Did the Calder Trophy race just get interesting or what? Brock Boeser and Mathew Barzal are in a battle for the rookie award, but Boeser was the only rookie to get a bid for the All-Star Game (I guess it is easier playing for the Vancouver Canucks). The proclaimed “Prince Charming” put together a Cinderella story in Tampa this weekend, scoring twice and adding an assist to get the MVP award in the Sunday Classic.
The Canucks still remain near the bottom of the NHL Power Rankings, but one of their hated rivals took a huge leap into the Top 10. Another Vancouver rival took a spill against a second team that “flew” into the Top 10.
1. Tampa Bay Lightning: 71 points
Previously 2 (69 points)
Despite the loss in Winnipeg, the Lightning remain at the top of the NHL because of some nifty work from NY-Brooklyn in Las Vegas. After hosting the All-Star Game (and Gasparilla), Tampa Bay wraps up their eight-game swing in Western Canada, which is starting to look very vulnerable these days (just ask Buffalo). Nikita Kucherov could not lead the Atlantic Division to the grand prize on Sunday, but he had the luxury of picking up a hat trick in front of his home fans. Granted, he needed some crazy passing from Jack Eichel to make it happen.
2. Vegas Golden Knights: 70 points
Previously 1 (68 points)
Vegas took a tough home loss to the Islanders on Thursday, and the offense continued to look dead for 58 minutes in Calgary. With a little luck, however, the Knights pulled off a furious rally and tie the expansion record for most wins in a season. It would be sweet to break the record in the tough environment in Winnipeg on Thursday. Erik Haula took advantage of an awful mistake in the third period to tie the game and extend his point streak to six games.
3. Winnipeg Jets: 68 points
Previously 3 (65 points)
Steve Mason is on the IR and Connor Hellebuyck is an All-Star. Nothing to see here…Whoa! Michael Hutchinson made his return to the NHL in style on Tuesday. It may not have been a heavy load, but 23 saves and just one goal allowed to Tampa Bay is certainly a good way to make your presence felt. He had the luxury of being in my first iSportsWeb article in October 2015, and I’m surprised to see him becoming an AHL regular. He deserves more NHL time, even if it means finding a new team.
4. Nashville Predators: 65 points
Previously 4 (63 points)
Even without Filip Forsberg, the Predators were not desperate for offensive help. Still, they will gladly welcome back Mike Fisher, who un-retired on Wednesday and will start working out with the team immediately. With Nashville in a deadlock with St. Louis for second in the Central Division, the opportunity for the Preds to redeem themselves, with or without their former captain, is very much alive. Pekka Rinne picked up his fourth shutout of the season in a low-scoring affair in New Jersey on Thursday.
5. Boston Bruins: 66 points
Previously 5 (64 points)
The streak is over. The Bruins picked up points in 18 straight games before getting shut down by the visiting Ducks. They must regroup quickly, however, because Toronto, Detroit, and “Manhattan” are coming up next. The rookies manhandled the Senators on Thursday, and Danton Heinen scored on an air shot for his first goal in nine games. He has a commanding lead in points for Boston rookies.
6. Washington Capitals: 65 points
Previously 6 (61 points)
After a slight slip-up, the Capitals returned to their winning ways and adding to their lead in the Metropolitan Division. Alex Ovechkin won the Hardest Shot competition on Saturday with a 101.3 mph laser, and he hit two milestones on Thursday with his 30th goal of the season and 500th career assist. It was Chandler Stephenson, however, who stole the show on NBC, scoring two second-period goals in a comeback win over Philadelphia.
7. St. Louis Blues: 65 points
Previously 7 (61 points)
Things are going very well for the Blues again. They got Jaden Schwartz back and Alex Pietrangelo won the passing challenge in his first All-Star appearance. Yet the “back-up” continues to steal the real headlines. Carter Hutton could not get another shutout, but he did the next best thing against the previously streaking Avalanche and the Canadiens. Each team gave him a challenge, but he allowed one goal on 37 and 34 shots in those two games, respectively, to bring his GAA down to 1.70 and a ridiculous save percentage of 0.945. Is it too late to include him in the Vezina conversation?
8. Toronto Maple Leafs: 63 points
Previously 8 (59 points)
Remember this team was supposed to be a shoe-in for at least second back in November. Enter February, the Leafs are just three points behind a hot Bruins team for that position. The way Toronto has played lately, the only thing worth covering in Saturday’s rivalry is where Game 1 will be played in the playoff series, unless Tampa Bay breaks down. Wednesday was a great day for rookie milestones. Two players picked up their first NHL goal in a 5-0 romp of the Islanders. Travis Dermott found the net in the second period to get on the board in his ninth game played, while Justin Holl scored in the third period of his NHL debut.
9. Pittsburgh Penguins: 59 points
Previously 17 (55 points)
Visits from Minnesota and San Jose were supposed to provide a challenge, but the defending champions are hitting their stride. The offense continues to pour it on at PPG Paints Arena, and the team continues to defy doubters as they now hold second in the Metropolitan Division. Evgeni Malkin razed through the Western Conference opponents with three points in each game, including his 14th career hat trick and first in over a year.
10. Anaheim Ducks: 59 points
Previously 18 (55 points)
As we all expected, the Ducks are starting to climb back into the playoff grips. They have five wins in six games, and this week featured a shootout win against Winnipeg and a surprising win in Beantown. They were the first team to knock out the Bruins in regulation since the Capitals did it in December. John Gibson held Boston scoreless on 25 shots on Tuesday before leaving with a lower-body injury.
11. Dallas Stars: 60 points
Previously 9 (60 points)
Two lifeless home losses to playoff hopefuls has made the race for the first wild card interesting again. Dallas still has that platform, but five teams are within two points. Can a trip to Arizona and a visit from a Minnesota team that struggles on the road right the ship? Tyler Seguin had the lone goal for the Stars this week, and he was held without a point in the All-Star Game.
12. San Jose Sharks: 59 points
Previously 10 (59 points)
Not a good look. The Sharks have won four in a row and are barely hanging on to second place in the Pacific Division. They could have at least take another point in Detroit, as the rest of their road trip figures to be a real challenge at this rate. Logan Couture scored twice in a close loss to the Rangers on Thursday, and he had four goals in a three-game stretch.
13. Colorado Avalanche: 58 points
Previously 11 (57 points)
Just when it looked like the Avs were streaking to the playoffs, they sputter again. They have now lost three straight games following a tough overtime loss to the Canucks on Tuesday, and the Blackhawks are making another push. To make things much worse, Nathan MacKinnon had a shoulder injury in that game and has already been ruled out two to four weeks. The Hart Trophy candidate had a goal and an assist in the Central Division’s lone game on Sunday.
14. Los Angeles Kings: 59 points
Previously 13 (57 points)
Jonathan Quick has not been cleared to return with an undisclosed injury, so the poor man’s Carter Hutton got another start in Texas. Darcy Kuemper picked up his second shutout of the season after making 28 saves against the Stars. He has done very well in a city that is known for raising solid goaltenders, and his GAA is now down to 1.90 in his first season at the City of Angels.
15. New Jersey Devils: 58 points
Previously 12 (56 points)
Things have not been going well for New Jersey, so Tuesday was a confidence game. Not only were they playing a Buffalo team that has struggled at home all season, but Taylor Hall returned from a three-game absence because of a thumb injury. Hall continued to creep into Hart Trophy talks with another goal early in the third period on Tuesday, and he finished January with points in all eight games he played. Brian Boyle took Hall’s place in the All-Star Game and had another emotional weekend in returning to Amalie Arena.
16. Calgary Flames: 58 points
Previously 14 (57 points)
Want a back-breaker? How about giving up three late goals 2013 Bruins style? Michael Frolik, who had just returned from a broken jaw, made an errant pass in front of Mike Smith with under two minutes remaining in regulation, and Erik Haula got himself an easy game-tying goal. Two more goals gave the Flames five straight losses and currently has them out of the playoff picture. Visits from Tampa Bay and Chicago just got way more important for Calgary. Matthew Tkachuk continued to burn through his sophomore campaign with two goals in a shootout loss in Edmonton on Thursday and another one late in the second period on Tuesday.
17. Columbus Blue Jackets: 58 points
Previously 19 (55 points)
The Jackets will not get much love for beating Arizona by a mild 2-1 score, but any goal would have been welcome for Cam Atkinson. He has been limited to 34 games this season, and his production has plummeted from a fantastic 2016-2017. So yes, he will gladly take the game-winner with 3:03 left in regulation.
18. Carolina Hurricanes: 54 points
Previously 21 (50 points)
The Canes will not get kudos for beating the French-Canadian teams, but they did get within a point of the Islanders in the Metropolitan Division. With Sebastian Aho returning to the lineup, Carolina can make a mad push with home wins over Montreal and Detroit to continue their eight-game home stand. Noah Hanifin came up big in the high-scoring win in Montreal, assisting three times and setting up Justin Williams‘ winner.
19. Minnesota Wild: 59 points
Previously 16 (57 points)
Not many high-profile games for Minnesota of late, but that will change quickly. The Wild finished a solid run against the Eastern Conference with a hard-fought shootout win in Columbus. Not bad considering they have just 10 road wins in 25 tries. They go home to take on Vegas before some huge road games in their own division. Jason Zucker has a seven-game point streak, and five goals in his last six games, after a violent power play goal in Ohio.
20. New York Rangers: 55 points
Previously 20 (53 points)
Better late than never. The Rangers needed all four road games to pick up a win out west, and it was a high-scoring thriller in which San Jose nearly pulled off the comeback at home. New York had as many goals in that win as they did in the first three games of the road trip, and Ryan McDonagh scored his first two goals of the season in the second period to give the Rangers some breathing room.
21. Philadelphia Flyers: 56 points
Previously 17 (56 points)
Philly had a tough schedule this week with Tampa Bay and Washington, but losing both in convincing fashion makes this five-game stretch coming up very important. New Jersey is the only one of the next five opponents currently in a playoff spot, and the Flyers have had their way against them this season. Taking advantage of the weak schedule could bring them back to second in the division. Surprise! Travis Konecny scored again in both games, and he now has goals in five straight games to reach double figures in goals.
22. Chicago Blackhawks: 55 points
Previously 23 (51 points)
Here come the Hawks, as expected. Despite digging into a deep hole in the Central Division, Chicago has turned things around with two huge road victories. Three battles against Western Canada teams await, and suddenly the top-heavy club can jump back to the wild card picture. Michigan native Alex DeBrincat picked up his second hat trick of the season in Thursday’s easy win in Detroit, sealing it with an empty netter with under 20 seconds remaining.
23. New York Islanders: 55 points
Previously 22 (53 points)
Just when it looked like New York’s defense was turning a corner, they lay two eggs in about 24 hours. They shocked the Golden Knights despite scoring just two goals in the Strip, but went on to allow a combined nine goals against two Atlantic Division opponents. Not ideal. Ross Johnston got the Isles on the board in Thursday’s win with his first NHL goal off of a Cody Eakin deflection.
24. Edmonton Oilers: 47 points
Previously 29 (45 points)
They may not be done just yet. They can hang their hats on having their provincial rival’s number since Connor McDavid became the captain, as they have now won seven in a row after Thursday’s shootout win. This was Calgary’s best chance to end the streak, but an unlikely hero stopped that possibility. Brandon Davidson, who has been bounced between Montreal and Edmonton over the past two seasons, led a rally with two goals following a 2-0 deficit after one period. Unsurprisingly, McDavid scored the shootout winner.
25. Detroit Red Wings: 48 points
Previously 25 (46 points)
Those expecting to see the home team score at Little Caesars Arena were let down this week. Chicago did everything right on Thursday, and the Red Wings entered the post All-Star schedule with another one-goal outing. Fortunately for them, Petr Mrazek continues to convince Jeff Blashill his worth in goal. He stopped 30 of 31 shots against the Sharks on Wednesday before going out triumphant in a seven-round shootout. Detroit is now two points ahead of Montreal and Florida.
26. Florida Panthers: 46 points
Previously 24 (44 points)
Florida’s first game after the break ended on a high note. They took control early and never looked back in a 4-1 win in Brooklyn to keep pace with Detroit and Montreal. Denis Malgin scored both goals in Thursday’s loss to Washington to pass his first season’s total, and the injury bug in goal has given 28-year-old Finn Harri Sateri his first glimpse at the NHL. It took five tries, but he finally picked up his first NHL victory after stopping 32 shots against the Islanders.
27. Vancouver Canucks: 46 points
Previously 28 (44 points)
Blond mane? Killer accuracy? Prince Charming has made his way onto the hockey rink. Brock Boeser, who was the lone rookie to reach the All-Star roster, took home the target-shooting crown on Saturday and scored twice on Sunday to win MVP honors for the All-Star Game. Vancouver has plenty of light at the end of the rebuilding tunnel with the 20-year-old Minnesota native. He had an assist against Colorado on Tuesday, but Chris Tanev stole the spotlight with three assists, including one on Sven Baertschi‘s OT winner.
28. Montreal Canadiens: 46 points
Previously 26 (46 points)
We could argue whether Carey Price should have been in an All-Star sweater this weekend, but there were no other decent options. Putting the pieces together for 60 minutes continues to be a problem, and it showed in an offensive slugfest on Thursday and a sluggish offense after the break. Charles Hudon continued his offensive breakout with two goals and an assist against Carolina and a late power play goal in St. Louis.
29. Buffalo Sabres: 37 points
Previously 30 (35 points)
Maybe the Sabres roster should switch locations with a Western Canada team. Clearly they know how to win there. They won all three games, with the last two in blowout fashion, in Alberta/British Columbia. Robin Lehner has been significantly better recently, posting two shutouts in a row on 63 shots before having 25 saves on 27 shots in Tuesday’s loss to New Jersey.
30. Ottawa Senators: 39 points
Previously 29 (39 points)
Something is very wrong when the Sabres look significantly more competitive. It is also concerning that Eugene Melnyk waited one month to realize that his relocation comments from the NHL100 Classic were not ideal. Are they bound for a mercy top pick?
Dion Phaneuf picked up his first points in 11 games by assisting with both goals on Thursday.
31. Arizona Coyotes: 33 points
Previously 31 (33 points)
Arizona got an extended break, and the red-hot Sabres are creating a gap in the overall standings. Despite losing to Columbus late, the Coyotes got a big night from Antti Raanta, who has been fantastic in January. He has only allowed more than two goals once in a January start, and he made 25 saves on the Jackets for his fifth consecutive start with two goals allowed. Because of the offense, however, Raanta is stuck at eight wins in 28 starts through 50 games.
BOLD PREDICTIONS:
Last week:
The Atlantic Division wins the All-Star Game. They could not duplicate their performance in the first game against the Pacific Division.
Nathan MacKinnon picks up a hat trick this week (All-Star Game included). He could not pull it off, and his ended with an injury. Not ideal.
John Klingberg had three assists against the Kings on Tuesday. And yet again, a team gets shut out at the wrong time.
This week:
Jesper Bratt scores twice to help New Jersey defeat Philadelphia for the first time on Thursday.
Jeff Glass shuts out the Flames this week.
Dallas scores eight times on the porous Islander defense on Monday.