Updated Power Rankings
Power Rankings for January 23, 2007 are up.
Power Rankings are a combination of winning percentage, schedule difficulty, offensive and defensive statistics (shots and goals for and allowed per game) and opponent offensive and defensive stats. Each team is listed with its Power Rank and the change from its ranking last week. There is significant movement this week, in part because last week’s rankings did not include offensive and defensive statistics.
1. Detroit Red Wings (0.803, no change from last week)
Facing the expected challenge for top spot in the division from the Nashville Predators. Desperately hoping the injury to Henrik Zetterberg is not serious.
2. Anaheim Ducks (0.711, 0)
Struggling without Chris Pronger and JS Giguerre. Who wouldn’t? Hopefully their divisional rivals don’t forget that those injuries are temporary.
3. San Jose Sharks (0.674, 0)
The Kyle Calder trade hasn’t worked out but it hardly seems to matter. When does this team trade a goalie for some help on the blueline?
4. Buffalo Sabres (0.600, 0)
Struggling lately but this team never quits. For the fans of this franchise, I hope they manage to squeeze top value out of someone when they trade Martin Biron. If they can’t, don’t be shocked to see Chris Drury or Daniel Briere’s names show up in trade rumours.
5. Ottawa Senators (0.573, +2)
Rolling along as expected. Once again, this team’s real season doesn’t start until the 83rd game.
6. New Jersey Devils (0.570, 0)
Is the blueline deep enough for a playoff run? Even Martin Brodeur needs help sometimes.
7. Dallas Stars (0.569, -2)
Injuries are starting to take their tole. Was Eric Lindros really a better way of spending money than Bill Guerin?
8. Vancouver Canucks (0.551, +3)
Hottest team in the NHL right now. If you’re a Canucks’ fan, just try not to think of an injury to Luongo.
9. Carolina Hurricanes (.542, 0)
I try not to lend too much weight to the inconsistency of a team with so many of its top defencemen out, but this is not the same team as last year. If Cam Ward falters, the Canes really don’t have a backup plan.
10. Tampa Bay Lightning (.533, -2)
With so much salary tied up in three players, the Lightning need those three to dominate. When they don’t, this team loses. Seems to work relatively well this regular season but can any of those three carry the team through the only 16 wins that really matter?
11. Nashville Predators (0.529, -1)
Best winning percentage in the league right now, but also one of the easiest schedules. This team is hungry and has perhaps the best goaltending in the league. Watch out.
12. Colorado Avalanche (0.503, +1)
The injury to John-Michael Liles hurts a blueline that wasn’t deep enough to start with.
13. Toronto Maple Leafs (0.501, -1)
Have little trouble with the Lightning but get smoked by the Penguins. Is that the Leafs’ season in a nutshell?
14. Calgary Flames (0.464, +3)
Starting to win on the road as well as at home. That’s good news.
15. Montreal Canadiens (0.456, +3)
Sheldon Souray is on pace to shatter the record for power-play goals by a defenceman. Enjoy your last year in Montreal, Sheldon.
16. Florida Panthers (0.454, -1)
Auld has struggled adjusting to a weaker team than he’s used to despite being given every opportunity. And Ed Belfour’s back can no longer handle the weight of an entire team.
17. New York Rangers (0.446, -3)
No consistency, and rumours of trouble in the locker room. Bad combination.
18. Atlanta Thrashers (0.441, 0)
As expected, the Thrashers lack a centerman capable of keeping up with their wingers. Have they called Jason Allison?
19. Minnesota Wild (0.428, 0)
Marian Gaborik has been on fire since his return. This is good – shows what the team can do – but also bad – shows what can happen if even one injury occurs.
20. Edmonton Oilers (0.417, +1)
Help will be coming before the trade deadline. What will it cost Kevin Lowe?
21. Boston Bruins (0.395, -1)
How long until Tuuka Raask is ready for the NHL?
22. Pittsburgh Penguins (0.394, +5)
I was surprised that Mark Recchi would choose to come back to Sidney’s team, but he really looks like he wants to play.
23. New York Islanders (0.378, -1)
When does the big sale start in Long Island?
24. Phoenix Coyotes (0.365, -1)
Finally on something of a role. Still one of the worst managed teams in the league.
25. Washington Capitals (0.364, -1)
The Caps are almost a 0.500 hockey club. Much more fun to watch than I would have guessed, even when Ovechkin’s not on the ice.
26. Chicago Blackhawks (0.362, 0)
Could Khabibulin be on his way back out of Chicago?
27. Los Angeles Kings (0.349, -2)
Even before the injury, the Dan Cloutier trade was a disaster. It’s now officially a catastrophe. Hopefully the Kings at least cemented some goodwill with Nonis.
28. St. Louis Blues (0.333, +1)
Where will Bill Guerin and Keith Tkachuk end up?
29. Columbus Blue Jackets (0.333, -1)
How long term will this team plan? Will we see veterans being dumped or are they confident Hitchcock can turn the ship around as early as next year?
30. Philadelphia Flyers (0.215, 0)
No surprises here, and nothing to say.