Post by Wynne - Retired Flyers GM on Jan 26, 2012 21:57:22 GMT -5
OCTOBER POWER RANKINGS
- THIS MONTH #1 - LAST MONTH #-- [10-0-1]This team has come out of the gate strong, going unbeaten in regulation after 11 games in October. Their strong play can be attributed to the great play of Marian Gaborik and Pekka Rinne. Through 11 games, Pekka Rinne has an incredible save percentage of .954, to go along with 3 shutouts. A key off-season addition, Brian Campbell, has brought some much needed offense from the blue line, to take some of the pressure off Bobby Orr. This team will need to stay consistent in a tough Eastern Conference, and Atlantic Division, if they want to stay near the top, and not take their anual plunge.
Key Injuries; D Zdeno Chara
- THIS MONTH #2 - LAST MONTH #-- [9-2-0]One of the top teams in the league continues to stay atop the Western Conference and league. Vancouver has been one of the strongest teams in the league for the past few seasons, and this season is no exception. Off to a 9-2-0 start after October, they are in familiar territory, 1st in the Western Conference. An early season injury to #1 net minder Roberto Luongo might have been worry sum for most teams, but not when you have Antti Niemi as a backup. He has put up great numbers and is amongst the league leaders in all major categories. If Niemi can keep up his play, expect Vancouver to stay right atop the Western Conference.
Key Injuries; G Roberto Luongo, D Erik Gudbranson
- THIS MONTH #3 - LAST MONTH #-- [9-2-0]Maybe one of a bigger surprises out of the gate, the Chicago Blackhawks are tied with the Vancouver Canucks for 2nd overall in the league, with a record of 9-2-0. I'd say that start is more than great, considering they only have a total of 9, yes 9, forwards on their roster. Their big guns, Valeri Kharlamov and Red Kelly are carrying this team of their back. If either of those players, hit a cold streak, expect this team to fall, and possibly fall hard. Already without Kiprusoff, who is back in early November, this team can't afford to hit anymore rough patches.
Key Injuries; G Miikka Kiprusoff
- THIS MONTH #4 - LAST MONTH #-- [8-3-2]One of the best performing regular season teams in league history, the Pittsburgh Penguins are off to their regular great start. Collecting 18 points after October, they will be looking to stay consistent and keep piling up the wins. Leading the way for Pittsburgh is their superstar duo of Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin, along with Corey Perry, who is no slouch himself. If this team wants to keep climbing the East standings, they will need some more secondary scoring from Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Drew Doughty. If their depth doesn't start producing more, and their top line slows down at all, there could be trouble in Pittsburgh.
Key Injuries; C Alex Steen
- THIS MONTH #5 - LAST MONTH #-- [7-2-2]A young, exciting Winnipeg team has started hot, and is currently leading the Southeast Division. Some solid goal tending from Tony Esposito, and some timely scoring from the depth they have up front are leading this team. Winnipeg has a tend to be streaky, especially with offensive production. For them to stay in a playoff spot, they are going to need Patrick Marleau to step up, and stay consistent, along with Tony Esposito.
Key Injuries; D Jack Johnson
- THIS MONTH #6 - LAST MONTH #-- [7-3-0]After doing a complete rebuild this off-season, Phoenix has not missed a beat. Jobing.com Arena is finally being filled night in and night out, believe it or not, and this team doesn't look like they are going to be slowing down anytime soon. A completely different looking team now led by Mark Messier, Brett Hull and Shea Weber, has started off very well for only being together for a couple of months. If this team can stay away from injuries, expect this team to compete for the top spot in the Pacific Division.
Key Injuries; LW Jussi Jokinen
- THIS MONTH #7 - LAST MONTH #-- [7-4-1]One of the most surprising teams year in and year out, the Columbus Blue Jackets have started out strong yet again. Led by Mike Bossy, Marcel Dionne and Marian Hossa, this team continues to excel in a strong Western Conference. With constant goal tending, once Ken Dryden returns, this team will probably stick around in the West, and maintain a spot in the 4-6 range.
Key Injuries; G Ken Dryden
- THIS MONTH #8 - LAST MONTH #-- [7-4-0]The very young Edmonton Oilers have taken advantage of some great goal tending from Vladislav Tretiak, and have a very acceptable 7-4-0 record after October. The mix of Legends and youngsters seems to be working thus far, and if they can continue their play, a playoff birth would not be too much of a stretch for this team.
Key Injuries; D Erik Karlsson
- THIS MONTH #9 - LAST MONTH #-- [6-3-2]Mediocre play from the Northeast Division has led to the Montreal Canadiens taking the top spot in the division, and 3rd in the conference. A 6-3-2 start is far from bad, but Montreal will need to continue their good play if they want to keep that spot, with Boston and Ottawa bound to turn their play around. Carey Price will need to come up big, and they will need to continue to get production from their blue liners.
Key Injuries; None
- THIS MONTH #10 - LAST MONTH #-- [6-3-1]Another team that heavily relies on Legends, the San Jose Sharks are off to decent start, led by Darryl Sittler, Frank Mahovlich, and some good defensive play. With a recent swap of starting goaltenders, the Sharks will hope to find something special in Billy Smith. They will need some strong goal tending if they want to stay in a playoff position. The team has plenty of depth, they just need that depth to show up night in and night out, and this team could do some damage.
Key Injuries; RW Daniel Alfredsson
- THIS MONTH #11 - LAST MONTH #-- [6-4-1]A team who has always looked great on paper, but has never lived up to expectations, the Ducks are off to a mediocre start, and are sitting 8th in the West. For this team to stay competitive in the West, they are going to need Ryan Getzlaf and Bobby Ryan to keep putting up big numbers. Cam Ward is another player that needs to step up for this team. He has been inconsistent thus far, as shown by their record. If he can gain his form, expect this team to rise in the standings.
Key Injuries; D Roman Hamrlik
- THIS MONTH #12 - LAST MONTH #-- [6-4-1]After finishing last season runner up in the West, the Kings have started slow out of the gate. When they are on their game, this is one dangerous team, as shown in last season's playoffs. One thing holding this team back is the injury to star net minder, Jacques Plante. Steve Yzerman is the leader on this team, and his production never disappoints. He is always one to put up great numbers, and if he continues his dominance, this team will surely climb the standings.
Key Injuries; G Jacques Plante
- THIS MONTH #13 - LAST MONTH #-- [5-4-2]Another team off to a slow start, the Carolina Hurricanes are looking to get back on track after missing the playoffs last season. Their start hasn't been impressive, but if Phil Esposito and Gordie Howe can find their chemsitry, this team should push for a playoff position. They haven't been hit by the injury bug as of yet, and if they can stay healthy, that will be another big boost.
Key Injuries; None
- THIS MONTH #14 - LAST MONTH #-- [5-3-1]A team with very little forward depth, the Calgary Flames are off to an impressive start. Currently sitting 9th place in the West, just 2 points back of 8th, with 2 games in hand, this veteran team is hoping to stay consistent, and maybe sneak into the playoffs. Keys for this team will be depth scoring, and staying injury free. This team cannot afford to have too many injuries with the lack of overall depth they have.
Key Injuries; None
- THIS MONTH #15 - LAST MONTH #-- [5-4-1]The Boston Bruins are a team with a great mix of youth and vets, but the one thing that seems to hit them each year is the injury bug, and this season hasn't been different. They are currently down two very important players on this team, big Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton. Lucic is set to make his return to the lineup within the next week, which will be a huge boost to this team. If this team can get and stay healthy, watch out.
Key Injuries; LW Milan Lucic, RW Nathan Horton
- THIS MONTH #16 - LAST MONTH #-- [4-3-3]After a less than impressive start, a shakeup was in order in the Big Apple, and that's exactly what happened. Brought in was Grant Fuhr, along with Doug Harvey. Big things are expected from both players, especially Fuhr. If this team wants to stay competitive in a very tough Atlantic Division, they will need timely scoring from their big guns. Avoiding injuries, especially on defense, is another must.
Key Injuries; D Denis Grebeshkov
- THIS MONTH #17 - LAST MONTH #-- [4-3-3]One of the busiest teams when it comes to trading in this young season, the Colorado Avalanche have been a team staying just over .500, which shouldn't come as much of a surprise. The team looks very strong, but they need a little time to find some chemistry, and if they do, watch out, because this team could do some damage in the West.
Key Injuries; D Hal Gill, RW Tuomo Ruutu
- THIS MONTH #18 - LAST MONTH #-- [5-5-1]Mike Milbury, and the Florida Panthers. What do they have in common you ask? They both have WTF are you thinking moments. Florida's moment came when he gave up Dale Hawerchuk in exchange for Nail Yakupov. So far, it has not been a smart move, with Yakupov tallying just 2 points, and the team playing .500 hockey. We shall see if things turn around.
Key Injuries; D Ryan Ellis
- THIS MONTH #19 - LAST MONTH #-- [5-5-1]Another team who made some huge roster moves in the first month, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Almost a brand new looking team, they have yet to find a groove. After the first month, they sit in a log jam with 5 teams sitting 6-10 tied in points. They will need to find their game soon if they want to challenge for a playoff position.
Key Injuries; None
- THIS MONTH #20 - LAST MONTH #-- [5-6-1]After struggling out of the gate, the Ottawa Senators decided to make a top line trade. They brought in one hell of a player in Phil "The Net" Kessel. I just can't say enough about this guy, just unreal. Once this team gets going, they will be looking to challenge for a top spot in the East.
Key Injuries; LW Mike Cammalleri
- THIS MONTH #21 - LAST MONTH #-- [5-5-0]Another team looking to get on track after a mediocre start are the Minnesota Wild. Back under former management, they look to regain their form and be a top team in the Western Conference. This will only happen if Joe Sakic and Luc Robitaille can continue their dominance. That, along with some good goal tending should get the Wild where they deserve to be.
Key Injuries; None
- THIS MONTH #22 - LAST MONTH #-- [5-6-0]A team that looks quite nice on paper, but has never lived up to expectations, the St. Louis Blues continue to sit on the outside looking in, in the Western Conference. The right chemistry has just never been found, and this season hasn't been different thus far. The pieces seem to be there, and if the team can find their scoring potential, they could really take off, but we have yet to see that.
Key Injuries; RW Drew Stafford
- THIS MONTH #23 - LAST MONTH #-- [4-5-0]The New Jersey Devils. Surprise? You could say that, but don't expect to see this team near the bottom for very long. With the likes of Ilya Kovalchuk, Evgeni Malkin, and Scott Stevens leading this team, they will turn this slow start around soon, and be right back where they have been in the past, in a playoff position.
Key Injuries; None
- THIS MONTH #24 - LAST MONTH #-- [4-6-1]Without a doubt, the most active team this season in the trade market, the Nashville Predators are off to a less than impressive start. With players being shipped out left and right, it doesn't look like things are about to slow down. Does that mean the poor start will turn around? Only time will tell.
Key Injuries; None
- THIS MONTH #25 - LAST MONTH #-- [3-5-1]Can you say hangover? Well kinda, but don't expect this to last long. The Islanders are bound to turn this around, and soon. So if any Eastern Conference teams start slumping, they could most definitely be taken over by these Islanders.
Key Injuries; None
- THIS MONTH #26 - LAST MONTH #-- [3-5-1]A team really lacking depth, the Detroit Red Wings are where many probably expected, currently sitting 2nd last in the Western Conference. If they want any hope of turning their season around, Brendan Shanahan and Bryan Trottier need to be huge for them.
Key Injuries; None
- THIS MONTH #27 - LAST MONTH #-- [3-7-1]A team that just doesn't like winning, just like the real club, the Maple Leafs are off to a very poor start, holding a 3-7-1 record, good for 12th in the East. This team has been a bottom feeder for a few seasons, and even with a string of moves during the off-season, it doesn't look like things have changed too much.
- THIS MONTH #28 - LAST MONTH #-- [2-5-3]After finding a new General Manager, and changing the look of the team, which doesn't look like for the better, the Buffalo Sabres are sitting 14th in the East, with not a lot to look forward to. If this team wants to stay at all competitive, they will need a full team effort night in and night out.
Key Injuries; None
- THIS MONTH #29 - LAST MONTH #-- [3-6-0]A really under performing team, sitting dead last in the East, the Washington Capitals really need to start playing better, and soon, if they want to challenge at all in the East. If they don't turn things around soon, they might be looking for a nice draft pick in next season's draft.
Key Injuries; None
- THIS MONTH #30 - LAST MONTH #-- [1-8-2]And last, and probably least, the Dallas Stars. They are off to a terrible start, with just 1 win in their first 11 games. They are sitting dead last in the NHL. Changes are needed if things are to head in the other direction, otherwise, it may be a long year in the big D.
Key Injuries; LW Thomas Vanek
