Hope Drew doesn't mind, but figured he was so busy, and this seems like a good day (Saturdays) to do the rankings since it is right after our week ends. Here we go...
1.
- The Ducks are just loaded with young NHL talent. The subtraction of Enroth shouldn't hurt the team goalie situation either. Huge showdown this week as they host the 4-0 Flyers!
2.
- A couple teams could go here at #2, but the Flyers are the only other undefeated team in the league. 2 goalies that are getting hot, and a lot of veteran leadership up front. We will see if they can take down the Ducks on rival ice this week.
3.
- A tough loss this past week to the Flyers. However, they are rolling with two of the best goalies in the game and a ton of depth up front. Should have an easier week against the 0-4 Penguins.
4.
- Could easily be ranked #2 this week after scoring 141, but the Hawks are flying a bit under the radar this year. Solid and steady, they look to get revenge against the Habs in a Week 3 match-up that handed the Hawks their only loss of the year.
5.
- Another win to get the Wild to 3-1 and the Canadian division lead. A lot of stars on this team, but do they have enough depth to really contend? A huge division match-up this week as they host the Oilers.
6.
- A jump in the standings for this 3-1 team. Rolling with 3 pretty talented goalies and a ton of depth at the center position. A lot will depend on if there are any further repercussions on Varlamov's legal troubles.
7.
- Four goalies who are getting NHL starts, and Stamkos & Co. are holding their own on the offensive side. A big division road win against a 2-2 Ottawa team could really prove a lot.
8.
- Drop one spot due to barely getting by the 0-4 Flames this past week. They are the lowest ranked 3-1 team, but have a ton of talent. Tough week for the goalie starts, but the Wings look to rebound this week against the 1-3 Leafs.
9.
- I know this may be crazy to have them this low, but goaltender is killing this team right now. A tough loss to the Hawks drops the Oilers to 2-2 on the year. Having Ward hurt is really hurting this team, but their depth at the forward position always makes them a tough match-up. A tough road test this week against the division leading Wild.
10.
- A 2-2 team that may have some of their stars getting hot (Toews and Giroux). A huge Week 3 win against the Hawks, but can they hold off one of the powerhouse teams again this week?
11.
- A tough week for Craig Anderson, and a loss to the powerful Ducks team. They had a chance to take down the #1 ranked team in the league, but couldn't pull it off. The Stars look to bounce back against the 0-4 Blue Jackets this week.
12.
- Got a big win against the Penguins this week to go to 2-2. Mike Smith is doing his part, but could use some help. They will need some more points from up front if they want to get above .500% against the 3-1 Jets this week.
13.
- Tough loss against the Jets this week. They have a lot of depth up front with a couple of young studs, but their goaltender (Holtby mainly) needs to pick up the pace. They go on the road to take on a tough Bruins team this week.
14.
- A tough loss to the Bruins this week where their goalies carried the team. They are loaded at LW, but is there enough depth for this team to contend? They go to Dallas for a win-able road test this week.
15.
- Hard to win without Rinne, and had a tough loss at home against the Wild last week. New ownership has proved that they are looking to win in the near future. Look for a continued rebuild in Toronto, but it may be tough this week on the road in an Original 6 match-up against the Wings.
16.
- A lot of talent on this 0-4 team (P. Kane, J. Neal, R. Miller, J. Markstrom) Will the Penguins continue to try to win now, or possibly move some of the bigger names, and look to rebuild? A tough road test against the Preds this week isn't going to make the decision any easier.
17/18.
/
- One of these teams is going to get their first win this week. Vancouver made a bold mid-week move to acquire a young goalie in Enroth. Will it be enough though to hold off the veteran Flames on home ice?
