Nashville Predators: Strong performances lead to Predators climb in Power Rankings
The Nashville Predators are on a roll. So are some other teams in the Western Conference. Who is making a statement in this week’s power rankings.
We have reached Thanksgiving week! After a questionable start to the season, fans of the Nashville Predators were who this team really was. Now, with a quarter of the season completed, things are looking good. Really good.
Still, the Western Conference is loaded with teams and talent. Five teams sit tied with 21 points. Three more teams sit above those teams by four or fewer points. In the Central Division, no team has less than 21 points. Nor do they have more losses in regulation than wins. To say there is depth in competition in the Central would be an understatement.
Last week, the St. Louis Blues took the top spot in our rankings. Spoiler Alert: They are still in the top spot. However, there is plenty of action for the remaining spots. Could a team that was not in the rankings last week make an appearance now? If so, who drops out?
With it being the week of Thanksgiving, this may be one of the most significant Power Rankings of all. In the NHL, teams who find themselves in playoff position at America’s Thanksgiving make the playoffs 70% of the time. If that is the case, several teams will be disappointed.
With that all in mind, let us break down this week’s edition of Predlines’ Western Conference Power Rankings. Grab you fork and knife. Let’s dig in.
Juggling act at the bottom of the list
Still not ranked: Chicago Blackhawks
This has nothing to do with my feelings toward the Blackhawks. Sure, you won’t believe me, but it is true. I am just not sold on who you are right now. Corey Crawford is carrying you at the moment. Take away the 10 goals in your opening game, and you are being outscored. And, while you have some recent wins, they have come against Carolina, Pittsburgh (who I am not sure what to think about this year), and the New York Rangers. Loses to Montreal and Philadelphia are not resume builders.
Number 8: Colorado Avalanche
Last Week: Not Ranked.
As things stand tonight, the Avalanche sit in a point out of second Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. With wins over the Washington Capitals and Detroit Red Wings, Colorado is showing they are better than last season.
In six of their last nine games, the Avalanche scored four or more goals. They are on pace for 264 goals on the season, an increase of 98 goals over last year. Maybe trading Matt Duchene helped the locker room. New defensemen Samuel Girard certainly looks to be what we thought he could be.
What is surprising is the fact Colorado sits ninth in the NHL in even strength scoring. That is helping them to a 4-3-1 record in November. Can the team keep up the pace? Or will the youthful Avalanche fade into the background as the season progresses?
Number 7: Anaheim Ducks
Have to give them credit. They win at home and win on the road. It may have taken a nine-round shootout versus the San Jose Sharks last night, but a win is a win. And, that give the Ducks the top Wild Card spot in the West.
Can they compete against the top teams, however? Four straight loses to the NHL’s best suggests not. Their next few games include the surprise Vegas Golden Knights and Winnipeg Jets. Both at home. They follow that up with a tough six-game road trip. If they survive, they will be well on their way to a playoff spot.
Have the mighty fallen?
Number Six: Calgary Flames
Last week: No. 7
The Flames are enjoying a great November. To date, they are 6-3-0 for the month. And they are not cheap wins either. Both the St. Louis Blues and Toronto Maple Leafs fell victim to the Flames. With 24 points on the season, the Flame sit third in the Pacific Division.
Want to make the next move up? Win at home. Five of your eight losses come on home ice. The fact you win close games means you are able to face challenges. That helps. However, the Flames’ penalty kill is the worst in all the NHL. It is not even close. With other teams making a push, the Flames could fall out of the rankings. Soon.
Number Five: Los Angeles Kings
Last week: No. 2
November has not been kind to the Kings. Their win over the Florida Panthers was their first points in five games. Not how you want to perform on a five-game home stand. That’s right. the Kings won only one of five consecutive home games. They followed that up with a loss in Vegas. Yes, you are still leading the Pacific Conference, but not by much.
The penalty kill is still best in the NHL, and will go a long way to help the team return to their winning ways. So will their solid goal-tending.
But, can the overcome the Western Conference? So far, that answer is no as the Kings boast a 2-4-2 record in conference.
Let the battle begin
Number 4: Vegas Golden Knights
Last week: No. 5
Is the honeymoon over? After a stellar October, the Golden Knights have equaled their loss total in October this month. However, their wins come against great competition. The fact they are sixth in the NHL in even-strength scoring is a strong indicator of continued success. And, it is why they sit second in the Pacific Division.
But, injuries to goalies may well take its toll. Right now, the Golden Knights are on their fifth goalie this year. While the rotation is solid right now, consistency in play may suffer as fewer opportunities are given.
Number 3: Winnipeg Jets
Last week: No. 4
Sixth in goals per game. Fifth in power play percentage. Goal differential of +11. All show promise of a team meeting expectations. So does winning five of their last seven. Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele both have 25 points on the season already. Patrik Laine has 10 goals. There are great things happening.
The only thing that gives me pause is who they beat. Yes, a 5-2 win over New Jersey does help. That said, their other recent victories come at the hands of the Arizona Coyotes, the Stars, and the Flyers.
Had they beat the Nashville Predators last night, the Jets may be higher. They looked great for most of the game. The result of their work, however, was not shown on the scoreboard.
Home cooking?
Number 2: Nashville Predators
Last week: No. 3
In their last eight games, the Nashville Predators scored four goals or more seven times. They also won seven of their last eight games. But, it is not just that they won, but who they beat. Every game against a team with a winning record. All of their wins come against teams in the playoff conversation. Three wins were on the road.
Now, we are starting to see the full roster contribute to the success. Ryan Johansen is finding the net, as is Kevin Fiala. Mattias Ekholm is on a four-game goal streak. New Predators Kyle Turris and Nick Bonino are providing stability in what was shaky lines to start the season.
The only concerns we all have is can they play a full 60 minute match. With a road match against the NHL’s top team on Friday, a complete game will be necessary.
Number 1: St. Louis Blues
Last Week: No. 1
Nothing to see here folks, except great hockey. One of the NHL’s top scoring teams, the Blues rank sixth in goals for, and second in even strength scoring. Three players (Jaden Schwartz, Brayden Schenn, and Vladimir Tarasenko) have notched 20 or more points. Alex Pietrangelo has 19 points.
St. Louis looks to be in it for the long haul. Making the playoffs is not the question, but how far can they go. If there is a concern it is getting production from all lines. That, and their special teams are not so special.
Next: Predators Ride Big 2nd Period to 5-3 Win Over Jets
A Black Friday battle with the Predators will be something fun to watch. If the Predators pull out a win, it would be a major statement.