The season is over 1/4 the way through and it's fair to say that at this point we can separate most of the contenders from the rest. These rankings are done based mostly on results so far, as there hasn't been many moves to change things up. Ratings and schedule will also play a factor.

 

1. Anaheim Ducks - 23-2-1

Obviously just about everything is going right in Anaheim. An early season loss to the Flames was a little scary, but the Ducks have since beaten them. Had Anaheim been 0-2 against Calgary, I would have put Junya's Stars at #1. Because of the Ducks having 4 more games played (all wins) than Dallas, Anaheim slots in at #1 for now.

 

2. Dallas Stars - 19-2-1

Junya's Stars come in at #2, or 1B - however you want to look at it. It's been very clear so far as to who the teams to beat in the West are. Anything less than a meeting in the conference finals between Dallas and Anaheim would be a massive disappointment. The Western final will more than likely result in the winner going on to take the Cup.

 

3. New York Islanders - 17-3-2

You could make the argument that the Blues should be slotted at #3, but I'm going with the best team in the East. The Islanders continue to dominate season-after-season and this year is no different. The clear favourite to come out of the East has a much better team on paper than St. Louis and that's why I have them at #3.

 

4. St. Louis Blues - 19-4-1

This team is the biggest surprise of the year so far. On paper - they're a playoff team, but not a top seed. However, this team has some very notable wins, including one over the Ducks, a couple over the Blackhawks, and a pair over the Sharks. They also have regulation losses to Tampa Bay, Vegas and Colorado. It's tough to tell where the Blues go from here, but it's very clear that they're a playoff contender.

 

5. Washington Capitals - 17-4-5

Larry's Capitals come in at #5. They do have a handful of loser points, but a couple of those are in games against #1 ranked Ducks in games that the Caps could have just as easily won. The team is decent on paper, but does benefit from playing in the East. Despite that, it's time for myself and others to start putting some respect in Larry's name.

 

6. Minnesota Wild - 16-6-2

For me - the thing that separates the Wild from the Hurricanes, Bruins & Blackhawks is that Al's Wild have Varlamov and the Canes/Hawks/Bruins do not. This team is a threat to take games off of anyone, and boasts a top 4 goal differential. Not to be taken lightly.

 

7. Boston Bruins - 15-5-1

This team could be a top 5 team, maybe even SHOULD be a top 5 team, but they aren't yet. There are games to be played (and ideally won) for them to move up the rankings. I'd have them higher, but Saros has been disappointing relative to other top goalies so far. He hasn't been bad at all, but hasn't been spectacular either. If his performance improves, the Bruins move up the rankings. Simple as that.

 

8. Chicago Blackhawks - 17-6-1

This team is very solid front to back. Not necessarily great, but solid. Going 17-6-1 in the West is nothing to shake a stick at, but at the same time, there's a lot separating the Hawks from the top teams.

 

9. Carolina Hurricanes - 15-6-2

The Canes have Raleighed (see what I did there?) from a slow start to the season and propped themselves into the top 10 teams in the league. They're pretty well rounded, but like Chicago, not GREAT in any one area. If the goalies can continue performing, and the big guns continue to produce, this is definitely a contender to come out of the East. I do believe moves need to be made for that to happen, though.

 

10. San Jose Sharks - 15-8-2

This team has fallen off a cliff in the last 10. Maybe Grubauer is losing motivation knowing that he's headed to Florida next year. Who knows? What I do know is that there's work to be done in San Jose for them to move back up the standings. Grubauer is NOT getting the job done.

 

11. Calgary Flames - 15-9-1

The Flames have been okay so far, but not spectacular. There's work to be done here for Kevin to make the Flames a true contender, but he has the pieces. It's really just a matter of whether or not he wants to go all in this year, or wait for next year when the Ducks aren't in the mix. It's a tough spot to be in with decisions to be made.

 

12. Edmonton Oilers - 14-8-1

Coming in at #12 is the Oilers. Right now they aren't even a playoff team in the West (says a lot), but I think they will be. Hellebuyck has been a monster so far, and goalies are typically pretty consistent throughout the year in the BRHL. This team will get into the playoffs and be a tough team to beat in a 7 game series.

 

13. Columbus Blue Jackets - 14-9-1

The Blue Jackets need another goalie - badly. Thankfully, they have time to find one, as there isn't much threat of them falling out of the playoffs. If they can land a good backup (or starter because Markstrom has been disappointing), they can make some noise in the East.

 

14. Vegas Golden Knights - 14-8-2

The Knights are definitely solid, but they also play in one of the toughest divisions in the league. Knowing Joe, he hasn't put a ton of effort into making this team a contender this year. I think he knows this isn't his year and is looking more towards the future. I think he's wise to do that.

 

15. Colorado Avalanche - 12-10-0

It would be nice for Bryce to have his team take some of these losses to overtime. It would also be nice for him if they didn't play in the Central. Unfortunately, they haven't taken these losses to OT and they do play in the Central. This Avs team isn't at the same level that they have been in years past, and I think we could see them sell off a bit this year, as Junya previously mentioned as a possibility. Bryce isn't one to settle for mediocrity.

 

16. Montreal Canadiens - 12-12-2

We're starting to get to the point in the power rankings where GMs are surprised to see their teams listed so early and the write-ups on them get shorter. This year has been a step back for Steve and he's the first one to admit that. I could see the Canadiens looking towards the future at the deadline.

 

I'm starting to get lazy here.

 

17. Seattle Kraken

Known sellers from day 1, the Kraken aren't a threat to do any damage this year. Unfortunately, they're 14th place in the league right now. Gotta do a better job tanking Rexy.

 

18. New York Rangers

Not really a threat to do any playoff damage this year, but they may wind up making it as a wild card. It's time for them to move Matthews to a Leafs homer in the offseason (preferably the Ducks).

 

19. New Jersey Devils

See Rangers description. Not a great team. Might make the playoffs. Should be selling.

 

20. Philadelphia Flyers

Anthony's offseason moves are looking pretty rough at this point. This team is decent but nothing more than that.

 

21. Toronto Maple Leafs

Like Bryce, Garrett isn't typically one to settle for mediocrity. I list the Leafs a little lower than they sit in the standings, as I expect Garrett to actively look towards the future. At least somewhat.

 

22. Los Angeles Kings

Definition of mediocre, sitting in the Pacific and rotting. There's work to be done here.

 

23. Nashville Predators

Sheds isn't putting in a ton of effort this year, and has a ways to go to get back to the level he used to be at.

 

24. Pittsburgh Penguins

Toby has always sucked at tanking, finding himself fighting for that same playoff spot he got into when he was all-in during his first season.

 

25. Florida Panthers

A step forward for Tynz this year, but he and I know that isn't saying much. The team is slowly coming along. Maybe Grubauer will help him next year.

 

26. Arizona Coyotes

One step forward - one step back. Business as usual for Joel's Yotes. Next year will be better.

 

27. Vancouver Canucks

My lord, these bottom feeders teams are bad. I have liked some of Rob's moves though. Maybe this team takes another step forward next year.

 

28. Detroit Red Wings

Danny's Red Wings suck. And would someone hurry up and trade for Barrie?

 

29. Buffalo Sabres

I'm expecting a step forward from this team sooner than later. Jared has been slowly building them up, which I think is the right way to do it. For this year, though, they suck.

 

30. Ottawa Senators

I hope Kirk doesn't check in on his old team, because yikes has it gone south in Ottawa. Better years are ahead for one of the more active GMs in the league.

 

31. Tampa Bay Lightning

Fantastic job tanking this year from Eric, who has some good young players that will be taking steps forward next year and beyond.

 

32. Winnipeg Jets

Here we have it. By far the most impressive tank job this year so far. Keep it up Doc!