Nashville Predators: Don’t look now, a new team is at the top
The Western Conference is dogfight at the top, with five team vying for #1. After a long stretch, where do the Nashville Predators rank this week?
Well, that escalated quickly. Certainly did not see that coming. The Western Conference is proving to be interesting, filled with stories and streaks. Five teams are within five points of each other at the top. And, all are spending time in the number one spot. Including the Nashville Predators.
What does that mean for this week’s power rankings? It means some spots change. One team is on a massive win streak. Two others are not far behind. The top five are separating themselves from the rest of the conference, leaving others to fight for positions behind them.
With all the turmoil and strife, a couple of teams fall of the list this week.
Sorry, Vancouver. I was cheering for you. But, losing at home to Philadelphia and at Calgary does not help your cause this week.
And, Dallas. It was a week the set you up for either success or disaster. And, it was a disaster. You were outscored 13-3 in three consecutive losses. Granted, they were against Nashville, St. Louis Vegas. But, even getting two points last week would keep you around.
Let’s not forget the Chicago Blackhawks. You lost five in a row before winning two consecutive games. But, those two wins could be considered losses. One is an overtime win versus the Buffalo Sabres. There other was a 3-1 win against Arizona. All the goals were in the third period. It took a frenzy at the end to win.
Here is the rest of the list.
Welcome back, Calgary
#8 – Calgary Flames
Last Week: Not Ranked
Results last week: Loss against Philadelphia, Loss (OT) at Toronto, Win at Montreal, Win against Vancouver
One week, four games, five points. A win on the road, and one at home. But, what is most impressive is the overtime loss to the Maple Leafs. It took four rounds of a shootout, but getting a point from this game proved pivotal. Toronto scores almost three goals at even strength each game. You held them to one. Good on you.
#7 – Minnesota Wild
Last Week: #6
Results last week: Loss at Los Angeles, Win at Anaheim, Win (OT) at San Jose
Three games on a west coast road trip, and the Wild earned four points. It took overtime to earn those points, but still a good week. Long with the trip, the Wild didn’t rely on their power play, which is top five in the league. Right now, they sit in the final wild card spot. December has started off well for the Wild. Can they keep it up?
Large fall for Winnipeg
#6 – San Jose Sharks
Last Week: NR
Results last week: Win (OT) against Carolina, Win against Ottawa, Loss (OT) Minnesota
Down 3-0 and looking at no points earned, the Sharks completed a three-goal comeback against Minnesota. It took an overtime goal to win it. So, five points in three games is not a bad thing. They also put on a 50-shot performance in a 5-0 win against Ottawa. But, this week, they face the Flames and Maple Leafs. Good luck.
#5 – Winnipeg Jets
Last Week: #1
Results last week: Loss at Detroit, Loss at Florida, Loss (OT) at Tampa Bay.
The week could not have been any worse for what seemed like one of the best teams in the West. They still are, however, losing to a weak Detroit team and a floundering Florida club does not help. An overtime loss to arguably the best team in the NHL show the team the Jets can be. But, three losses and no points means no top spot this week.
Tough calls
#4 – Nashville Predators
Last Week: #2
Results last week: Win against Boston Bruins, Win at Dallas, Loss (OT) against Vegas
The Nashville Predators are one of the leagues best teams. They were even the top team in the Western Conference standings last week. While they won two games and earned five points, the Predators dropped. They performances were just okay. The power play is ugly right now, and they are obviously missing Ryan Johansen. Five days of rest comes at a good time.
#3 – Vegas Golden Knights
Last Week: #5
Results last week: Win (OT) against Anaheim, Win (OT) at Nashville, Win at Dallas
Vegas looks like a really good team. Malcolm Subban is playing better than anyone outside of the Subban family expected. You win three games, you deserve to move higher in the rankings. Now, you have five home games in a row against mixed competition. But all versus the East, whom you are 3-5-1 against. I am starting to believe in you a bit.
Back on top
#2 – St. Louis Blues
Last Week: #3
Results last week: Win at Montreal, Win against Dallas, Win against Detroit, Win against Buffalo
Four games, four wins. Sure, the competition was average, but outscoring opponents 16-6 in those games shows promise. And, you scored only two goals on the power play. You are great at even-strength, but the power play is suspect. Two goals in 16 chances?
#1 – Los Angeles Kings
Last Week: #4
Results last week: Win against Minnesota, Win against Ottawa, Win against Carolina
Congrats, Los Angeles. You are back in the top spot. Two weeks ago, you were not even a blip on my radar because you had fallen so far. Now? Eight wins in a row. I wish it was against better competition. It took overtime against Ottawa and Carolina, but wins are wins. Your next three games will be challenging road matches. Let’s see if the trend continues.