Nashville Predators: Time to bring back the Power Rankings.

Teams #7 and #8

Ladies and Gentleman, cross-checkers and enforcers, I am pleased to announce that you will not find that team from Chicago on this week’s Power Rankings. They are sitting at least 10 points out of the Wild Card positions, and it appears they will miss the playoffs for the first time in 10 years.

#8 – Minnesota Wild

Last Ranking: #6

Record: 30-19-6, 66 points

The Wild have been hovering around the middle of the pack all season. They are not among the top teams in goal scoring or goals allowed, but they are solid across the board. Eric Staal is quietly leading the Wild into playoff contention. He is on pace to earn a 70-point season for the first time in seven years. Teammates Mikael Granlund and Jason Zucker could both achieve 60 points. Is it enough to keep them in contention? We will see. They play lights-out hockey at home, not so much on the road.

#7- Calgary Flames

Last Ranking: NR

Record: 29-19-8, 66 points

The Flames are sitting in third place in the Pacific Division, just two points out of second. They are a solid team, but perform to the tune of 13-13-3 at home. But, with a road record of 16-6-5, the Flames could make a little run come playoff time.