With the John Scott All-Star fiasco continuing to dog the NHL as we head into the latter stages of January, there's a new sheriff in town, and that sheriff's name is Reggie Hammond, er, the Chicago Blackhawks. And don't look now, but the Pacific Division has closed the gap on the rest of the Western Conference. Read on if you dare.
| 2015-2016 Power Rankings: Week 15 | ||||
| RANK | TEAM / RECORD | TRENDING | COMMENTS | |
| 1 | 2 Last Week: 3 | The Hawks have won 11 in a row, overtaking the sideways Stars for top spot in the West. Congrats to coach Joel Quenneville for reaching No. 2 on the all-time wins list. Patrick Kane continues to make a mockery of the scoring race with a goal and an assist Sunday and leads Jamie Benn by 13 points. Kane also leads the league in goals with 29. | ||
| 2 | 1 Last Week: 1 | The Caps can be excused for taking a night off as they did Saturday while getting whipped by the Sabres. But they bounced back nicely Sunday, handling the Rangers 5-2, thanks to a Justin Williams hat trick. Braden Holtby got the win, even though he left after two periods because of dehydration. | ||
| 3 | 1 Last Week: 4 | The Kings had a rare wobble Saturday, when they could not close the deal against the slumping Senators. Maybe they were celebrating Anze Kopitar's new eight-year, $80 million contract extension. And how about Vincent Lecavalier adding another goal in Sunday's 3-2 bounce-back win over the Pacific rival Ducks? | ||
| 4 | 2 Last Week: 2 | The Panthers have followed up a franchise-best 12-game winning streak with a mini slide (0-2-1), including Sunday's 3-1 loss to Tampa. Aaron Ekblad is getting closer to returning, but he can't get back soon enough for the Cats. | ||
| 5 |
--
Last Week: 5 | The Stars have managed just one win in January (1-4-2), and it's fair to ask how far they might sink into the Central standings before things are corrected. | ||
| 6 | 5 Last Week: 11 | Never mind the off-ice issues surrounding Jonathan Drouin and Steven Stamkos -- the Lightning are catching fire. They've won five in a row, including a victory in Sunday's all-Florida tilt, and are now third in the Atlantic. | ||
| 7 | 3 Last Week: 10 | The Blues gutted out a big overtime win over the Canadiens that they probably didn't deserve on Saturday. Injuries have the Blues pretty much hanging on until the All-Star break while they hope to get healthy and re-establish themselves as a Central contender. | ||
| 8 | 1 Last Week: 7 | The Wings picked up a point in a shootout loss to the Flyers on Sunday and find themselves second in the Atlantic, within shouting distance of the Panthers and the top spot. You don't hear much about the job Jeff Blashill has done in his first year as an NHL head coach, but you should. | ||
| 9 | 8 Last Week: 17 | The Isles and Rangers began play with identical records on Sunday, which makes me wonder whether we're finally going to see an all-New York playoff series this spring. What does GM Garth Snow have up his sleeve come the trade deadline to give his team an edge? A shootout loss to the Canucks on Sunday reinforces that this team isn't quite there yet. | ||
| 10 | 4 Last Week: 6 | The Coyotes came up dry against the Devils in a 2-0 loss Saturday but still have points in seven of eight to continue to hold down second in the Pacific. It will be interesting to see how Jarred Tinordi finds a place after the John Scott trade. | ||
| 11 | 14 Last Week: 25 | The Sharks are fifth in the league in goals per game and really starting to cook, after a five-game winning streak that has them third in the Pacific. | ||
| 12 | 6 Last Week: 18 | The Bruins came up with a big win late against the Maple Leafs on Saturday and have climbed back into the playoff bracket in the crowded East. | ||
| 13 | 10 Last Week: 23 | OK, I say this every week. How come the Canucks haven't disappeared completely from sight? Maybe because they're better than I thought. I don't care what Denis Potvin says, I love the Sedins. | ||
| 14 | 1 Last Week: 15 | The Rangers, who got thumped by the Capitals on Sunday, have not won two in a row since Thanksgiving. A playoff team? Sure. I think. | ||
| 15 | 1 Last Week: 16 | The Flyers are 5-1-1 in their last six games and are very much in the playoff discussion with games in hand, even though they are 28th in goals scored per game and 28th on the power play. | ||
| 16 | 4 Last Week: 12 | The Penguins lost a wild one to the Lightning on Friday but bounced back for a solid 5-0 win over the Hurricanes on Sunday. They are 2-0-2 in their last four and are now a point back of the Canadiens and in the second wild-card spot with two games in hand. | ||
| 17 | 2 Last Week: 19 | A nice comeback win over the Kings shouldn't obscure the fact that this team hasn't been very good for quite a while, including their current 3-6 stretch during which they have given up 33 goals. | ||
| 18 | 10 Last Week: 8 | The Avs have lost three of four and continue to hover below but near a wild-card spot in the West. Calvin Pickard gave Semyon Varlamov some needed relief last week, but it's up to Varlamov to lead the way in the hunt for a postseason berth. | ||
| 19 | 6 Last Week: 13 | The Ducks are getting into that long-awaited groove, going 7-3-1 in their last 11, although a disappointing loss Sunday to the Kings is a reminder that they're still not where they need to be. David Perron picked up his first goal as a Duck on Sunday, although if he follows the pattern he set with the Penguins, that will be about it. | ||
| 20 | 11 Last Week: 9 | Time for the annual midseason swoon by the Wild, who have lost four in a row and have just two wins in nine games in January. They have scored just 15 goals in those nine games, allowing Central bottom feeders to close the gap in the wild-card chase. | ||
| 21 | 7 Last Week: 14 | At least the Canadiens have John Scott in the fold. The Habs are turning into a sad joke, pounding 49 shots at Blues goalie Brian Elliott but losing 4-3 in OT Saturday and then being crushed by the Blackhawks on Sunday. They have three wins in their last 15 games and look incapable of holding onto a playoff spot. | ||
| 22 | 4 Last Week: 26 | I might have been a bit hasty in writing the Jets off as a playoff team. Two big wins in a row has them within three points of a playoff spot. But the problems facing the Jets are the four teams standing between them and the postseason. Also, being last in the Central isn't helping. | ||
| 23 | 2 Last Week: 21 | The more points the Hurricanes collect -- they are 7-3-3 in their last 13 -- the more challenging the trade deadline becomes for GM Ron Francis. I still think the playoffs are too big a jump, but good for Bill Peters for having this squad playing meaningful games in late January. | ||
| 24 |
--
Last Week: 24 | The Preds came up with a monster win over the Wild on Saturday, but that was just their second win in nine games and came with backup Carter Hutton in goal. The playoffs, once an apparent certainty, are very much in doubt. Ryan Johansen has been an immediate fit, though, with two goals and seven points in five games as a Predator. | ||
| 25 | 5 Last Week: 20 | Saturday's shutout of the Coyotes notwithstanding, the Devils have looked like a team that has hit a wall. They miss Mike Cammalleri in a big way, as the win over the Yotes was just their second in their last seven games. | ||
| 26 | 4 Last Week: 22 | The Flames are spinning their wheels while the rest of the conference is seemingly moving away from them. | ||
| 27 | 2 Last Week: 29 | The Sabres are on a nice little roll with wins in three of four, including an emphatic win over the red-hot Capitals on Saturday. But they have to figure out how to play at home. Robin Lehner is back but he needs to assert himself as the starter, which is not an easy task after missing half a season. | ||
| 28 |
--
Last Week: 28 | The Oilers rolled the dice and locked up goalie Cam Talbot long-term. But they are still closer to dead last than a playoff spot. Pretty standard for the Oilers at this point of the season for the last decade. | ||
| 29 | 1 Last Week: 30 | The Blue Jackets are enjoying a rare two-game win streak. | ||
| 30 | 3 Last Week: 27 | Every story out of Toronto seems to talk about the brightness of the future in the center of the hockey universe. Funny. Next stop, NHL basement. Next stop after that, Auston Matthews. | ||
Scott Sang ·
Blackhawks
back in a familiar spot...the very top. They've earned it. As a
life-long Chicagoan and Blackhawks fan, never in my wildest dreams did I
imagine we'd ever have it this good. The Hawks have spoiled the city
& all their fans for over half a decade now, but I don't mind it one
bit. At the same time I'm incredibly grateful for how lucky we are to
have such a prodigious hockey organization right here in Chicago. A
special franchise bestowed with special talent. It's a treat and a joy
to watch this team perform night-in-night-out. They're simply awesome.
Brad Andrews
Not
too shabby for a rebuilding year. Stan Bowman should never have to buy
a drink in Chicago again for putting the pieces of this difficult
puzzle together. He seems to know what other GMs don't and has been
stealing just the right piayers. Let mad scientist Q have a few games
with em, and now they are poised for a potential run again.
Unbelievable. Forget all the great players the Hawks have, they have
the best front office in sports.
 
Joseph Isaiah Benjamin ·
Yeah,
good on the 'Hawks. All the bandwagon fans make me avoid all their
games, however. It's a shame that the fair weather crowd have never
heard of "class."
 
Andrew Moelis ·
Kenny
Whitlow - As an LA fan, I'll take 2 Cups in the last four years... and
I think I can venture to speak for Chicago fans when I say they're
satisfied with 3 in six.
Washington won't be taken as seriously as LA or Chicago til they actually win the Cup. Or even make the SCF.... 
Stephen Millholland ·
Andrew
Moelis Living on previous years success means nothing. This is a new
season. Washington is the team to beat THIS year. Not last year, not
two years ago and not six years ago. All that matters is THIS year! Go
Caps!
Brian Reilly ·
Stephen
Millholland the Caps will never be truly considered the team to beat
this year.... Maybe in the Eastern Conference sure, but until somebody
proves otherwise by beating LA or Chicago in the SCF they are the real
big dogs. But hey look at the bright side... I hear the Prince of Wales
trophy is really nice
Jared Sandra Sipe ·
Brad
Andrews exactly, would be different if the Hawks were only 1 or 2
points ahead of LA. The Hawks have it covered, so I would much rather be
in there position. LA has to pretty much win all those games to tie or
be up 1.
Bob DiBenedetto ·
..Hawks
would like nothing more than to see LA again. They thrive on those
(revenge) series. You beat us. Congrats! Well deserved. Funny thing
is the Kings would know it too before they even clashed (if they meet).
....will be a bitter pill to swallow.
Michael J Yore ·
Stephen
Millholland The Blackhawks are the "team to beat", since they are the
defending champions and are in first place in their conference yet
again. Previous success most definitely means something, especially
when the players who achieved that previous success are still on the
team. The Capitals are on a good run in the regular season, but the
post-season is another animal. The Kings and Blackhawks know how to win
in the post-season. The Capitals, while having great regular season
success in the past, have never achieved that same success in the
playoffs. Until they win in the playoff...See More
Robert DeRosier
Mark
Berengut Not sure what your point is? Besides being just one guy's
opinion, I assume it is based on something besides record, points, games
in hand, etc. I think more than anything it is based on who is playing
the best in a given week.
 
Greg Johnson
I
have to stop reading comments from bandwagoners complaining about how
their new (or renewed from their childhood) teams are perceived halfway
through the regular season. Hey guys, the games are really fun to
watch. If you're this worked up over some misperceived slight, wait
until the playoffs start. Trust me, they're really good, even in the
first round. You just have to make sure you're in. Right Kings fans?
Michael Camara ·
Andrew
Moelis You do realize that the Blackhawks have won 2 in 3 right? It
would also be acceptable to say that the Hawks have 3 in 6 while the
Kings have 2 in 6. BTW I fully respect the Kings and what they have
done, its just stupid that some King's fans say 2 in 4 is better than 3
in 6.
Saumil Jobalia ·
Stephen
Millholland Caps are the team to beat this year? Last I checked, the
Hawks won the cup last year. Thus, they are the team to beat as they are
defending champs. Washington has been in this position before, only to
get knocked out first round. No way are the Caps the team to beat.
Brad Andrews
Joseph
Isaiah Benjamin Praising your own team without putting down others is
not "class"? Exactly what offended you witht he above posts other than
it's not your team?
Ronald Buskirk ·
Saumil Jobalia you read these boards and like a repeated song cup, cup ,cup. Hawks will not win cup this year guaranteed
Scott Tucker ·
They're
a great team. But, when the Stars are firing on all 8 cylinders we can
beat them and we have. I won't concede the Central Division to the
Blackhawks or any body else and stand by my opinion that, when the dust
settles at the end of the year, the Stars still win the Central.
Charles F Willes
Exactly Mark, Kings have to win all those 4 games just to have a 1 point edge on the Hawks.
Brian Reilly ·
Ronald Buskirk regular season means squat Ronald. Unless of course you think they Presidents Trophy is somehow important
Aaron Williams ·
Scott
Tucker Yea, the Stars might win the Central regular season, but that
won't matter. Who won it last year? It wasn't Chicago. The Stars don't
want to see Chicago in a playoff series regardless of where it is
played. The playoffs are a different type of game.
David Tambeaux ·
Works at Center for Vein Restoration
Stephen Millholland Look over your shoulder Caps fans the Lightning have awaked.
Scott Tucker ·
David
Tambeaux Uh...an excellent first step in the playoffs, maybe? Okay, let
me be even more clear: not only am I not conceding the divisional title
to the Hawks, Blues or anyone else. There is no one in the entire
Western Conference that scares me. As to the Eastern Conference, yeah,
the Caps have a great team but we already beat them earlier in the year.
So, my unambiguous position is...the Stars will be in the mix until the
very end.
  
David R Guinther ·
Works at Exit Preferred Realty LLC
The
Caps have only played Chicago once this year but beat the dog snot out
of them. Chicago isn't what they were. L.A., not even close.
Randy Quick
The
Caps have the most points in the league. The Caps have the best home
record. The Caps have the best road record percentage wise. The Caps
have the most wins and the fewest losses. The Caps have the biggest
Goal differential by far. The Caps have the most goals and the lowest
GA average. The Caps are THE best hockey team in the NHL. And Jonathan
Quick is my relative. So I aint no HOMER.
Garn Hawk
Joseph
Isaiah Benjamin = and you sir are classless. If you have ever been to
NHL games over the years - even during the bad years - the stands were
always adorned with numerous Indian head jerseys. We are proud Hawk fans
and we do deserve the gloating because our team deserves the
admiration.
Garn Hawk
Michael
J Yore - well said. Just a couple of points. I was very sad to see
Sharp leave. He was an original and true 'core' player. But he was in a
life slump in Hawkland and the move has allowed him to regain that
swagger - good for him. True about the Caps but this year under Trotz is
different. They are a finely tuned and well oiled machine right now and
i believe they will, in the end, represent the East in the finals. The
Hawks were VERY fortunate to have had Panarin, as a FREE agent, choose
them and i believe it was because of the Hawk style of play and because
88 was on the team. Plus the Hawks are actually getting better net
minding than they have ever had in the last 6 years. Add to that the
emergence of Gustafsson and the steady play of TVR, and Hjalmarson, if
it's really possible, is playing better than ever - things do look good
for another run. Fun hockey ahead!
Andrew Moelis ·
Randy
Quick - They also have the one of the highest on ice shooting
percentages and highest save percentages. Numbers that no team can keep
up over the long term.
Kyle Kinsman
Stephen
Millholland are you stupid or just a fair weather fan? Probably both
seeing as how the capitols are the epitome of choke artists when it
matters. They will never be the team to beat because they always GET
beat in the playoffs. The hawks would be working on 4 in a row if they
hadn't blown a third period lead to the kings in the WCF two years ago.
They are far and away the best franchise in hockey, and for you to even
put the Caps in the same sentence is laughable. The only team that
scares any of us in Chicago is the kings, and that's because they also
know how to win when it matters. I'll be looking forward to your
excuses in April or May when your team gets bounced as usual.
Matt Hunsberger
I
don't have a problem with the Blackhawks overtaking the Capitals for #1
this week. They've been on a heck of a role and are the defending Cup
champs. It's looking like Chicago, Washington, and LA are the class of
the NHL at this point.
 
Martin Wilbur
Don't
sell the Lightning short. People need to realize the Triplets, who are
now all back, are at least as important to that team as Stamkos.
Andrew Moelis ·
Martin
Wilbur - Lightning are good, but they're a tier below. As far as I'm
concerned its LA and Chicago, then a little behind is Washington, and
then the next tier. Washington looks awesome this year, but you gotta
beat the best to join them, and LA and Chicago have 5 of the last 6 Cups
between them
Alex Bieri ·
And
don't sleep on the Habs with a healthy Carey Price the Habs are right
there with those teams. If CP is healthy come playoff time (if they get
in) they are as good as any other team and this coming from a Wings fan
that hates them.
Adam Michael Zielinski ·
Alex
Bieri The Habs have lost their last 4 in a row, 2 of which were to
Chicago. How do you consider them "right their with those teams?"
Michael J Yore ·
Alex
Bieri I think the Canadiens are in the same boat as the Capitals at
this point. Sure, Carey Price is a great goaltender, but they haven't
shown they can win in the playoffs either. They'll be a tough out in
the East if Price returns fully healthy --- would probably be a shot in
the arm to that team in the same way Kane was for the Blackhawks when he
returned last season --- but they still have a lot to prove. While
we're at it, probably should not sleep on the NY Rangers, who have made
the ECF 3 out of the last 4 seasons. They're another gritty team that
seems to be built for the playoffs, moreso than the regular season.
Greg Alderton ·
Andrew
Moelis Capitals a bit behind? Have you watched this team play this
year? 5 points ahead of Chicago and 12 ahead of LA....doesn't matter
what you did last year...or the year before....Caps are by far the best
team this year so far....
Michael Brunet ·
Andrew
Moelis I don't necessarily know if I'd put Washington under LA and
Chicago. That team has been consistently good all year. In fact, their
longest losing streak is 2 games which they did once. That's pretty
impressive as far as this Lightning fan is conerned.
Andrew Moelis ·
Greg
Alderton - I've heard that story before, for lots of teams. Every
team is always "different this year". You don't get credit til you
prove it. And don't sit there and tell me the LA's and Chicago's of the
world don't deserve additional consideration for recent Cup wins.
For all that they still look better, Washington is still a team relying on very high on ice shooting percentages and save percentages to fuel their run. We've heard this story before. And no, 2015-16 Washington isn't 2013 Toronoto or 2014-15 Calgary... but they might be the Ducks of the last few years. A very good team that looks better than it is. At this point, "all year" is half a season. LA and Chicago have been dominant (if in different ways) for over half a decade.
Mark Berengut ·
Capitals are very good, but it takes special character to win Stanley Cup.
Till they prove that - they are not in the same category as Kings and Blackhawks. Regular season means NOTHING once playoffs start. 
Tom Puck ·
Works at None
I
will admit that LA and Chicago have ruled the last decade the same way
Detroit and Colorado ruled the late 90s. They've earned that
distinction. The playoffs are tough to win in (as us Caps fans know too
well). Yea both teams keep doing it. This year, the Caps are great.
Hopefully it carries over into the playoffs and they can get the ghosts,
along with all the trolls, off their backs. Until then, the trolls
will feed on their negativity.
 
Brooke Taylor ·
Andrew
Moelis that is a great point. I have been a Caps fan for 40 yrs. They
always find a way to choke in the playoffs. I think back to an example
from just 2010 when the Caps won the Presidents trophy and lost in the
1st round. Until they win the cup there is no team that is worried to
play my Caps in the playoffs.
Ronald Buskirk ·
Andrew
Moelis you take the caps to lightly, youre relying on past to justify
your comments. The way I see, caps are so deep in talent compared to
others. Hawks a good team not here to smear. Caps have all 4 lines tuned
like I have never seen before.
Matt Hunsberger
Mark
Berengut...Saying the regular season means nothing is the most ignorant
comment I've heard on here in a while. Here's a regular season stat
that's stood rock solid for the last 5 seasons. The last 5 Stanley Cup
winners were either #1 or #2 in goals allowed in the regular season in
the entire NHL. 2011 Bruins #2, 2012 Kings #2, 2013 Blackhawks #1, 2014
Kings #1, and 2015 Blackhawks #2. That would definitely indicate that
the regular season absolutely does matter and can be a pretty good
indicator of likely playoff success. This years top 2 in goals against
are the Capitals (97) and the Kings (99). This obviously doesn't mean
one of these 2 teams will win the Cup...heck we've got another 38-40
games to go. But the fact that teams like the Rangers, Stars, and Blues
are all in the bottom half of the league in goals allowed may point to
an unlikely chance that those teams will raise the Cup this year. But
like I said...there's plenty of time for the league leaders to change.
Jared West ·
Andrew Moelis Caps are top 4 in goals for, goals against, pp, and pk. This team is nothing like the presidents trophy team.
Matt Hunsberger
Jared
West...The Capitals' Presidents Cup team had terrible goal tending.
Theodore was 30th in the NHL with a 2.77 GAA. People who compare this
years Caps team to that team don't have a clue what they're talking
about.
David R Guinther ·
Works at Exit Preferred Realty LLC
Michael Brunet All done while missing their two best on defense. When they come back, lookout
William Viteri
Greg
Alderton /Michael Brunett: This ranking is based on the recent record
and not on what they have done year to date. If that was the case, then
there is no need for this power rankings as the current standing will
show it. A review of the last 10 games record, will indicate that the
Hawks are #1 with a 10 wins and 0 losses for 20 points. After Chicago,
Washington, LA and Tampa Bay are tied with 7 wins 2 losses and 1
OTshutout loss for a total of 15 points.
Andrew Moelis ·
Ronald
Buskirk - I could justify it by saying that of the last 8 Stanley Cup
winners, six of them have been in the top 5 of CF% at evens or that only
4 teams have even made the Finals despite not being in the top 10
(Boston had an all-time goaltending year to get them there in 2011, much
like Montreal last year). Does that help? The Capitals sit at 14th in
that statistic.
Doesn't mean they're terrible, or that they aren't going to make noise in the playoffs. But every team that has had a lucky season in the last 5 years has chalked it up to "rolling four lines" or "new system" or some other unprovable, mostly BS reason, when the real reasons are obvious. Either unsustainably great goaltending or unsustainably high shooting percentages. Or in the case of 2016 Washington... both. You just think your excuses and reasons are different than the ones that came before, when its really just a different take on the same tune.
Matt Hunsberger
Andrew
Moelis...Statistics like Corsi, Fenwick, and PDO are all proxy
statistics and were originally derived from the result backward to try
to come to a conclusion that was difficult to quantify such as actual
time of possession. These type of stats also require you to subscribe to
the notion the save percentage and shot percentage are completely based
on luck. They explain away streaks by great goal keepers (such as Roy,
Thomas, and Price in the past and Holtby this season) as simply being a
"Hot Keeper" which will eventually regress back close to the league
average. I'll take actual concret...See More
Garn Hawk
Martin
Wilbur - i agree but they need to deal with their issues NOW and put
that crap in the rear view mirror. Drouin and Stamkos issues need to be
resolved. You don't see garbage happening like that in the classy Hawk
organization and they had to sign 2 top tier players in the same year!
They got it done without all the hoopla and Tampa needs to get off the
crapper and solve their problems NOW. It has gone on for too long - soon
Stamkos might decide to jump ship as well and he may just play out his
contract and leave the organization dry and without compensation. That
would be the kiss of death.
Jeff Haley ·
Chicago
has played some real "Powerhouses", here are 9 of their last 12 games,
tell me which ones are even close to being strong! ~ Toronto, Buffalo,
Ottawa, Colorado twice, Montreal twice, Pittsburgh twice. The Caps can
score from all 4 lines, the players they healthy scratch nightly would
be on the 3rd or 4th line for Chicago. Caps have have played 3 less
games then Chicago and has scored more goals, given up less (% wise is
better) and has a higher PP % then Chicago.. Caps have not lost 2 games
in a row in regulation this year. This is not your Old "Young Guns" Caps
anymore with pick-ups such as Williams, Oshie, Niskanen, and now Mike
Richards. Trotz has done a splendid job as well. They also have a slew
of newer players making a mark, such as; Kuznetsov,, Burakuvsky, and
Galiev. Wait until they get Orpik and Beagle back!!!!!!! http://www.nhl.com/stats/team?reportType=season...
David Tambeaux ·
Works at Center for Vein Restoration
Jeff
Haley I am going to call a favor from Phil Pritchard and have the Cup
sent to the Verizon Center. Do you want it sent 2 day or regular ground
shipping?
Jeff Haley ·
David
Tambeaux I am not saying that at all!!!! But this is not the same team
America watched for the last 10 years. even Ovetchkin has improved his
defensive ability's. Trotz's System is defensive first and when the Caps
get the lead they don't generally give it up ~ they are something like
22-0-1 when leading after 2 periods this year. that has been without
Orpik (22 games) and Carlson (7 games).
.
Gary Krall
So you think that after the defending Cup champs rip off an 11 game win srteak, the Caps should hold the # 1 spot here?
Jeff Haley ·
David Tambeaux You didn't answer my question David, who have they played the last 12 games? Which one is a Powerhouse?
Bryan King ·
Clearly Buffalo is the powerhouse in the list you gave since they just spanked the Caps the other day.
Jeff Haley ·
Gary
Krall By the week,, yeah Chi maybe 1st but by the year no way. Caps
> 2nd goals per game, 1st goal against, 2nd power play percentage,
and 4th in penalty kill, Chi > 4th Goals per game, 4th goals against,
3rd power play, 11th penalty kill. Caps Better Offense and Better
DEFENSE!!!!!!!!
David Tambeaux ·
Works at Center for Vein Restoration
Jeff
you do realize that the Blackhawks start 4 rookies (Panarin,
Gustafsson, Danault and Rasmussen) and 2 second year players Teravainen
and Van Reimsdyk out of their 18 skaters after losing 5 guys who won
the Cup last year in Sharp, Oduya, Saad, Richards, Vermette and Versteeg
(each of whom had been on 2 or more SC Champs other than Vermette) and
have not missed a beat. BTW the Blackhawks 3rd line has 2 players who
won the Cup last year and have a two time Cup winner and shutdown
defender in Kruger out with a broken wrist. Any demise due to the
salary cap issues looks to have been greatly exaggerated. Looking
forward to the game in Chicago on Feb 28. It should be a little more
telling than the week two game.
Brad Andrews
If
only there were some sort a seaon ending tournament where they paired
the top 16 team in a best of 7 series format until 1 team remained and
awadaed them with some sort of trophy, perhaps a Cup. Why do you people
get suckered by ESPN and get all worked up over a useless power
ranking? This is not the BCS and college football.
Jeff Haley ·
Bryan King Everybody has a sleeper bro, I believe the Caps spanked Chicago's butt in Chicago this year!!!!!
Mark Anthony ·
Blackhawks
are only the 6th team in nhl history to rip off an 11 game winning
streak after just winning the cup a season prior. That's saying
something.
Jeff Haley ·
Bryan King Chicago lost to a slew of lightweights this year bro!!!! Want me to list them for you?
Jeff Haley ·
David
Tambeaux They are very good, don't get me wrong, but this is not your
usual old Caps. the people they picked up have been having a great year
and comes with a ton of SC experience. Williams has 2 and now we just
grabbed Richards who has a few also. I think that it maty very well be
Chicago vs caps for the Cup.
Kyle Jorgensen ·
The
Capitals sure are a "power house". Playing in the weak Eastern
Conference and losing to the Sabres, Blue Jackets, and Hurricanes. Btw
Barry Trotz and Oshie have a great track record against the Hawks....
The Caps won't even make it out of the first round
Gary Krall
Jeff Haley You mean ih the 3rd game of the year??
This is a weekly Power Ranking, and if you feel slighted because the Caps aren't listd # 1 then you need to learn to comprehend those stats you're so fond of a little better.
Jeff Haley ·
Mark
Anthony The Caps won 14 in a row 09-10 Season, big deal! Who have they
played this streak? 9 teams with losing records or barely 500?
Jeff Haley ·
Gary Krall I know, but its the only time we played this year, 4-1 Caps in your building.
Gary Krall
Jeff
Haley 5 of those 9 teams come out of the East, better known as teams
that the Caps face and feast on far more than the Hawks.
Jeff Haley ·
I'm
not saying the Blackhawks are bad by no means, hell they're Stanley Cup
Champions. But that was last year! They have a nice run going, just
like NYR and Canadians did earlier in the year. The Caps have been the
same team, night in and night out from the start. Its why they haven't
lost 2 games in a row and are better in every measureable stat, THIS
YEAR!
But take your weekly ratings and pretend your the best!
Andrew Moelis ·
Jeff
Haley - Jeff, the Caps will get a smidge less respect than Chicago and
maybe even LA, because those two teams have won it all, multiple times.
The Capitals... well, can you blame anyone for having a "show-me"
attitude? yes, they look much better than in years past, much more well
rounded... but you have to beat the best to join their ranks.
Washington hasn't done that. And take it from a Kings fans... all it
takes are a couple unlucky bounces, or an untimely injury, and thats it.
Gary Krall
Jeff
Haley No pretending needed, and if the Caps unseat them as the best in
the league at the end of the season then so be it. The Cup they won last
season, along with their record this season pretty much ensures that
they are, indeed, the best in the league, and a weekly power ranking
wasn't needed to confirm that.
Take a look around the internet, find the major sports outlets that have the Caps ranked # 1 and list them here. Slim pickings. 
Tim Dzubak
Caps
fan here and the ratings for this week are justified. The Blackhawks
are playing the best hockey as of this week, and the Caps indeed
stumbled....then again, these ratings have little to do with the pursuit
of the cup.
Michael J Yore ·
Hah,
yeah, no kidding. Anyone remember who was the top ranked team in the
Power Rankings last Jan 18th? Exactly. All rankings are pointless.
What matters is what happens in the field/ice in the playoffs.
Michael Brunet ·
I think you're right. Although I think you could interchange 1 and 2 and argue both sides.
Noah Yates
As
the top team the Caps will get scrutinized for any missteps. So if
"stumbling" means being 5 points ahead of Chicago, with 3 less games
played, so be it. What's scary is that even with Orpik and Carlson out
the Caps have slowly worked into the #1 defensive team in the league. A
loss keeps you humble, and hungry.
Chris Paul ·
Noah
Yates Also beagle. they have the 2nd best start in NHL history, and
holtby is the fastest goalie to reach 30 wins in a decade. But yeah. The
guys who have fewer points with more games played are obviously the
better team.
Will Harmon ·
"The Flyers are 5-1-1 in their last six games"
who needs directions to sesame street? I know a guy who can help you 
Rudi Luczyn ·
Works at Brio Tuscan Grille
"psh, one!, psh, two! Two slaps! ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah!"
Richard J. Mazahreh
LOL
at all the Philly fans that told us Kings fans not to expect anything
out of Vinny. 2 goals and an assist later, we're laughing at your
stupidity. Plus the dude is gold in FO. Thanks again flyers !!! GO KINGS
GO!!
Gary J Kolb ·
Meanwhile, the Flyers have points in every game since the trade (only a SO loss) and 2 awful contracts gone.
Thank you. You can have him and Schenn. 
Dmitri Prozorov ·
Glad he is working out but he didnt do anything for us so we lost dead weight and freed up quite a bit of cap space. Win-win
Josh Schwartz ·
Laugh
all you want, but the Flyers...well, Gary said it already. So, yeah,
use your childish "LOLs" elsewhere. Maybe in a preschool.
Frank Rizzo ·
Works at Indiana Bones Temple of Groom
I wouldn't say it taht way. Hopfully it works out for both teams.
But it does seem like Philly is the farm team for LA. Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, Simon Gagne, Justin Williams, and now Schenn and Vinny. Just a coincidence I'm sure. But keep 'em coming!
Mark Berengut ·
Josh Schwartz
LOL or not... regardless ..... you are certainly welcome to watch parade near Staples Center in June.... I hope Vinny will decide not to retire and makes Flyers to pay 2 more years for half of his salary.... In the meantime, please do enjoy your delicious cheesesteaks at Pat's or Geno's down in South Philly smile emoticon
Gary J Kolb ·
Frank
Rizzo...No. LA just takes our garbage. If you look at all the players
you mentioned...we only traded Schenn, Vinny and a "seen this coming"
Richards to LA (for simmonds, Schenn and I believe a pick). Carter was
traded to Columbus. Williams was traded to the Canes. Gagne siged as a
free-agent somewhere...I think Tampa.
And I do hope it works for both teams. Thusfar, it's worked great for the Flyers. 
Michael Andris ·
Mark Berengut Your comments are so much more entertaining when read with a Russian accent.
Gary J Kolb ·
Mark
Berengut...Vinny must retire. Part of the deal. If he tries to
continue playing, the NHL will step in...and we'll probably get a pick
or two out of the Kings for it. Really want a has-been for 2 draft
picks?
Frank Rizzo ·
Works at Indiana Bones Temple of Groom
Gary J Kolb My point being, they played in Philly then eventually via different routes came to LA to win the Cup.
Andrew Moelis ·
Gary
J Kolb - LA takes your garbage and wins Cups. Hextall did a nice job
clearing out cap space for next season, and Philly isn't competing for
anything this season anyway, but this is another classic Lombardi trade.
Buying extremely low on a guy not doing well on a dysfunctional team.
If LA gets twenty points and 5 goals out of Vinny (looking likely, at
the moment), the entire deal will be regarded as an enormous steal, and
rightly so. Even if he chips in just a goal or two in the playoffs,
that's an enormous return for basically no risk.
Gary J Kolb ·
Andrew
Moelis LOL. Dysfunctional. Haven't checked the stats lately, have
you? The Flyers are the 3rd best team in the NHL since Thanksgiving smile emoticon
But...whatever! The Kings did us a HUGE favor taking those two
contracts. Addition by subtraction. We lost Schenn for
Gostisbehere...who's already turned this season around for the Flyers.
And we lost a Holmgren albatross contract in Vinny.
In either case...neither team is winning a cup this year. It'll be the Hawks and Caps. And quite honestly, I think the Caps take it this year.
Gary J Kolb ·
Frank
Rizzo - my point being they weren't traded directly to the Kings. And
face it...the Flyers won the Richards - Schenn/Simmonds/1st round pick
trade.
Jacob Horvath ·
So
Kane tearing everyone apart was last year? Last time I checked Towes,
Kieth, Hossa, and Seebs are also still there and playing great. Kieth
was out the beginning of the year and the 4 rookies are getting
comfortable. The cup winner comes out of the west. The last four years
it has been LA or Chicago, with the east only being able to push it to
six games. Both teams look great again, so who actually is dumb enough
to bet againt one of those teams in the finals? Claiming past finals
experience doesn't matter is just a moronic statement. I keep talking
about finals because the Kings and Hawks only care about the cup. The
Hawks have been known to back of the throttle to stay fresh and I expect
them to this year again, Kings will probably do the same. It is a new
year but no one wants to see those teams in the playoffs this year just
like the years before.
Nick Bain ·
Works at U.S. Army
They
are referring to the points race, which he is tearing it up. A 13 point
edge is a lot with the caliber player Kane is who is capable of putting
up some really serious points in many games. Look for him to stay hot
and if not get on a nice streak he once was on a month ago.
C.b. Hartman ·
Works at Bar Louie
Power
rankings make no sense at all. Yes im a caps fan and believe they are
the best team. I'm just confused... Spurs win 11 games in a row, are 1
win behind the Warriors, who have lost a few lately, and yet they are
still ranked 2nd. Blackhawks win 11 in a row, 5 points behind caps
still, who are still doing great, and the Blackhawks move up? So espn
needs to decide how they are going to run their powerankings. Is it off
of who is hot right now or not. Oh and im not taking away from
blackhawks def a great team.
Joe Fitzsimmons
didn't
realize the NBA and NHL were similar in ANY way...not to mention it's a
weekly ranking, not the final overall season ranking...do you think the
Caps have been a better team than the Hawks the last week? not sure
losing to the Sabres helps your cause...regardless, rankings mean jack
Daniel Doyle ·
Warriors are defending champs just like the hawks while the capitals were a second round flameout like ususal last year haha
C.b. Hartman ·
Works at Bar Louie
Joe Fitzsimmons Thats what im saying! Spurs should be #1 in the rankings
C.b. Hartman ·
Works at Bar Louie
Daniel Doyle since when does last year matter? thought we are talking about how hot they are recently.
C.b. Hartman ·
Works at Bar Louie
Gary
Krall Correct me if im wrong but they are both sports rankings on ESPN?
I'm simply saying if they are going to make the blackhawks number 1
they should make the spurs number 1.
Bill Foulks ·
C.b. Hartman Except the person who does the NBA rankings is not the same as the person who does the NHL.
Saumil Jobalia ·
Bill
Foulks Exactly. NHL has a different set of reporters and analysts.
They have a different gauge in ranking vs. the NBA. In no way are they
consistent with each other. And there are no metrics involved, just
reporter's analysis and opinions.
Bob DiBenedetto ·
One
of the most impressive things about this streak is that it appears the
Hawks are stuck in cruise control and the pedal isn't even all the way
down. Granted, the competition of late hasn't been superb, but the ease
by which they're winning is scary. There is another gear or two that
the Hawks haven't even shifted into yet. Ho-hum, just moving along.
...nothing to see here.
Jeff Johnsen ·
Still
thinking the LA KINGS should be at least No. 2. The Blackhawks have
played FOUR MORE games than the Kings. That is the real real reason the
Hawks are out front in the Western Conference. Then consider the fact
that Clifford is still out. Once LA gets healthy, watch out. They have
that drive and vision and will definately be in the hunt for da Cup.
Andrew Moelis ·
I
mean, they're 7 points up. Asking for 7/8 points from LA is a lot.
Had they beaten Ottawa I'd bet you'd see LA at the top. At the very
least they'd have a stronger argument for first.
Lee Steinbecker ·
What
really matters is who is hot in April. Ask LA when they barely got in 4
years ago and won it all in dominating fashion. The St. Louis Blues are
a classic case where a team that does extremely well during the regular
season and can not get out of the first round. Blackhawks are good and
their coach is excellent. This will come down to who is healthy and hot
come April. January does not mean anything just like these Power
Rankings.
Tom Maliszewski ·
Lee Steinbecker ask the Dallas Stars fans about Power Rankings...if you can still find them
Paul Cappitelli
Lee
Steinbecker I agree, but the Blackhawks have a history of coasting
through the regular season and then turning it on come April. What
makes them so scary is that their coasting is better than most teams
going all out in the regular season to make the playoffs. Hawks could
care less where they are ranked in an ESPN list because they only have
one goal, and that's to lift Lord Stanley's Cup.
They may not win it this year, but I wouldn't bet money against them.
Joe Fitzsimmons
it's
not about points here, it's about the way and the margins the hawks are
winning by, they're dominating during this streak...you could also say
that having played that many more games makes their streak impressive
because of having less rest than most other teams...either way, it's HOW
they're playing RECENTLY, not just how many points you have for the
entire season, people need to stop focusing on overall points, this is
not a year-end points thing
Paul Cappitelli
Andrew
Moelis, you apparently don't follow the Blackhawks. Stay tuned, when
the playoffs role around you will see them turn on another gear.
William Viteri
Andrew
Moelis : They are known to coast during the regular season and even in
the playoffs. Since 2010 to present, 1st three games of the series
Hawks are 26 wins and 25 losses for a 51% win %, while games 4 thru 7,
their record is 38 wins and 11 losses for a 78% win %.
Mark Blecha
Why
should the kings be ahead of the Hawks? Sure the Hawks have played four
more games but are up 8 points on them and the kings would have to win
all 4 to match them. Hawks are 12 goals up in goal differential and play
in division that has 384 points with the 5th place team being at 49
points and 5 teams with a + goal diff while the Pac has 336 with the the
second place team having 49 points and 2 teams with a + goal diff.
Lana Paulish ·
The
recognition is nice, the only thing that matters is the Cup. All the
other BS below is entertaining, but pretty much decides nothing. However
when you have little sucess in the playoffs, I guess these rankings
mean more to you. Go Hawks win the Cup again.
Stephen Millholland ·
Yet you're reading and commenting on the article. If the Cup is the only thing why are you here now?
 
Will Anderson ·
The
Caps have games in hand and injuries to two key players, but I guess 1
let down is enough to drop you off the top? lol, what a joke this
network is when it comes to hockey coverage.
Sergio Bonilla
Yes. If you want to ignore trends that this is partly based on, then look at the standings only and ignore the power rankings.
Will Anderson ·
I
do not put much stock in this anyways, I mean we have to pull the drag
menu down because CFB and Soccer are still ahead of hockey on the main
page for ESPN. This sport gets about 5 mintues of coverage a week at
this awful network
Jack Long ·
The
Blackhawks are the defending stanley cup champs, have won 11 in a row,
and are leading the toughest division. I think they deserve to be at No.
1.
Robert DeRosier
Will
Anderson I agree completely, Will, with your comments about hockey not
being one of the main categories at the top. The first time I noticed
that I was left scratching my head. Soccer and CFB are bigger sports,
nationally? Hardly.
Mark Berengut ·
Sergio Bonilla - no thank you Flyers.
Thanks for paying 50% of salaries for both players who will win Stanley Cup with Kings this season. Vinny has 2 goals last 3 games and he looks amazing and Schenn is a beast !!!! Thank you
Stephen Millholland ·
Jack
Long Winning a title last year means nothing this year. These are
weekly power rankings and last time I checked the Blackhawks did not win
the cup last week.
Robert DeRosier
Stephen
Millholland Nor did Washington. So, why try to explain why the Caps
are not on top, by noting the Hawks haven't won this year? If the Caps
are on top in a week or so, can we be throwing at you, "last time I
checked the Caps did not win the cup last week." Just as when other
teams win the Cup, the Hawks are the champs until someone dethrones
them. Then, till the next Cup, that team is the champs.
Besides, these Power Rankings are just one guy's opinion, and based on his opinons.
Stephen Millholland ·
Robert
DeRosier I did not try to explain that the Caps should be in the top
spot. I did however say that past accomplishments should not factor in
to weekly power rankings. I'll give you that the Blackhawks play in the
toughest division but have you paid attention to the teams they have
beaten on their way to 11 in a row? Outside of Arizona none of the
teams is higher than 4th in their division. They are taking advantage
of a weak stretch in their schedule. I have no problem with them being
ranked first but I do have a problem justifying a ranking based on last
season.
Chad Winters
Stephen
Millholland - "weak stretch in their schedule" ... are you serious?
Travel wise, they're on probably on one of the worst streches of the
season, making this streak all the more impressive. Get a clue.
Stephen Millholland ·
Chad
Winters Of the 11 teams on this streak (Arizona, Colorado, Ottawa,
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Colorado, Nashville, Montreal, Toronto
and Montreal) only Arizona is a top three in division team. The other
two in current playoff position (Montreal and Nashville) are barely
holding on to the second WC spot. Not an overwhelming schedule. 6 of
the 11 were at home.
Gary Krall
Stephen
Millholland Last time I checked the Hawks have yet to lose this year.
This has nothing at all to do with blast years accomplishments. The
Hawks, for right now, are very well deserving of the # 1 spot here.
Bill Foulks ·
Stephen
Millholland And 7 of those games are against teams the Caps get to play
3-5 times per year, so if you're trying to say it's not impressive,
then the same can be said about Washington, who play in a weaker
division and conference.
Jarred Nossterson ·
The Tampa Bay Lightining are catcfhing fire with the team almost back @ 100% heath wise ,,, if they remain healthy WATCH OUT
 
Nick Pinkerton ·
My
Sharks have been hot-and-cold this year, but it's good to see them
winning at home and getting healthy. Not sure about the 14-spot bump
(only good team they've beaten is Dallas), but they'll be more of a
threat with their skaters supporting Pavelski + Burns on the
scoresheet.
A
kiss is just a kiss....the Caps are just the Caps.........Barry Trotz
was fired because he could not beat the Blackhawks in the playoffs with
that awesome defense of the Preds. Who thinks he can beat them with a
far worse defense and an easily silenced offense in the playoffs, now?
HAHAHA save your complaining Washington....you third rate
city.....of.........Virginia.
|
47 · 
No comments:
Post a Comment