4. Pittsburgh Penguins (11)
Like the Bruins, the Penguins made a seven-spot jump in this week’s power rankings. At 4-0-1, including an impressive comeback against the Blue Jackets in Columbus over the weekend, the Pens are one of four teams in the NHL that have not yet suffered a regulation loss this year.
Captain Sidney Crosby is among the NHL’s points leaders through the first two weeks of the season, as the 35-year-old has compiled 10 points in five contests so far.
3. Colorado Avalanche (1)
The defending champion Avalanche fall out of the top spot this week after losing to the Jets and Kraken this week. Colorado is 3-2-1 in its first six games, which is actually better than the team’s start from a season ago, and that turned out just fine.
Falling two spots is less of a knock on the Avs and more of a nod to the strong starts by the two teams that come in above them in these rankings.
2. Carolina Hurricanes (2)
The Hurricanes went 1-1-1 last week but have an overall record of 3-1-1. Carolina has played its last four games on the road as part of a trip out west.
If there’s any argument to be made against the Canes so far this season, it would be that they haven’t defeated teams that are currently at the top of the standings.
With that said, they’ve gone toe-to-toe with teams like the Calgary Flames, so there are still more than enough reasons to love the Canes.
1. Calgary Flames (3)
Calgary takes over the top spot after toppling the Hurricanes and Golden Knights last week. The Flames also have victories against the Avalanche and Oilers so far this season, and their only blemish came against the Sabres.
This is a team that many fans expect to enjoy a lot of success this season, and so far, Calgary has delivered as one of the best teams in the NHL.