2017-18 NHL Power Rankings 1.0

The NHL season is in full swing. Some teams are starting to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. As of Sunday November 19th here are my top 10 NHL teams.

• 10. Coming in at 10 is the Columbus Blue Jackets. One of the top teams in the regular season last year is looking to do the same this year. Starting the year at 12-7-1.
• 9. Checking in at 9 is the Las Vegas Golden Knights. No one expected this coming into the season as they started out very hot as an expansion team. Now at 11-6-1 and cooling down a little they still land on my list.
• 8. The Ottawa Senators are a pretty boring team to watch. Let’s be honest, their play style is not good for fans. But with the addition of Matt Duchene and Erik Karlsson coming back this team could add a thrill to their game and move up in future lists. They are 8-4-6 but don’t be surprised to see them go on a run with their new star.
• 7. The defending Western Conference Champs, the Nashville Predators, are looking like they will be in a position to do it again. At 11-6-1 they are 3rd in a very good central division. Built around defense and their goaltending don’t be surprised to have them get hot and make a run again.
• 6. The Winnipeg Jets are 2nd in the Central Division. It’s been 3 years without a playoff apprehended for this team. Sitting at  12-4-3 can they keep this up and make a return to the playoffs?
• 5. The Toronto Maple Leafs went through a rebuild in a very short time considering how long they can take. At 14-7 I’d say they finish 2nd or 3rd in that Atlantic division and make it back to the playoffs . Even if they don’t make it far, it will be a learning experience for the young core.
• 4. Probably another team that people didn’t see in the playoff picture coming into the year, the New Jersey Devils. After pulling off that steal to get Taylor Hall last offseason it looks like it’s working out well now . Currently leading a loaded metropolitan division at 11-5-3.
• 3. The LA Kings are finally back to being the Kings when they won the Cup. 12-6-2 with good goaltending and defense. They would be the best team in the West if it weren’t for the #2 team .
• 2. The St. Louis Blues are a complete hockey team and aim to make a run for the cup this year . They took a step last year by knocking out the Blackhawks who have been their Achilles heel in the playoffs . They look to take another one this year and take a shot at the cup. Current record is 15-5-1.
• 1. If you have even looked at the NHL standings you would know who #1 is. If you haven’t it’s the Lightning. Complete hockey team and sure favorites in the East right now (until the penguins get hot and aim for a 3rd straight trip to the Stanley Cup). The Lighting are 15-3-2 and sit atop the eastern conference.

Written by Mason Wilkins