Battle for #5 and #6
#6: St. Louis Blues
Previous Ranking: #5
Record Last Week: 0-2-1
The Blues had a tough week. After taking a 3-0 lead into the third period, the Blues lost to the Predators in overtime, 4-3. That game was sandwiched between a loss to the suddenly hot Pittsburgh Penguins and the Dallas Stars. The Blues now sit seven points back in the Central Division and hold the top wild-card spot.
#5: San Jose Sharks
Previous Rankings: #6
Record Last Week: 3-1
The Sharks are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games. Wins in that stretch include over Columbus, Carolina, Anaheim and Dallas. And, what is most impressive is they’re doing this without their leader in Joe Thornton. Can they keep their playoff hopes alive? Their next four games are on the road against the Blues, Predators, Blackhawks, and Wild. It could be an interesting week.
Tight race at the top
#4: Dallas Stars
Previous Ranking: #4
Record Last Week: 1-2-0
It feels like the Stars have come out of nowhere. Honestly, they have been in it all year. Now they are putting together a great stretch of games, and sit third in the Central. After winning five straight, the Stars fell to the Canucks and Sharks last week, outscored 11-2 in those games. Ben Bishop was in-goal for both games.
#3: Nashville Predators
Previous Ranking: #2
Record Last Week: 2-2-0
We documented the struggles of the Nashville Predators earlier. Their slump is interesting, and most of their ineffectiveness is from execution. However, there have been too many lapses in focus leading to those moments of poor execution. And, can we please find another way to work on a power play?