These are your up to date Stanley Cup power rankings:
1. Edmonton Oilers
After winning the first two games of their series against the Golden Knights on the road, Vegas was able to fight back in the series with a dramatic goal to win game three. The Oilers were too much for the Knights in game four, though, and now have a commanding 3-1 series lead. The Oilers went to game 7 of the Cup Finals last year and are poised to make another deep run. They are on a mission to get back there and win it this time.
2. Florida Panthers
Although they lost each of the first games to the Leafs by just one goal, they allowed nine goals through two games. They allowed four more goals in game 3, but were able to come away with the OT winner on a lucky bounce. In game four though, the best version of the Panthers showed up, they evened the series and I don’t think it would surprise anyone if they won games 5 and 6 and the series.
3. Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina won their series over the Devils pretty handily. Carolina has been great all season, and now they have a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Capitals, who were the best team in the Eastern Conference all season long.
4. Dallas Stars
They looked great in game one against the Jets, winning on the road in Winnipeg. They were shut out in game two, though, and rebounded with a big 5-2 win in game three. They were one of the best teams in the NHL during the year, but flew under the radar at times because of how good the Jets and Capitals were.
5. Toronto Maple Leafs
Not many people gave the Leafs a chance in this series against the Panthers. They lost a heartbreaker in OT in game three and were shut out in game four. Losing Stolarz has hurt, but Woll was good in game four. The Leafs still have a shot, but the defending champs have all the momentum.
6. Winnipeg Jets
The Jets got over their game one hangover after their crazy first-round series and won a much-needed game two over the Stars. They shut them out and scored four goals. Many could argue that the Jets shouldn’t have even gotten to round two. Their season was great, but their postseason has been far from it.
7. Washington Capitals
They were the best team in the Eastern Conference all year long, but the playoffs are a different animal and although they beat the Canadiens easily, the Canes are beating up on them and they are one game away from being eliminated.
8. Vegas Golden Knights
The Knights are lucky that this series isn’t already over. They trail 3-1, and their only win in the series came on a lucky goal in the final second of the third period. The Oilers have dominated them and the series.
