The trade deadline was extremely underwhelming, with contenders staying put and Erik Karlsson not going anywhere, but there was bigger news in Florida. Following the school shooting in Parkland, Fla., the Florida Panthers held a touching pregame ceremony in honor of those killed and affected at a nearby high school. Roberto Luongo took the spotlight before and during the game, and the Panthers rallied to win all three of their home games this week to creep even closer to a wild card spot. In the process, they crept up to 20th in the NHL Power Rankings.
Tampa Bay made one of the bigger moves of the deadline and surged their way back to the top of the rankings, while the Blues continue to spill despite a win on Wednesday.
1. Tampa Bay Lightning: 90 points
Previously 2 (83 points)
All eyes were on Tampa Bay to make a huge move for their inevitable playoff run, but they could not make a deal with Ottawa. Instead, they made what is likely the heftiest trade of the week with New York. They picked up Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh and center J.T. Miller for offensive standout Vladislav Namestnikov and two high draft picks. Giving away Namestnikov is a huge loss, but a Stanley Cup would be a solid exchange at this point. Despite a rough OT loss to Buffalo, the Lightning have points in their last five games, and Yanni Gourde picked up four assists this week to carry an offense that was shorthanded following the trade on Monday and was without Nikita Kucherov in Wednesday’s loss.
2. Vegas Golden Knights: 87 points
Previously 1 (84 points)
After a rampage against the West Canada teams, Vegas looked more like an expansion team in their home-and-home with Los Angeles. After losing a late late lead on the road, the Knights were outmatched in a battle between backup goaltenders, as Maxime Lagace had no answers in his first start since December. In a deadline with few blockbusters, Vegas made two key moves that just might work for the impeding postseason run. They traded for enforcer Ryan Reaves and underrated scorer Tomas Tatar (although they did give up a first-round pick) while also grabbing Vancouver prospect Philip Holm. William Karlsson continues to amaze, as he now has a four-game point streak that included two goals on Friday to bring his season total to 34. He has certainly stepped up playing on the line of former Panthers Reilly Smith and Jonathan Marchessault.
3. Nashville Predators: 87 points
Previously 3 (81 points)
One of these days we will question the logic behind giving a first-round pick to Chicago for Ryan Hartman, but the offense in Tennessee is just too good right now. As if it were not hot enough at home, the Predators scored three unanswered goals in the third period to go from understandable 5-3 loss in Winnipeg to miracle finish. Who scored the game-winner? None other than Hartman. Roman Josi was the real star of the week, however. He picked up five assists in Tuesday’s win, and he now has 11 assists in his last five games.
4. Winnipeg Jets: 83 points
Previously 4 (79 points)
Pain is losing a two-goal third period lead to the same team that is trying to take the Central Division title away from them…at home. That might not be the biggest issue, however. They traded for Paul Stastny before the trade deadline, but was giving away a first-round pick really worth it, especially to a division rival? It can be hard for a trade piece to stick out for a likely playoff team with plenty of superstar talents up front. Nikolaj Ehlers had six points for the week, including three in a five-goal second period in Dallas on Saturday, and matched his career high for goals in a season with 25.
5. Toronto Maple Leafs: 85 points
Previously 7 (79 points)
Both Florida teams were not kind to the Leafs in extra time, but Toronto remains second in the Atlantic Division with the Stadium Series game coming up. With most of their roster already in good shape, the Leafs’ only serious trade came from their Canadian rival, as they picked up longtime Hab Tomas Plekanec for two prospects and a second-round pick. Mitch Marner came up big against the Bruins on Saturday, picking up points in all four goals for a critical win in the divisional standings. Unfortunately, the Leafs have been without Auston Matthews since he left the game on Saturday with a shoulder injury. He is questionable for the outdoor game this week.
6. Boston Bruins: 84 points
Previously 5 (82 points)
After losing in Toronto on Saturday, the Bruins made some big headlines. After trading with the Rangers earlier in the month, they did it again in one the biggest moves of the season, trading for former first overall pick Rick Nash and giving the Rangers a first-round pick and Ryan Spooner, among others. They also shipped away Frank Vatrano to Florida and snagged Chicago winger Tommy Wingels, who scored in his Boston debut on Tuesday along with both Nashes (Rick and Riley). It was Charlie McAvoy, however, who sniped home the OT winner to end a short losing skid and keep pace with the Maple Leafs.
7. Washington Capitals: 79 points
Previously 9 (75 points)
Washington was very quiet during the trade deadline despite Erik Karlsson rumors. They have bigger things to worry about. First, Braden Holtby has gone from disappointing to horrendous, and it showed on Monday. The Capitals also get to prepare for Saturday’s Stadium Series game against Toronto at the Naval Academy, and that should be one of the more unique outdoor games in NHL history. It kind of reminds me of the Fort Bragg Game last July. Philipp Grubauer has gone on a heavier duty this week because of Holtby’s struggles, and he made 44 saves in his 46 shots faced on Monday and Tuesday combined. His GAA is at 2.43, which is tiny compared to where Holtby currently stands.
8. Philadelphia Flyers: 78 points
Previously 8 (72 points)
At least for one day, the Flyers ended up in first place in the Metropolitan Division. They have won six straight and 10 out of their last 11, and they did not even have to score on Monday to extend that run. Petr Mrazek is starting to look like the jackpot trade piece of the season. He made 33 saves in Montreal on Monday to make up for a rough night offensively, and the offense will need to recover without Wayne Simmonds for the next two to three weeks.
9. Pittsburgh Penguins: 76 points
Previously 6 (74 points)
Pittsburgh was highly involved at the trade deadline. Their biggest acquisition was Derick Brassard, who came from Ottawa in exchange for defenseman Ian Cole. Since the Pens are looking for a third straight Stanley Cup, giving up their first round pick was not a hard decision, but they need to figure things out after losing two straight to teams currently in the wild card hunt and losing Matt Murray to a concussion. Murray did have a huge night in a blowout win over Carolina, holding them to one goal on 28 shots for his 23rd win of the season.
10. San Jose Sharks: 77 points
Previously 10 (74 points)
The Sharks went on a mini-slump in the midwest this week, but they may have pulled the biggest trade of the season. As I predicted in my article last week, the Sharks were the ones that took a chance on Evander Kane, and they gave away a conditional first round pick depending on whether he signs with them over the offseason. Not a bad decision for a team starving for their first Stanley Cup. Kane got to work immediately, picking up two assists in Tuesday’s win over Edmonton, and Joe Pavelski rocked the new-look Oilers with a goal and three assists.
11. Minnesota Wild: 79 points
Previously 16 (71 points)
Despite being in the middle of the playoff scenarios, the Wild did not do much. All they did was trade Mike Reilly to Montreal for a middle draft pick. Perhaps that is their way for putting faith in Eric Staal and Mikael Granlund, for both have been on fire all season. That was especially the case on Tuesday, when the Wild put an eight-spot on the Blues. Granlund had two goals in the first period, while Staal sealed a hat trick in the third period. He is now tied with Nikita Kucherov for the fourth-most goals in the NHL with 33.
12. Dallas Stars: 76 points
Previously 12 (72 points)
Although Winnipeg had no problems on Saturday, the Stars’ defense is starting to become the real news these days. While the offense is extremely top-heavy, the defense is somehow fourth in the league in GAA. A team that needed all the help in the back as possible back in June is now going into the home stretch without needing to make any moves at the trade deadline. Will that strategy pay off, or will their division rivals take advantage of their risky moves? Both goaltenders picked up 2-0 shutouts this week, and Ben Bishop picked up his first shutout in 2018 with 38 saves against the Flames on Tuesday.
13. New Jersey Devils: 74 points
Previously 13 (70 points)
New Jersey has had the luxury of stockpiling their system since their latest Stanley Cup Finals run, and they finally got the chance to be buyers again. They did not shy away, either, as they traded for both Michael Grabner and Patrick Maroon. Both should be important parts of the upstart offense, even if Taylor Hall continues to be the center of attention. Kyle Palmieri did the most talking with his stick this week. Two of his three goals this week came within a five-minute span in the third period to shock the Islanders on Saturday. Keith Kinkaid made 30 saves to help those goals hold up for the win, and he made 36 more saves in a road win over Pittsburgh on Tuesday.
14. Los Angeles Kings: 75 points
Previously 15 (71 points)
Having already traded for Tobias Rieder, the Kings did two critical things this week to help their chances at returning to the playoffs. First, they got Jeff Carter back from the IR. Then they swept the home-and-home series with Vegas to get back to third place in the Pacific Division. A lighter week is up next with manageable home meets with Columbus and Chicago. It is unclear if he will keep the backup goaltender role over newest King Scott Wedgewood, but Jack Campbell certainly made a strong case on Tuesday. He held the formidable Vegas offense to one goal on 42 shots to pick up his first NHL victory on three tries dating back to 2013.
15. Anaheim Ducks: 74 points
Previously 11 (73 points)
Another division title is not out of the question for Anaheim, but losing in Arizona and Edmonton is not going to make that goal feasible. Trading Chris Wagner for Jason Chimera was admittedly a very minor move in a quiet trade deadline for the Ducks, but can the current core keep it together? Rickard Rakell was instrumental in salvaging one point against the Oilers on Saturday, as he scored twice in the final 21 seconds to pick up the hat trick.
16. Calgary Flames: 73 points
Previously 17 (69 points)
Life without Mike Smith seemed bright after convincing wins against the Coyotes and Avalanche, but their short road trip was the exact opposite feeling. The Flames did not make any huge trades, but they did pick up Chris Stewart and Nick Shore to add depth to the top heavy offense. They take on the new look Rangers at home before going out east for the final time. Jon Gillies continues to come up big in his first action as a starter, allowing five goals in three starts this week. It was highlighted with 28 saves against Colorado in what was a rare runaway win.
17. St. Louis Blues: 74 points
Previously 14 (72 points)
Perhaps a seven-game losing streak sparked panic, but the Blues pulled off a nice selling move before the trade deadline. They traded scoring veteran Paul Stastny to the Winnipeg Jets and got a first-round pick out of it. Not bad for a team that still could make the playoffs in spite of the skid. After the defense melted down on Monday, Carter Hutton redeemed himself with 35 saves against Detroit on Wednesday to snap the losing streak, and he remains at the top of the NHL GAA list at 1.99.
18. Colorado Avalanche: 73 points
Previously 18 (68 points)
They had a rough time on the road this week, but two wins at home get the Avalanche back into the wild card mix. Despite a facelift from last year, Colorado did not make any major roster moves at the trade deadline, so they do not have the distinction of going from full-on sellers to buyers in one season. Nathan MacKinnon had another huge week, and he pummeled the Canucks in the season series. After two goals and an assist on Monday, the top pick of 2013 finishes the season series with eight points, three more than his season high vs. division rivals.
19. Columbus Blue Jackets: 69 points
Previously 21 (65 points)
In a season where winning in overwhelming fashion is non-existent in Columbus, the Jackets managed to do that twice at home in February. The second one was on Monday, when they scored four times in the opening period to dispose Washington in a critical division battle. Columbus also made their fair share of deadline moves, picking up Thomas Vanek, Ian Cole, and Mark Letestu for a limited price. Cam Atkinson led the Jackets with a goal and two assists on Monday, and 10 of his underwhelming 25 points this season came in February.
20. Florida Panthers: 64 points
Previously 24 (58 points)
The playoffs are starting to become a possibility for Florida, but the competition was put to the side on Thursday, as South Florida paid tribute those affected by the Stoneman Douglas shooting in nearby Parkland. Roberto Luongo made an emotional speech before the game and made 33 saves against Washington for a win that Vincent Trocheck sealed with the go-ahead goal with 20 seconds left in regulation. Not to be outdone, Evgeni Dadonov picked up his first NHL hat trick in an offensive slugfest with Pittsburgh on Saturday. He is now at 18 goals in his return to the NHL.
21. Carolina Hurricanes: 65 points
Previously 19 (64 points)
It was not long ago that the Hurricanes were in a nice position in the wild card race. Six straight losses later, and they are quickly falling out of the playoff race. They decided not to make a desperation move at the deadline, but at what point do the fans expect this team to make the playoffs? The playoff drought will reach 10 years if they cannot make a comeback. Justin Faulk had two assists in Tuesday’s OT loss in Boston, and those were his first points since his hatty back on Feb. 13, which was the last time Carolina won.
22. New York Islanders: 65 points
Previously 20 (64 points)
Despite their overly aggressive attempt to get Erik Karlsson, the Islanders could only get Brandon Davidson at the trade deadline. They needed defense more than anything else, but their recent skid just might be enough to push them out of playoff contention. They have lost four straight games and the offense is stuck in quicksand. Jaroslav Halak made 31 saves in New Jersey on Saturday, but he could not stop Kyle Palmieri in the third period and took a tough regulation loss.
23. Chicago Blackhawks: 62 points
Previously 23 (60 points)
Winning against the Sharks was not the biggest thing to happen in Chicago this week. Instead, the Blackhawks pulled off what could be the most lopsided trade of the season by trading Ryan Hartman to Nashville for a first-round pick. Hartman is good, but he is not currently on a level anywhere near Patrick Kane or Jonathan Toews. Having two first-round picks could really help their chances at successfully rebuilding. 4-A goalie Jean-Francois Berube turned in an outstanding night on Friday, holding the inconsistent Sharks offense to one goal on 43 shots for his first win of the season. It was the first time the Quebec native has allowed less than two goals in a full start and win since Feb. 12, 2017.
24. New York Rangers: 62 points
Previously 22 (59 points)
No team broke down harder than the Rangers, as they had their share of aging veterans. They gave away Rick Nash, Michael Grabner, J.T. Miller, and Ryan McDonagh and got three draft picks within the first two rounds. This rebuilding project could be primed for a smashing success if Vladislav Namestnikov and their three first round picks pan out in NYC. Kevin Hayes led the Rangers with two first period goals in Vancouver on Wednesday, and John Gilmour ended things in overtime with just his second NHL goal from new teammate Ryan Spooner.
25. Detroit Red Wings: 62 points
Previously 25 (57 points)
Despite losing Petr Mrazek and Tomas Tatar (although they did get a first round pick from Vegas in return), the Red Wings still managed to come up on top against struggling Metropolitan teams. While the playoffs are not out of the question, tight wins like the one on Sunday may hurt their chances at a strong draft pick they could certainly use. Jimmy Howard, who is now the undisputed starter in Detroit, allowed just five goals in three starts this week, including 36 saves in Manhattan. Trevor Daley helped Howard pick up the win in that game, scoring his fourth game-winning goal of the season and first in overtime.
26. Edmonton Oilers: 58 points
Previously 28 (52 points)
Here’s another awful season update. The Oilers now have the worst power play and penalty kill unit in the NHL. In other words, welcome to 2014, where shipping players like Mark Letestu and Patrick Maroon out east for marginal talent is the new craze. Having said that, they did a good job at getting a third-round pick from the Islanders for Brandon Davidson, but that does not nearly make up for the blunders of losing Mathew Barzal and Jordan Eberle to the same team. Edmonton won three straight games to Western U.S. teams this week, including a wild one in Anaheim. Despite blowing a two-goal lead in the final minute of regulation, Connor McDavid had three assists and ended things with the shootout winner.
27. Vancouver Canucks: 56 points
Previously 26 (53 points)
On the ice, the Canucks only managed a win against the worst team in the NHL. Off the ice, they made two trades that might not have a serious impact on their future. They traded Philip Holm to Vegas for current fourth-liner Brendan Leipsic, and they also traded journeyman Thomas Vanek to Columbus for Tyler Motte and Jussi Jokinen. Of the three players returned, Motte figures to have the brightest future, and he will certainly get an opportunity to produce with few offensive weapons and the Canucks out of the playoff race. Brock Boeser picked up an assist on the game-winning goal on Saturday to cap up his 21st birthday in the desert.
28. Montreal Canadiens: 58 points
Previously 29 (52 points)
Besides trading Tomas Plekanec, Montreal’s moves were minor. They also shipped Joe Morrow to Winnipeg and picked up Mike Reilly from Minnesota, but Alex Galchenyuk and Max Pacioretty are still in the rouge. They have looked better since the deadline, salvaging points in both home games against Metropolitan Division rivals. Charlie Lindgren shut out the Flyers on 33 shots on Monday, his second blanking of the season, but would lose the shootout to Sean Couturier.
29. Ottawa Senators: 52 points
Previously 27 (52 points)
Losing five straight games is the least of Ottawa’s concerns. The real story is what the Senators did, or did not do, with Erik Karlsson. This may be a lost season, and Ottawa was demanding a lot for the defensive centerpiece (rumor has is that they turned down three first round picks from the Islanders for Karlsson), but is the captain really the answer to turn things around? They did makes smaller moves in sending Derick Brassard to Pittsburgh and Ian Cole, who they picked up in the Brassard deal, to Columbus. Brassard scored late in his final game with the Sens to make things interesting against Tampa Bay, and Karlsson scored on a crazy angle to make Washington sweat on Tuesday.
30. Buffalo Sabres: 51 points
Previously 30 (45 points)
Buffalo took their time in looking for an Evander Kane suitor, and they eventually succeeded in sending him to the Sharks for a first-round pick. They should be careful not to ruin the stock of their other first round pick, which is likely to be in the top five, after two straight wins against the Atlantic Division’s elite. Evan Rodrigues emerged with nine points in February, including goals in the last two games, and he should be on watch for a late-season breakout with Kane departed and Jack Eichel on the shelf.
31. Arizona Coyotes: 46 points
Previously 31 (44 points)
Now this is a curious case. Arizona can only brag about the fact that they will easily pass Colorado’s point total from last season, but they treated the trade deadline like they were on the same level as Carolina or NY-Brooklyn. Their only major trade in the final week was Tobias Rieder and Scott Wedgewood for Darcy Kuemper, and a team bound for the lottery should certainly ship other players out, even if they are not first line skaters. Antti Raanta picked up his second shutout in a seven-day span by stopping all 26 shots against Anaheim on Saturday. In summary, the Coyotes played spoiler on the Wild, Sharks, and Ducks in February. Not bad!
BOLD PREDICTIONS:
Last week:
Eric Staal picks up the hat trick against San Jose on Sunday. That did not happen, but he did force overtime late. He then got the hatty two days later.
Philly seals the sweep over Montreal with at least two goals in two different periods. They won, but there were no goals. Oof.
Both New York teams win by at least three goals on Wednesday. The Isles still stink, and the Rangers needed overtime to sink Vancouver.
This week:
Florida knocks off both Atlantic Division opponents this week (Buffalo and Tampa Bay) by at least two goals each.
Alex Ovechkin picks up four points in the Stadium Series game.
Sean Monahan picks up the hat trick in Buffalo.