NHL Power Rankings: Capitals claim top spot from Bruins

A lot can happen in the NHL in just two weeks. There were several significant rises and falls in this edition of BetAmerica’s NHL Power Rankings.

1. Washington Capitals (23-5-5)

Previous rank: 3

A Wednesday-night victory over the previous No. 1 team, the Bruins, catapulted the Capitals to the top. Defenseman John Carlson continues to be the story in Washington, as he’s on pace for an astounding 110 points.

2. New York Islanders (21-7-2)

Previous rank: 4

The Islanders went 6-1 since the last edition of the Power Rankings. The usual suspects have been leading the charge on offense, as Mathew Barzal and Anders Lee combined for eight goals during that stretch.

3. Colorado Avalanche (20-8-3)

Previous rank: 8

At 6-0-1 over the last two weeks, Colorado is making waves now that most of its roster is healthy. Last week’s East Coast trip saw the Avalanche nab wins over playoff contenders in Toronto, Montreal and Boston.

4. Boston Bruins (20-7-6)

Previous rank: 1

The Bruins have been uncharacteristically sloppy during their current five-game losing streak, with an average of 3.8 goals allowed per game. Their 8-6-1 road record won’t put fear into anyone come playoff time.

5. St. Louis Blues (19-8-6)

Previous rank: 5

After treading water over the last two weeks, the Blues are looking to build on their winning start (4-2 over the Golden Knights) to a four-game homestand. Key matchups with the Avalanche and Oilers are on the horizon.

6. Arizona Coyotes (19-11-4)

Previous rank: 9

Despite the struggles of Phil Kessel (who is on pace for 17 goals, his lowest output since his rookie season), the Coyotes have grabbed the lead in the Pacific Division. Their +14 goal differential is second in the West, behind only Colorado.

7. Edmonton Oilers (18-12-4)

Previous rank: 2

The Oilers have dropped four out of their last five games to fall into a tie for second in the Pacific with the red-hot Flames (more on them later). Their goaltending has been abysmal, as they’ve allowed 4.2 goals per game during that stretch.

8. Dallas Stars (18-11-3)

Previous rank: 6

The Stars are strong at home (12-4-1) but haven’t been able to replicate that success on the road (6-7-2). Dallas plays Vegas at home Friday night before taking on the Predators in Nashville less than 24 hours later, which seems unfair.

9. Pittsburgh Penguins (18-10-4)

Previous rank: 7

Tristan Jarry has three shutouts in his last four starts—not too shabby—and that’s helped the Penguins go 4-1 to start December.

10. Carolina Hurricanes (19-11-2)

Previous rank: 10

The Hurricanes’ offense has been an enigma over their last seven games (4-3 record). They’ve been shut out three times but scored three or more goals in each of the other four games.

11. Winnipeg Jets (19-11-2)

Previous rank: 11

Someone had to be the team to hand the Red Wings their first win in a month. Unfortunately for the Jets it was them Thursday night. But their 13-5-2 record over their last 20 games is nothing to sneeze at.

12. Tampa Bay Lightning (16-11-3)

Previous rank: 12

The Lightning have won four out of six to start the month, but a 5-1 loss to the Islanders on Monday night suggests Tampa still has some catching up to do with the game’s elite. A Saturday-night tilt with the Capitals is on deck.

13. Calgary Flames (18-12-4)

Previous rank: NR

The hottest team in hockey is the Flames, as they’ve won seven straight games. Center Dillon Dube, called up from the AHL on November 17, has five goals and four assists over his last eight games.

14. Philadelphia Flyers (13-7-5)

Previous rank: 13

The Flyers are 7-3 over their last 10 games, but those losses were all to playoff contenders (Flames, Coyotes and Avalanche). That says a lot about where they stand at the moment.

15. Buffalo Sabres (16-11-6)

Previous rank: NR

The Sabres have clawed their way up to second in the Atlantic Division with an impressive three-game win streak over the Oilers, Blues and Predators. Center Jack Eichel has been unstoppable over his last eight games, with eight goals and seven assists.

16. Montreal Canadiens (15-11-6)

Previous rank: NR

The Canadiens have won four of their last five contests, with their only loss by one goal against the Avalanche. Right winger Brendan Gallagher is on a smashing run, with four goals and three assists in that span.

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