We are well into the NHL 2021 – 22 Season now, which means that it’s the perfect time of the year to update ourselves with the NHL power rankings. As always, these are based on each team’s current performance in the season so far, potentially game-changing injuries received by key players, and important transfers/player acquisitions.
If you feel like you have a proper understanding of the league and its teams, feel free to try your luck here. Otherwise, read on!
Colorado Avalanche: Power Rank 7
- Previous Rank: 11th
- L10: 6-3-1
- Home: 10-2-1
- Away: 7-6-1
- GD: +24
- Points: 36
Despite being afflicted heavily by covid and losing their last game, the Colorado Avalanches have played only 27 games and remain a force to be reckoned with. Nazem Kadri (38 pts) is leading the offensive, while Cale Makar (26 pts) is keeping things tight on the defensive line for the Avalanches
Minnesota Wild: Power Rank 6
- Previous Rank: 3rd
- L10: 6-3-1
- Home: 10-2-1
- Away: 9-7-1
- GD: +20
- Points: 40
It is difficult to put down a team that was on an 8-win streak just a few weeks earlier, but unfortunately, their loss against the Dallas Stars could be a sign of the fact that they are losing form. The biggest shock came when they were halted by the LA Kings, who certainly did not have the odds in their favour when the game started. As of now, the Wilds are hanging on to their 7th spot on the table, behind the Florida Panthers (6th).
Florida Panthers: Power Rank 5
- Previous Rank: 1
- L10: 4-5-1
- Home: 14-3-0
- Away: 4-4-4
- GD: +17
- Points: 40
Taking a steep fall from the 1st position on the power rankings, Florida Panthers have dropped down to an unexpected Rank 5, as of late December 2021. This is on account of the three straight losses they suffered against Arizona Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche, and Ottawa Senators. Nevertheless, ESPN insists on keeping them at rank 1 and it is true that they do have a formidable roster.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Power Rank 4
- Previous Rank: 5th
- L10: 8-1-1
- Home: 10-3-2
- Away: 10-3-2
- GD: +18
- Points: 44
Leading the Atlantic Division with 3-Win streak, Tampa Bay Lightning is up a spot from last week at rank 4. Victor Hedman (30 pts) and skipper Steven Stamkos (34 pts) continue to be the two key players for Tampa Bay.
Washinton Capitals: Power Rank 3
- Previous Rank: 4th
- L10: 5-3-2
- Home: 9-3-4
- Away: 9-3-3
- GD: +27
- Points: 43
Also promoted to a rank higher than last week are the Washington Capitals, despite losing the match last week. Sitting at the 3rd position on the League Table and in the power rankings, Washington Capitals’ skipper Alex Ovechki (47 pts) remains a consistent force to reckon with.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Power Rank 2
- Previous Rank: 7th
- L10: 7-2-1
- Home: 12-4-1
- Away: 8-4-1
- GD: +22
- Points: 42
Despite sitting in the 4th position on the Lague table behind both Tampa Bay and Washington, Toronto has a higher power rank at the moment. Propelled forward by a 2-win streak and brought down by Mitch Marner’s injury, Jack Campbell is their biggest hope once the NHL resumes.
Carolina Hurricanes: Power Rank 1
- Previous Rank: 6th
- L10: 7-2-1
- Home: 9-3-0
- Away: 12-4-1
- GD: +33
- Points: 43
Sitting on the league table’s 2nd position and topping the power rankings for this week are the Carolina Hurricanes. Keep in mind that their 43 points came from just 29 games, which means that they are quite likely to top the league soon if they can turn their 2-win streak into a 3-win streak in 2022. Keeping in mind that the Hurricanes have the highest GD (+33), Sebastian Aho (32 pts), and goalie Frederik Andersen (1.93%) on their side, so that is quite a likely outcome.
Note that the power rankings differ quite a bit from source to source, so it’s okay if your own calculations don’t add up. If you are looking for more concrete facts, check out the official table for all the information you may need. Besides, the power rankings change so frequently that the table here will look like a completely new thing by the time the NHL resumes in 2022.
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