16. Philadelphia Flyers (22)
Philadelphia went 2-2 this week, which is nothing special, but its overall body of work can’t be ignored. At 4-2, the Flyers have as many wins as I would’ve projected through the entire month of October and maybe part of November as well.
The Flyers’ hot start has been slowed a bit, so we’ll see what week three brings for John Tortorella’s team.
15. Tampa Bay Lightning (5)
There might not be a team that Jim and I disagree on more based on our week two rankings. As a result, the Lighting fall fittingly right in the middle of this list.
The Bolts posted a 2-1 record last week, though a loss to the Flyers does put a damper on things for the reigning Eastern Conference champions. Overall, Tampa Bay is 3-3 through the NHL season’s opening weeks.
14. Dallas Stars (17)
Years of letdowns have made it hard to get excited about the Stars, but they are 4-0-1 this season, and that can’t be ignored.
The young players (and Joe Pavelski) are leading the way in terms of offense for Dallas this season, but until a player like Jamie Benn regains his scoring form, the Stars have a ceiling that limits how high they can climb on this list.
13. Toronto Maple Leafs (8)
The Maple Leafs didn’t have a bad week, but a loss to the Coyotes left a bad taste in our mouths. As a result, the Leafs slip down to number 13.
Toronto is one of several four-win teams in the Eastern Conference after two weeks, and with a trip out west on the horizon, the Maple Leafs will have a few good opportunities to improve upon that mark.