NHL 2022-23 Season Weekly Power Rankings: Monday 12/19

20. Washington Capitals (20)

In December, the Capitals have become more than just Alex Ovechkin’s quest to become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. A 3-1 record last week came after a 3-0 mark the week before, and all of a sudden, this team is knocking on the door of the playoff picture.

If the Caps can move into a playoff spot in the coming weeks, you can expect to see them move up in these rankings.

19. St. Louis Blues (22)

St. Louis also enjoyed a successful week, going 3-0-1 with key wins over the Flames and Edmonton Oilers. Like the Sabres, it’s impossible to predict when this team is going to go from good to bad and then to good again, but for now, it’s trying to climb back into the playoffs.

18. Edmonton Oilers (14)

The Oilers went 1-2-1 last week, with a difficult loss coming at the end of the week against the Ducks. While Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continue to thrive, the rest of Edmonton’s lineup continues to not be good enough to make the Oilers a serious threat.

17. Florida Panthers (19)

Florida went 2-2 last week and now sits at 15-13-4 on the year. The Panthers are still on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, but they’re well within striking distance of the final wild card spot in the East. This is one team whose identity is still somewhat unknown.