With week 4 of the NHL all wrapped up, the updated Classy Rankings are below and include games from Sunday night. The Toronto Maple Leafs are still last and the Avalanche and Penguins are joined by the Kings, Sharks and Capitals in the top 10.
NHL Classy Power Rankings – Week 4
30. Toronto Maple Leafs (0-7-1, 1 pts – last week’s ranking: 30)
It’s a bit hard for the Toronto Maple Leafs to move up the Classy Rankings when they lose their only game of the week to Vancouver on Saturday. But don’t worry Leafs fans, Ron Wilson says if Luongo wasn’t in nets, you would of won. Trouble is, the next three games for the Leafs feature great goalies like Jonas Hiller, Marty Turco and Ryan Miller. Can’t wait for the next excuse.
29. Florida Panthers (2-6-1, 5 pts – last week’s ranking: 27)
The Florida Panthers are on a three game losing streak having dropped games to conference rivals in the Sabres, Penguins and Flyers. Saturday’s loss to the Flyers was particularly bad with David Booth leaving the game on a stretcher following a big-time hit from Mike Richards. Radek Dvorak also got hurt in the same game in a knee on knee incident with Darroll Powe. Looking ahead for the Panthers, they face off with the Senators, Stars and Blues this week.
28. New York Islanders (1-4-4, 6 pts – last week’s ranking: 28)
Another week goes by without the New York Islanders winning a second hockey game. With a flat performance against the Montreal Canadiens and a shootout loss to the Capitals on Saturday, the Islanders need a solid rebound week as they’ll play the Canadiens, Rangers, Capitals and Sabres.
27. Minnesota Wild (3-7-0, 6 pts – last week’s ranking: 29)
The Minnesota did something only one other NHL team has done this year: beat the Colorado Avalanche (it still sounds weird to say). That was a huge victory for the club who are struggling to find some confidence in their game. The Wild beat the Hurricanes on Saturday after losing to the Blues earlier in the week. Next up for the Wild are the Hawks, Predators and Rangers – their first time playing against Marian Gaborik.
26. Carolina Hurricanes (2-5-3, 7 pts – last week’s ranking: 24)
Losers of six straight games, the Carolina Hurricanes are in a bad tailspin. Nothing has gone particularly well for Paul Maurice and co. If the ‘Canes are looking for any positive notes, each of their three losses this week were one-goal games… which is better than some of the blow-out losses earlier in the season. The Blues and Flyers are on deck this week for the ‘Canes.
25. Anaheim Ducks (3-5-1, 7 pts – last week’s ranking: 18)
News of Justin Pogge being called up got Leaf fans excited, but it was precautionary as a result of J.S. Giguere being day-to-day with an injury. That aside, Ryan Getzlaf is having an expected slow start to the season as he recovers from off season surgery. As noted last week, the Anaheim Ducks are having all kinds of trouble scoring goals, averaging just over two goals in the first nine games of the season. This week the Ducks are in action against the Canucks, Leafs and Coyotes.
24. Nashville Predators (3-6-1, 7 pts – last week’s ranking: 26)
The Nashville Predators have scored 18 goals in 10 games this season while averaging 3.3 goals against per game. Goaltending and defensive play isn’t close to where it should be for a team with Shea Weber, Ryan Sutter and others. Prospect Ryan Ellis recently signed an entry level contract with the Preds. That’s about the only good news Preds fans have right now. They’ll play the Wild, Hawks and Stars this week.
23. Detroit Red Wings (3-4-2, 8 pts – last week’s ranking: 17)
I can’t remember the last time I saw the Detroit Red Wings with only three wins in their first nine games. Weird. Another weird thing: the Wings have lost two Colorado in two straight Saturday night games. Is this the 90s or something? I think we’re starting to see Detroit’s lack of depth and perhaps the kids (Abdelkader, Leino) aren’t quite ready for top 6 minutes yet. All Canadian week ahead for the Wings as they play the Flames, Canucks and Oilers. None of those games will be easy.
22. Atlanta Thrashers (4-3-1, 9 pts – last week’s ranking: 14)
After getting off to the best start in franchise history, the Atlanta Thrashers then dropped three straight games to the Canadiens (great game though, other than the Kozlov hit on Gomez), Capitals and Sharks. And to make matters worse, Ilya Kovalchuk left Saturday’s game versus the Sharks with a foot injury. The extent of the injury is not yet known. The Thrashers play the Capitals and Senators this week.
21. Tampa Bay Lightning (3-3-3, 9 pts – last week’s ranking: 23)
Starting the year off at .500 isn’t exactly what Rich Tocchet imagined with a decent roster. Vincent Lecavalier finally scored his first goal of the season on Saturday, yet hit the cross bar in the shootout against the Sabres. Better play is need from some of the Tampa Bay Lightning veteran players. Both Marty St. Louis and Steve Stamkos are putting up solid numbers despite this. The Lightning play the Senators and Devils over the next seven days.
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Six of the teams ranked between 30-21 are on losing streaks of three games or more. The Leafs (8 games), the Hurricanes (6 games), the Panthers (3 games) are some examples. Also, Six of the bottom ten teams haven’t won a game on the road, either. Ouch.
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20. St. Louis Blues (4-4-1, 9 pts – last week’s ranking: 19) The St. Louis Blues have admittedly not played one full-solid game this season. They’ve reportedly gone to great lengths to figure out why – evaluating everything from meetings to practices and training. Meanwhile, TJ Oshie had appendectomy surgery this week following stomach pains. Tough week for the Blues who lost badly to the Penguins and Stars. They’ll see Hurricanes, Coyotes and Panthers this week. They should nail down two wins in these three games to get back on track.
19. Montreal Canadiens (5-5-0, 10 pts – last week’s ranking: 25)
The small three are playing big for the Montreal Canadiens. OK – Corny, but its true. The Habs have won three straight games and despite how hard Colby Armstrong hit Marc-Andre Bergeron, MAB looks great. Speaking of great, Jaroslav Halak looks great too and had an amazing goaltender duel versus the Thrashers this week. The Cammalleri-Gomez-Gionta line looks quick, annoying and spends nearly no time in their own end. Big time game from Cammalleri (his name always makes me think of calimari) on Saturday night. The Habs will play the Islanders, Penguins, Blackhawks and Leafs over the next seven days.
18. Philadelphia Flyers (5-4-1, 11 pts – last week’s ranking: 20)
The Philadelphia Flyers had a 2-2 week that saw them win big and lose big. I’m still expecting more from this club. For a team that’s supposed to contend for the Stanley Cup, I was disappointed with their effort against the Sharks, although I realize it was a exhausting week for the club. The Flyers have the Capitals and Hurricanes on deck this week.
17. Boston Bruins (5-4-1, 11 pts – last week’s ranking: 22)
The Boston Bruins will get a chance to see how NHL ready their young prospects are with injuries to Marc Savard, Milan Lucic, Dennis Wideman and others. After grabbing five of six points this week, the Bruins look to continue that trend against the Devils and Oilers this week. Are the Bruins finally getting their act together?
16. Ottawa Senators (5-2-2, 12 pts – last week’s ranking: 8 )
Coach Cory Clouston cannot be happy with two overtime losses in a row for the Ottawa Senators. Especially one against the Bruins on Saturday night, coughing up two goal lead with 90 seconds left. Thursday’s back-and-forth pond hockey game with the Predators left much to be desired defensively. The Senators will need to get their game back to normal for upcoming tilts with the Panthers, Lightning and Thrashers – they should be able to win two of these games at least.
15. Vancouver Canucks (6-5-0, 12 pts – last week’s ranking: 21)
Despite injuries to Daniel Sedin, Sami Salo, Pavol Demitra and others, the Vancouver Canucks have put together three straight wins including one particularly impressive comeback against the Blackhawks in Chicago. Kessler continues to lead the way for the club while Luongo posted an overdue shutout performance last night against the Oilers. Mason Raymond and Michael Grabner look great together, too. Definitely one of the leagues fastest skating lines.
14. Phoenix Coyotes (6-3-0, 12 pts – last week’s ranking: 7)
The Phoenix Coyotes slip a bit this week as a result of losing ground on points in the Western Conference – they only had two games this week beating Detroit and losing to the LA Kings. A busy four games this week for the Desert Dogs this week facing off against the Rangers, Blue Jackets, Blues and Ducks.
13. Columbus Blue Jackets (6-4-0, 12 pts – last week’s ranking: 4)
An ugly loss in Los Angeles last night, Ken Hitchcock’s Columbus Blue Jackets have allowed three or more goals against in four straight games. They’ve also lost all three of those games. Not good enough from Steve Mason or a Hitchcock system. On the upside, goal scoring is being produced solidly from a good top 6 group. The Jackets will look to rebound this week against the Coyotes and Penguins.
12. New Jersey Devils (6-3-0, 12 pts – last week’s ranking: 15)
The New Jersey Devils have quietly won three games in a row against worthy opponents in the Penguins, Rangers and Hurricanes. Not bad. Zach Parise looks every bit as good as he did last season and will need to be against the Sabres, Bruins and Lightning this week.
11. Edmonton Oilers (6-4-1, 13 pts – last week’s ranking: 11)
Well, Dustin Penner is back and better than ever for the Edmonton Oilers. But while the Edmonton Oilers put up three straight wins, they’ve quickly dropped two weekend tilts with the Flames and Canucks. The Oilers, Sam Gagner and Penner need to regroup (and get healthy!) for a big upcoming week against the Red Wings, Avalanche and Bruins.
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10. Chicago Blackhawks (6-3-1, 13 pts – last week’s ranking: 6)
I’m still not totally impressed with the Chicago Blackhawks, although I keep forgetting Marian Hossa is due back soon. He can’t get in the line up quick enough either as injuries to Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook have quickly crept in for the Hawks. Goaltending will forever be an issue with their current roster and it absolutely needs to be addressed, despite a shutout against the Predators on Saturday. Chicago’s upcoming week see’s them play the Wild, Predators and Canadiens.
9. Buffalo Sabres (6-1-1, 13 pts – last week’s ranking: 10)
Lindy Ruff’s Buffalo Sabres are still rock solid defensively, allowing an average of only two goals against per game. The Big question surround the Sabres is whether or not Tyler Myers stays in the NHL. The answer seems pretty obvious to me… keep him. The Sabres beat the Panthers and Lightning this week and look to continue winning against the Devils, Leafs and Islanders.
8. Dallas Stars (5-2-4, 14 pts – last week’s ranking: 12)
Quietly creeping up the Western Conference, Marc Crawford’s Dallas Stars are still undefeated on the road having recently beaten the Ducks and Blues while losing in over time to the Kings. The Stars look to continue their winning streak this week against the Leafs, Panthers and Predators. Oh, and Brad Richards is playing great hockey for the Stars right now!
7. Washington Capitals (6-2-2, 14 pts – last week’s ranking: 9)
Winners of 4 straight, the Washington Capitals had a great week last week beating the Islanders and Thrashers. Things are firing pretty well for the Caps (even goaltending has been OK) and they look to continue their strong play against the Flyers, Thrashers and Islanders this week.
6. New York Rangers (7-3-1, 15 pts – last week’s ranking: 1)
Bad week for the New York Rangers last week, losing three straight to the Canadiens, Devils and Sharks. The Rangers have come back to earth, but still hold a strong record with a fairly easy upcoming week. They will be in tough against the Coyotes but should come out with wins against the Islanders and Wild.
5. Calgary Flames (7-2-1, 15 pts – last week’s ranking: 5)
After a bad week two weeks ago, the Calgary Flames turned things around last week posting three straight wins over the Canucks, Blue Jackets and Oilers. This week, the Flames play the Avalanche and Red Wings. And Jarome Iginla still looks a little off, although he’s now scoring.
4. San Jose Sharks (8-4-1, 17 pts – last week’s ranking: 13)
As expected, Dany Heatley looks great playing with Joe Thornton and the San Jose Sharks. They’ve won three of their last four games and scoring is coming easy for the Sharks – who boast one of the deepest top 6 forwards in the league. On the plate for the Sharks this week are the Kings and Avalanche.
3. Los Angeles Kings (8-4-0, 16 pts – last week’s ranking: 16)
An absolutely solid week for the Los Angeles Kings as they’ve won four straight games against good teams (Stars, Coyotes, Blue Jackets). The benching of Alexander Frolov apparently worked has he’s put up great numbers since. Anze Kopitar is breaking out beyond anyone’s wildest dreams and now leads the NHL in goals and points!
2. Colorado Avalanche (8-1-2, 18 pts – last week’s ranking: 3)
It’s hard to argue why the Colorado Avalanche don’t deserve the number one spot this week on the Classy Rankings. The only reason is because the Penguins have more wins. Call it a tie breaker. Craig Anderson continues to play amazingly for the Avs, while Paul Statsny played great hockey last week. No one saw this kind of start for the Avs. The Avs will have a though week against the Oilers, Flames and Sharks this week.
1. Pittsburgh Penguins (9-2-0, 18 pts – last week’s ranking: 2)
The Pittsburgh Penguins edge the Avalanche for the number one ranking purely based on a win tie breaker. I was particularly impressed with Sidney’s Crosby’s game on Friday night, scoring a powerplay goal, short-handed goal (his first ever, by the way) and shootout goal against the Panthers. Despite this, Neither Crosby or Evgeni Malkin are in the NHL’s top 10 for points (Malkin is 11th…). The Penguins will look to keep rolling this week against the Canadiens, Blues Jackets and Wild.
Stay classy, NHL rankings.
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Wow. Huge jump for the Kings.
But I think they’re really starting to demonstrate that Lombardi had a plan all this time.
I’m such a huge fan of the Kings and the way Lombardi hasn’t rushed the development of his young prospects. It took guts for Lombardi and Hextal to not pursue Heatley and trade off some of their depth. Instead, they paid a lesser price, dumped Preissing and look like genius’ for acquiring Ryan Smyth.
As I said a week ago, .500 hockey from the Kings isn’t good enough. This week’s performance validates that.
Um… should the Stars be that high? You have that they beat the Kings last week, but i remember them losing that game? or am I forgetting?
Actually Ray, you were correct. I’ve since edited the blog to reflect their OT loss to LA. Thanks for catching that. I blame the Stars website. And my bad reading skills.
To answer your question, I really like the Stars, their forward depth and the fact their under the radar defense are getting it done. They’ve only lost twice in regulation.