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The Edmonton Oilers have made a remarkable turnaround, surging into Stanley Cup contention. Their impressive eight-game winning streak has significantly boosted their position in the latest NHL Power Rankings.
Recently, the Oilers’ performance suggested they might end up at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. By Thanksgiving, their record was a disappointing 5-12-1, leaving them 10 points short of a playoff spot. However, their recent winning streak has transformed their fortunes, bringing their record to 13-12-1 and placing them just one point away from playoff qualification, with several games still in hand.
The catalyst behind this dramatic shift is none other than Connor McDavid. Since Nov. 24, McDavid has been in exceptional form, leading the NHL with 22 points across eight games. Clearly, any earlier injury concerns have been put to rest. His agility and skill are leaving defenders in the dust in every game.
The question now is where the Oilers will peak in this surge. Although they have ground to make up to reach the top three in the Pacific, their recent form suggests that they could continue to climb.
As the Oilers emerge as a formidable Stanley Cup contender, here’s a look at the updated NHL Power Rankings.
Biggest Movers:
7 – GOLDEN KNIGHTS
6 – COYOTES
Rankings:
Teams:
Change:
Record:
1
BRUINS – David Pastrnak is making a strong case for the Hart Trophy, even as a winger. With a remarkable 16 goals and 23 assists in 26 games, Pastrnak is on track for an astounding 123 points. Without Bergeron and Krejci, he’s proving to be a key driving force for the Bruins. 219-5-6
2
RANGERS – The Rangers, with 88 goals this season, owe a significant portion (34.1%) to Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider. However, this dependency might be a concern in the playoffs. Mika Zibanejad’s potential scoring boost could help diversify their offense. –22-7-1
3
KINGS – Drew Doughty, at 34, is a strong contender for the Norris Trophy. His seven goals are on track to surpass his career-best of 14. His outstanding five-on-five metrics underscore his elite performance. 218-6-4
4
GOLDEN KNIGHTS – Jack Eichel’s eight-game point streak, contributing 13 points, has been vital for the team’s recent form. The Golden Knights are combining impressive scores with solid foundational play. 721-7-5
5
CANUCKS – After a hot start, the Canucks are facing a regression. Their recent performance is more balanced, but they maintain a 12-point lead over the surging Oilers. 522-9-2
6
PANTHERS – Matthew Tkachuk’s slow start might be ending, signaling potential for the Panthers’ increased momentum. His current shooting percentage is notably below his career average, hinting at potential improvement. 218-11-2
7
JETS – The Jets’ momentum may be hampered by Kyle Connor’s injury. Connor’s scoring lead is crucial for the team, and his absence could be significantly felt. 218-9-3
8
STARS – Jake Oettinger’s recent struggles have impacted the Stars’ performance. However, a turnaround is anticipated. 418-8-4
9
AVALANCHE – Alexandar Georgiev’s below-average goaltending is a concern for the Avalanche, raising questions about potential trades for goaltending support. 319-11-2
10
MAPLE LEAFS – John Tavares reached a milestone with his 1,000th career point, ironically against the New York Islanders, his former team. Despite the Islanders’ fans’ reactions, this achievement marks a significant moment in his career. 216-7-6
11
FLYERS – John Tortorella and the Flyers are defying expectations with strong performance and metrics. Their place in the standings is a testament to their underestimated potential. 318-10-3
12
HURRICANES – The Hurricanes are struggling with goaltending issues, affecting their overall performance and positioning. 517-12-3
13
OILERS – Led by Connor McDavid’s outstanding form, the Oilers have reinvigorated their playoff hopes. McDavid’s current scoring pace could see him reach an incredible 200 points in an 82-game season. 713-15-1
14
RED WINGS – The integration of Patrick Kane into the Red Wings lineup is ongoing, with mixed results so far. Injuries and adjustments are currently a focus for the team. 515-12-4
15
LIGHTNING – The Lightning are facing challenges with average metrics and concerns around
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NHL Power Rankings
What has led to the Edmonton Oilers’ recent surge in the NHL Power Rankings?
The Edmonton Oilers have experienced a significant turnaround in their performance, primarily due to an eight-game winning streak. This streak has catapulted them back into contention for the Stanley Cup. A key factor in this resurgence has been the exceptional performance of Connor McDavid, who has been leading the league in points since November 24.
How is Connor McDavid influencing the Oilers’ performance?
Connor McDavid has been a crucial influence on the Oilers’ recent success. Since November 24, he has topped the NHL with 22 points in eight games. His return to health and outstanding play have been pivotal, making defenders struggle to keep up with him and significantly contributing to the Oilers’ winning streak.
Are the Edmonton Oilers a serious contender for the Stanley Cup now?
Yes, the Edmonton Oilers have emerged as serious contenders for the Stanley Cup. Their recent eight-game winning streak has not only improved their position in the NHL Power Rankings but also demonstrated their capability to compete at a high level, signaling their potential for a strong playoff run.
What challenges do the Oilers face in climbing higher in the Pacific Division?
While the Oilers have shown remarkable improvement, they still face the challenge of catching up with the top three teams in the Pacific Division. Their progress will depend on maintaining their current form and possibly improving further to match or surpass the performance of these leading teams.
What other teams are highlighted in the latest NHL Power Rankings?
The latest NHL Power Rankings feature several teams, including the Boston Bruins with David Pastrnak’s impressive performance, the New York Rangers with the scoring prowess of Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider, and the Vegas Golden Knights, significantly bolstered by Jack Eichel’s point streak. Other notable teams include the Carolina Hurricanes, struggling with goaltending issues, and the Toronto Maple Leafs, where John Tavares recently achieved a career milestone.
More about NHL Power Rankings
- Edmonton Oilers Official Website
- NHL Power Rankings Analysis
- Connor McDavid Player Profile
- Stanley Cup Contenders Discussion
- Pacific Division Team Standings
- NHL Player Statistics and Records
- NHL Season Highlights and Updates
5 comments
Adding Kane is a big move for the Wings, but they need to figure out how to use him properly, Larkin’s injury doesn’t help.
Bruins still top of the rankings, Pastrnak is a beast, but can they keep up the momentum?
Georgiev really needs to step up his game, Avs can’t keep relying on offense alone.
Rangers need more than just Panarin and Kreider scoring, playoffs are a whole different ball game.
wow Oilers are on fire this season didn’t see that coming McDavid is just unreal!