Nashville Predators: Rough week for Western Conference shakes up Power Rankings
It was a crazy week in the Western Conference with top teams falling on hard times. Can the Nashville Predators hang on to the top spot this week?
The ebb and flow of an NHL season is interesting to say the least. You have teams once finding success struggle to earn even a point over several games. Other teams seem doomed to the reside in the standings basement, only to jolt their way back into the conversation. Then, you have the Nashville Predators, a team without back-to-back losses since October 24.
Needless to say, the last seven days were a bit crazy. Two Western Conference teams are on hot-streaks, winning five games in a row. Every team in the West has at least four wins in their last ten. Not bad, considering only one team has more losses than wins in that stretch.
To say the Western Conference is strong is an understatement. Given that, here is a look at our latest Power Rankings.
Falling out
Calgary Flames – This is more about what other teams did than what the Flames didn’t do. But, a less-than-stellar performance at home last week does not help.
San Jose Sharks -The Sharks did what they are supposed to do: beat teams they are supposed to beat. The Flyers have not won a game in their last ten. And the Panthers, while playing a bit better, still are toward the bottom of the standings in the East. Wins are wins, but the names are not as impressive as others. Like our next team. Especially when other teams are beating higher quality opponents.
And, the Chicago Blackhawks. So, guys. Still not cracking the top eight. Or nine. Maybe ten.
Surprise, surprise, surprise
#8 – Dallas Stars
Last Week: Not Ranked
Results last week: Win at Vegas, Win at Chicago, Win against Chicago, Win at Colorado
Okay, Dallas. We see you. After hovering around mediocrity to start the season, Thanksgiving started your celebration. With five wins in a row, and seven in your last eight, you are charging up the standings. You are worthy of being high, if your trend continues. With games versus Nashville, St. Louis, and Vegas coming up, it could go either way.
#7 – Vancouver Canucks
Last Week: #8
Results last week: Loss to New York Islanders, Win at Nashville, Win against Toronto
Not sure there is a better week for any team this week, yet they only move up one spot. Yes, they beat the Nashville Predators and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Those are great wins. Part of me wants to believe this is the real Canucks teams, but there was tons of emotion running through them. With teammate Derek Dorsett announcing he can no longer play, the Canucks were motivated to win for him. It worked. Will it continue?
Tale of two teams
#6 – Minnesota Wild
Last Week: #6
Results last week: Loss at Winnipeg, Win against Vegas, Win at St.Louis.
A solid week for the Wild, yet they remain in the same spot. I am sure they are not upset by that right now. Still sitting outside of the Wild Card, the Wild are looking better and better. And, taking four points playing against the top teams in the conference is always a strong statement. However, their next five games are against more top quality teams, with three on the road.
#5 – Vegas Golden Knights
Last week: #3
Results last week: Loss at Minnesota, Loss at Winnipeg, Win against Arizona
For only the second time all season, the Golden Knights lost three straight games. The problem is none of them were really close. Each game was decided by 2 or 3 goals. Giving up four power play goals and scoring none is a concern for them moving forward.
Battle for the top?
#4 – Los Angeles Kings
Last Week: Not Ranked
Results last week: Win at Washington, Win at St.Louis, Win at Chicago.
Welcome back, Kings!!! After a tough stretch of games where you lost seven out of eight, you won five straight! And several were not cheap, either. Oh, and four were on the road. That is a great week. Could you be higher? Sure. But, after not being on the list, you appear in good shape for a strong push.
#3 – St. Louis Blues
Last Week: #2
Results last week: Loss against Anaheim, Loss at Los Angeles, Loss at Minnesota
If you are a St. Louis fan, you may be singing the blues for real. Or at least listening to some Stevie Ray Vaughn or B.B. King. It was not a great week. To make things a bit worse, the Blues are only 4-5-1 in their last ten games. No one has been worse in that stretch.
Turmoil at the top?
#2 – Nashville Predators
Last Week: #1
Results last week: Win against Chicago, Loss to Vancouver, Win against Anaheim
No one really expected the Predators to just win every games, right? Last week was okay, at best. Sure, they earned four points in their three games, but they appeared tired. Or, at least outplayed. The Predators should have walked out with a win against Vancouver, but the Canucks played with a passion that pushed them to victory. The next series of games includes Boston, Dallas, Vegas and Vancouver.
#1 – Winnipeg Jets
Last Week: #3
Results last week: Loss at Colorado, Win against Vegas, Win against Ottawa
Beating better a better team pushed the Jets to the top of the Central Division. And the Western Conference. Their 7-4 win against Vegas was rather impressive. They followed that up with a 5-goal performance in shutting out Ottawa.
Next: Predators November Awards
As for this week, things could change quickly. Can the Nashville Predators retake the top position? Will the Kings continue to streak up the list? Don’t avert your eyes, because it will be a fun week.