The EA Sports NHL team posted their NHL 15 Power Rankings today based upon January’s team performance, check it out below:
These rankings are based on performances as of February 5, 2015.
1.
Last Month’s Rank: 2
They have been at the top of the standings all season long and look poised at finish there. Pressure will be on coach Bruce Boudreau to finally get a team past the second round.
2.
Last Month’s Rank: 7
The Blues lead the league in goal differential and have not lost in regulation in over a month.
3.
Last Month’s Rank: 5
Even without Pekka Rinne, the Predators are finding success in the toughest division in hockey.
4.
Last Month’s Rank: 3
Carey Price is making his case for the Hart and Vezina trophies. When he is on his game, the Canadiens are nearly unbeatable.
5.
Last Month’s Rank: 6
The Lightning continue to overwhelm teams with their offensive prowess, sitting at #1 in goals for.
6.
Last Month’s Rank: 1
Don’t let the subpar record over their last 10 games fool you, the Blackhawks are still a powerhouse – evident by their +40 goal differential and outstanding puck possession numbers.
7.
Last Month’s Rank: 4
January was an inconsistent month for the talented Penguins. Good news is that they look healthy going into the final months of the regular season.
8.
Last Month’s Rank: 8
The Isles have passed every test so far this season, now let’s see how they do without star winger Kyle Okposo.
9.
Last Month’s Rank: 10
Petr Mrazek has played admirably in Jimmy Howard’s absence and the Red Wings are now contending for the top spot in the beastly Atlantic Division.
10.
Last Month’s Rank: 9
After a hot month of December, the Rangers cooled off to start 2015. Still, they look to be a lock for the playoffs and have the personnel to make another long playoff run.
11.
Last Month’s Rank: 19
Finally! After being mediocre for the first half of the season, the Bruins finally put together a sustained winning streak that has them sitting comfortably in a wildcard spot. Let’s see if they can continue that momentum.
12.
Last Month’s Rank: 12
It almost feels like the Caps are back to the glory days – Ovechkin is lighting the lamp and Backstrom is top five in scoring.
13.
Last Month’s Rank: 14
The comeback kids continue to dominate teams in the third period and are showing their provincial rivals what a successful rebuild looks like.
14.
Last Month’s Rank: 15
The Sharks continue to stick around in upper half of the Western Conference thanks in large part to Joe Pavelski, who was robbed of an All-Star appearance.
15.
Last Month’s Rank: 18
We’re still holding our breath that we’ll be able to see a playoff game at the MTS Centre, but the Jets will have to cut down on their PIMs if they want to hold onto a wildcard spot.
16.
Last Month’s Rank: 21
After going into a freefall, Devan Dubnyk has given the Wild stable goaltending. His fine play has created a much more confident team that could still reach the playoffs.
17.
Last Month’s Rank: 13
Secondary scoring continues to be the Achilles’ heel for the Canucks; they continue to trend downwards.
18.
Last Month’s Rank: 11
As of right now, the Stanley Cup champs will not get a chance to defend their title.
19.
Last Month’s Rank: 25
The Flyers are starting to make up ground in the East, but will need to go on a long winning streak before anyone considers them a real threat.
20.
Last Month’s Rank: 17
Roberto Luongo has been shaky coming out of the All-Star break. As a result, the Panthers are sliding down the standings in the Eastern Conference.
21.
Last Month’s Rank: 22
Seguin and Benn have the Stars near the top of team scoring, but it’s the same old story of poor defense and inconsistent goaltending.
22.
Last Month’s Rank: 24
With all the high-end talent in Colorado, it’s shocking to see veteran Alex Tanguay leading the team in scoring.
23.
Last Month’s Rank: 26
Adam Larsson is starting to shake off the “bust” label that many were already giving him four seasons into his career.
24.
Last Month’s Rank: 23
You have to admire the fight this team has, but the talent just isn’t there yet.
25.
Last Month’s Rank: 24
The injury bug shows no mercy.
26.
Last Month’s Rank: 28
The Canes are playing above .500 in their last 10 games but still find themselves near the bottom of the East.
27.
Last Month’s Rank: 27
Sounds like the only person untouchable in Arizona is Captain Shane Doan. Expect a few more trades before the end of the deadline.
28.
Last Month’s Rank: 16
Sooooo, it doesn’t look like Randy Carlyle was the problem.
29.
Last Month’s Rank: 30
Big changes may be coming at the trade deadline.
30.
Last Month’s Rank: 29
The finally snapped that long losing streak; time to start another one