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By Kim O’Reilly, NHL Zone
As the holiday season approaches, there’s a familiar figure making a list and checking it twice. No, it’s not Santa Claus; it’s us, the NHL enthusiasts, scrutinizing the performance of our favorite hockey teams. In this edition of the NHL Power Rankings, we’re separating the well-behaved squads deserving of holiday gifts from those that might find a lump of coal in their stockings.
Santa has quite the task on his hands, deciding which NHL teams have been on their best behavior this season. While some teams have been like kids who cleaned their rooms and finished their vegetables, others have been a bit more mischievous. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the NHL Power Rankings and see who’s made Santa’s nice list and who’s dancing with coal.
Golden Knights: Nice
The Vegas Golden Knights have bounced back remarkably well after their Stanley Cup victory, maintaining their wagon status in the power rankings.
Rangers: Nice
The New York Rangers have lived up to expectations, boasting a strong power play and goaltending, making them a consistent force in the league.
Canucks: Naughty
Despite their strong performance, the Vancouver Canucks’ penchant for bullying their opponents on the ice earns them a spot on the naughty list.
Kings: Naughty
The Los Angeles Kings have been as stingy as Ebenezer Scrooge in allowing goals, which keeps them in the running for the Stanley Cup but lands them on the naughty list.
Bruins: Nice
The Boston Bruins have defied the odds and remain contenders in the Atlantic Division, thanks to standout performances from David Pastrnak and their goaltending duo.
Jets: Nice
The Winnipeg Jets took their coach’s criticism to heart, making significant changes in the offseason, and now find themselves as strong contenders in the Central Division.
Stars: Naughty
The Dallas Stars’ greed for skilled forwards knows no bounds, leaving other teams to wonder when they’ll have their share of talent.
Flyers: Nice
The Philadelphia Flyers, despite doubts, have secured a place on Santa’s nice list with impressive on-ice performance and lifting spirits in the city.
Maple Leafs: Nice
The Toronto Maple Leafs turned things around just in time for the holidays, earning themselves a spot on the nice list and a shot at the Atlantic Division title.
Panthers: Nice
The Florida Panthers, despite recent struggles, remain on the nice list for their strong play earlier in the season.
Avalanche: Nice
The Colorado Avalanche are not only winning but doing so dominantly, led by stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.
Islanders: Nice
The New York Islanders have turned their season around, climbing the ranks and cooling the hot seat for their coach.
Predators: Naughty
The Nashville Predators’ penchant for major penalties lands them on the naughty list, despite their strong performance.
Hurricanes: Naughty
The Carolina Hurricanes, despite high expectations, have struggled with consistency and goaltending, leaving them fighting for a wild-card spot.
Devils: Naughty
The New Jersey Devils, while not getting good results, have excelled on the power play, earning them a spot on the naughty list.
Oilers: Nice
The Edmonton Oilers have surprised many by making it onto the nice list after a shaky start to the season.
Lightning: Nice
The Tampa Bay Lightning, who have dominated the league in recent years, seem willing to give other teams a chance this season.
Wild: Naughty
The Minnesota Wild’s penalty troubles, despite a high number of penalties, land them on the naughty list.
Coyotes: Nice
The Arizona Coyotes have transformed into a competitive team, offering hope to their fans.
Capitals: Naughty
The Washington Capitals’ plans to move across the river into Virginia earn them a spot on the naughty list.
Red Wings: Naughty
The Detroit Red Wings teased fans with a hot start and the signing of Patrick Kane, only to falter later in the season.
Flames: Naughty
The Calgary Flames, despite optimism, face challenges with their on-ice performance and financial flexibility.
Penguins: Nice
The Pittsburgh Penguins have provided some solace for fans during a challenging NFL season.
Blues: Nice
The St. Louis Blues showcased a heartwarming tale of redemption and bridge-building after a coaching change.
Canadiens: Nice
The Montreal Canadiens have been generous to their opponents on the power play, despite their own struggles.
Sabres: Naughty
The Buffalo Sabres gave their fans hope, only to dash it early in the season, earning a spot on the naughty list.
Senators: Naughty
The Ottawa Senators, despite high expectations, have struggled and even made changes to their coaching staff.
Blue Jackets: Naughty
The Columbus Blue Jackets’ hiring of Mike Babcock and their on-ice struggles lead to a spot on the naughty list.
Ducks: Naughty
The Anaheim Ducks’ high penalty count is a recipe for coal in their stockings.
Sharks: Nice
The San Jose Sharks, though generous in allowing goals, embody the spirit of giving in the season of giving.
Kraken: Naughty
The Seattle Kraken’s rollercoaster performance over the past few years lands them on the naughty list.
Blackhawks: Nice
While the Chicago Blackhawks face challenges, Connor Bedard shines as a beacon of hope for their future.
As the NHL season unfolds, some teams will strive to get off the naughty list and secure a spot on Santa’s nice list. Whether they’re vying for the Stanley Cup or a higher power-play percentage, these teams will continue to entertain and surprise fans throughout the season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NHL Power Rankings
What are the NHL Power Rankings?
The NHL Power Rankings are a regular assessment of how well NHL teams are performing during the current season. These rankings consider various factors, including recent performance, win-loss records, and overall team strength.
How are teams categorized into “Nice” and “Naughty” lists in the NHL Power Rankings?
Teams in the NHL Power Rankings are categorized into the “Nice” list based on their strong performance, while those on the “Naughty” list have faced challenges or exhibited certain behaviors that affect their ranking. The specific criteria can include win streaks, goal differentials, penalty counts, and overall team consistency.
Who compiles the NHL Power Rankings?
The NHL Power Rankings are typically compiled by sports journalists and experts who closely follow the league’s developments throughout the season. These rankings are published by various sports media outlets and websites.
Do the NHL Power Rankings change over the course of the season?
Yes, the NHL Power Rankings are dynamic and change as the season progresses. Teams’ performances, injuries, and other factors can lead to shifts in their rankings from week to week. Fans can expect updated rankings regularly to reflect the latest developments in the league.
Are the NHL Power Rankings just for entertainment, or do they have an impact on the league?
While the NHL Power Rankings are primarily for entertainment and to engage fans, they can also serve as a gauge of a team’s performance and influence perceptions. Teams often aim to improve their rankings and prove their competitiveness on the ice, making these rankings an interesting subplot to the NHL season.
5 comments
who rite these rankings? sometimes they dun make sense 2 me
wow this powr rankings r super cool!!! teams r nice & naughty haha
I luv how they rank the teams. it’s like a mini drama every week lol
NHL rankings r fun 2 read but they shud show more luv 4 my team
im addicted 2 these rankings, but wish they updated em faster!