There has been some significant movement in the top 10 this week, but the Jets do remain in the number one spot despite their recent struggles.
1. Winnipeg Jets
It really speaks to how incredible the start of the year was for the Jets that they are still in 1st place. That said, they have lost 2 of their last 3 games, and 5 of their 6 total losses this year have come in their past 8 games. If they do not regain some of their prior momentum, they could lose their grip on the top spot.
2. Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes have overtaken the Stars for 2nd. They won 2 of their last 3 games, one of which was against the Stars themselves, and the other was against the Rangers, who are also a top-10 team. Though the Carolina defense could stand to improve, it is still top 10 in goals allowed per game, and their offense is currently 3rd in goals per game.
3. Washington Capitals
Up 7 spots!!! The Capitals won all 4 of their games this past week. After losing Ovechkin, to say the rest of the team has stepped it up would be an understatement. The Capitals are 1st in goals per game by a wide margin and are performing well across the board. To respond this well in the face of adversity says a lot. There is little doubt in my mind that they will make the playoffs and go far this year.
4. Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leafs only had 2 games this past week, and both were against good teams. They lost to the Panthers but beat the Lightning. They were playing very well even without Auston Matthews, and Matthews just returned in the game against Tampa Bay and got 2 apples.
5. Dallas Stars (13-6)
Down 3 spots! Dallas has lost 2 of their 3 games this past week. Their defense has been slipping of late, as they went from allowing the least amount of goals per game last week to allowing the 5th least now.
6. Minnesota Wild
Up 2 spots! The Wild have won 3 of their last 4 games, and their loss was against the top-ranked Winnipeg Jets. One area of their game that needs improvement is their penalty kill percentage, which is currently the 6th worst in the NHL.
7. Florida Panthers
The Panthers won 3 of their last 4 games, notably beating Carolina and Toronto. They would be ranked higher if not for a defense that is allowing the 8th most goals per game.
8. New York Rangers
Down 2 spots. The Rangers lost 3 of their 4 games this past week, 2 of which were against opponents ranked significantly lower.
9. Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights won half of their games this past week. They have scored the 6th most goals per game in the league, but their defense is underperforming.
10. New Jersey Devils
The Devils won 2 of their 4 games this past week. This is a sneaky good team that could easily be ranked higher.
