at the trade deadline by getting quality depth forwards for cheap prices, but will it be enough to hold off the Islanders and Hurricanes? If their goaltending continues to improve, it should be enough. But the Flyers have a complicated history with goaltending, so who knows?

8. Vegas Golden Knights

They’re the best team in the Pacific and now they’re finally starting to play like it. Adding Robin Lehner’s going to make things mighty interesting.

7. Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars needed to add offense at the trade deadline, but they did nothing. I love them defensively. Ben Bishop is the kind of goalie who gives you a good chance of winning whenever he’s in goal. But the Stars can’t win games -1 to 0, despite what they might believe.

6. Colorado Avalanche

A lot of people are upset they didn’t do more at the trade deadline, and rightfully so. But if the Avalanche can get healthy, they’re going to be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs. Also, Vladislav Namestnikov is a good player, so there’s that.