Nashville Predators: Time to bring back the Power Rankings.
It has been a while since we provided our power rankings. In the season’s final stretch, how do the Nashville Predators stack up within the conference?
My fellow hockey fans, it has been six weeks since our last published power rankings and much has changed. Teams who were at the top lost their footing and fell to pretender status. However, a few others stood strong, fiercely battling to maintain their grip on true playoff contention. It is my honor and duty to say that the state of our Nashville Predators’ is strong. Very strong.
Make no mistake, things could change quickly. Unexpected events could derail all hope of winning home ice throughout the playoffs. Challenges will be presented against the Predators often, and this team will have off nights. We witnessed a week filled with trials, testing the grit of this teams’ roster. Four games in opponent territory. Four times the Predators forced overtime. And four games that leave questions about the roster.
Can they play consistently great hockey? Who can they rely on game after game to push this team to victory? Are they truly good enough on the backend to keep opponents from attacking the net? Do they need to find help on the outside in hopes to find more ways to score?
Still, we observed determination and fight. The Predators fell behind late in the games only to score and give them a chance to win. They earned points. They improved in the standings. And now, they are in the position to earn home ice.
But, how do they stack up with the rest of the Western Conference?
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.
Teams #5 and #6
#6 – San Jose Sharks
Last Ranking: NR
Record: 30-18-8, 68 points
While missing the best beard in the NHL for the rest of the season, the Sharks are fighting for their playoff lives. Still, the team is lacking consistency. They win a few in a row and follow the streak by losing consecutive games. Wins on the road in Columbus and Carolina are worthy to note, but the Sharks struggle against current playoff teams. Can they make a run to April? They will need to beat some really good teams in order to do that. Including the Nashville Predator, whom they face twice.
#5 – St. Louis Blues
Last Ranking: #4
Record: 34-21-3, 71 points
The Blues could be the best team in the Western Conference, but lack consistency from game to game. While they are 6-4-0 in their last 10 games, the goal differential is surprising. In their six wins, the Blues outscored their opponents 21-5, including two shutouts. Those teams? Ottawa, Colorado, Montreal, Buffalo, Colorado again, and the Winnepeg Jets. However, in their four losses (against Arizona, Boston, Minnesota, and Pittsburgh) they are being outscored 18-5.
Teams #3 and #4
#4 – Dallas Stars
Last Ranking: #7
Record: 33-20-4, 70 points
Is there a scarier team in the Western Conference than the Dallas Stars. Four 50-point scorers. Three players with 20 or more goals. They are a viable threat to all teams in the NHL. And, word on the street suggests they are in the mix to land Rick Nash. Could you imagine the offense should the Stars land a top-six winger? They are already one of the best at 5v5 scoring. Another forward would make the Stars nearly unstoppable.
#3 – Winnipeg Jets
Last Ranking: #5
Record: 32-15-9, 73 points
The Jets score. A lot. Their 179 goals on the season trails only Vegas in the conference. And, like the Stars, the Jets don’t allow too many goals. They are a solid team, top to bottom when healthy. However, they are not healthy right now. Six players are currently injured, four of which are on injured reserve. The depth of the Jets will be tested, and their schedule will be difficult. The Jets play the Predators, Stars, Blues, Kings, and Devils to name a few.
Top two teams in Western Conference
#2 – Nashville Predators
Last Ranking: #1
Record: 33-12-9, 75 points
Last week was a rough time to watch the Predators. Four games on the road, and all went into overtime. Still, the team has produced points in 14 of their last 15 games. This push places Nashville at the top of the Central Division. It is not a comfortable lead, as the Jets are breathing down the Predators’ neck. But, there is no team in the Western Conference whose full lineup is available. No injuries or suspension……knock on wood.
#1 – Vegas Golden Knights
Last Ranking: #3
Record: 36-15-4, 76 points
It doesn’t look like Vegas is going anywhere anytime soon. Who would have thought the Golden Knights would be the best team in the Western Conference. That being said, the last 10 games shown Vegas to be a bit wobbly. Losses to the New York Islanders, Wild, Penguins, and Philadelphia Flyers taint their recent play. Two of those were on home ice. Marc-Andre Fleury has played excellent hockey, but Malcolm Subban is now out of the lineup. Add the fact they have five other injured players, Vegas could falter a bit. Still, they are the best in the West.