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The NHL regular season is quickly drawing to a close, although the season has been extended by a day.  The Seattle / Winnipeg game originally scheduled for last Wednesday was postponed due to the massive snow storm that Winnipeg got, and has been moved to May 1 instead.  Other than that, there’s about two weeks left in the season.

Teams that clinched playoff spots this week were Boston, Calgary, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, and Washington; they join Carolina, Colorado, Florida, New York Rangers, and Toronto who had previously earned spots in the playoffs.  Teams that were eliminated from playoff contention this week were Anaheim, Columbus, New York Islanders, and San Jose.  As a result, all of the playoff spots in the Eastern Conference have been decided, but there’s still seven teams battling it out for the last four spots in the Western Conference.  Here’s how that currently looks:

   Team                  GP  W   L   OTL  Pts  % Chance
 1 Edmonton Oilers       76  44  26   6    94  >99 (▲2)
 2 Dallas Stars          75  43  27   5    91  95 (▲7)
 3 Nashville Predators   76  43  28   5    91  90 (▼4)
 4 Los Angeles Kings     77  40  27  10    90  70 (▲7)
 ---
 5 Vegas Golden Knights  76  41  30   5    87  35 (▼12)
 6 Vancouver Canucks     75  37  28  10    84  11 (▲1)
 7 Winnipeg Jets         76  35  30  11    81  <1 (▼1)

The battle for the President’s Trophy continues, with only two teams having reasonable chances of finishing with the best record in the NHL.  Here’s the complete list of teams that still have a chance of winning it:

   Team                  GP  W   L   OTL  Pts  % Chance
 1 Colorado Avalanche    75  55  14   6   116  69 (▲2)
 2 Florida Panthers      75  54  15   6   114  31 (▼2)
 3 Toronto Maple Leafs   76  50  20   6   106  <1
 4 Carolina Hurricanes   76  48  20   8   104  <1
 5 New York Rangers      76  49  21   6   104  <1

Colorado remains in the top spot in our McDonald NHL Power Rankings.  They won all three of their games this week, against 19th-ranked Los Angeles, 28th-ranked New Jersey, and 7th-ranked Carolina.  They are looking dominant, and are far ahead of any other team in our rating points, 42 more than the next-closest team.  They are our favourites to win the Stanley Cup, sitting at a season-high 24% probability, and the President’s Trophy, at 69%.

Florida continues to be our second-ranked team.  They also went 3-0-0 this week, although they had a pretty easy schedule this week, with wins over 25th-ranked Anaheim in overtime, 20th-ranked Winnipeg, and 26th-ranked Detroit.  They have crossed that magical 1600 rating point milestone, sitting at 1602 rating points.  They are the only other team besides Colorado that has a reasonable chance of winning the President’s Trophy; we’re giving them a 31% probability of doing that.  They are also the second-most likely team to win the Stanley Cup, at 12%.

There’s a new entry in the top 5 this week, with St. Louis entering the top 5 for what I think is the first team this season.  They’ve been hovering in the top 10 for quite a while, and after going 4-0-0 this week, they finally made the leap!  This week, they had 3 road victories, beating 10th-ranked Boston, 21st-ranked Buffalo, and 15th-ranked Nashville.  Their lone home game was an overtime victory against 8th-ranked Minnesota.  They clinched a playoff spot this week, but were eliminated from contention for the President’s Trophy.  We’re giving them an 8% chance of winning the Stanley Cup, up from 6% last week.

Toronto dropped down one spot in the rankings to fourth.  They had a 3-1-0 record this week, losing to 21st-ranked Buffalo to start the week, but then winning their next three games, against 13th-ranked Washington, 22nd-ranked Ottawa (this one in overtime), and the 16th-ranked New York Islanders.  We still have them as the 3rd-most likely team to win the Stanley Cup, at 9%.  It helps not being in the same conference as Colorado!

Rounding out the top 5 is Calgary, who also dropped down one spot from last week.  They went 2-1-0 in three home games, with victories over 27th-ranked Seattle and 31st-ranked Arizona, but lost to 18th-ranked Vegas.  They did clinch a playoff spot this week, though.

Dropping out of the top 5 to make way for St. Louis was Carolina.  They dropped two spots to 7th after going 1-2-0, beating the 6th-ranked New York Rangers but losing to 26th-ranked Detroit and top-ranked Colorado.  They still sit in top spot in the Metropolitan Division, but their chances of winning that division have dropped 68% to 57%; the Rangers are the only other team with a reasonable chance of winning that division, at 43%.

I hate ending on a sad note, but I will — Hall of Famer Mike Bossy passed away this week.  He won four Stanley Cup with the New York Islanders from 1980 to 1983.  He’s the second member of that Islander dynasty to pass away this year, after Clark Gillies died in January.  I was a big fan of that team.

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1644, ▲12)

Record: 55-14-6, 1st in Central Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: ✔
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 69% (▲2)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 24% (▲3)

Last week: 3-0-0

• April 13: Won 9-3 vs. Los Angeles Kings (19th, 1511)
• April 14: Won 3-1 vs. New Jersey Devils (28th, 1402)
• April 16: Won 7-4 vs. Carolina Hurricanes (7th, 1568)

Next week:

• April 18: vs. Washington Capitals (13th, 1536)
• April 20: @ Seattle Kraken (27th, 1408)
• April 22: @ Edmonton Oilers (9th, 1553)
• April 24: @ Winnipeg Jets (20th, 1486)

2. Florida Panthers (1602, ▲6)

Record: 54-15-6, 1st in Atlantic Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: ✔
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 31% (▼2)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 12% (▲1)

Last week: 3-0-0

• April 12: Won in OT 3-2 vs. Anaheim Ducks (25th, 1433)
• April 15: Won 6-1 vs. Winnipeg Jets (20th, 1486)
• April 17: Won 6-1 @ Detroit Red Wings (26th, 1418)

Next week:

• April 19: @ New York Islanders (16th, 1521)
• April 21: vs. Detroit Red Wings (26th, 1418)
• April 23: vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (4th, 1592)
• April 24: vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (10th, 1544)

3. St. Louis Blues ▲3 (1594, ▲20)

Record: 46-20-10, 2nd in Central Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: ✔ (▲1)
• Winning the President’s Trophy: — (▼1)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 8% (▲2)

Last week: 4-0-0

• April 12: Won 4-2 @ Boston Bruins (10th, 1544)
• April 14: Won 6-2 @ Buffalo Sabres (21st, 1460)
• April 16: Won in OT 6-5 vs. Minnesota Wild (8th, 1564)
• April 17: Won 8-3 @ Nashville Predators (15th, 1523)

Next week:

• April 19: vs. Boston Bruins (10th, 1544)
• April 21: @ San Jose Sharks (24th, 1434)
• April 23: @ Arizona Coyotes (31st, 1383)
• April 24: @ Anaheim Ducks (25th, 1433)

4. Toronto Maple Leafs ▼1 (1592, ▼2)

Record: 50-20-6, 2nd in Atlantic Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: ✔
• Winning the President’s Trophy: <1%
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 9% (▼1)

Last week: 3-1-0

• April 12: Lost 5-2 vs. Buffalo Sabres (21st, 1460)
• April 14: Won 7-3 vs. Washington Capitals (13th, 1536)
• April 16: Won in OT 5-4 @ Ottawa Senators (22nd, 1450)
• April 17: Won 4-2 vs. New York Islanders (16th, 1521)

Next week:

• April 19: vs. Philadelphia Flyers (30th, 1389)
• April 21: @ Tampa Bay Lightning (10th, 1544)
• April 23: @ Florida Panthers (2nd, 1602)
• April 24: @ Washington Capitals (13th, 1536)

5. Calgary Flames ▼1 (1581, ▼4)

Record: 46-20-9, 1st in Pacific Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: ✔ (▲1)
• Winning the President’s Trophy: — (▼1)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 8% (▼1)

Last week: 2-1-0

• April 12: Won 5-3 vs. Seattle Kraken (27th, 1408)
• April 14: Lost 6-1 vs. Vegas Golden Knights (18th, 1519)
• April 16: Won 9-1 vs. Arizona Coyotes (31st, 1383)

Next week:

• April 18: @ Chicago Blackhawks (29th, 1399)
• April 19: @ Nashville Predators (15th, 1523)
• April 21: vs. Dallas Stars (16th, 1521)
• April 23: vs. Vancouver Canucks (14th, 1526)

Here’s the rankings and ratings.  Changes shown are from last week’s report.

Overall Ratings

 1       Colorado Avalanche            1644 (▲12)
 2       Florida Panthers              1602 (▲6)
 3       St. Louis Blues (▲3)          1594 (▲20)
 4       Toronto Maple Leafs (▼1)      1592 (▼2)
 5       Calgary Flames (▼1)           1581 (▼4)
 6       New York Rangers (▲1)         1574 (▲1)
 7       Carolina Hurricanes (▼2)      1568 (▼9)
 8       Minnesota Wild                1564 (▲4)
 9       Edmonton Oilers (▲2)          1553 (▲8)
10 (tie) Boston Bruins (▼1)            1544 (▼11)
10 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning           1544 (▼4)
12       Pittsburgh Penguins           1540
13       Washington Capitals (▲1)      1536 (▲3)
14       Vancouver Canucks (▲2)        1526 (▲3)
15       Nashville Predators (▼2)      1523 (▼14)
16 (tie) Dallas Stars (▲2)             1521 (▲13)
16 (tie) New York Islanders (▼1)       1521 (▼6)
18       Vegas Golden Knights (▼1)     1519 (▲5)
19       Los Angeles Kings             1511 (▲8)
20       Winnipeg Jets                 1486 (▼5)
21       Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           1460 (▲18)
22 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▼1)    1450 (▼8)
22 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▲2)          1450 (▲21)
24       San Jose Sharks (▼1)          1434 (▲1)
25       Anaheim Ducks (▲1)            1433 (▲14)
26       Detroit Red Wings (▼1)        1418 (▼5)
27       Seattle Kraken                1408 (▼4)
28       New Jersey Devils (▲4)        1402 (▲6)
29       Chicago Blackhawks            1399 (▼10)
30       Philadelphia Flyers (▼2)      1389 (▼22)
31       Arizona Coyotes               1383 (▼15)
32       Montreal Canadiens (▼2)       1380 (▼22)

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           57% (▼11)
 2       New York Rangers              43% (▲11)
 3 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins           <1%
 3 (tie) Washington Capitals           <1%
 5 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets         —
 5 (tie) New York Islanders            —
 5 (tie) New Jersey Devils             —
 5 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           —

Atlantic Division

 1       Florida Panthers              >99% (▲4)
 2 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning (▲1)      <1%
 2 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs           <1% (▼4)
 4 (tie) Boston Bruins (▼1)            —
 4 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           —
 4 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▲1)        —
 4 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▲1)       —
 4 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▲1)          —

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            ✔
 2 (tie) Arizona Coyotes (▲2)          —
 2 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▲2)       —
 2 (tie) Dallas Stars (▲2)             —
 2 (tie) Minnesota Wild                — (▼1)
 2 (tie) Nashville Predators (▲2)      —
 2 (tie) St. Louis Blues               — (▼1)
 2 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▲2)            —

Pacific Division

 1       Calgary Flames                >99% (▲1)
 2       Edmonton Oilers               <1% (▼1)
 3 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▲3)            —
 3 (tie) Los Angeles Kings             — (▼1)
 3 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▲3)          —
 3 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▲3)           —
 3 (tie) Vancouver Canucks             — (▼1)
 3 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights          — (▼1)

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

 1 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes           ✔
 1 (tie) New York Rangers              ✔
 1 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲2)      ✔ (▲1)
 1 (tie) Washington Capitals (▲2)      ✔ (▲1)
 5 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets         — (▼1)
 5 (tie) New York Islanders            — (▼1)
 5 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▲2)        —
 5 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▲2)      —

Atlantic Division

 1 (tie) Boston Bruins (▲2)            ✔ (▲1)
 1 (tie) Florida Panthers              ✔
 1 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning (▲2)      ✔ (▲1)
 1 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs           ✔
 5 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                —
 5 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             —
 5 (tie) Montreal Canadiens            —
 5 (tie) Ottawa Senators               —

Central Division

 1 (tie) Colorado Avalanche            ✔
 1 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▲1)           ✔ (▲1)
 1 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▲1)          ✔ (▲1)
 4       Dallas Stars (▲1)             95% (▲7)
 5       Nashville Predators (▼1)      90% (▼4)
 6 (tie) Winnipeg Jets                 <1% (▼1)
 7 (tie) Arizona Coyotes               —
 7 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            —

Pacific Division

 1       Calgary Flames                ✔ (▲1)
 2       Edmonton Oilers (▲1)          >99% (▲2)
 3       Los Angeles Kings             70% (▲7)
 4       Vegas Golden Knights          35% (▼12)
 5       Vancouver Canucks             11% (▲1)
 6 (tie) Anaheim Ducks                 — (▼1)
 6 (tie) San Jose Sharks               — (▼1)
 6 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▲2)           —

Winning the President’s Trophy

 1       Colorado Avalanche            69% (▲2)
 2       Florida Panthers              31% (▼2)

Everyone else has less than a 1% chance of winning the President’s Trophy.

Winning the Stanley Cup

 1       Colorado Avalanche            24% (▲3)
 2       Florida Panthers              12% (▲1)
 3       Toronto Maple Leafs           9% (▼1)
 4 (tie) Calgary Flames                8% (▼1)
 4 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▲3)          8% (▲2)
 6       New York Rangers              7%
 7       Carolina Hurricanes (▼2)      6% (▼2)
 8 (tie) Edmonton Oilers               4%
 8 (tie) Minnesota Wild                4%
10 (tie) Boston Bruins (▼2)            3% (▼1)
10 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲2)      3%
10 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning (▼2)      3% (▼1)
13 (tie) Dallas Stars (▲2)             2% (▲1)
13 (tie) Nashville Predators (▼1)      2% (▼1)
13 (tie) Washington Capitals (▲1)      2%
16 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▼1)        1%
16 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▼1)     1%
18 (tie) Vancouver Canucks             <1%
18 (tie) Winnipeg Jets                 <1%
20 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▼2)            — (▼1)
20 (tie) Arizona Coyotes (▲4)          —
20 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▲4)           —
20 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▲4)       —
20 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▼2)    — (▼1)
20 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▲4)        —
20 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▲4)       —
20 (tie) New York Islanders (▼2)       — (▼1)
20 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▲4)        —
20 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▲4)          —
20 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▲4)      —
20 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▼2)          — (▼1)
20 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▲4)           —

 

We’re getting closer and closer to the end of the regular season, and the playoff picture is becoming clearer.  As usual, there hasn’t been much change in our top 5, which we feel is a good indication of the accuracy of our models.  But despite that, our top choice for winning the Stanley Cup only gets about a 1-in-5 chance of winning it all.  Hockey can be difficult to predict!

Colorado remains the top team in the McDonald NHL Power Ratings.  They’ve been the top team for months, but only this week did they clinch a playoff spot!  We’re giving them a 67% chance of winning the President’s Trophy, and a 21% chance of winning the Stanley Cup.  This week, they went 3-0-0, although only one of those victories came in regulation time.  All three of their games were on the road.  They are the only team with a rating over that magic 1600 point, and are a whopping 36 rating points ahead of the 2nd-ranked team.

That 2nd-ranked team is the Florida Panthers this week, who passed last week’s #2 team, the Carolina Hurricanes.  Florida went 3-0-0 this week, with an overtime win against 3rd-ranked Toronto, and regulation wins over 22nd-ranked Buffalo and 13th-ranked Nashville.  They are the only other team that we’re giving a reasonable chance of winning the President’s Trophy, with a 33% chance.

Here’s the race for the President’s Trophy:

   Team                 GP  W   L   OTL  Pts  % Chance
 1 Colorado Avalanche   72  52  14   6   110   67 (▲4)
 2 Florida Panthers     72  51  15   6   108   33 (▲3)

Last week, Carolina was also in the race, just barely at 6%, but now we give them less than a 1% chance of winning it.

Back to the top 5 — Toronto has moved into 3rd spot in our rankings.  Toronto!  The Maple Leafs!  What’s up with that???  On Hockey Night In Canada on Saturday, they won a classic matchup with Montreal, and that win clinched a playoff spot for them!  That game closed off a 3-0-1 week, with regulation victories over 10th-ranked Tampa Bay and 30th-ranked Montreal, an overtime victory over 18th-ranked Dallas, and an overtime loss to 2nd-ranked Florida.  We’re giving them a 10% chance of winning the Stanley Cup.

Next in the top 5 is Calgary, clocking in at #4, up three spots from last week.  They went 4-0-0 in 4 road games this week, with all four wins coming in regulation time, although all those games were against bottom-half teams.  They beat 19th-ranked Los Angeles, 26th-ranked Anaheim, 23rd-ranked San Jose, and 27th-ranked Seattle.  We’ve calculated that they’ve got a 9% chance of winning the Stanley Cup.

Rounding out the top 5 are the Carolina Hurricanes, who dropped 3 spots from #2 in last week’s rankings.  They had a very middling week, going 2-2-0, splitting a home-and-home pair with 22nd-ranked Buffalo, losing to the 15th-ranked New York Islanders, and finishing the week with a win over the 26th-ranked Anaheim.  Despite their so-so week, they did clinch a playoff spot.

Dropping out of the top 5 was Boston, who had a pretty crappy week, going 2-2-0, with both of their wins coming in overtime.  They started the week beating 21st-ranked Columbus, followed it up with loss to 25th-ranked Detroit, then turned it around with a victory over 10th-ranked Tampa Bay, and finished it off by losing to 14th-ranked Washington.  After this week’s performance, we took away 19 rating points and almost halved their chances of winning the Stanley Cup, dropping that from 7% to 4%.

This week’s big movers were Washington and Vancouver, with both teams going 3-0-0.  We increased Washington’s rating by 25 points, moving them up from 17th to 14th in our rankings.  We awarded Vancouver an additional 20 rating points, moving them from 19th to 16th, but they’ve still got a ways to go to make the playoffs — we’re only giving them a 10% chance of making the playoffs, but that’s up from 2% last week!

The biggest downward move in our ratings was by Pittsburgh, who went 1-3-0, with losses to 1st-ranked Colorado, 7th-ranked New York Rangers, and 14th-ranked Washington, although they finished up the week with an overtime win over 13th-ranked Nashville.  This poor performance dropped them 24 rating points, and moved them in our rankings from 6th all the way down to 12th.  We’re still expecting them to make the playoffs, though, with a greater than 99% chance.

Also having a bad week was Los Angeles.  Last week, we gave them a 90% chance of making the playoffs, but after losing all three of this week’s games, we’ve dropped that to 63%.  They’ve also dropped from 15th in our rankings to 19th this week.

Teams clinching playoff spots this week were Carolina, Colorado, New York Rangers, and Toronto, joining Florida who clinched last week.  Newly eliminated from playoff contention were Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, and Ottawa.

And let’s finish off this week’s report looking at the race for the playoff spots in the West (we figure the East teams have already been decided).  Although Colorado is the only Western team to have clinched a playoff spot, we’re giving Calgary, Minnesota, and St. Louis a greater than 99% chance of making the playoffs.  Again this week, we think there’s 5 teams fighting it out for the remaining 4 spots:

   Team                  GP  W   L   OTL  Pts  % Chance
 1 Edmonton Oilers       73  42  25   6    90  98 (▲10)
 2 Nashville Predators   72  41  26   5    87  94 (▲8)
 3 Dallas Stars          72  41  27   4    86  88 (▲8)
 4 Los Angeles Kings     74  38  26  10    86  63 (▼27)
 5 Vegas Golden Knights  73  40  29   4    84  47 (▼6)

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1632, ▲4)

Record: 52-14-6, 1st in Central Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: ✔ (▲1)
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 67% (▲4)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 21%

Last week: 3-0-0

• April 5: Won 6-4 @ Pittsburgh Penguins (12th, 1540)
• April 8: Won in OT 5-4 @ Winnipeg Jets (20th, 1491)
• April 9: Won in SO 2-1 @ Edmonton Oilers (11th, 1545)

Next week:

• April 13: vs. Los Angeles Kings (19th, 1503)
• April 14: vs. New Jersey Devils (32nd, 1396)
• April 16: vs. Carolina Hurricanes (5th, 1577)

2. Florida Panthers ▲1 (1596, ▲10)

Record: 51-15-6, 1st in Atlantic Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: ✔
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 33% (▲3)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 11% (▲1)

Last week: 3-0-0

• April 5: Won in OT 7-6 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (3rd, 1594)
• April 8: Won 4-3 vs. Buffalo Sabres (22nd, 1442)
• April 9: Won 4-1 @ Nashville Predators (13th, 1537)

Next week:

• April 12: vs. Anaheim Ducks (26th, 1419)
• April 15: vs. Winnipeg Jets (20th, 1491)
• April 17: @ Detroit Red Wings (25th, 1423)

3. Toronto Maple Leafs ▲1 (1594, ▲11)

Record: 47-19-6, 2nd in Atlantic Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: ✔ (▲1)
• Winning the President’s Trophy: <1%
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 10% (▲2)

Last week: 3-0-1

• April 4: Won 6-2 @ Tampa Bay Lightning (10th, 1548)
• April 5: Lost in OT 7-6 @ Florida Panthers (2nd, 1596)
• April 7: Won in OT 4-3 @ Dallas Stars (18th, 1508)
• April 9: Won 3-2 vs. Montreal Canadiens (30th, 1402)

Next week:

• April 12: vs. Buffalo Sabres (22nd, 1442)
• April 14: vs. Washington Capitals (14th, 1533)
• April 16: @ Ottawa Senators (24th, 1429)
• April 17: vs. New York Islanders (15th, 1527)

4. Calgary Flames ▲3 (1585, ▲24)

Record: 44-19-9, 1st in Pacific Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: <1%
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 9% (▲3)

Last week: 4-0-0

• April 4: Won 3-2 @ Los Angeles Kings (19th, 1503)
• April 6: Won 4-2 @ Anaheim Ducks (26th, 1419)
• April 7: Won 4-2 @ San Jose Sharks (23rd, 1433)
• April 9: Won 4-1 @ Seattle Kraken (27th, 1412)

Next week:

• April 12: vs. Seattle Kraken (27th, 1412)
• April 14: vs. Vegas Golden Knights (17th, 1514)
• April 16: vs. Arizona Coyotes (31st, 1398)

5. Carolina Hurricanes ▼3 (1577, ▼12)

Record: 47-18-8, 1st in Metropolitan Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: ✔ (▲1)
• Winning the President’s Trophy: <1% (▼6)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 8% (▼2)

Last week: 2-2-0

• April 5: Lost 4-2 @ Buffalo Sabres (22nd, 1442)
• April 7: Won 5-3 vs. Buffalo Sabres (22nd, 1442)
• April 8: Lost 2-1 vs. New York Islanders (15th, 1527)
• April 10: Won 5-2 vs. Anaheim Ducks (26th, 1419)

Next week:

• April 12: @ New York Rangers (7th, 1573)
• April 14: vs. Detroit Red Wings (25th, 1423)
• April 16: @ Colorado Avalanche (1st, 1632)

Here’s the rankings and ratings.  Changes shown are from last week’s report.

Overall Ratings

 1       Colorado Avalanche            1632 (▲4)
 2       Florida Panthers (▲1)         1596 (▲10)
 3       Toronto Maple Leafs (▲1)      1594 (▲11)
 4       Calgary Flames (▲3)           1585 (▲24)
 5       Carolina Hurricanes (▼3)      1577 (▼12)
 6       St. Louis Blues (▲1)          1574 (▲13)
 7       New York Rangers (▲4)         1573 (▲16)
 8       Minnesota Wild (▲1)           1560
 9       Boston Bruins (▼4)            1555 (▼19)
10       Tampa Bay Lightning           1548 (▼10)
11       Edmonton Oilers (▲1)          1545 (▲8)
12       Pittsburgh Penguins (▼6)      1540 (▼24)
13       Nashville Predators           1537 (▲7)
14       Washington Capitals (▲3)      1533 (▲25)
15       New York Islanders (▼2)       1527 (▼3)
16       Vancouver Canucks (▲3)        1523 (▲20)
17       Vegas Golden Knights (▼1)     1514 (▼4)
18       Dallas Stars                  1508 (▲4)
19       Los Angeles Kings (▼4)        1503 (▼21)
20       Winnipeg Jets                 1491 (▼1)
21       Columbus Blue Jackets         1458 (▼1)
22       Buffalo Sabres                1442 (▼3)
23       San Jose Sharks               1433 (▼10)
24       Ottawa Senators               1429 (▼9)
25       Detroit Red Wings (▲6)        1423 (▲20)
26       Anaheim Ducks                 1419
27       Seattle Kraken (▲2)           1412
28       Philadelphia Flyers (▼1)      1411 (▼6)
29       Chicago Blackhawks (▼4)       1409 (▼16)
30       Montreal Canadiens            1402 (▼3)
31       Arizona Coyotes (▼3)          1398 (▼15)
32       New Jersey Devils             1396 (▼2)

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           68% (▼20)
 2       New York Rangers              32% (▲22)
 3 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins           <1% (▼2)
 3 (tie) Washington Capitals (▲1)      <1%
 5 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▲1)    —
 5 (tie) New York Islanders (▼1)       — (▼2)
 5 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▲1)        —
 5 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▲1)      —

Atlantic Division

 1       Florida Panthers              96% (▲8)
 2       Toronto Maple Leafs           4% (▼3)
 3 (tie) Boston Bruins (▲1)            <1% (▼1)
 3 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning           <1% (▼4)
 5 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                —
 5 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             —
 5 (tie) Montreal Canadiens            —
 5 (tie) Ottawa Senators               —

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            >99%
 2 (tie) Minnesota Wild                <1%
 2 (tie) St. Louis Blues               <1%
 4 (tie) Arizona Coyotes (▲2)          —
 4 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▲2)       —
 4 (tie) Dallas Stars (▼1)             — (▼1)
 4 (tie) Nashville Predators (▼1)      — (▼1)
 4 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▲2)            —

Pacific Division

 1       Calgary Flames                99% (▲9)
 2       Edmonton Oilers               1% (▼4)
 3 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▼1)        <1% (▼5)
 3 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▲2)        <1%
 3 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▲1)     <1% (▼1)
 6 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▼1)            — (▼1)
 6 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▼1)          — (▼1)
 6 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▲2)           —

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

 1 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes           ✔ (▲1)
 1 (tie) New York Rangers              ✔ (▲1)
 3 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▼2)      >99%
 3 (tie) Washington Capitals (▲1)      >99% (▲5)
 5 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▲1)    <1%
 5 (tie) New York Islanders            <1% (▼5)
 7 (tie) New Jersey Devils             —
 7 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           —

Atlantic Division

 1 (tie) Florida Panthers              ✔
 1 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▲1)      ✔ (▲1)
 3 (tie) Boston Bruins (▼1)            >99%
 3 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning (▼1)      >99%
 5 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                — (▼1)
 5 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             — (▼1)
 5 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▲3)       —
 5 (tie) Ottawa Senators               — (▼1)

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            ✔ (▲1)
 2 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▼1)           >99%
 2 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▲1)          >99% (▲1)
 4       Nashville Predators           94% (▲8)
 5       Dallas Stars                  88% (▲8)
 6       Winnipeg Jets                 1% (▼2)
 7 (tie) Arizona Coyotes (▲1)          —
 7 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            — (▼1)

Pacific Division

 1       Calgary Flames                >99%
 2       Edmonton Oilers (▲1)          98% (▲10)
 3       Los Angeles Kings (▼1)        63% (▼27)
 4       Vegas Golden Knights          47% (▼6)
 5       Vancouver Canucks             10% (▲8)
 6 (tie) Anaheim Ducks                 <1%
 6 (tie) San Jose Sharks               <1%
 8       Seattle Kraken                —

Winning the President’s Trophy

 1       Colorado Avalanche            67% (▲4)
 2       Florida Panthers              33% (▲3)

Everyone else has less than a 1% chance of winning the President’s Trophy.

Winning the Stanley Cup

 1       Colorado Avalanche            21%
 2       Florida Panthers              11% (▲1)
 3       Toronto Maple Leafs (▲1)      10% (▲2)
 4       Calgary Flames (▲2)           9% (▲3)
 5       Carolina Hurricanes (▼3)      8% (▼2)
 6       New York Rangers (▲2)         7% (▲2)
 7       St. Louis Blues (▲1)          6% (▲1)
 8 (tie) Boston Bruins (▼3)            4% (▼3)
 8 (tie) Edmonton Oilers (▲4)          4%
 8 (tie) Minnesota Wild                4% (▼1)
 8 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning           4% (▼1)
12 (tie) Nashville Predators (▲2)      3% (▲1)
12 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▼6)      3% (▼3)
14       Washington Capitals (▲1)      2% (▲1)
15 (tie) Dallas Stars                  1%
15 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▼2)        1% (▼2)
15 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights          1%
18 (tie) Anaheim Ducks                 <1%
18 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets         <1%
18 (tie) New York Islanders            <1%
18 (tie) San Jose Sharks               <1%
18 (tie) Vancouver Canucks             <1%
18 (tie) Winnipeg Jets                 <1%
24 (tie) Arizona Coyotes (▲4)          —
24 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▼6)           — (▼1)
24 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▼6)       — (▼1)
24 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▼6)        — (▼1)
24 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▲4)       —
24 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▲4)        —
24 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▼6)          — (▼1)
24 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▲4)      —
24 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▲4)           —

 

Ah, after three weeks without the witty commentary that you pay the big bucks to enjoy, the McDonald NHL Power Ratings commentary is back.  As a bonus, the commentary will also be insightful this week, and in some cases, may even be surprising.  But I doubt it.

Colorado continues to be the top-ranked team in our ratings, as they have been for most of the season.  They demonstrated their strength again this week, going 3-0-0, defeating 7th-ranked Calgary on the road, and 23rd-ranked San Jose and 6th-ranked Pittsburgh at home.  They’ve gained an additional 18 rating points, and remain by far the strongest team in our rankings.  Although they haven’t clinched a playoff spot yet, they are our favourites to win both the President’s Trophy (63% chance) and the Stanley Cup (a whopping 21% chance).

Once again, Carolina is our 2nd-ranked team, a whopping 39 rating points behind Colorado.  They had a middling week, going 2-1-1, with wins over 17th-ranked Washington and 30th-ranked Montreal, an overtime loss to 10th-ranked Tampa Bay, and a regulation loss to 9th-ranked Minnesota.  Based on this performance, we didn’t change their ratings; we still think 1589 is a fair rating for the Hurricanes.

Moving into 3rd in our rankings is Florida, up from 5th, who are the first team in the league to clinch a playoff spot.  They went 4-0-0 this week, but all of their games were against bottom-half teams, so their rating only went up 10 points this week, just 3 points behind Carolina.  They beat 30th-ranked Montreal, 25th-ranked Chicago, and 22nd-ranked Buffalo in regulation time, but it took them overtime to beat worst-ranked New Jersey.  They are the second favourites for winning the President’s Trophy, at 30%, and the Stanley Cup, at 10% (tied with Carolina).

We see only three teams having reasonable chances of winning the President’s Trophy.  Here’s the current standings:

   Team                 GP  W   L   OTL  Pts  % Chance
 1 Colorado Avalanche   69  49  14   6   104     63
 2 Florida Panthers     69  48  15   6   102     30
 3 Carolina Hurricanes  69  45  16   8    98      6

Toronto has moved back into our top 5, jumping 4 ranking spots to 4th.  They went 3-0-0 this week, with regulation victories over 5th-ranked Boston, 20th-ranked Winnipeg, and 27th-ranked Philadelphia.  Leaf centre Auston Matthews was the first player to reach 50 goals in the league this year, and he now leads the league with 51.  With their spotless record this week, we awarded them 19 rating points, and they now have 1583, just 3 behind 3rd-ranked Carolina.

Also moving back into the top 5 was Boston, who moved up from 6th last week.  They went 2-1-0 this week, defeating 32nd-ranked New Jersey and 21st-ranked Columbus, but losing to 4th-ranked Toronto.

Dropping out of the top 5 were Calgary and Pittsburgh.  Calgary was ranked 3rd last week, but fell to 7th this week.  They lost all three of their games this week, to top-ranked Colorado and 7th-ranked St. Louis in regulation time, and 15th-ranked Los Angeles in a shootout.  Pittsburgh dropped from 5th to 6th, after going 1-2-0, beating 9th-ranked Minnesota in overtime, but losing to 11th-ranked New York Rangers and #1 Colorado.

The biggest upward movers this week were the New York Islanders, St. Louis, and Minnesota.  The Islanders went 4-0-0, with all their victories coming in regulation time.  They beat 21st-ranked Columbus twice, as well as the 11th-ranked Rangers and league-worst New Jersey, and gained 30 rating points, moving from 19th spot in our rankings all the way up to 13th.

St. Louis went 3-0-1 and were awarded 23 rating points, enough to move from 10th to 7th.  They beat 19th-ranked Vancouver twice and 7th-ranked Calgary once, but lost to 12th-ranked Edmonton in overtime.  Minnesota also went 3-0-1, and moved up from 10th to 9th in the McDonald NHL Power Ratings.  They beat 27th-ranked Philadelphia, 2nd-ranked Carolina, and 17th-ranked Washington, but fell in overtime to 6th-ranked Pittsburgh.

The big downward movers were the afore-mentioned Calgary Flames, Columbus, and San Jose.  Columbus and San Jose both lost all three of their games this week in regulation time, and lost 19 rating points.  Columbus did retain their ranking in 21st, and San Jose dropped one spot to 23rd.

With less than a month remaining in the season, we’re starting to see the playoff picture solidify a bit.  Florida is the only team to have clinched a playoff spot, but a number of teams have been mathematically eliminated from making the playoffs: New Jersey and Philadelphia in the Metropolitan Division, Montreal in the Atlantic Division, Arizona in the Central Division, and Seattle in the Pacific Division.  According to the boys in the back room, though, most of the playoff spots look pretty clear, at least in the Eastern Conference.  In the East, we’re predicting Carolina, the Rangers, Pittsburgh, and Washington from the Metropolitan Division, and Boston, Florida, Tampa Bay, and Toronto from the Atlantic Division.  The picture is a little less clear in the West, although we are confident that Colorado, Minnesota, and St. Louis will make it from the Central Division, as well as Calgary from the Pacific Division.  Here’s the chances we’re giving the remaining teams for the last 4 spots:

   Team                  GP  W   L   OTL  Pts  % Chance
 1 Los Angeles Kings     71  38  23  10    86     90
 2 Edmonton Oilers       70  40  25   5    85     88
 3 Nashville Predators   68  39  25   4    82     86
 4 Dallas Stars          68  39  26   3    81     80
 5 Vegas Golden Knights  71  39  28   4    82     53

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1628, ▲18)

Record: 49-14-6, 1st in Central Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 63% (▲12)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 21% (▲3)

Last week: 3-0-0

• March 29: Won 2-1 @ Calgary Flames (7th, 1561)
• March 31: Won 4-2 vs. San Jose Sharks (23rd, 1443)
• April 2: Won 3-2 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (6th, 1564)

Next week:

• April 5: @ Pittsburgh Penguins (6th, 1564)
• April 8: @ Winnipeg Jets (20th, 1492)
• April 9: @ Edmonton Oilers (12th, 1537)

2. Carolina Hurricanes (1589)

Record: 45-16-8, 1st in Metropolitan Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 6% (▼14)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 10%

Last week: 2-1-1

• March 28: Won 6-1 @ Washington Capitals (17th, 1508)
• March 29: Lost in OT 4-3 @ Tampa Bay Lightning (10th, 1558)
• March 31: Won 4-0 vs. Montreal Canadiens (30th, 1405)
• April 2: Lost 3-1 vs. Minnesota Wild (9th, 1560)

Next week:

• April 5: @ Buffalo Sabres (22nd, 1445)
• April 7: vs. Buffalo Sabres (22nd, 1445)
• April 8: vs. New York Islanders (13th, 1530)
• April 10: vs. Anaheim Ducks (26th, 1419)

3. Florida Panthers ▲2 (1586, ▲10)

Record: 48-15-6, 1st in Atlantic Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: ✔ (▲1)
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 30% (▲5)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 10% (▲2)

Last week: 4-0-0

• March 29: Won 7-4 vs. Montreal Canadiens (30th, 1405)
• March 31: Won 4-0 vs. Chicago Blackhawks (25th, 1425)
• April 2: Won in OT 7-6 @ New Jersey Devils (32nd, 1398)
• April 3: Won 5-3 @ Buffalo Sabres (22nd, 1445)

Next week:

• April 5: vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (4th, 1583)
• April 8: vs. Buffalo Sabres (22nd, 1445)
• April 9: @ Nashville Predators (13th, 1530)

4. Toronto Maple Leafs ▲4 (1583, ▲19)

Record: 44-19-5, 2nd in Atlantic Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: <1% (▼1)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 8% (▲2)

Last week: 3-0-0

• March 29: Won 6-4 @ Boston Bruins (5th, 1574)
• March 31: Won 7-3 vs. Winnipeg Jets (20th, 1492)
• April 2: Won 6-3 @ Philadelphia Flyers (27th, 1417)

Next week:

• April 4: @ Tampa Bay Lightning (10th, 1558)
• April 5: @ Florida Panthers (3rd, 1586)
• April 7: @ Dallas Stars (18th, 1504)
• April 9: vs. Montreal Canadiens (30th, 1405)

5. Boston Bruins ▲1 (1574)

Record: 43-20-5, 4th in Atlantic Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: <1% (▼1)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 7%

Last week: 2-1-0

• March 29: Lost 6-4 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (4th, 1583)
• March 31: Won 8-1 vs. New Jersey Devils (32nd, 1398)
• April 2: Won 5-2 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (21st, 1459)

Next week:

• April 4: @ Columbus Blue Jackets (21st, 1459)
• April 5: @ Detroit Red Wings (31st, 1403)
• April 8: @ Tampa Bay Lightning (10th, 1558)
• April 10: @ Washington Capitals (17th, 1508)

Here’s the rankings and ratings.  Changes shown are from last week’s report.

Overall Ratings

 1       Colorado Avalanche            1628 (▲18)
 2       Carolina Hurricanes           1589
 3       Florida Panthers (▲2)         1586 (▲10)
 4       Toronto Maple Leafs (▲4)      1583 (▲19)
 5       Boston Bruins (▲1)            1574
 6       Pittsburgh Penguins (▼2)      1564 (▼15)
 7 (tie) Calgary Flames (▼4)           1561 (▼19)
 7 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▲3)          1561 (▲23)
 9       Minnesota Wild (▲1)           1560 (▲22)
10       Tampa Bay Lightning (▼1)      1558
11       New York Rangers (▼4)         1557 (▼8)
12       Edmonton Oilers (▲1)          1537 (▲10)
13 (tie) New York Islanders (▲6)       1530 (▲30)
13 (tie) Nashville Predators (▼1)      1530 (▼4)
15       Los Angeles Kings (▼1)        1524
16       Vegas Golden Knights (▲1)     1518 (▲13)
17       Washington Capitals (▼2)      1508 (▼15)
18       Dallas Stars (▲1)             1504 (▲4)
19       Vancouver Canucks (▼3)        1503 (▼15)
20       Winnipeg Jets (▼3)            1492 (▼13)
21       Columbus Blue Jackets         1459 (▼19)
22       Buffalo Sabres (▲2)           1445 (▲12)
23       San Jose Sharks (▼1)          1443 (▼19)
24       Ottawa Senators (▲1)          1438 (▲9)
25       Chicago Blackhawks (▼2)       1425 (▼18)
26       Anaheim Ducks                 1419 (▼4)
27       Philadelphia Flyers           1417 (▼5)
28       Arizona Coyotes               1413 (▼4)
29       Seattle Kraken (▲3)           1412 (▲8)
30       Montreal Canadiens            1405 (▼2)
31       Detroit Red Wings (▼2)        1403 (▼11)
32       New Jersey Devils (▼1)        1398 (▼7)

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           88% (▲8)
 2       New York Rangers              10% (▼3)
 3       Pittsburgh Penguins           2% (▼4)
 4 (tie) New York Islanders            <1%
 4 (tie) Washington Capitals           <1%
 6 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets         — (▼1)
 6 (tie) New Jersey Devils             — (▼1)
 6 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           — (▼1)

Atlantic Division

 1       Florida Panthers              88% (▲10)
 2       Toronto Maple Leafs (▲1)      7%
 3       Tampa Bay Lightning (▼1)      4% (▼5)
 4       Boston Bruins                 1% (▼5)
 5 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                — (▼1)
 5 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             — (▼1)
 5 (tie) Montreal Canadiens            — (▼1)
 5 (tie) Ottawa Senators               — (▼1)

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            >99% (▲1)
 2 (tie) Dallas Stars (▲1)             <1%
 2 (tie) Minnesota Wild                <1% (▼1)
 2 (tie) Nashville Predators (▲1)      <1%
 2 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▲1)          <1%
 6 (tie) Arizona Coyotes (▲1)          — (▼1)
 6 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▲1)       — (▼1)
 6 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▲1)            — (▼1)

Pacific Division

 1       Calgary Flames                90% (▼7)
 2 (tie) Edmonton Oilers (▲1)          5% (▲4)
 2 (tie) Los Angeles Kings             5% (▲2)
 4       Vegas Golden Knights          1% (▲1)
 5 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▼1)            <1%
 5 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▼1)          <1%
 5 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▼1)        <1%
 8       Seattle Kraken (▼1)           — (▼1)

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

 1 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes           >99%
 1 (tie) New York Rangers              >99%
 1 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins           >99%
 4       Washington Capitals           95% (▼4)
 5       New York Islanders (▲1)       5% (▲5)
 6       Columbus Blue Jackets (▼1)    <1% (▼1)
 7 (tie) New Jersey Devils             — (▼1)
 7 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           — (▼1)

Atlantic Division

 1       Florida Panthers              ✔ (▲1)
 2 (tie) Boston Bruins                 >99%
 2 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning           >99%
 2 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs           >99%
 5 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                <1%
 5 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             <1%
 5 (tie) Ottawa Senators               <1%
 8       Montreal Canadiens            — (▼1)

Central Division

 1 (tie) Colorado Avalanche            >99%
 1 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▲1)           >99% (▲1)
 3       St. Louis Blues               99% (▲6)
 4       Nashville Predators           86% (▼6)
 5       Dallas Stars                  80% (▲7)
 6       Winnipeg Jets                 3% (▼12)
 7       Chicago Blackhawks            <1%
 8       Arizona Coyotes               — (▼1)

Pacific Division

 1       Calgary Flames                >99%
 2       Los Angeles Kings             90%
 3       Edmonton Oilers               88% (▲14)
 4       Vegas Golden Knights          53% (▲16)
 5       Vancouver Canucks             2% (▼23)
 6 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▲1)            <1%
 6 (tie) San Jose Sharks               <1% (▼1)
 8       Seattle Kraken (▲1)           — (▼1)

Winning the President’s Trophy

 1       Colorado Avalanche            63% (▲12)
 2       Florida Panthers              30% (▲5)
 3       Carolina Hurricanes           6% (▼14)

Everyone else has less than a 1% chance of winning the President’s Trophy.

Winning the Stanley Cup

 1       Colorado Avalanche            21% (▲3)
 2 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes           10%
 2 (tie) Florida Panthers (▲2)         10% (▲2)
 4       Toronto Maple Leafs (▲3)      8% (▲2)
 5       Boston Bruins (▲1)            7%
 6 (tie) Calgary Flames (▼4)           6% (▼4)
 6 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▼2)      6% (▼2)
 8 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▲2)           5% (▲1)
 8 (tie) New York Rangers (▼1)         5% (▼1)
 8 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▲2)          5% (▲1)
 8 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning (▲1)      5%
12       Edmonton Oilers               4% (▲1)
13       Los Angeles Kings (▼1)        3%
14       Nashville Predators (▼2)      2% (▼1)
15 (tie) Dallas Stars (▲1)             1%
15 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▲1)     1%
15 (tie) Washington Capitals           1% (▼1)
18 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▲1)            <1%
18 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           <1%
18 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▲1)       <1%
18 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▲1)    <1%
18 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▲1)        <1%
18 (tie) New York Islanders (▲1)       <1%
18 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▲1)          <1%
18 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▲1)          <1%
18 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▼2)        <1% (▼1)
18 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▲1)            <1%
28 (tie) Arizona Coyotes (▼9)          — (▼1)
28 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▼9)       — (▼1)
28 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▼9)        — (▼1)
28 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▼9)      — (▼1)
28 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▼9)           — (▼1)

 

Here’s the last of my three catch-up McDonald NHL Power Ratings reports, once again without my usual witty insights and insightful commentary.  I was on a trans-atlantic cruise without Internet access for 16 days, so I got behind, but next week’s report should be back to normal.

Colorado remains the top rated team, and the most likely to win the Stanley Cup.  Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Florida remain in the top 5, and Calgary has entered the top 5 during the time of my cruise.  The playoff teams in the East seem pretty much decided, but there’s still some uncertainty in the West.  There’s less than a month to go in the regular season, so things should get pretty exciting now!

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1610, ▼12)

Record: 46-14-6, 1st in Central Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 51% (▼6)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 18% (▼1)

Last week: 2-1-1

• March 21: Won in OT 3-2 vs. Edmonton Oilers (13th, 1527)
• March 23: Lost 3-1 vs. Vancouver Canucks (16th, 1518)
• March 25: Won 6-3 vs. Philadelphia Flyers (27th, 1422)
• March 27: Lost in OT 3-2 @ Minnesota Wild (10th, 1538)

Next week:

• March 29: @ Calgary Flames (3rd, 1580)
• March 31: vs. San Jose Sharks (22nd, 1462)
• April 2: vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (4th, 1579)

2. Carolina Hurricanes ▲3 (1589, ▲12)

Record: 43-15-7, 1st in Metropolitan Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 20% (▲10)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 10% (▲2)

Last week: 2-0-1

• March 22: Won 3-2 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (9th, 1558)
• March 24: Lost in SO 4-3 vs. Dallas Stars (19th, 1500)
• March 26: Won 7-2 @ St. Louis Blues (10th, 1538)

Next week:

• March 28: @ Washington Capitals (15th, 1523)
• March 29: @ Tampa Bay Lightning (9th, 1558)
• March 31: vs. Montreal Canadiens (30th, 1407)
• April 2: vs. Minnesota Wild (10th, 1538)

3. Calgary Flames ▼1 (1580, ▼1)

Record: 40-17-8, 1st in Pacific Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 1% (▼1)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 10%

Last week: 2-1-0

• March 22: Lost 4-3 vs. San Jose Sharks (22nd, 1462)
• March 25: Won 4-2 vs. Arizona Coyotes (28th, 1417)
• March 26: Won 9-5 vs. Edmonton Oilers (13th, 1527)

Next week:

• March 29: vs. Colorado Avalanche (1st, 1610)
• March 31: vs. Los Angeles Kings (14th, 1524)
• April 2: vs. St. Louis Blues (10th, 1538)

4. Pittsburgh Penguins (1579)

Record: 40-17-10, 2nd in Metropolitan Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: <1% (▼1)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 8%

Last week: 2-1-1

• March 22: Won 5-1 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (21st, 1478)
• March 23: Lost in SO 4-3 @ Buffalo Sabres (24th, 1433)
• March 25: Lost 5-1 @ New York Rangers (7th, 1565)
• March 27: Won 11-2 vs. Detroit Red Wings (29th, 1414)

Next week:

• March 29: vs. New York Rangers (7th, 1565)
• March 31: @ Minnesota Wild (10th, 1538)
• April 2: @ Colorado Avalanche (1st, 1610)

5. Florida Panthers ▼3 (1576, ▼5)

Record: 44-15-6, 1st in Atlantic Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 25% (▼1)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 8% (▼1)

Last week: 2-1-0

• March 24: Won 4-3 @ Montreal Canadiens (30th, 1407)
• March 26: Won in SO 4-3 @ Ottawa Senators (25th, 1429)
• March 27: Lost 5-2 @ Toronto Maple Leafs (8th, 1564)

Next week:

• March 29: vs. Montreal Canadiens (30th, 1407)
• March 31: vs. Chicago Blackhawks (23rd, 1443)
• April 2: @ New Jersey Devils (31st, 1405)
• April 3: @ Buffalo Sabres (24th, 1433)

Here’s the rankings and ratings.  Changes shown are from last week’s report.

Overall Ratings

 1       Colorado Avalanche            1610 (▼12)
 2       Carolina Hurricanes (▲3)      1589 (▲12)
 3       Calgary Flames (▼1)           1580 (▼1)
 4       Pittsburgh Penguins           1579
 5       Florida Panthers (▼3)         1576 (▼5)
 6       Boston Bruins (▲2)            1574 (▲10)
 7       New York Rangers (▼1)         1565 (▼7)
 8       Toronto Maple Leafs (▲1)      1564 (▲1)
 9       Tampa Bay Lightning (▼2)      1558 (▼8)
10 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▲2)           1538 (▲4)
10 (tie) St. Louis Blues               1538 (▼11)
12       Nashville Predators (▼1)      1534 (▼3)
13       Edmonton Oilers               1527 (▼5)
14       Los Angeles Kings (▲1)        1524 (▲8)
15       Washington Capitals (▼1)      1523 (▼4)
16       Vancouver Canucks (▲4)        1518 (▲20)
17 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights          1505 (▼7)
17 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▼1)            1505 (▼8)
19 (tie) Dallas Stars                  1500 (▲1)
19 (tie) New York Islanders (▼1)       1500 (▼3)
21       Columbus Blue Jackets         1478 (▼2)
22       San Jose Sharks               1462 (▲12)
23       Chicago Blackhawks (▲1)       1443 (▲14)
24       Buffalo Sabres (▲2)           1433 (▲7)
25       Ottawa Senators (▲3)          1429 (▲9)
26       Anaheim Ducks (▼3)            1423 (▼21)
27       Philadelphia Flyers (▼1)      1422 (▼4)
28       Arizona Coyotes (▼3)          1417 (▼10)
29       Detroit Red Wings             1414
30       Montreal Canadiens (▲2)       1407 (▲9)
31       New Jersey Devils (▼1)        1405
32       Seattle Kraken (▼1)           1404 (▲5)

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           80% (▲16)
 2       New York Rangers              13% (▼9)
 3       Pittsburgh Penguins           6% (▼7)
 4 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets         <1%
 4 (tie) New York Islanders            <1%
 4 (tie) New Jersey Devils             <1%
 4 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           <1%
 4 (tie) Washington Capitals           <1%

Atlantic Division

 1       Florida Panthers              78% (▲2)
 2       Tampa Bay Lightning           9% (▼5)
 3       Toronto Maple Leafs           7% (▼1)
 4       Boston Bruins                 6% (▲3)
 5 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                <1%
 5 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             <1%
 5 (tie) Montreal Canadiens            <1%
 5 (tie) Ottawa Senators               <1%

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            99%
 2       Minnesota Wild                1% (▲1)
 3 (tie) Arizona Coyotes (▼1)          <1%
 3 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▼1)       <1%
 3 (tie) Dallas Stars (▼1)             <1%
 3 (tie) Nashville Predators (▼1)      <1%
 3 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▼1)          <1%
 3 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▼1)            <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Calgary Flames                97% (▲1)
 2       Los Angeles Kings             3% (▲1)
 3       Edmonton Oilers (▼1)          1% (▼1)
 4 (tie) Anaheim Ducks                 <1%
 4 (tie) San Jose Sharks               <1%
 4 (tie) Seattle Kraken                <1%
 4 (tie) Vancouver Canucks             <1%
 4 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights          <1%

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

 1 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes           >99%
 1 (tie) New York Rangers              >99%
 1 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins           >99%
 4       Washington Capitals           99% (▲2)
 5       Columbus Blue Jackets         1% (▼1)
 6 (tie) New York Islanders            <1% (▼1)
 6 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▲1)        <1%
 6 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▲1)      <1%

Atlantic Division

 1 (tie) Boston Bruins                 >99%
 1 (tie) Florida Panthers              >99%
 1 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning           >99%
 1 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs           >99%
 5 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                <1%
 5 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             <1%
 5 (tie) Montreal Canadiens            <1%
 5 (tie) Ottawa Senators               <1%

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            >99%
 2       Minnesota Wild (▲1)           99% (▲4)
 3       St. Louis Blues (▼1)          93% (▼3)
 4       Nashville Predators           92% (▼1)
 5       Dallas Stars                  73% (▲5)
 6       Winnipeg Jets                 15% (▼2)
 7 (tie) Arizona Coyotes               <1%
 7 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Calgary Flames                >99%
 2       Los Angeles Kings             90% (▲6)
 3       Edmonton Oilers               74% (▼9)
 4       Vegas Golden Knights          37% (▼12)
 5       Vancouver Canucks             25% (▲13)
 6       San Jose Sharks               1%
 7 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▼1)            <1% (▼1)
 7 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▲1)           <1%

Winning the President’s Trophy

 1       Colorado Avalanche            51% (▼6)
 2       Florida Panthers              25% (▼1)
 3       Carolina Hurricanes           20% (▲10)
 4 (tie) Boston Bruins (▲5)            1% (▲1)
 4 (tie) Calgary Flames                1% (▼1)
 4 (tie) New York Rangers (▲2)         1%
 4 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning           1% (▼1)
 4 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▲2)      1%

Everyone else has less than a 1% chance of winning the President’s Trophy.

Winning the Stanley Cup

 1       Colorado Avalanche            18% (▼1)
 2 (tie) Calgary Flames                10%
 2 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes (▲2)      10% (▲2)
 4 (tie) Florida Panthers (▼1)         8% (▼1)
 4 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins           8%
 6       Boston Bruins (▲3)            7% (▲2)
 7 (tie) New York Rangers (▼1)         6% (▼1)
 7 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs           6%
 9       Tampa Bay Lightning (▼2)      5% (▼1)
10 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▲1)           4% (▲1)
10 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▼1)          4% (▼1)
12 (tie) Edmonton Oilers (▼1)          3%
12 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▲2)        3% (▲1)
12 (tie) Nashville Predators (▼1)      3%
15       Washington Capitals (▼1)      2%
16 (tie) Dallas Stars                  1%
16 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▲3)        1% (▲1)
16 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights          1%
19 (tie) Anaheim Ducks                 <1%
19 (tie) Arizona Coyotes               <1%
19 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                <1%
19 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%
19 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets         <1%
19 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             <1%
19 (tie) Montreal Canadiens            <1%
19 (tie) New York Islanders            <1%
19 (tie) New Jersey Devils             <1%
19 (tie) Ottawa Senators               <1%
19 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           <1%
19 (tie) San Jose Sharks               <1%
19 (tie) Seattle Kraken                <1%
19 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▼3)            <1% (▼1)

 

This is the second of my three catch-up McDonald NHL Power Rating reports, delayed because of a trans-atlantic cruise with no Internet access.  As with the previous one, there is no insightful commentary on this one.  However, look at Calgary!!!  Where did they come from???

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1622, ▲11)

Record: 44-13-5, 1st in Central Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 57% (▲22)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 19% (▲3)

Last week: 2-0-0

• March 15: Won 3-0 @ Los Angeles Kings (15th, 1516)
• March 18: Won 5-3 @ San Jose Sharks (22nd, 1450)

Next week:

• March 21: vs. Edmonton Oilers (13th, 1532)
• March 23: vs. Vancouver Canucks (20th, 1498)
• March 25: vs. Philadelphia Flyers (26th, 1426)
• March 27: @ Minnesota Wild (12th, 1534)

2 (tie). Calgary Flames ▲3 (1581, ▲7)

Record: 38-16-8, 1st in Pacific Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 2% (▲1)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 10% (▲1)

Last week: 2-0-1

• March 16: Won 6-3 vs. New Jersey Devils (30th, 1405)
• March 18: Lost in OT 1-0 vs. Buffalo Sabres (26th, 1426)
• March 19: Won 5-2 @ Vancouver Canucks (20th, 1498)

Next week:

• March 22: vs. San Jose Sharks (22nd, 1450)
• March 25: vs. Arizona Coyotes (25th, 1427)
• March 26: vs. Edmonton Oilers (13th, 1532)

2 (tie). Florida Panthers ▲1 (1581, ▼5)

Record: 42-14-6, 1st in Atlantic Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 26% (▲1)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 9%

Last week: 2-1-0

• March 15: Won in OT 3-2 @ San Jose Sharks (22nd, 1450)
• March 17: Lost 5-3 @ Vegas Golden Knights (17th, 1512)
• March 18: Won 3-0 @ Anaheim Ducks (23rd, 1444)

Next week:

• March 24: @ Montreal Canadiens (32nd, 1398)
• March 26: @ Ottawa Senators (28th, 1420)
• March 27: @ Toronto Maple Leafs (9th, 1563)

4. Pittsburgh Penguins (1579, ▼1)

Record: 38-16-9, 3rd in Metropolitan Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 1%
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 8%

Last week: 2-1-0

• March 15: Lost 4-1 @ Nashville Predators (11th, 1537)
• March 17: Won in SO 3-2 @ St. Louis Blues (10th, 1549)
• March 19: Won 4-1 @ Arizona Coyotes (25th, 1427)

Next week:

• March 22: vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (21st, 1480)
• March 23: @ Buffalo Sabres (26th, 1426)
• March 25: @ New York Rangers (6th, 1572)
• March 27: vs. Detroit Red Wings (29th, 1414)

5. Carolina Hurricanes ▼3 (1577, ▼18)

Record: 41-15-6, 1st in Metropolitan Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 10% (▼21)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 8% (▼3)

Last week: 0-2-1

• March 17: Lost 3-2 @ Toronto Maple Leafs (9th, 1563)
• March 18: Lost in SO 4-3 vs. Washington Capitals (14th, 1527)
• March 20: Lost 2-0 vs. New York Rangers (6th, 1572)

Next week:

• March 22: vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (7th, 1566)
• March 24: vs. Dallas Stars (19th, 1499)
• March 26: @ St. Louis Blues (10th, 1549)

Here’s the rankings and ratings.  Changes shown are from last week’s report.

Overall Ratings

 1       Colorado Avalanche            1622 (▲11)
 2 (tie) Calgary Flames (▲3)           1581 (▲7)
 2 (tie) Florida Panthers (▲1)         1581 (▼5)
 4       Pittsburgh Penguins           1579 (▼1)
 5       Carolina Hurricanes (▼3)      1577 (▼18)
 6       New York Rangers (▲1)         1572 (▲5)
 7       Tampa Bay Lightning (▼1)      1566 (▼4)
 8       Boston Bruins                 1564 (▼2)
 9       Toronto Maple Leafs (▲1)      1563 (▲6)
10       St. Louis Blues (▼1)          1549 (▼10)
11       Nashville Predators           1537 (▲7)
12       Minnesota Wild (▲2)           1534 (▲13)
13       Edmonton Oilers (▲2)          1532 (▲14)
14       Washington Capitals (▼2)      1527 (▼1)
15       Los Angeles Kings (▼2)        1516 (▼8)
16       Winnipeg Jets (▲1)            1513 (▲7)
17       Vegas Golden Knights (▲1)     1512 (▲9)
18       New York Islanders (▲2)       1503 (▲8)
19       Dallas Stars (▼1)             1499 (▼4)
20       Vancouver Canucks (▼4)        1498 (▼14)
21       Columbus Blue Jackets         1480 (▲10)
22       San Jose Sharks               1450 (▼2)
23       Anaheim Ducks                 1444 (▼3)
24       Chicago Blackhawks            1429 (▼10)
25       Arizona Coyotes (▲2)          1427 (▲5)
26 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                1426 (▲1)
26 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▲3)      1426 (▲11)
28       Ottawa Senators (▼3)          1420 (▼16)
29       Detroit Red Wings             1414 (▼1)
30       New Jersey Devils (▼2)        1405 (▼13)
31       Seattle Kraken (▲1)           1399 (▲2)
32       Montreal Canadiens (▼1)       1398

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           64% (▼19)
 2       New York Rangers              22% (▲13)
 3       Pittsburgh Penguins           13% (▲5)
 4 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets         <1%
 4 (tie) New York Islanders            <1%
 4 (tie) New Jersey Devils             <1%
 4 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           <1%
 4 (tie) Washington Capitals           <1%

Atlantic Division

 1       Florida Panthers              76% (▲4)
 2       Tampa Bay Lightning           14% (▼4)
 3       Toronto Maple Leafs           8% (▲1)
 4       Boston Bruins                 3%
 5 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                <1%
 5 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             <1%
 5 (tie) Montreal Canadiens            <1%
 5 (tie) Ottawa Senators               <1%

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            99% (▲2)
 2 (tie) Arizona Coyotes (▲1)          <1%
 2 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▲1)       <1%
 2 (tie) Dallas Stars (▲1)             <1%
 2 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▲1)           <1%
 2 (tie) Nashville Predators (▲1)      <1%
 2 (tie) St. Louis Blues               <1% (▼2)
 2 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▲1)            <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Calgary Flames                96% (▲5)
 2 (tie) Edmonton Oilers (▲1)          2%
 2 (tie) Los Angeles Kings             2% (▼5)
 4 (tie) Anaheim Ducks                 <1%
 4 (tie) San Jose Sharks               <1%
 4 (tie) Seattle Kraken                <1%
 4 (tie) Vancouver Canucks             <1%
 4 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights          <1%

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

 1 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes           >99%
 1 (tie) New York Rangers              >99%
 1 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins           >99%
 4       Washington Capitals           97% (▲3)
 5       Columbus Blue Jackets         2% (▼2)
 6       New York Islanders            1% (▼2)
 7 (tie) New Jersey Devils             <1%
 7 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           <1%

Atlantic Division

 1 (tie) Boston Bruins                 >99%
 1 (tie) Florida Panthers              >99%
 1 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning           >99%
 1 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs           >99%
 5 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                <1%
 5 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             <1%
 5 (tie) Montreal Canadiens            <1%
 5 (tie) Ottawa Senators               <1%

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            >99%
 2       St. Louis Blues               96% (▼2)
 3       Minnesota Wild (▲1)           95% (▲6)
 4       Nashville Predators (▼1)      93% (▲3)
 5       Dallas Stars                  68% (▼2)
 6       Winnipeg Jets                 17% (▲1)
 7 (tie) Arizona Coyotes               <1%
 7 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Calgary Flames                >99%
 2       Los Angeles Kings             84% (▼6)
 3       Edmonton Oilers               83% (▲16)
 4       Vegas Golden Knights          49% (▲8)
 5       Vancouver Canucks             12% (▼21)
 6 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▲1)            1% (▼1)
 6 (tie) San Jose Sharks               1% (▼3)
 8       Seattle Kraken                <1%

Winning the President’s Trophy

 1       Colorado Avalanche            57% (▲22)
 2       Florida Panthers (▲1)         26% (▲1)
 3       Carolina Hurricanes (▼1)      10% (▼21)
 4 (tie) Calgary Flames (▲1)           2% (▲1)
 4 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning           2% (▼2)
 6 (tie) New York Rangers (▼1)         1%
 6 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▼1)      1%
 6 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▼1)      1%

Everyone else has less than a 1% chance of winning the President’s Trophy.

Winning the Stanley Cup

 1       Colorado Avalanche            19% (▲3)
 2       Calgary Flames (▲1)           10% (▲1)
 3       Florida Panthers              9%
 4 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes (▼2)      8% (▼3)
 4 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲1)      8%
 6       New York Rangers (▲1)         7% (▲1)
 7 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning (▼1)      6% (▼1)
 7 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▲3)      6% (▲1)
 9 (tie) Boston Bruins (▼2)            5% (▼1)
 9 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▼2)          5% (▼1)
11 (tie) Edmonton Oilers (▲3)          3% (▲1)
11 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▲3)           3% (▲1)
11 (tie) Nashville Predators           3%
14 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▼3)        2% (▼1)
14 (tie) Washington Capitals (▼3)      2% (▼1)
16 (tie) Dallas Stars (▼2)             1% (▼1)
16 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▲1)     1%
16 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▲1)            1%
19 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▲1)            <1%
19 (tie) Arizona Coyotes (▲1)          <1%
19 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           <1%
19 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▲1)       <1%
19 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▲1)    <1%
19 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▲1)        <1%
19 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▲1)       <1%
19 (tie) New York Islanders (▲1)       <1%
19 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▲1)        <1%
19 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▲1)          <1%
19 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▲1)      <1%
19 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▲1)          <1%
19 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▲1)           <1%
19 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▼2)        <1% (▼1)

 

I was just on a trans-atlantic cruise, and the ship I was on had no Internet, so I’ve been Internet-less for the last 16 days.  I’ve also been hockey coverage-less, as the boat’s TV channels didn’t cover hockey, although it did have lots of Australian Rules Football, soccer, and American college basketball.  Anyways, I’m back on dry land, but am quite far behind on my hockey reports.  So, I’ going to add in the weekly reports I had missed, but without my usual witty commentary.

Anyways, here goes the first missed weekly report.

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1611, ▼6)

Record: 42-13-5, 1st in Central Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 35% (▼10)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 16% (▼1)

Last week: 2-2-0

• March 7: Won 5-4 @ New York Islanders (20th, 1495)
• March 8: Lost 5-3 @ New Jersey Devils (28th, 1418)
• March 10: Lost 2-0 @ Carolina Hurricanes (2nd, 1595)
• March 13: Won 3-0 vs. Calgary Flames (5th, 1574)

Next week:

• March 15: @ Los Angeles Kings (13th, 1524)
• March 18: @ San Jose Sharks (22nd, 1452)

2. Carolina Hurricanes (1595, ▲3)

Record: 41-13-5, 1st in Metropolitan Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 31% (▲6)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 11% (▲1)

Last week: 2-1-0

• March 10: Won 2-0 vs. Colorado Avalanche (1st, 1611)
• March 12: Won 3-1 vs. Philadelphia Flyers (29th, 1415)
• March 13: Lost 4-2 @ Pittsburgh Penguins (4th, 1580)

Next week:

• March 17: @ Toronto Maple Leafs (10th, 1557)
• March 18: vs. Washington Capitals (12th, 1528)
• March 20: vs. New York Rangers (7th, 1567)

3. Florida Panthers ▲4 (1586, ▲17)

Record: 40-13-6, 1st in Atlantic Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 25% (▲15)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 9% (▲3)

Last week: 3-0-1

• March 7: Won 6-1 @ Buffalo Sabres (26th, 1425)
• March 8: Won 4-3 @ Pittsburgh Penguins (4th, 1580)
• March 10: Won 6-3 vs. Philadelphia Flyers (29th, 1415)
• March 13: Lost in SO 3-2 @ Los Angeles Kings (13th, 1524)

Next week:

• March 15: @ San Jose Sharks (22nd, 1452)
• March 17: @ Vegas Golden Knights (18th, 1503)
• March 18: @ Anaheim Ducks (23rd, 1447)

4. Pittsburgh Penguins (1580, ▲5)

Record: 36-15-9, 2nd in Metropolitan Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 1%
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 8% (▲1)

Last week: 2-1-0

• March 8: Lost 4-3 vs. Florida Panthers (3rd, 1586)
• March 11: Won 5-2 vs. Vegas Golden Knights (18th, 1503)
• March 13: Won 4-2 vs. Carolina Hurricanes (2nd, 1595)

Next week:

• March 15: @ Nashville Predators (11th, 1530)
• March 17: @ St. Louis Blues (9th, 1559)
• March 19: @ Arizona Coyotes (27th, 1422)

5. Calgary Flames ▲1 (1574)

Record: 36-16-7, 1st in Pacific Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99% (▲1)
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 1% (▼1)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 9% (▲1)

Last week: 3-2-0

• March 7: Won 3-1 vs. Edmonton Oilers (15th, 1518)
• March 8: Lost 5-4 vs. Washington Capitals (12th, 1528)
• March 10: Won 4-1 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (6th, 1570)
• March 12: Won 3-0 vs. Detroit Red Wings (29th, 1415)
• March 13: Lost 3-0 @ Colorado Avalanche (1st, 1611)

Next week:

• March 16: vs. New Jersey Devils (28th, 1418)
• March 18: vs. Buffalo Sabres (26th, 1425)
• March 19: @ Vancouver Canucks (16th, 1512)

Here’s the rankings and ratings.  Changes shown are from last week’s report.

Overall Ratings

 1       Colorado Avalanche            1611 (▼6)
 2       Carolina Hurricanes           1595 (▲3)
 3       Florida Panthers (▲4)         1586 (▲17)
 4       Pittsburgh Penguins           1580 (▲5)
 5       Calgary Flames (▲1)           1574
 6       Tampa Bay Lightning (▼3)      1570 (▼16)
 7       New York Rangers (▼3)         1567 (▼8)
 8       Boston Bruins (▲1)            1566 (▲7)
 9       St. Louis Blues (▲1)          1559 (▲2)
10       Toronto Maple Leafs (▼2)      1557 (▼5)
11       Nashville Predators (▲3)      1530 (▲13)
12       Washington Capitals (▲4)      1528 (▲12)
13       Los Angeles Kings (▼2)        1524 (▼11)
14       Minnesota Wild (▼1)           1521 (▼4)
15       Edmonton Oilers (▲1)          1518 (▲2)
16       Vancouver Canucks             1512 (▼4)
17       Winnipeg Jets (▲2)            1506 (▲11)
18 (tie) Dallas Stars (▼4)             1503 (▼14)
18 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▼7)     1503 (▼32)
20       New York Islanders            1495 (▲13)
21       Columbus Blue Jackets         1470 (▼3)
22       San Jose Sharks (▲1)          1452 (▲12)
23       Anaheim Ducks (▼1)            1447 (▼18)
24       Chicago Blackhawks (▲1)       1439 (▲13)
25       Ottawa Senators (▼1)          1436
26       Buffalo Sabres (▲4)           1425 (▲14)
27       Arizona Coyotes (▲2)          1422 (▲9)
28       New Jersey Devils (▼1)        1418 (▲4)
29 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▼4)        1415 (▼11)
29 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▼2)      1415 (▲1)
31       Montreal Canadiens            1398 (▼4)
32       Seattle Kraken                1397

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           83% (▲9)
 2       New York Rangers              9% (▼8)
 3       Pittsburgh Penguins           8%
 4 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets         <1%
 4 (tie) New York Islanders            <1%
 4 (tie) New Jersey Devils             <1%
 4 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           <1%
 4 (tie) Washington Capitals           <1%

Atlantic Division

 1       Florida Panthers (▲1)         72% (▲32)
 2       Tampa Bay Lightning (▼1)      18% (▼28)
 3       Toronto Maple Leafs           7% (▼4)
 4       Boston Bruins                 3%
 5 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                <1%
 5 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             <1%
 5 (tie) Montreal Canadiens            <1%
 5 (tie) Ottawa Senators               <1%

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            97%
 2       St. Louis Blues               2%
 3 (tie) Arizona Coyotes (▲1)          <1%
 3 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▲1)       <1%
 3 (tie) Dallas Stars (▲1)             <1%
 3 (tie) Minnesota Wild                <1% (▼1)
 3 (tie) Nashville Predators (▲1)      <1%
 3 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▲1)            <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Calgary Flames                91% (▲7)
 2       Los Angeles Kings             7% (▼2)
 3       Edmonton Oilers (▲1)          2%
 4 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▲1)            <1%
 4 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▲1)          <1%
 4 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▲1)           <1%
 4 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▲1)        <1%
 4 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▼1)     <1% (▼5)

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

 1 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes           >99%
 1 (tie) New York Rangers              >99%
 1 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins           >99%
 4       Washington Capitals           94% (▲7)
 5       Columbus Blue Jackets         4% (▼6)
 6       New York Islanders            3%
 7 (tie) New Jersey Devils             <1%
 7 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           <1%

Atlantic Division

 1 (tie) Boston Bruins (▲3)            >99% (▲1)
 1 (tie) Florida Panthers              >99%
 1 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning           >99%
 1 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs           >99%
 5 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                <1%
 5 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             <1%
 5 (tie) Montreal Canadiens            <1%
 5 (tie) Ottawa Senators               <1%

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            >99%
 2       St. Louis Blues               98% (▲2)
 3       Nashville Predators (▲2)      90% (▲16)
 4       Minnesota Wild (▼1)           89% (▲4)
 5       Dallas Stars (▼1)             70% (▼10)
 6       Winnipeg Jets                 16% (▲8)
 7 (tie) Arizona Coyotes               <1%
 7 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Calgary Flames                >99% (▲1)
 2       Los Angeles Kings             90% (▲5)
 3       Edmonton Oilers (▲1)          67% (▲17)
 4       Vegas Golden Knights (▼1)     41% (▼37)
 5       Vancouver Canucks             33% (▲1)
 6       San Jose Sharks (▲1)          4% (▲3)
 7       Anaheim Ducks (▼1)            2% (▼9)
 8       Seattle Kraken                <1%

Winning the President’s Trophy

 1       Colorado Avalanche            35% (▼10)
 2       Carolina Hurricanes           31% (▲6)
 3       Florida Panthers (▲1)         25% (▲15)
 4       Tampa Bay Lightning (▼1)      4% (▼9)
 5 (tie) Calgary Flames                1% (▼1)
 5 (tie) New York Rangers              1% (▼1)
 5 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲2)      1%
 5 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▲2)      1%

Everyone else has less than a 1% chance of winning the President’s Trophy.

Winning the Stanley Cup

 1       Colorado Avalanche            16% (▼1)
 2       Carolina Hurricanes           11% (▲1)
 3 (tie) Calgary Flames (▲1)           9% (▲1)
 3 (tie) Florida Panthers (▲4)         9% (▲3)
 5       Pittsburgh Penguins           8% (▲1)
 6       Tampa Bay Lightning (▼3)      7% (▼2)
 7 (tie) Boston Bruins (▲1)            6% (▲1)
 7 (tie) New York Rangers (▼2)         6% (▼1)
 7 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▲1)          6% (▲1)
10       Toronto Maple Leafs (▼2)      5%
11 (tie) Los Angeles Kings             3%
11 (tie) Nashville Predators (▲3)      3% (▲1)
11 (tie) Washington Capitals (▲3)      3% (▲1)
14 (tie) Dallas Stars                  2%
14 (tie) Edmonton Oilers               2%
14 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▼3)           2% (▼1)
17 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▲1)        1%
17 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▼6)     1% (▼2)
17 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▲2)            1% (▲1)
20 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▼1)            <1%
20 (tie) Arizona Coyotes (▼1)          <1%
20 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▼1)           <1%
20 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▼1)       <1%
20 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▼1)    <1%
20 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▼1)        <1%
20 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▼1)       <1%
20 (tie) New York Islanders (▼1)       <1%
20 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▼1)        <1%
20 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▼1)          <1%
20 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▼1)      <1%
20 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▼1)          <1%
20 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▼1)           <1%

 

Two teams re-entered the McDonald NHL Power Rankings this week, and so of course two teams dropped out, but there was no change in our top 3.

The top-ranked team continues to be Colorado.  They had a weak week, going 1-1-1 and dropping 9 rating points, but second-ranked Carolina also had a weak week (I like that!), despite going 2-1-1, so Colorado remains at the top.  Colorado started off the week with a home victory over the 20th-ranked New York Islanders, but then lost away against 29th-ranked Arizona (29th-ranked Arizona!!!), then an overtime loss at home to 6th-ranked Calgary.  After those two losses, we’ve dropped our estimate of their chances of winning the President’s Trophy down from 45%, a decrease of 7%.  We’ve also revised their chances of winning the Stanley Cup, from 19% last week down to 17% this week.

Carolina started the week with two losses, an overtime loss to 25th-ranked Detroit and a regulation shutout from 16th-ranked Washington.  They turned it around with an overtime win against 4th-ranked Pittsburgh and a regulation win against 32nd-ranked Seattle.  But, because of the two losses, and needing overtime in their Pittsburgh win, we’ve decreased their rating points by 10, still good enough for 2nd in our rankings.

Tampa Bay was ranked 3rd last week, and they retain that ranking this week, but they’re moving closer to the top 2!  They are currently only 6 rating points behind Carolina after going 3-1-0 this week.  They had wins against 24th-ranked Ottawa and 25th-ranked Detroit and Chicago (they’re both tied in 25th), but lost to 4th-ranked Pittsburgh.  Still, the 3 wins were enough for them to pick up 4 rating points and move them a little closer to 2nd in the McDonald NHL Power Rankings.

Pittsburgh only had two games this week, but both on the road against tough teams!  They beat 3rd-ranked Tampa Bay, then 2nd-ranked Carolina needed overtime to beat them.  Despite going 1-0-1 this week, we still awarded them 10 rating points, which moved them from 7th in our rankings back up to 4th.

The New York Rangers round out our top 5, tied with Pittsburgh in 4th.  They went 3-0-0 this week, defeating 10th-ranked St. Louis, 27th-ranked New Jersey, and 19th-ranked Winnipeg.  Their unblemished week earned them 18 rating points, moving them all the way from 9th in our ratings last week up to a tie for 4th with Pittsburgh.

Toronto had a long run in the top 5, but after a poor week, they’ve dropped out, all the way down to 8th.  They started with a road win against 16th-ranked Washington, but then lost their next two, to 30th-ranked Buffalo and 16th-ranked Vancouver, resulting in a drop of 15 rating points.  They have a chance to turn it around next week, facing 21st-ranked Columbus, 32nd-ranked Seattle, 29th-ranked Arizona, and 30th-ranked Buffalo.

The other team dropping out of the top 5 was St. Louis, who went winless this week in 3 road games, and dropped from 5th all the way down to 10th in the McDonald NHL Power Rankings.  Their losses came to the 4th-ranked Rangers, the 20th-ranked Islanders, and 27th-ranked New Jersey, this last one in overtime.

The best performing team in our rankings this week was 29th-ranked Arizona!  They won both their games at home this week, defeating top-ranked Colorado (!!!!!) and 24th-ranked Ottawa.  We awarded them 19 rating points for those two victories, which was enough to push them up two spots from 31st in our rankings.  Still, we’re giving them a less than 1% chance of making the playoffs.

The worst performing team was Ottawa.  They had four road games, and they lost them all in regulation time.  Those losses came to Tampa Bay (ranked 3rd), Florida (7th), Arizona (29th), and Vegas (11th).  Obviously, a road trip to warmer climes did not agree with them. 

And there was a change at the bottom of the rankings!  After being lowest-ranked for weeks on end, Montreal has climbed up to 31st!  They had the pleasure of a Western Canadian road trip, playing Winnipeg, Calgary, and Edmonton.  They started with a loss to 19th-ranked Winnipeg, but then beat 6th-ranked Calgary in overtime and 16th-ranked Edmonton in regulation.  This earned them 10 rating points, which pushed them back over that 1400 mark, up to 1402, and past Seattle.

Seattle now sits in the McDonald NHL Power Rankings cellar.  They went 1-2-0 this week, beating 14th-ranked Nashville at home, then losing to 16th-ranked Washington and 2nd-ranked Carolina.  Despite one win and two losses, we awarded them 1 additional rating point, but that wasn’t enough to keep them from being passed by the Canadiens.

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1617, ▼9)

Record: 40-11-5, 1st in Central Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 45% (▼7)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 17% (▼2)

Last week: 1-1-1

• March 1: Won 5-3 vs. New York Islanders (20th, 1482)
• March 3: Lost 2-1 @ Arizona Coyotes (29th, 1413)
• March 5: Lost in OT 4-3 vs. Calgary Flames (6th, 1574)

Next week:

• March 7: @ New York Islanders (20th, 1482)
• March 8: @ New Jersey Devils (27th, 1414)
• March 10: @ Carolina Hurricanes (2nd, 1592)
• March 13: vs. Calgary Flames (6th, 1574)

2. Carolina Hurricanes (1592, ▼10)

Record: 39-12-5, 1st in Metropolitan Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 25% (▼3)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 10% (▼2)

Last week: 2-1-1

• March 1: Lost in OT 4-3 @ Detroit Red Wings (25th, 1426)
• March 3: Lost 4-0 @ Washington Capitals (16th, 1516)
• March 4: Won in OT 3-2 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (4th, 1575)
• March 6: Won 3-2 vs. Seattle Kraken (32nd, 1397)

Next week:

• March 10: vs. Colorado Avalanche (1st, 1617)
• March 12: vs. Philadelphia Flyers (27th, 1414)
• March 13: @ Pittsburgh Penguins (4th, 1575)

3. Tampa Bay Lightning (1586, ▲4)

Record: 37-12-6, 1st in Atlantic Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 13% (▲4)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 9% (▲1)

Last week: 3-1-0

• March 1: Won 5-2 vs. Ottawa Senators (24th, 1436)
• March 3: Lost 5-1 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (4th, 1575)
• March 4: Won 3-1 vs. Detroit Red Wings (25th, 1426)
• March 6: Won 6-3 @ Chicago Blackhawks (25th, 1426)

Next week:

• March 8: @ Winnipeg Jets (19th, 1495)
• March 10: @ Calgary Flames (6th, 1574)
• March 12: @ Edmonton Oilers (16th, 1516)
• March 13: @ Vancouver Canucks (16th, 1516)

4 (tie). New York Rangers ▲5 (1575, ▲18)

Record: 36-15-5, 2nd in Metropolitan Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99% (▲1)
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 2% (▲1)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 7% (▲2)

Last week: 3-0-0

• March 2: Won 5-3 vs. St. Louis Blues (10th, 1557)
• March 4: Won 3-1 vs. New Jersey Devils (27th, 1414)
• March 6: Won 4-1 @ Winnipeg Jets (19th, 1495)

Next week:

• March 8: @ Minnesota Wild (13th, 1525)
• March 10: @ St. Louis Blues (10th, 1557)
• March 12: @ Dallas Stars (14th, 1517)

4 (tie). Pittsburgh Penguins ▲3 (1575, ▲10)

Record: 34-14-9, 3rd in Metropolitan Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99% (▲1)
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 1%
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 7% (▲1)

Last week: 1-0-1

• March 3: Won 5-1 @ Tampa Bay Lightning (3rd, 1586)
• March 4: Lost in OT 3-2 @ Carolina Hurricanes (2nd, 1592)

Next week:

• March 8: vs. Florida Panthers (7th, 1569)
• March 11: vs. Vegas Golden Knights (11th, 1535)
• March 13: vs. Carolina Hurricanes (2nd, 1592)

Here’s the rankings and ratings.  Changes shown are from last week’s report.

Overall Ratings

 1       Colorado Avalanche            1617 (▼9)
 2       Carolina Hurricanes           1592 (▼10)
 3       Tampa Bay Lightning           1586 (▲4)
 4 (tie) New York Rangers (▲5)         1575 (▲18)
 4 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲3)      1575 (▲10)
 6       Calgary Flames                1574 (▲6)
 7       Florida Panthers (▲1)         1569 (▲9)
 8       Toronto Maple Leafs (▼4)      1562 (▼15)
 9       Boston Bruins (▲1)            1559 (▲6)
10       St. Louis Blues (▼5)          1557 (▼18)
11 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▲1)        1535 (▼9)
11 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▲2)     1535 (▲9)
13       Minnesota Wild (▼2)           1525 (▼20)
14 (tie) Dallas Stars (▲4)             1517 (▲18)
14 (tie) Nashville Predators (▲1)      1517 (▼2)
16 (tie) Edmonton Oilers (▼2)          1516 (▼6)
16 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▲1)        1516 (▲9)
16 (tie) Washington Capitals           1516 (▲7)
19       Winnipeg Jets                 1495 (▼3)
20       New York Islanders            1482 (▼3)
21       Columbus Blue Jackets         1473 (▲7)
22       Anaheim Ducks                 1465 (▲1)
23       San Jose Sharks (▲1)          1440 (▼11)
24       Ottawa Senators (▼1)          1436 (▼22)
25 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            1426 (▼11)
25 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▲1)        1426 (▼5)
27 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▲1)        1414 (▲1)
27 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           1414 (▼5)
29       Arizona Coyotes (▲2)          1413 (▲19)
30       Buffalo Sabres (▼1)           1411 (▲15)
31       Montreal Canadiens (▲1)       1402 (▲10)
32       Seattle Kraken (▼3)           1397 (▲1)

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           74% (▼11)
 2       New York Rangers              17% (▲9)
 3       Pittsburgh Penguins           8% (▲1)
 4 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets         <1%
 4 (tie) New York Islanders            <1%
 4 (tie) New Jersey Devils             <1%
 4 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           <1%
 4 (tie) Washington Capitals           <1%

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning           46% (▲4)
 2       Florida Panthers              40% (▲10)
 3       Toronto Maple Leafs           11% (▼15)
 4       Boston Bruins                 3% (▲1)
 5 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                <1%
 5 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             <1%
 5 (tie) Montreal Canadiens            <1%
 5 (tie) Ottawa Senators               <1%

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            97% (▲4)
 2       St. Louis Blues               2% (▼3)
 3       Minnesota Wild                1% (▼1)
 4 (tie) Arizona Coyotes               <1%
 4 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%
 4 (tie) Dallas Stars                  <1%
 4 (tie) Nashville Predators           <1%
 4 (tie) Winnipeg Jets                 <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Calgary Flames                84% (▲12)
 2       Los Angeles Kings             9% (▼8)
 3       Vegas Golden Knights          5% (▼1)
 4       Edmonton Oilers               2% (▼2)
 5 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▲1)            <1%
 5 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▲1)          <1%
 5 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▲1)           <1%
 5 (tie) Vancouver Canucks             <1% (▼1)

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

 1 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes           >99%
 1 (tie) New York Rangers (▲1)         >99% (▲1)
 1 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲1)      >99% (▲1)
 4       Washington Capitals           87% (▲4)
 5       Columbus Blue Jackets         10% (▼1)
 6       New York Islanders            3% (▼4)
 7 (tie) New Jersey Devils             <1%
 7 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           <1%

Atlantic Division

 1 (tie) Florida Panthers              >99%
 1 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning           >99%
 1 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs           >99%
 4       Boston Bruins                 99% (▲1)
 5 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▲2)           <1%
 5 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             <1% (▼1)
 5 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▲2)       <1%
 5 (tie) Ottawa Senators               <1% (▼1)

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            >99%
 2       St. Louis Blues               96% (▼3)
 3       Minnesota Wild                85% (▼9)
 4       Dallas Stars (▲1)             80% (▲23)
 5       Nashville Predators (▼1)      74% (▼2)
 6       Winnipeg Jets                 8% (▼5)
 7 (tie) Arizona Coyotes               <1%
 7 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Calgary Flames                99%
 2       Los Angeles Kings             85% (▼3)
 3       Vegas Golden Knights          78% (▲9)
 4       Edmonton Oilers               50% (▼10)
 5       Vancouver Canucks             32% (▲5)
 6       Anaheim Ducks                 11% (▼1)
 7       San Jose Sharks               1% (▼4)
 8       Seattle Kraken                <1%

Winning the President’s Trophy

 1       Colorado Avalanche            45% (▼7)
 2       Carolina Hurricanes           25% (▼3)
 3       Tampa Bay Lightning           13% (▲4)
 4       Florida Panthers              10% (▲5)
 5 (tie) Calgary Flames (▲1)           2% (▲1)
 5 (tie) New York Rangers (▲1)         2% (▲1)
 7 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▼1)      1%
 7 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▼2)      1% (▼3)

Everyone else has less than a 1% chance of winning the President’s Trophy.

Winning the Stanley Cup

 1       Colorado Avalanche            17% (▼2)
 2       Carolina Hurricanes           10% (▼2)
 3       Tampa Bay Lightning           9% (▲1)
 4       Calgary Flames                8% (▲1)
 5 (tie) New York Rangers (▲3)         7% (▲2)
 5 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲2)      7% (▲1)
 7       Florida Panthers (▲1)         6% (▲1)
 8 (tie) Boston Bruins (▲2)            5% (▲1)
 8 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▼4)          5% (▼2)
 8 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▼4)      5% (▼2)
11 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▼1)        3% (▼1)
11 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▼1)           3% (▼1)
11 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▲2)     3% (▲1)
14 (tie) Dallas Stars (▲3)             2% (▲1)
14 (tie) Edmonton Oilers (▼1)          2%
14 (tie) Nashville Predators (▼1)      2%
14 (tie) Washington Capitals (▼1)      2%
18       Vancouver Canucks (▼1)        1%
19 (tie) Anaheim Ducks                 <1%
19 (tie) Arizona Coyotes               <1%
19 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                <1%
19 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%
19 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets         <1%
19 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             <1%
19 (tie) Montreal Canadiens            <1%
19 (tie) New York Islanders            <1%
19 (tie) New Jersey Devils             <1%
19 (tie) Ottawa Senators               <1%
19 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           <1%
19 (tie) San Jose Sharks               <1%
19 (tie) Seattle Kraken                <1%
19 (tie) Winnipeg Jets                 <1%

 

We have a new team in the Top 5 of the McDonald NHL Power Ratings this week!  St. Louis had a strong week, going 3-0-0, and in the process picked up 15 rating points and jumped from 10th in last week’s rankings to 5th this week.  They didn’t play strong teams, 27th-ranked Philadelphia, 29th-ranked Buffalo, and 25th-ranked Chicago, but they did win all three games, with two of them on the road.  They are 2nd in the Central Division now, and we’re now giving them a 99% chance of making the playoffs, and a 7% chance of winning the Stanley Cup.

Colorado remains the top-ranked team in the league, as they went 3-1-0 this week.  They started the week off with a loss in Boston to the 10th-ranked Bruins, but followed it up with wins against 26th-ranked Detroit, 19th-ranked Winnipeg, and 13th-ranked Vegas.  They lead the Central Division, actually the entire league, and we’re now giving them a better than even chance of winning the President’s Trophy, with a 52% chance, up from 41% last week.  They continue to be the favourites to win the Stanley Cup, now up to 19% from 16% last week.

Once again, Carolina is the second ranked team in our Power Ratings.  They picked up 6 rating points this week to cross that 1600 rating point mark, and are our 2nd pick for both the President’s Trophy (28%) and Stanley Cup (12%).  They won all three of their games this week, with an overtime win against 27th-ranked Philadelphia, a shutout against 21st-ranked Columbus, and a tight 4-3 victory over 14th-ranked Edmonton.

Two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay is ranked third this week, moving up two spots after going 2-0-0, with victories over 14th-ranked Edmonton and 15th-ranked Nashville.  That second game of the week was played outdoors in Nashville on Saturday evening in front of a crowd of 68,619 fans at Nissan Stadium.  The temperature was 4 degrees, so it was a beautiful night for hockey!

Toronto remains in 4th spot in our rankings, despite having gone 2-1-1 this week.  They started the week off with a classic Canadiens vs. Leafs game, but coming out short in a 5-2 decision to lowest-ranked Montreal.  They followed that up with an overtime loss to 21st-ranked Columbus, but then turned it around and won their last two games of the week against 11th-ranked Minnesota and 26th-ranked Detroit.  The game against Detroit ended up 10-7!  Toronto led 7-2 going into the 3rd period, but gave up a quick 4 goals to make it 7-6, but then shut the door with 3 unanswered goals to end the game.  Mitch Marner scored 4 goals for the Leafs.

Dropping out of the top 5 was Florida, who had the worst week in the league, going 0-3-0 with all their games this week being at home.  They lost to 15th-ranked Nashville, 21st-ranked Columbus, and 14th-ranked Edmonton, and as a result, our team of experts have taken away a whopping 30 rating points!  We’re still giving them a greater than 99% chance of making the playoffs, but we’ve dropped their chances of winning the President’s Trophy from 26% all the way down to 5%.  They do still lead the Atlantic Division, but only one point up on Tampa Bay, with Tampa Bay having played two less games than the Panthers.

Another notable team this week was Calgary.  They went 2-1-0 this week, and moved up from 8th to 6th in our rankings, but what was most notable was that they had a 10 game winning streak!  That came to an end in a 7-1 loss to the Canucks in Vancouver, but they started another winning streak their next game, defeating Minnesota.

A couple other outstanding teams this week were Vancouver and Los Angeles, both going 3-0-0 to vastly improve their rating points.  Vancouver beat 29th-ranked Seattle, 6th-ranked Calgary, and the 9th-ranked New York Rangers, gaining 23 rating points and moving from 19th to 17th in the rankings.  Their chances of making the playoffs jumped from 12% all the way up to 27%; still a ways to go, but definitely doable.  Los Angeles didn’t have as hard opponents, as they beat 31st-ranked Arizona, 22nd-ranked Anaheim, and 20th-ranked New York Islanders.  This earned them 18 rating points, moving them up one spot in our rankings to 12th.  We’re now giving them an 88% chance of making the playoffs, up from 72% last week.

And the biggest surprise of the week was worst-in-the-league Montreal!  They won all three of their games this week, including a 5-2 victory over 4th-ranked Toronto.  They also beat 29th-ranked Buffalo and 23rd-ranked Ottawa.  This gained them 29 rating points, but they’re still ranked last in the league, and we’re giving them less than a 1% chance of making the playoffs, but if they keep winning games, you never know!  Well, I think we do know, but they can dream.

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1626, ▲7)

Record: 39-10-4, 1st in Central Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 52% (▲11)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 19% (▲3)

Last week: 3-1-0

• February 21: Lost 5-1 @ Boston Bruins (10th, 1553)
• February 23: Won 5-2 @ Detroit Red Wings (26th, 1431)
• February 25: Won 6-3 vs. Winnipeg Jets (19th, 1498)
• February 26: Won 3-2 @ Vegas Golden Knights (13th, 1526)

Next week:

• March 1: vs. New York Islanders (20th, 1485)
• March 3: @ Arizona Coyotes (31st, 1394)
• March 5: vs. Calgary Flames (6th, 1568)

2. Carolina Hurricanes (1602, ▲6)

Record: 37-11-4, 1st in Metropolitan Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 28% (▲12)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 12% (▲1)

Last week: 3-0-0

• February 21: Won in OT 4-3 @ Philadelphia Flyers (27th, 1419)
• February 25: Won 4-0 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (21st, 1466)
• February 27: Won 2-1 vs. Edmonton Oilers (14th, 1522)

Next week:

• March 1: @ Detroit Red Wings (26th, 1431)
• March 3: @ Washington Capitals (16th, 1509)
• March 4: vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (7th, 1565)
• March 6: vs. Seattle Kraken (29th, 1396)

3. Tampa Bay Lightning ▲2 (1582, ▲13)

Record: 34-11-6, 2nd in Atlantic Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 9% (▲4)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 8% (▲2)

Last week: 2-0-0

• February 23: Won 5-3 vs. Edmonton Oilers (14th, 1522)
• February 26: Won 3-2 @ Nashville Predators (15th, 1519)

Next week:

• March 1: vs. Ottawa Senators (23rd, 1458)
• March 3: vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (7th, 1565)
• March 4: vs. Detroit Red Wings (26th, 1431)
• March 6: @ Chicago Blackhawks (25th, 1437)

4. Toronto Maple Leafs (1577)

Record: 34-14-4, 3rd in Atlantic Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 4% (▼1)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 7%

Last week: 2-1-1

• February 21: Lost 5-2 @ Montreal Canadiens (32nd, 1392)
• February 22: Lost in OT 4-3 @ Columbus Blue Jackets (21st, 1466)
• February 24: Won 3-1 vs. Minnesota Wild (11th, 1545)
• February 26: Won 10-7 @ Detroit Red Wings (26th, 1431)

Next week:

• February 28: @ Washington Capitals (16th, 1509)
• March 2: vs. Buffalo Sabres (29th, 1396)
• March 5: vs. Vancouver Canucks (17th, 1507)

5. St. Louis Blues ▲5 (1575, ▲15)

Record: 32-14-6, 2nd in Central Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: 99% (▲3)
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 1% (▲1)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 7% (▲2)

Last week: 3-0-0

• February 22: Won 4-1 @ Philadelphia Flyers (27th, 1419)
• February 25: Won 5-3 vs. Buffalo Sabres (29th, 1396)
• February 27: Won 4-0 @ Chicago Blackhawks (25th, 1437)

Next week:

• March 2: @ New York Rangers (9th, 1557)
• March 5: @ New York Islanders (20th, 1485)
• March 6: @ New Jersey Devils (28th, 1413)

Here’s the rankings and ratings.  Changes shown are from last week’s report.

Overall Ratings

 1       Colorado Avalanche            1626 (▲7)
 2       Carolina Hurricanes           1602 (▲6)
 3       Tampa Bay Lightning (▲2)      1582 (▲13)
 4       Toronto Maple Leafs           1577
 5       St. Louis Blues (▲5)          1575 (▲15)
 6       Calgary Flames (▲2)           1568 (▲3)
 7       Pittsburgh Penguins (▲2)      1565 (▲2)
 8       Florida Panthers (▼5)         1560 (▼30)
 9       New York Rangers (▼3)         1557 (▼11)
10       Boston Bruins (▲2)            1553 (▲12)
11       Minnesota Wild (▼4)           1545 (▼21)
12       Los Angeles Kings (▲1)        1544 (▲18)
13       Vegas Golden Knights (▼2)     1526 (▼16)
14       Edmonton Oilers               1522 (▼2)
15       Nashville Predators (▲1)      1519 (▲2)
16       Washington Capitals (▼2)      1509 (▼15)
17       Vancouver Canucks (▲2)        1507 (▲23)
18       Dallas Stars                  1499 (▲5)
19       Winnipeg Jets (▼2)            1498 (▼2)
20       New York Islanders (▲1)       1485 (▲10)
21       Columbus Blue Jackets (▲1)    1466 (▲2)
22       Anaheim Ducks (▼2)            1464 (▼16)
23       Ottawa Senators               1458 (▼1)
24       San Jose Sharks               1451 (▲1)
25       Chicago Blackhawks (▲1)       1437
26       Detroit Red Wings (▼1)        1431 (▼11)
27       Philadelphia Flyers           1419 (▲7)
28       New Jersey Devils (▲2)        1413 (▲5)
29 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▼2)           1396 (▼16)
29 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▼2)           1396 (▼16)
31       Arizona Coyotes               1394 (▼2)
32       Montreal Canadiens            1392 (▲29)

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           85% (▲17)
 2       New York Rangers              8% (▼13)
 3       Pittsburgh Penguins           7% (▼3)
 4 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▲1)    <1%
 4 (tie) New York Islanders (▲1)       <1%
 4 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▲1)        <1%
 4 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▲1)      <1%
 4 (tie) Washington Capitals           <1% (▼1)

Atlantic Division

 1       Tampa Bay Lightning (▲2)      42% (▲25)
 2       Florida Panthers (▼1)         30% (▼33)
 3       Toronto Maple Leafs (▼1)      26% (▲7)
 4       Boston Bruins                 2% (▲1)
 5 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                <1%
 5 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             <1%
 5 (tie) Montreal Canadiens            <1%
 5 (tie) Ottawa Senators               <1%

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            93% (▲8)
 2       St. Louis Blues (▲1)          5% (▲1)
 3       Minnesota Wild (▼1)           2% (▼9)
 4 (tie) Arizona Coyotes               <1%
 4 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%
 4 (tie) Dallas Stars                  <1%
 4 (tie) Nashville Predators           <1%
 4 (tie) Winnipeg Jets                 <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Calgary Flames                72% (▲4)
 2       Los Angeles Kings (▲1)        17% (▲9)
 3       Vegas Golden Knights (▼1)     6% (▼10)
 4       Edmonton Oilers               4% (▼3)
 5       Vancouver Canucks (▲1)        1% (▲1)
 6 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▼1)            <1% (▼1)
 6 (tie) San Jose Sharks               <1%
 6 (tie) Seattle Kraken                <1%

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           >99%
 2 (tie) New York Rangers (▼1)         99% (▼1)
 2 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲1)      99%
 4       Washington Capitals           83% (▼8)
 5       Columbus Blue Jackets         11% (▲1)
 6       New York Islanders            7% (▲2)
 7 (tie) New Jersey Devils             <1%
 7 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           <1%

Atlantic Division

 1 (tie) Florida Panthers              >99%
 1 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning           >99%
 1 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs           >99%
 4       Boston Bruins                 98% (▲6)
 5 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             1% (▼2)
 5 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▲1)          1%
 7 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                <1%
 7 (tie) Montreal Canadiens            <1%

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            >99%
 2       St. Louis Blues (▲1)          99% (▲3)
 3       Minnesota Wild (▼1)           94% (▼5)
 4       Nashville Predators           76% (▲5)
 5       Dallas Stars                  57% (▲10)
 6       Winnipeg Jets                 13% (▼9)
 7 (tie) Arizona Coyotes               <1%
 7 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Calgary Flames                99% (▲1)
 2       Los Angeles Kings (▲1)        88% (▲16)
 3       Vegas Golden Knights (▼1)     69% (▼16)
 4       Edmonton Oilers               60% (▼7)
 5       Vancouver Canucks (▲1)        27% (▲15)
 6       Anaheim Ducks (▼1)            12% (▼13)
 7       San Jose Sharks               5% (▼1)
 8       Seattle Kraken                <1%

Winning the President’s Trophy

 1       Colorado Avalanche            52% (▲11)
 2       Carolina Hurricanes (▲1)      28% (▲12)
 3       Tampa Bay Lightning (▲1)      9% (▲4)
 4       Florida Panthers (▼2)         5% (▼21)
 5       Toronto Maple Leafs (▼1)      4% (▼1)
 6 (tie) Calgary Flames (▲2)           1%
 6 (tie) New York Rangers              1% (▼1)
 6 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲2)      1%
 6 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▲4)          1% (▲1)

Everyone else has less than a 1% chance of winning the President’s Trophy.

Winning the Stanley Cup

 1       Colorado Avalanche            19% (▲3)
 2       Carolina Hurricanes           12% (▲1)
 3       Tampa Bay Lightning (▲3)      8% (▲2)
 4 (tie) Calgary Flames                7%
 4 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▲6)          7% (▲2)
 4 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs           7%
 7       Pittsburgh Penguins (▼1)      6%
 8 (tie) Florida Panthers (▼5)         5% (▼4)
 8 (tie) New York Rangers (▼2)         5% (▼1)
10 (tie) Boston Bruins (▲2)            4% (▲1)
10 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▲2)        4% (▲1)
10 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▼4)           4% (▼2)
13 (tie) Edmonton Oilers (▼1)          2% (▼1)
13 (tie) Nashville Predators (▲3)      2%
13 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▼2)     2% (▼2)
13 (tie) Washington Capitals (▼1)      2% (▼1)
17 (tie) Dallas Stars                  1%
17 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▲3)        1% (▲1)
19 (tie) Anaheim Ducks (▼2)            <1% (▼1)
19 (tie) Arizona Coyotes (▲1)          <1%
19 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           <1%
19 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▲1)       <1%
19 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▲1)    <1%
19 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▲1)        <1%
19 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▲1)       <1%
19 (tie) New York Islanders (▲1)       <1%
19 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▲1)        <1%
19 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▲1)          <1%
19 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▲1)      <1%
19 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▲1)          <1%
19 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▲1)           <1%
19 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▼2)            <1% (▼1)

 

I hate getting these Monday morning reports out later in the week, but unfortunately, sometimes life intervenes.  Anyways, better late than never, I guess!

There was only one team change in the top 5 this week, with Pittsburgh having a disastrous week, worst in the league, and dropping from 3rd all the way to down to 9th!  Their only win of the week was an overtime win against 27th-ranked Philadelphia.  Besides that game, they had a tough schedule, with losses to 4th-ranked Toronto and 2nd-ranked Carolina.  But, if you’re going to be in the top 5, you need to be able to win the occasional game against the top-5 teams!

Colorado remains in 1st.  They went 2-1-0 this week, losing at home to 18th-ranked Dallas but winning two road games against 11th-ranked Vegas and 27th-ranked Buffalo.  This left them with the same number of rating points at 1619, and they’re still the only team rated over 1600.  They did see their chances of winning the President’s Trophy drop from 48% to 41%, and their chance of winning the Stanley Cup drop from 17% to 16%, but they’re still seen as the most likely to succeed.

Carolina remains in 2nd spot in our rankings, but they’ve closed the gap after a 2-0-1 week. They lost in overtime to 3rd-ranked Florida, then beat both 16th-ranked Nashville and 9th-ranked Pittsburgh.

With Pittsburgh’s bad week, Florida moved up from 4th into 3rd.  They went 3-0-0 this week, beating 2nd-ranked Carolina in overtime, and 7th-ranked Minnesota and 26th-ranked Chicago in regulation time.

Also moving up due to Pittsburgh’s drop was Toronto.  They went 2-1-0, beating 27th-ranked Seattle and 9th-ranked Pittsburgh, but lost their last game of the week to 10th-ranked St. Louis.

Rounding out the top 5 is Tampa Bay, who moved up from 8th to regain a spot in the top 5.  They had a quiet week, with only a single game.  They won it, on the road, against 30th-ranked New Jersey.  It seems like a big move for a single win over a crappy team, but that’s just an indication of how close teams 5 through 10 are ranked, with #5 Tampa Bay sitting at 1569 rating points, and #10 St. Louis having 1560 points.

Edmonton had the best week in our ratings.  They had a very busy week, playing 5 games, 4 of which they won, with 3 of those victories coming on the road.  With the strong showing, we’ve calculated that their chances of making the playoffs have jumped from 43% all the way up to 67%, a huge jump in a single week!  They’ve got a tough week coming up, though, with games against Tampa Bay, Florida, and Carolina, all top 5 teams.

Just down Highway 2, Calgary also had a good week, winning all three of their games and extending their winning streak to 9 games!  The games were against weaker teams, though, beating 22nd-ranked Columbus, 20th-ranked Anaheim, and 27th-ranked Seattle.As a result, we only awarded them an additional 14 rating points, still good enough to move them up to 8th.

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1619)

Record: 36-9-4, 1st in Central Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 41% (▼7)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 16% (▼1)

Last week: 2-1-0

• February 15: Lost 4-1 vs. Dallas Stars (18th, 1494)
• February 16: Won 2-0 @ Vegas Golden Knights (11th, 1542)
• February 19: Won 5-3 @ Buffalo Sabres (27th, 1412)

Next week:

• February 21: @ Boston Bruins (12th, 1541)
• February 23: @ Detroit Red Wings (25th, 1442)
• February 25: vs. Winnipeg Jets (17th, 1500)
• February 26: @ Vegas Golden Knights (11th, 1542)

2. Carolina Hurricanes (1596, ▲12)

Record: 34-11-4, 1st in Metropolitan Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 16% (▲3)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 11% (▲2)

Last week: 2-0-1

• February 16: Lost in OT 3-2 vs. Florida Panthers (3rd, 1590)
• February 18: Won 5-3 vs. Nashville Predators (16th, 1517)
• February 20: Won 4-3 @ Pittsburgh Penguins (9th, 1563)

Next week:

• February 21: @ Philadelphia Flyers (27th, 1412)
• February 25: vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (22nd, 1464)
• February 27: vs. Edmonton Oilers (14th, 1524)

3. Florida Panthers ▲1 (1590, ▲14)

Record: 35-10-5, 1st in Atlantic Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 26% (▲12)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 9% (▲1)

Last week: 3-0-0

• February 16: Won in OT 3-2 @ Carolina Hurricanes (2nd, 1596)
• February 18: Won 6-2 @ Minnesota Wild (7th, 1566)
• February 20: Won 5-2 @ Chicago Blackhawks (26th, 1437)

Next week:

• February 22: vs. Nashville Predators (16th, 1517)
• February 24: vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (22nd, 1464)
• February 26: vs. Edmonton Oilers (14th, 1524)

4. Toronto Maple Leafs ▲1 (1577, ▲3)

Record: 32-13-3, 3rd in Atlantic Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 5% (▼1)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 7%

Last week: 2-1-0

• February 14: Won 6-2 @ Seattle Kraken (27th, 1412)
• February 17: Won 4-1 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (9th, 1563)
• February 19: Lost 6-3 vs. St. Louis Blues (10th, 1560)

Next week:

• February 21: @ Montreal Canadiens (32nd, 1363)
• February 22: @ Columbus Blue Jackets (22nd, 1464)
• February 24: vs. Minnesota Wild (7th, 1566)
• February 26: @ Detroit Red Wings (25th, 1442)

5. Tampa Bay Lightning ▲3 (1569, ▲5)

Record: 32-11-6, 2nd in Atlantic Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 5%
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 6%

Last week: 1-0-0

• February 15: Won 6-3 @ New Jersey Devils (30th, 1408)

Next week:

• February 23: vs. Edmonton Oilers (14th, 1524)
• February 26: @ Nashville Predators (16th, 1517)

Here’s the rankings and ratings.  Changes shown are from last week’s report.

Overall Ratings

 1       Colorado Avalanche            1619
 2       Carolina Hurricanes           1596 (▲12)
 3       Florida Panthers (▲1)         1590 (▲14)
 4       Toronto Maple Leafs (▲1)      1577 (▲3)
 5       Tampa Bay Lightning (▲3)      1569 (▲5)
 6       New York Rangers (▲1)         1568 (▲2)
 7       Minnesota Wild (▼1)           1566 (▼4)
 8       Calgary Flames (▲1)           1565 (▲14)
 9       Pittsburgh Penguins (▼6)      1563 (▼19)
10       St. Louis Blues (▲1)          1560 (▲12)
11       Vegas Golden Knights (▲1)     1542 (▼1)
12       Boston Bruins (▼2)            1541 (▼8)
13       Los Angeles Kings (▲1)        1526 (▼2)
14 (tie) Edmonton Oilers (▲3)          1524 (▲23)
14 (tie) Washington Capitals (▲1)      1524 (▲15)
16       Nashville Predators (▼3)      1517 (▼14)
17       Winnipeg Jets (▼1)            1500 (▼5)
18       Dallas Stars (▲1)             1494 (▲2)
19       Vancouver Canucks (▼1)        1484 (▼9)
20       Anaheim Ducks                 1480 (▼2)
21       New York Islanders            1475 (▼3)
22       Columbus Blue Jackets (▲2)    1464 (▲9)
23       Ottawa Senators               1459 (▼3)
24       San Jose Sharks (▼2)          1450 (▼15)
25       Detroit Red Wings             1442 (▼1)
26       Chicago Blackhawks            1437 (▼3)
27 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           1412 (▼10)
27 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▲2)      1412 (▼2)
27 (tie) Seattle Kraken                1412 (▼14)
30       New Jersey Devils             1408 (▼5)
31       Arizona Coyotes               1396 (▲3)
32       Montreal Canadiens            1363 (▲6)

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           68% (▲13)
 2       New York Rangers (▲1)         21% (▲1)
 3       Pittsburgh Penguins (▼1)      10% (▼14)
 4       Washington Capitals           1%
 5 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets         <1%
 5 (tie) New York Islanders            <1%
 5 (tie) New Jersey Devils             <1%
 5 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           <1%

Atlantic Division

 1       Florida Panthers              63% (▲15)
 2       Toronto Maple Leafs           19% (▼9)
 3       Tampa Bay Lightning           17% (▼6)
 4       Boston Bruins                 1% (▼1)
 5 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                <1%
 5 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             <1%
 5 (tie) Montreal Canadiens            <1%
 5 (tie) Ottawa Senators               <1%

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            85% (▲3)
 2       Minnesota Wild                11% (▼4)
 3       St. Louis Blues               4% (▲2)
 4 (tie) Arizona Coyotes (▲1)          <1%
 4 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▲1)       <1%
 4 (tie) Dallas Stars (▲1)             <1%
 4 (tie) Nashville Predators           <1% (▼1)
 4 (tie) Winnipeg Jets (▲1)            <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Calgary Flames                68% (▲14)
 2       Vegas Golden Knights          16% (▼10)
 3       Los Angeles Kings             8% (▼4)
 4       Edmonton Oilers               7% (▲3)
 5       Anaheim Ducks                 1% (▼1)
 6 (tie) San Jose Sharks               <1% (▼1)
 6 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▲2)           <1%
 6 (tie) Vancouver Canucks             <1% (▼1)

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

 1 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes           >99%
 1 (tie) New York Rangers (▲2)         >99% (▲1)
 3       Pittsburgh Penguins (▼2)      99% (▼1)
 4       Washington Capitals           91% (▲8)
 5       Columbus Blue Jackets         10%
 6       New York Islanders            5% (▼4)
 7 (tie) New Jersey Devils             <1%
 7 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           <1%

Atlantic Division

 1 (tie) Florida Panthers              >99%
 1 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning           >99%
 1 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs           >99%
 4       Boston Bruins                 92% (▼1)
 5       Detroit Red Wings             3% (▼1)
 6       Ottawa Senators               1% (▼1)
 7 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                <1%
 7 (tie) Montreal Canadiens            <1%

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            >99%
 2       Minnesota Wild                99%
 3       St. Louis Blues               96% (▲5)
 4       Nashville Predators           71% (▼12)
 5       Dallas Stars                  47% (▲6)
 6       Winnipeg Jets                 22% (▼8)
 7 (tie) Arizona Coyotes               <1%
 7 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Calgary Flames                98% (▲4)
 2       Vegas Golden Knights          85%
 3       Los Angeles Kings             72% (▲3)
 4       Edmonton Oilers               67% (▲24)
 5       Anaheim Ducks                 25% (▼8)
 6       Vancouver Canucks             12% (▼5)
 7       San Jose Sharks               6% (▼9)
 8       Seattle Kraken                <1%

Winning the President’s Trophy

 1       Colorado Avalanche            41% (▼7)
 2       Florida Panthers              26% (▲12)
 3       Carolina Hurricanes           16% (▲3)
 4 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning (▲2)      5%
 4 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs           5% (▼1)
 6 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▼2)           2% (▼4)
 6 (tie) New York Rangers (▲2)         2%
 8 (tie) Calgary Flames (▲1)           1%
 8 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▼1)      1% (▼2)

Everyone else has less than a 1% chance of winning the President’s Trophy.

Winning the Stanley Cup

 1       Colorado Avalanche            16% (▼1)
 2       Carolina Hurricanes           11% (▲2)
 3       Florida Panthers (▲1)         9% (▲1)
 4 (tie) Calgary Flames (▲5)           7% (▲2)
 4 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▲1)      7%
 6 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▼1)           6% (▼1)
 6 (tie) New York Rangers (▲1)         6%
 6 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▼4)      6% (▼3)
 6 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning (▲1)      6%
10       St. Louis Blues               5% (▲1)
11       Vegas Golden Knights (▼1)     4%
12 (tie) Boston Bruins (▼2)            3% (▼1)
12 (tie) Edmonton Oilers (▲3)          3% (▲1)
12 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▲1)        3%
12 (tie) Washington Capitals (▲3)      3% (▲1)
16       Nashville Predators (▼3)      2% (▼1)
17 (tie) Anaheim Ducks                 1%
17 (tie) Dallas Stars                  1%
17 (tie) Winnipeg Jets                 1%
20 (tie) Arizona Coyotes (▲1)          <1%
20 (tie) Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           <1%
20 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks (▲1)       <1%
20 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (▲1)    <1%
20 (tie) Detroit Red Wings (▲1)        <1%
20 (tie) Montreal Canadiens (▲1)       <1%
20 (tie) New York Islanders (▲1)       <1%
20 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▲1)        <1%
20 (tie) Ottawa Senators (▲1)          <1%
20 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (▲1)      <1%
20 (tie) San Jose Sharks (▲1)          <1%
20 (tie) Seattle Kraken (▲1)           <1%
20 (tie) Vancouver Canucks (▼3)        <1% (▼1)

 

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Nothing says “I love you” like a fresh McDonald NHL Power Ratings report!

Surprisingly, there was quite a bit of movement in the rankings this week, although not much in the top 5.  Colorado remains the top-ranked team.  They had a good week going 2-0-0, beating 8th-ranked Tampa Bay at home and 19th-ranked Dallas on the road.  With those two wins, they increased their rating points by 12, up to a season-high 1619.  We now give Colorado a 48% chance of winning the President’s Trophy, up 16% from last week, and a 17% chance of winning the Stanley Cup, up 3% from last week.

Last week, Carolina sat in 2nd spot in our rankings, tied with Toronto.  For one day this week, Toronto creeped ahead of them after beating them in overtime, but both teams had bad weeks, with Toronto having a worse week, and so Carolina has stayed in 2nd place in our rankings.  With a 1-2-1 week, Carolina lost 8 rating points, but still managed to stay ahead of everyone else but Colorado.

Pittsburgh had a big week, going 3-0-0, with all three wins coming on the road.  They defeated 10th-ranked Boston, 23rd-ranked Ottawa, and 30th-ranked New Jersey, and in the process picked up 19 rating points.  That was enough to jump them from 8th all the way up to 3rd in our rankings!

Florida had the week off this week, and despite all the changes around them, they managed to stay in 4th spot.

Rounding out the top 5 is Toronto, who beat Carolina in overtime, but then lost their remaining two games in the week, both on the road.  9th-ranked Calgary and 18th-ranked Vancouver were the victors over Toronto.  Toronto lost 18 rating points this week, which is the second worst performance of the week.

The top upward-moving teams this week were Pittsburgh (19 points) and Calgary (20 points).  Calgary won all three of their games this week, all at home.  Their victories came over 12th-ranked Vegas, 5th-ranked Toronto, and 18th-ranked Vancouver.  With the three wins, they jumped in our rankings from 13th place all the way up to 9th.

The worst performing team this week was the lowest-ranked team in the league, Montreal.  After a disastrous week of losing all four of their games, to 30th-ranked New Jersey, 15th-ranked Washington, 24th-ranked Columbus, and 28th-ranked Buffalo, they lost a whopping 28 rating points, dropping down to 1357 rating points, the lowest any team has been this year.  Unsurprisingly, coach Dominique Ducharme was fired this week.

The top 5

1. Colorado Avalanche (1619, ▲12)

Record: 34-8-4, 1st in Central Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 48% (▲16)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 17% (▲3)

Last week: 2-0-0

• February 10: Won 3-2 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (8th, 1564)
• February 13: Won 4-0 @ Dallas Stars (19th, 1492)

Next week:

• February 15: vs. Dallas Stars (19th, 1492)
• February 16: @ Vegas Golden Knights (12th, 1543)
• February 19: @ Buffalo Sabres (28th, 1422)

2. Carolina Hurricanes (1584, ▼8)

Record: 32-11-3, 2nd in Metropolitan Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 13% (▼9)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 9% (▼1)

Last week: 1-2-1

• February 7: Lost in OT 4-3 @ Toronto Maple Leafs (5th, 1574)
• February 8: Lost 4-3 @ Ottawa Senators (23rd, 1462)
• February 10: Won 6-0 @ Boston Bruins (10th, 1549)
• February 12: Lost 3-2 @ Minnesota Wild (6th, 1570)

Next week:

• February 16: vs. Florida Panthers (4th, 1576)
• February 18: vs. Nashville Predators (13th, 1531)
• February 20: @ Pittsburgh Penguins (3rd, 1582)

3. Pittsburgh Penguins ▲5 (1582, ▲19)

Record: 30-11-8, 1st in Metropolitan Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99% (▲2)
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 3% (▲2)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 9% (▲3)

Last week: 3-0-0

• February 8: Won 4-2 @ Boston Bruins (10th, 1549)
• February 10: Won 2-0 @ Ottawa Senators (23rd, 1462)
• February 13: Won 4-2 @ New Jersey Devils (30th, 1413)

Next week:

• February 15: vs. Philadelphia Flyers (29th, 1414)
• February 17: @ Toronto Maple Leafs (5th, 1574)
• February 20: vs. Carolina Hurricanes (2nd, 1584)

4. Florida Panthers (1576)

Record: 32-10-5, 1st in Atlantic Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 14% (▲1)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 8% (▲1)

Last week: 0-0-0

• No games scheduled

Next week:

• February 16: @ Carolina Hurricanes (2nd, 1584)
• February 18: @ Minnesota Wild (6th, 1570)
• February 20: @ Chicago Blackhawks (26th, 1440)

5. Toronto Maple Leafs ▼3 (1574, ▼18)

Record: 30-12-3, 3rd in Atlantic Division

Chances of: 

• Making the playoffs: >99%
• Winning the President’s Trophy: 6% (▼8)
• Winning the Stanley Cup: 7% (▼2)

Last week: 1-2-0

• February 7: Won in OT 4-3 vs. Carolina Hurricanes (2nd, 1584)
• February 10: Lost 5-2 @ Calgary Flames (9th, 1551)
• February 12: Lost 3-2 @ Vancouver Canucks (18th, 1493)

Next week:

• February 14: @ Seattle Kraken (27th, 1426)
• February 17: vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (3rd, 1582)
• February 19: vs. St. Louis Blues (11th, 1548)

Here’s the rankings and ratings.  Changes shown are from last week’s report.

Overall Ratings

 1       Colorado Avalanche            1619 (▲12)
 2       Carolina Hurricanes           1584 (▼8)
 3       Pittsburgh Penguins (▲5)      1582 (▲19)
 4       Florida Panthers              1576
 5       Toronto Maple Leafs (▼3)      1574 (▼18)
 6       Minnesota Wild (▼1)           1570 (▼1)
 7       New York Rangers (▼1)         1566
 8       Tampa Bay Lightning (▼1)      1564 (▼1)
 9       Calgary Flames (▲4)           1551 (▲20)
10       Boston Bruins (▼1)            1549 (▼9)
11       St. Louis Blues (▼1)          1548 (▼6)
12       Vegas Golden Knights          1543 (▲1)
13       Nashville Predators (▼2)      1531 (▼17)
14       Los Angeles Kings             1528
15       Washington Capitals           1509 (▼14)
16       Winnipeg Jets (▲4)            1505 (▲18)
17       Edmonton Oilers (▼1)          1501 (▼12)
18       Vancouver Canucks (▲1)        1493 (▲5)
19       Dallas Stars (▼1)             1492 (▲1)
20       Anaheim Ducks (▼3)            1482 (▼10)
21       New York Islanders            1478 (▼2)
22       San Jose Sharks               1465
23       Ottawa Senators               1462 (▲13)
24       Columbus Blue Jackets         1455 (▲17)
25       Detroit Red Wings (▲1)        1443 (▲14)
26       Chicago Blackhawks (▼1)       1440 (▲5)
27       Seattle Kraken (▲1)           1426 (▲1)
28       Buffalo Sabres (▲1)           1422 (▲7)
29       Philadelphia Flyers (▼2)      1414 (▼14)
30       New Jersey Devils             1413 (▲8)
31       Arizona Coyotes               1393 (▼1)
32       Montreal Canadiens            1357 (▼28)

Chances of Winning Division

Metropolitan Division

 1       Carolina Hurricanes           55% (▼13)
 2       Pittsburgh Penguins (▲1)      24% (▲13)
 3       New York Rangers (▼1)         20% (▲1)
 4       Washington Capitals           1% (▼1)
 5 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets         <1%
 5 (tie) New York Islanders            <1%
 5 (tie) New Jersey Devils             <1%
 5 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           <1%

Atlantic Division

 1       Florida Panthers              48% (▲9)
 2       Toronto Maple Leafs           28% (▼10)
 3       Tampa Bay Lightning           23% (▲3)
 4       Boston Bruins                 2% (▼1)
 5 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                <1%
 5 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             <1%
 5 (tie) Montreal Canadiens            <1%
 5 (tie) Ottawa Senators               <1%

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            82% (▲11)
 2       Minnesota Wild                15% (▼6)
 3       St. Louis Blues               2% (▼2)
 4       Nashville Predators (▼1)      1% (▼3)
 5 (tie) Arizona Coyotes               <1%
 5 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%
 5 (tie) Dallas Stars                  <1%
 5 (tie) Winnipeg Jets                 <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Calgary Flames                54% (▲21)
 2       Vegas Golden Knights (▼1)     26% (▼7)
 3       Los Angeles Kings             12% (▼3)
 4       Edmonton Oilers               4% (▼7)
 5       Anaheim Ducks                 2% (▼3)
 6 (tie) San Jose Sharks               1%
 6 (tie) Vancouver Canucks             1%
 8       Seattle Kraken                <1%

Making the Playoffs

Metropolitan Division

 1 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes           >99%
 1 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲2)      >99% (▲2)
 3       New York Rangers (▼1)         99%
 4       Washington Capitals           83% (▼7)
 5       Columbus Blue Jackets (▲1)    10% (▲7)
 6       New York Islanders (▼1)       9% (▼1)
 7 (tie) New Jersey Devils (▲1)        <1%
 7 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           <1% (▼1)

Atlantic Division

 1 (tie) Florida Panthers              >99%
 1 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning           >99%
 1 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs           >99%
 4       Boston Bruins                 93% (▼3)
 5       Detroit Red Wings             4% (▲2)
 6       Ottawa Senators               2% (▲1)
 7 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                <1%
 7 (tie) Montreal Canadiens            <1%

Central Division

 1       Colorado Avalanche            >99%
 2       Minnesota Wild                99% (▲1)
 3       St. Louis Blues               91% (▼2)
 4       Nashville Predators           83% (▼9)
 5       Dallas Stars                  41% (▲5)
 6       Winnipeg Jets                 30% (▲13)
 7 (tie) Arizona Coyotes               <1%
 7 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%

Pacific Division

 1       Calgary Flames (▲1)           94% (▲12)
 2       Vegas Golden Knights (▼1)     85% (▲1)
 3       Los Angeles Kings             69% (▲1)
 4       Edmonton Oilers               43% (▼13)
 5       Anaheim Ducks                 33% (▼9)
 6       Vancouver Canucks             17% (▲2)
 7       San Jose Sharks (▼1)          15%
 8       Seattle Kraken                <1%

Winning the President’s Trophy

 1       Colorado Avalanche            48% (▲16)
 2       Florida Panthers (▲2)         14% (▲1)
 3       Carolina Hurricanes (▼1)      13% (▼9)
 4 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▲1)           6% (▼1)
 4 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▼1)      6% (▼8)
 6       Tampa Bay Lightning           5% (▼1)
 7       Pittsburgh Penguins (▲1)      3% (▲2)
 8       New York Rangers (▼1)         2%
 9       Calgary Flames (▲3)           1% (▲1)

Everyone else has less than a 1% chance of winning the President’s Trophy.

Winning the Stanley Cup

 1       Colorado Avalanche            17% (▲3)
 2 (tie) Carolina Hurricanes           9% (▼1)
 2 (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (▲4)      9% (▲3)
 4       Florida Panthers              8% (▲1)
 5 (tie) Minnesota Wild (▼1)           7%
 5 (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (▼2)      7% (▼2)
 7 (tie) New York Rangers (▼1)         6%
 7 (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning (▼1)      6%
 9       Calgary Flames (▲3)           5% (▲1)
10 (tie) Boston Bruins (▼1)            4% (▼1)
10 (tie) St. Louis Blues (▼1)          4% (▼1)
10 (tie) Vegas Golden Knights (▲2)     4%
13 (tie) Los Angeles Kings (▲1)        3%
13 (tie) Nashville Predators (▼4)      3% (▼2)
15 (tie) Edmonton Oilers               2%
15 (tie) Washington Capitals           2%
17 (tie) Anaheim Ducks                 1%
17 (tie) Dallas Stars                  1%
17 (tie) Vancouver Canucks             1%
17 (tie) Winnipeg Jets                 1%
21 (tie) Arizona Coyotes               <1%
21 (tie) Buffalo Sabres                <1%
21 (tie) Chicago Blackhawks            <1%
21 (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets         <1%
21 (tie) Detroit Red Wings             <1%
21 (tie) Montreal Canadiens            <1%
21 (tie) New York Islanders            <1%
21 (tie) New Jersey Devils             <1%
21 (tie) Ottawa Senators               <1%
21 (tie) Philadelphia Flyers           <1%
21 (tie) San Jose Sharks               <1%
21 (tie) Seattle Kraken                <1%