All posts by theScore Staff

Ranking the top 25 players in the Stanley Cup Playoffs

With the NHL playoffs set to begin Wednesday, we rank the top 25 players who are hoping to claim the Stanley Cup (2018-19 stats in tables):

25. Sebastian Aho, Carolina Hurricanes

Gregg Forwerck / National Hockey League / Getty
GP G A P ATOI
82 30 53 83 20:09

Aho is one of the NHL's most unheralded young stars, but this postseason should put him firmly on the national radar. It'll be well-deserved for the leading scorer on one of the league's most entertaining teams.

24. Marc-Andre Fleury, Vegas Golden Knights

GP W L OTL GAA SV%
61 35 21 5 2.51 .913

The three-time Stanley Cup champion is back and ready to rock. Fleury lost consecutive tuneup games after returning from injury on April 4, but more importantly, he looked healthy between the pipes. Since 2014, the 34-year old is tied for third in both postseason appearances and playoff wins.

23. Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins

GP G A P ATOI
65 16 40 56 25:58

The Penguins have never missed the playoffs with Letang on their roster. Since the start of the decade, the 31-year-old ranks second in postseason points by a defenseman and has three Stanley Cup championships to show for his work.

22. Mark Scheifele, Winnipeg Jets

GP G A P ATOI
82 38 46 84 21:52

Scheifele just wrapped up his second straight point-per-game season, and he'll need to carry that success into the playoffs for the Jets to capitalize on their Stanley Cup aspirations. The big center doesn't have a ton of postseason experience, but proved he's a big-time performer with 14 goals in 17 playoff games last spring.

21. Mark Stone, Golden Knights

GP G A P ATOI
77 33 40 73 19:53

Stone is probably the least flashy player on this list, but his high hockey IQ and 200-foot game always make his presence felt on the ice. The winger's 122 takeaways led the league by a wide margin in 2018-19, and he ranked third in Relative Corsi For percentage, which measures how effective a player is at driving possession.

20. David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
GP G A P ATOI
66 38 43 81 18:45

After returning from a thumb injury on March 19, Pastrnak racked up seven goals and 15 points in 10 games to end the campaign. And despite missing an extended period with the ailment, the 22-year-old marksman scored a career-high 38 goals overall. Last season, Pastrnak tallied 20 points in 12 playoff contests, which were highlighted by a six-point outing in Game 2 of the opening round against the Maple Leafs.

19. Mitch Marner, Toronto Maple Leafs

GP G A P ATOI
82 26 68 94 19:49

Marner's magic was on full display throughout his third NHL campaign. The 21-year-old became the first Maple Leaf in more than 20 years to hit the 90-point mark and led the team in scoring for a second straight season. He's been the Leafs' top playoff performer in the past, too, producing at a point-per-game-pace in 13 career contests, which included nine points in seven games against the Bruins last year.

18. Blake Wheeler, Jets

GP G A P ATOI
82 20 71 91 20:43

Wheeler is the ultimate captain and set a new Jets franchise record with 71 assists this season to go along with a team-leading 91 points. The 32-year-old didn't miss a beat last postseason, contributing 21 points in 17 contests en route to the Western Conference Final.

17. John Tavares, Maple Leafs

GP G A P ATOI
82 47 41 88 19:05

It's safe to say Tavares got comfortable during his first season playing at home, as the Mississauga, Ontario, native set a franchise record for goals by a centerman and by a first-year Maple Leaf. The 88 points also marked a career high, as the 28-year-old is playing the best hockey of his life heading into the playoffs.

16. Brayden Point, Tampa Bay Lightning

GP G A P ATOI
79 41 51 92 18:55

An incredible playoff run last spring saw Point rack up 16 points in 17 games while turning heads with his elite two-way play. The 5-foot-10 center went on to produce a breakout campaign in 2018-19 - enjoying one of the biggest statistical improvements in the league - and will look to keep it going in the postseason.

15. Erik Karlsson, San Jose Sharks

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
GP G A P ATOI
53 3 42 45 24:29

It's a shame that injuries sidelined Karlsson in the second half of the season, as he was rounding into top form after a slow start. Still, the defenseman racked up almost a point per game in his first campaign with the Sharks, including 27 points in his last 23 contests. We've seen Karlsson rise to the occasion as a playoff workhorse, and he'll need to play a key role for San Jose this time around.

14. Andrei Vasilevskiy, Lightning

GP W L OTL GAA SV%
53 39 10 4 2.40 .925

Vasilevskiy was incredibly consistent while backstopping one of the greatest teams in NHL history this season, losing back-to-back starts just once and never in regulation. The 24-year old is also no stranger to pressure, with 29 postseason appearances under his belt, including two in the 2015 Stanley Cup Final as a 20-year-old.

13. Brent Burns, Sharks

GP G A P ATOI
82 16 67 83 25:06

Burns notched a career-high 83 points this season, which led all NHL blue-liners. The 2016-17 Norris Trophy winner is seemingly getting better with age, as he became just the eighth defenseman in league history to record his first 80-point season at 34 or older. The strapping defenseman also brings a boatload of postseason experience to the table with 46 points in 74 career contests.

12. Auston Matthews, Maple Leafs

GP G A P ATOI
68 37 36 73 18:33

These playoffs will be a chance at redemption for Matthews, who found himself under the microscope last spring while recording only two points versus the Bruins. Now, he'll get another shot at Boston following his best regular season yet.

11. Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames

GP G A P ATOI
82 36 63 99 20:04

Gaudreau hasn't gotten enough love this season despite being the offensive catalyst for the resurgent Flames. "Johnny Hockey" took a big step forward in 2018-19, setting career highs in goals, assists, and points while further establishing himself as one of the game's most dynamic, consistent, and creative players.

10. Steven Stamkos, Lightning

Scott Audette / National Hockey League / Getty
GP G A P ATOI
82 45 53 98 18:18

It's not very often that a 45-goal scorer flies under the radar, but teammate Nikita Kucherov's dominant play allowed Stamkos to quietly assemble the best season of his career. The two-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner hit the 40-goal mark for the first time in four campaigns and notched a career-high 98 points while captaining one of the greatest teams in league history.

9. Evgeni Malkin, Penguins

GP G A P ATOI
68 21 51 72 18:48

Malkin battled through injury this season but returned to the Penguins' lineup for a few tuneup games down the stretch. During his distinguished postseason career, Geno's notched 165 points in 158 games while earning a Conn Smythe and three titles.

8. Mark Giordano, Flames

GP G A P ATOI
78 17 57 74 24:14

Giordano produced a career year at age 35 and should warrant serious consideration for both the Norris Trophy and the Masterton. Calgary's captain excels in all situations while serving as the team's unquestioned leader.

7. Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche

GP G A P ATOI
82 41 58 99 22:05

While Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog missed extended time down the stretch, MacKinnon put the Avalanche on his back. The 23-year-old notched 15 points in the final 14 games, leading Colorado to a 9-3-2 record and into the playoffs. It's the first time the Avalanche have qualified in consecutive seasons since 2006.

6. Brad Marchand, Bruins

GP G A P ATOI
79 36 64 100 19:37

Marchand has rightfully earned his reputation as a pest, but his well-rounded game was on full display this season. The winger's 100 points easily set a career high, while he led the Bruins with nine game-winning goals, more than double anyone else on the roster.

5. Victor Hedman, Lightning

Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images Sport / Getty
GP G A P ATOI
70 12 42 54 22:46

Has there ever been a defenseman with Hedman's combination of size (6-foot-6) and effortless skating stride? The Swede also played fewer minutes in 2018-19 than in any of the last three seasons, so he should be ready to log close to 30 per night when necessary in the playoffs.

4. Patrice Bergeron, Bruins

GP G A P ATOI
65 32 47 79 18:28

Like his teammate Marchand, Bergeron produced a career year in 2018-19. Despite playing just 65 games, he managed a personal best of 79 points and continued the kind of excellent two-way play you'd expect from a four-time Selke Trophy winner. With 112 games of postseason experience and a Cup win under his belt, Bergeron is the type of player who can be relied upon on the biggest stage.

3. Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

GP G A P ATOI
81 51 38 89 20:55

Even at age 33, Ovechkin isn't slowing down. He surpassed the 50-goal mark yet again this season after leading all playoff scorers with 15 en route to winning the Stanley Cup last June. There's no reason the veteran can't get it done again.

2. Nikita Kucherov, Lightning

GP G A P ATOI
82 41 87 128 19:58

What a season it was for Kucherov. The Lightning star blew away the rest of the league with 128 points - the most by a Russian in NHL history and the highest total by any player since Mario Lemieux had 161 in 1995-96. He may not have a Cup victory to his name, but Kucherov was a key piece of Tampa's run to the final in 2015 and has recorded 59 points over 62 career postseason games.

1. Sidney Crosby, Penguins

GP G A P ATOI
79 35 65 100 21:00

Yes, Kucherov was the most dominant player this season, but Crosby is still the top dog as far as the playoffs are concerned. Sid ranks eighth all time in postseason points per game, and let's not forget those three championships or the back-to-back Conn Smythe Trophy wins.

The Penguins captain is still playing at an elite level, so until that changes, he's the clear choice as the No. 1 player in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NHL Power Rankings: Preds, Blues peaking at exactly the right time

Welcome to the 14th and final edition of theScore's 2018-19 regular season NHL Power Rankings. Below, we assess how each team wrapped up their recent campaigns.

1. Tampa Bay Lightning (62-16-4)

What a run for the Lightning, who matched an NHL record with 62 wins. They're the runaway favorites to win the Stanley Cup for good reason, but the health of blue-line stalwart Victor Hedman is imperative for the club's title aspirations.

Previously: 1st

2. Calgary Flames (50-25-7) ▲

The Flames improved 23 points in the standings this season and earned home ice throughout the Western Conference playoffs. It's unclear who will start Game 1 in goal for Calgary but the good news is both Mike Smith and David Rittich were capable of winning games down the stretch.

Previously: 3rd

3. Boston Bruins (49-24-9) ▲

From Jan. 1 onward, the Bruins went 28-10-5 while ranking sixth in goals for (148) and seventh in goals against (109). They face a daunting Atlantic Division draw again this spring, but Boston is a legitimate Cup threat.

Previously: 5th

4. Washington Capitals (48-26-8)

The title defense is officially on for the Capitals, who pulled away from the pack in the Metropolitan and earned their fourth consecutive division title.

Previously: 4th

5. Nashville Predators (47-29-6) ▲

John Russell / National Hockey League / Getty

The Central Division crown was ripe for the taking throughout March and April, and the seasoned Predators won seven of their last 10 games to capture it. Now, Nashville has home ice and gets an easier opponent in Round 1 to get its playoff run started.

Previously: 13th

6. New York Islanders (48-27-7) ▲

The Islanders shattered expectations to finish fifth in the entire league, and it will be fascinating to see if head coach Barry Trotz can get his troops to make some noise in the playoffs - perhaps enough to set up a second-round match up with his former Capitals squad.

Previously: 11th

7. St. Louis Blues (45-28-9) ▲

St. Louis was tied for 29th place at Christmas. It ended up missing the division title by a single point. Watch out for the Blues.

Previously: 16th

8. Toronto Maple Leafs (46-28-8) ▼

An inconsistent Frederik Andersen and a swath of injuries led to some shaky play from the Maple Leafs to close out the regular season. Still, the 2018-19 campaign was about playoff progress from the get-go, and Toronto earned its chance at redemption versus the Bruins.

Previously:6th

9. Pittsburgh Penguins (44-26-12)

Not to say seeding doesn't matter, but for a team as experienced as the Penguins, full health is more important than first-round opponents. It goes without saying that Pittsburgh getting Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang back into the lineup prior to the playoffs makes this club as dangerous as any.

Previously: 9th

10. Carolina Hurricanes (46-29-7) ▼

Gregg Forwerck / National Hockey League / Getty

The Hurricanes' playoff push enthralled the hockey world, and it's safe to say the hype train will go off the rails if Carolina puts a scare into, or beats the Capitals. Let's see what this bunch of jerks can do.

Previously: 8th

11. San Jose Sharks (46-27-9) ▼

The Sharks stumbled into the playoffs with a 3-8-1 record in their last 12 games to claim their lowest spot on our power rankings since Dec. 10. The team's biggest question mark all season has been between the pipes with Martin Jones. The netminder is coming off his worst season but does boast a stellar playoff resume.

Previously: 2nd

12. Winnipeg Jets (47-30-5) ▼

The Jets also dragged their way into the postseason, but injuries were certainly a contributing factor - specifically on the blue line. Dustin Byfuglien, who skated in just 42 contests this season, returned for a five-game tuneup before the playoffs. Meanwhile, Josh Morrissey hasn't played since Feb. 24 and his status for Game 1 is uncertain.

Previously: 10th

13. Columbus Blue Jackets (47-31-4) ▲

The Blue Jackets won seven of their final eight games to punch their postseason ticket. Sergei Bobrovsky was spectacular down the stretch, going 10-3 with a .946 save percentage and four shutouts. He'll need to be just as sharp in the playoffs for Columbus to upset Tampa Bay.

Previously: 15th

14. Vegas Golden Knights (43-32-7) ▼

The Golden Knights mustered together just one win in their last eight games to cap the worst season in franchise history. Marc-Andre Fleury was absent for most of those contests, though. He returned for the last two games after missing nearly a month, but is that enough to get ready for a playoff run?

Previously: 7th

15. Dallas Stars (43-32-7) ▼

Glenn James / National Hockey League / Getty

The Stars squeaked into the playoffs despite owning the third-worst offense in the entire league. Simply put, Ben Bishop's brilliance will have to continue for Dallas to stand a chance.

Previously: 14th

16. Colorado Avalanche (38-30-14) ▲

In addition to a well-earned playoff berth, Colorado could net the first overall pick courtesy of the Senators' incompetence. The Avs' top-end talent makes them a dangerous team to face, but a lack of scoring depth could lead to an early exit.

Previously: 23rd

17. Montreal Canadiens (44-30-8) ▲

The Canadiens were simply in the wrong conference. They finished with more points than the Stars, Golden Knights, and Avalanche, but won't be heading to the postseason. Nonetheless, this season should be viewed as a positive, as many projected them as a lottery team in October.

Previously: 18th

18. Arizona Coyotes (39-35-8) ▼

If the league handed out a team award for perseverance, the Coyotes would be this year's winners. Arizona suffered an unimaginable amount of injuries but remained in the thick of the playoff hunt until the final few games. However, it's clear this team needs an injection of offense if it wants to take the next step.

Previously: 12th

19. Florida Panthers (36-32-14)

The Panthers could be in for a busy offseason. They've already hired Joel Quenneville as their next head coach and have been linked to pending free agents Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky. With plenty of high-end talent already on the roster, a couple of key additions could finally get Florida over the hump.

Previously: 19th

20. Minnesota Wild (37-36-9)

Bruce Kluckhohn / National Hockey League / Getty

Paul Fenton's first year as Wild general manager didn't go as planned. Their six-year postseason streak was snapped, and the midseason Nino Niederreiter-for-Victor Rask trade looks horrendous. More moves are surely on the way in Minny.

Previously: 20th

21. Chicago Blackhawks (36-34-12)

The Blackhawks will obviously be disappointed to have missed the playoffs, but they should take some solace in how well they played down the stretch to vault back into the hunt. Despite some lingering issues, Chicago should enter next season with a positive outlook.

Previously: 21st

22. Vancouver Canucks (35-36-11) ▲

Speaking of an encouraging outlook, the Canucks certainly have one despite how their season concluded. Vancouver gave prized defensive prospect Quinn Hughes a handful of games before wrapping things up, and the club has reason for optimism going forward with Hughes, Elias Pettersson, and Brock Boeser anchoring a promising core.

Previously: 25th

23. Detroit Red Wings (32-40-10) ▲

Winning seven out of 10 is a nice way to end the regular season, but the Red Wings' roster still has plenty of holes heading into 2019-20.

Previously: 31st

24. Philadelphia Flyers (37-37-8) ▼

Despite Carter Hart's emergence, this season was unquestionably a failure for the Flyers, who learned they'll need more than the talented, young goaltender and two good lines to become a truly competitive club again.

Previously: 17th

25. Edmonton Oilers (35-38-9) ▼

Mike Stobe / National Hockey League / Getty

Connor McDavid's frustration boiled over a bit down the stretch, and then he got hurt in the Oilers' regular-season finale. Needless to say, he and the rest of the club would clearly like to put this campaign behind them.

Previously: 22nd

26. Anaheim Ducks (35-37-10)

The lesson for the Anaheim this season is that John Gibson needs a lot more help. The Ducks have to improve the NHL's worst offense and get better at limiting shots and scoring chances. They're unlikely to do that if they continue to be one of the league's oldest teams.

Previously: 26th

27. New York Rangers (32-36-14)

Alexandar Georgiev has proven capable of being the heir apparent to Henrik Lundqvist whenever King Henrik decides to call it a career, but it's going to be a while before the Rangers are real contenders again.

Previously: 27th

28. Buffalo Sabres (33-39-10) ▼

A second-half nosedive doomed Phil Housley, as the now-former Sabres head coach got the ax Sunday. Buffalo clearly has plenty of room to grow, but expectations will always be high with Jack Eichel and Rasmus Dahlin in the fold. Jeff Skinner still needs a new contract, too.

Previously: 24th

29. New Jersey Devils (31-41-10) ▼

Getting Taylor Hall signed long term will be priority No. 1 for the Devils this summer. New Jersey will also have a shot at a very high pick in the upcoming draft, so general manager Ray Shero has an important offseason ahead.

Previously: 28th

30. Los Angeles Kings (31-42-9) ▼

The Kings will have the second-best odds at winning the first overall pick, but not even Jack Hughes or Kaapo Kakko can fix Los Angeles' problems on their own.

Previously: 29th

31. Ottawa Senators (29-47-6) ▼

A nightmare of a season on and off the ice is finally, mercifully over for the Senators, but hey, at least they have the lottery to look forward to. Oh, wait ...

Previously: 30th

Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NHL stat leaders: Kucherov claims Art Ross, Ovechkin wins ‘Rocket’ Richard

The 2018-19 NHL regular season came to a close Saturday, making official the league leaders in a number of notable statistical categories.

Here's a look at the top five in goals, points, save percentage, and more.

Goals

Rank Player Team Goals
1 Alex Ovechkin Capitals 51
2 Leon Draisaitl Oilers 50
3 John Tavares Maple Leafs 47
4 Steven Stamkos Lightning 45
5 Patrick Kane Blackhawks 44

Assists

Rank Player Team Assists
1 Nikita Kucherov Lightning 87
2 Connor McDavid Oilers 75
3 Blake Wheeler Jets 70
4 Mitch Marner Maple Leafs 68
T5 Patrick Kane Blackhawks 66
T5 Brent Burns Sharks 66

Points

Rank Player Team Points
1 Nikita Kucherov Lightning 128
2 Connor McDavid Oilers 116
3 Patrick Kane Blackhawks 110
4 Leon Draisaitl Oilers 105
T5 Brad Marchand Bruins 100
T5 Sidney Crosby Penguins 100

Plus/Minus

Rank Player Team +/-
1 Mark Giordano Flames 39
2 Ryan McDonagh Lightning 38
3 Brett Pesce Hurricanes 35
4 Mikael Backlund Flames 34
5 Brian Dumoulin Penguins 31

Wins

Rank Player Team Wins
1 Andrei Vasilevskiy Lightning 39
2 Sergei Bobrovsky Blue Jackets 37
T3 Frederik Andersen Maple Leafs 36
T3 Martin Jones Sharks 36
5 Carey Price Canadiens 35

Goals Against Average

Rank Player Team GAA
1 Jordan Binnington Blues 1.89
2 Ben Bishop Stars 1.98
3 Robin Lehner Islanders 2.13
4 Thomas Greiss Islanders 2.28
5 Jack Campbell Kings 2.30

Save Percentage

Rank Player Team SV%
1 Ben Bishop Stars .934
2 Robin Lehner Islanders .930
3 Jack Campbell Kings .928
T4 Jordan Binnington Blues .927
T4 Thomas Greiss Islanders .927

Shutouts

Rank Player Team SO
1 Sergei Bobrovsky Blue Jackets 9
2 Marc-Andre Fleury Golden Knights 8
3 Ben Bishop Stars 7
T4 Andrei Vasilevskiy Lightning 6
T4 Robin Lehner Islanders 6

Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NHL Power Rankings: Golden Knights take game to next level

This is the 13th and penultimate edition of theScore's 2018-19 NHL Power Rankings, which are published every two weeks during the regular season.

1. Tampa Bay Lightning (55-13-4)

The Lightning have won six of their last seven games and potted at least five goals in five of those contests. Nikita Kucherov also added to his historic campaign by picking up his eighth four-point night of the season in a comeback victory over the Red Wings. The Bolts just need two more points to clinch the Presidents' Trophy.

Previously: 1st

2. San Jose Sharks (43-21-8) ▲

The Sharks began March with six consecutive wins before losing two straight on home ice. Goaltender Martin Jones has posted his best month of the season with a .917 save percentage and a 2.28 goals-against average, while the offense continues to hum with 35 goals over the past 10 games.

Previously: 5th

3. Calgary Flames (44-21-7)

The Flames responded to their recent four-game slide with a three-game winning streak that saw them explode for 20 goals. Johnny Gaudreau's incredible six-point effort (3G, 3A) against the Devils stands as the best statistical game by any player this season.

Previously: 3rd

4. Washington Capitals (42-23-7) ▲

The defending Stanley Cup champion Capitals are playing their best hockey at the right time with eight wins in their last 10 games. Alex Ovechkin is just two goals shy of hitting 50 for the eighth time in his career, which would move him one shy of tying Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy for the all-time record of nine.

Previously: 6th

5. Boston Bruins (43-20-9) ▼

The Bruins predictably fell back down to earth after snapping their 19-game point streak, losing three straight. Overall, roster depth has played a pivotal role in Boston staying afloat while five key players are out with injuries, and sniper David Pastrnak's return to practice Saturday is a nightmare for the rest of the league.

Previously: 2nd

6. Toronto Maple Leafs (43-24-5) ▼

The Maple Leafs have seen their defensive depth exposed following injuries to Jake Gardiner and Travis Dermott, and the team's tendency to float through first periods has resulted in chasing games. Toronto's allowed 23 goals over its last four contests, with three of those duds coming against teams currently outside the playoff picture.

Previously: 4th

7. Vegas Golden Knights (40-27-5) ▲

The addition of Mark Stone has taken an already dangerous Golden Knights team to the next level. Vegas has posted an 8-1 record since the trade deadline and has allowed just 13 goals over its last seven contests. Marc-Andre Fleury's been sensational in the month of March, going 5-0-0 with a .975 save percentage.

Previously: 11th

8. Carolina Hurricanes (39-25-7)

Gregg Forwerck / National Hockey League / Getty

The Hurricanes keep inching closer to ending the NHL's longest playoff drought. They're 7-2-1 in their last ten contests, haven't lost consecutive games in regulation since Jan. 18, and hold the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Previously: 8th

9. Pittsburgh Penguins (39-24-10) ▲

With spring fast approaching, it's officially Sidney Crosby season. The longtime Penguins captain is on a tear with eight goals and 19 points over his last 12 games. However, Pittsburgh endured a rough weekend, getting run over by the Blues on Saturday, blowing a lead and falling to the Flyers in overtime Sunday, and then losing Evgeni Malkin to a week-to-week injury.

Previously: 10th

10. Winnipeg Jets (42-25-4) ▼

After going 5-3 during a tough eight-game stretch against current playoff teams, the Jets are battle-tested ahead of the postseason. Blake Wheeler continues to lead by example with seven goals over his last seven games, while Patrik Laine is showing signs of life at the right time.

Previously: 9th

11. New York Islanders (42-23-7) ▼

The Islanders have struggled to find the net lately, mustering two goals or fewer in seven of their last 11 contests. Robin Lehner's potential return to the crease this week is a promising development, although Thomas Greiss has done an excellent job in his absence. New York's final 10 games won't be easy, with six coming on the road and eight against potential playoff teams.

Previously: 7th

12. Arizona Coyotes (36-30-6) ▲

Norm Hall / National Hockey League / Getty

The Coyotes have seven wins in their last ten games, and it's been a complete team effort by Rick Tocchet's squad. No player on the roster's even hit the 20-goal mark this season, and only Clayton Keller has broken 40 points.

Previously: 17th

13. Nashville Predators (41-27-5) ▼

The Predators have traded wins and losses since the All-Star break, failing to put together a winning streak longer than two games. But with five of their next six contests coming against current playoff teams, the Preds have an excellent chance to up their game and build some momentum for the postseason.

Previously: 12th

14. Dallas Stars (37-29-6) ▲

The Stars have won five of their last eight contests, largely thanks to Ben Bishop's outstanding work between the pipes. Before departing with an injury last week against the Wild, Bishop had pushed his ongoing shutout streak to a franchise-record 230 minutes, 53 seconds.

Previously: 19th

15. Columbus Blue Jackets (40-28-4) ▲

Matt Duchene's scored two goals in his last three games for the Blue Jackets, who've earned points in four of their past five. Columbus also has the inside track for the second Eastern Conference wild-card spot, but seven of the club's final 10 games will be on the road.

Previously: 18th

16. St. Louis Blues (37-27-8) ▼

The Blues have dropped four of five contests, including matchups against the Senators, Sabres, and Coyotes. Those defeats could come back to haunt them as they try to maintain their grip on a postseason position.

Previously: 13th

17. Philadelphia Flyers (35-29-8) ▼

The Flyers remain alive in the playoff race, and getting rookie goaltender Carter Hart back from injury should help, but it will still be a tall task to punch a postseason ticket. Philadelphia sits six points out with just 10 games left.

18. Montreal Canadiens (37-28-7) ▼

Things are not going well in Montreal right now. Andrew Shaw called out teammates on Thursday night, and the Canadiens have now dropped four of their last five.

Previously: 15th

19. Florida Panthers (32-28-12) ▲

Eliot J. Schechter / National Hockey League / Getty

The Panthers saw their four-game winning streak snapped Sunday, but rookie goalie Sam Montembeault has shown something in his first six NHL appearances. Another hot streak would help Florida's playoff chances, but this team might be running out of time.

Previously: 21st

20. Minnesota Wild (34-30-9) ▼

Minnesota's still hanging around in the Western Conference wild-card race, but with the Coyotes and Blackhawks coming on strong, and the Avalanche not going away, the pressure's squarely on the Wild to keep up. Losing four of their past five games didn't help.

Previously: 14th

21. Chicago Blackhawks (32-30-9) ▲

Corey Crawford's stellar play has helped Chicago reel off five straight wins, and the veteran goaltender has allowed only three goals combined over his last four appearances. Here come the Hawks, indeed.

Previously: 23rd

22. Edmonton Oilers (32-33-7) ▲

Connor McDavid's heroics lifted the Oilers to a big win over the Coyotes on Saturday night, but Edmonton couldn't keep up with the Golden Knights on Sunday. The Oilers' season isn't over, but they'll need quite a run over the final 10 games to have any shot at the postseason.

Previously: 24th

23. Colorado Avalanche (31-29-12) ▼

Head coach Jared Bednar publicly roasted his Avalanche after a crushing loss to the lowly Ducks on Friday, and they responded with a much-needed victory over the Devils on Sunday. However, Colorado still has work to do.

Previously: 20th

24. Buffalo Sabres (31-32-9) ▼

The Sabres snapped a seven-game losing streak with a shootout win Sunday, but they failed to score a single goal in three consecutive contests during the skid and have been in a downward spiral for months.

Previously: 22nd

25. Vancouver Canucks (30-32-10) ▲

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

Elias Pettersson and Jacob Markstrom have provided Canucks fans with some optimism of late, but it's of the long-term variety. Vancouver remains near the basement of the Western Conference and would need to leapfrog several teams to make the playoffs.

Previously: 26th

26. Anaheim Ducks (30-35-9) ▲

The Ducks are on a 6-3-0 run and have gone 9-9-0 since general manager Bob Murray fired head coach Randy Carlyle and took over behind the bench. Anaheim probably isn't playoff bound, but there have been positive signs down the stretch.

Previously: 30th

27. New York Rangers (28-31-13) ▼

Pavel Buchnevich has shown promise with five goals in his last eight games, while four of them have come at even strength. Beyond that, though, the Rangers have just one win in their last 10 contests and are essentially playing out the string.

Previously: 25th

28. New Jersey Devils (27-37-9) ▼

With the Devils sitting in the basement of the Metropolitan Division and near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, it's somewhat surprising that they haven't ruled out a return for Taylor Hall before season's end. On the other hand, fans in New Jersey could use a reason to tune in.

Previously: 27th

29. Los Angeles Kings (25-38-8) ▼

The Kings entered Sunday's action with the worst goal differential in the NHL, and they've won only two of their last 10 games. There's not much hockey to be excited about in Southern California these days.

Previously: 28th

30. Ottawa Senators (25-41-6) ▲

Sometimes, a squad without anything on the line plays looser than a contender, and that was evident in Ottawa's win over Toronto on Saturday. However, the victory was only a small consolation for the NHL's worst team.

Previously: 31st

31. Detroit Red Wings (25-37-10) ▼

Red Wings fans don't have much incentive to watch their team's final 10 games, especially now that top prospect Filip Zadina has been sent back to Grand Rapids. At least they can look forward to the draft lottery.

Previously: 29th

Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NHL Power Rankings: Bruins are on a tear

Welcome to the 12th edition of theScore's 2018-19 NHL Power Rankings, which are published every two weeks during the regular season.

1. Tampa Bay Lightning (50-12-4)

The Lightning are in the midst of a dominant season, matching the 1995-96 Red Wings to become the second team in league history to win 50 of its first 66 games. That Detroit team went on to win a record 62 contests, and it should be a blast to see if Tampa can match that mark.

Previously: 1st

2. Boston Bruins (39-17-9) ▲

Boston has won nine of its last 10 games, and the Bruins haven't lost in regulation since Jan. 19. Suddenly, the Bruins appear destined for home-ice advantage in a daunting Atlantic Division playoff picture.

Previously: 4th

3. Calgary Flames (41-17-7) ▲

Surely, the Flames wanted to secure two points for Jarome Iginla on his special night. But even after the disappointing result, Calgary is sitting pretty atop the Western Conference with 89 points, and a 7-2-1 record in the team's last 10 games.

Previously: 5th

4. Toronto Maple Leafs (40-21-4) ▲

The Maple Leafs rank third league-wide in regulation-and-overtime wins (40) and second in goal differential (plus-47). However, finding a way to catch Boston is all that should matter right now for the Buds.

Previously: 6th

5. San Jose Sharks (39-19-8) ▼

Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Sport / Getty

San Jose is excelling in advanced stats, but Martin Jones' .897 save percentage is a major concern as the playoffs inch closer.

Previously: 3rd

6. Washington Capitals (38-21-7) ▲

Washington's rounded into shape lately, and the Capitals are in the hunt for the Metropolitan Division crown. As always, Alex Ovechkin is leading the way. He recently secured his record-breaking 10th season with 45-plus goals.

Previously: 14th

7. New York Islanders (37-21-7) ▼

Do not spurn the New York Islanders in free agency and expect to get away with it unscathed.

Previously: 2nd

8. Carolina Hurricanes (36-23-6) ▲

After winning eight of their last 10 games, including five in a row, the Hurricanes look dangerous. They're getting solid goaltending to match an overwhelming attack. Look out for Carolina going forward.

Previously: 9th

9. Winnipeg Jets (39-22-4) ▼

The Jets beat the Blue Jackets on Sunday, but they're sputtering a bit lately and need to get back on track soon. On their upcoming schedule, the Jets face six consecutive games against top-10 teams.

Previously: 7th

10. Pittsburgh Penguins (34-22-9) ▲

Francois Lacasse / National Hockey League / Getty

The Penguins have struggled to find consistency all season, but captain Sidney Crosby appears ready to push his club to the playoffs. In his last 10 games, Sid has notched 21 points, and he's now fifth in league scoring.

Previously: 18th

11. Vegas Golden Knights (36-26-5) ▲

Things have been looking up for Vegas, as the Golden Knights reeled off four straight victories after landing Mark Stone on trade deadline day. The Knights are now better positioned to compete with their Western Conference rivals come playoff time.

Previously: 17th

12. Nashville Predators (38-25-5) ▼

The Predators needed to improve their atrocious power play, and adding Mikael Granlund and Wayne Simmonds should do that once the two trade-deadline acquisitions get acclimated to Nashville's system.

Previously: 11th

13. St. Louis Blues (34-25-6) ▼

The Blues have cooled off since our last rankings, dropping four of their last seven contests, with only one of those three wins coming in regulation. However, St. Louis remains in a postseason position for now, and Jordan Binnington continues to give his team a chance to win every game.

Previously: 8th

14. Minnesota Wild (32-27-7) ▲

The Wild won five straight games before Sunday's shootout loss to the Predators, including impressive road victories over the Flames and Jets. Few predicted Minnesota would play this well after the team traded Granlund and Charlie Coyle before the deadline, but the Wild are exceeding recent expectations.

Previously: 19th

15. Montreal Canadiens (35-24-7) ▼

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

Inconsistent play has dogged the Canadiens lately. Much like the Predators, Montreal needs to fix its weak power play, as the Habs' efficiency rate ranks 31st with the man advantage.

Previously: 13th

16. Philadelphia Flyers (32-26-8) ▼

Philadelphia has won four of its last five, including a significant victory over the Islanders on Sunday. But there's still plenty of work left for the Flyers to sneak into the postseason, as the team has recorded fewer regulation-or-overtime wins than the clubs ahead with no games in hand. Plus, Philadelphia is still posting a negative goal differential.

Previously: 10th

17. Arizona Coyotes (32-28-5) ▲

The once moribund Coyotes are on the playoff doorstep after winning six straight. Several teams have climbed back into the race in a lackluster Pacific Division. But Arizona deserves credit, even if the Coyotes haven't beaten many powerhouses during their run.

Previously: 23rd

18. Columbus Blue Jackets (36-26-3) ▼

Columbus kept Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky through last Monday's trade deadline while adding Matt Duchene, Ryan Dzingel, and Adam McQuaid. General manager Jarmo Kekalainen went all-in for the stretch drive, but what will his team look like next season?

Previously: 15th

19. Dallas Stars (33-27-5) ▼

Dallas has won three of its last four games, but two of those wins came against the Kings and Blackhawks. The Stars are still among the NHL's stingiest defensive teams, ranking third in goals against. But Dallas is also one of the league's worst offensive squads, ranking 29th in goals for.

Previously: 12th

20. Colorado Avalanche (28-26-12)▲

Foster Snell / National Hockey League / Getty

The Avalanche started rounding into form after our last edition, winning four straight. But they've been inconsistent lately, and hefty contributions from Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Gabriel Landeskog might not be enough to get Colorado into the postseason.

Previously: 26th

21. Florida Panthers (28-26-11)▲

The Panthers have been grinding lately, going into extra time in four consecutive contests before Sunday's regulation loss to the Senators. However, Florida produced only one win in that span, and Frank Vatrano hasn't registered a point since signing his extension in late February.

Previously: 22nd

22. Buffalo Sabres (30-27-8) ▼

A difficult second half of the season is overshadowing the Sabres' promising start, but fans shouldn't be discouraged. Buffalo could lose all 17 games the rest of the way and still finish with higher win and point totals than it did last year. The Sabres will likely miss the playoffs again, but they're trending in the right direction.

Previously: 20th

23. Chicago Blackhawks (27-30-9) ▼

After an incredible 10-2 run launched the Blackhawks up the standings and into a playoff position briefly, the team has come back down to earth. Chicago has dropped four of its last five contests, conceding 23 goals in the process.

Previously: 16th

24. Edmonton Oilers (28-30-7) ▲

The Oilers picked up three of a possible four points with Connor McDavid serving his two-game suspension, but the Maple Leafs bullied them 6-2 in his return. Edmonton's playoff chances are slim, but consecutive wins have Ken Hitchcock's club playing with pride down the stretch.

Previously: 30th

25. New York Rangers (27-27-11) ▼

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

New York has lost five of its last six games, including three straight since trading longtime Rangers Mats Zuccarello and Kevin Hayes. Mika Zibanejad's coming out party as a top-line center is one positive revelation for a team entering a rebuild.

Previously: 21st

26. Vancouver Canucks (27-30-9) ▼

The Canucks lingered around a playoff spot for most of the season, but they've fallen down the ladder after dropping six of their last seven outings. Travis Green's group is struggling to build any momentum, failing to win consecutive games since Jan. 20.

Previously: 24th

27. New Jersey Devils (25-33-8) ▲

Injuries have mired the Devils' season, and the team is struggling to score. New Jersey has potted just four goals during a three-game losing skid, and the Devils rank 20th while averaging 2.83 goals per game.

Previously: 28th

28. Los Angeles Kings (24-33-8) ▼

The Kings finally ended a 10-game losing streak with a victory over the Blackhawks on Saturday. The win was their first on home ice since Jan. 21. L.A. deploys the league's 30th-ranked offense while scoring 2.40 goals per game, and the Kings are one of three teams still waiting to roster a 20-goal scorer.

Previously: 27th

29. Detroit Red Wings (23-33-9) ▼

Dylan Larkin is providing Red Wings fans with a reason for excitement. In his fourth NHL season, the 22-year-old is on pace for a career-high 78 points, which would mark the highest single-season total by a Red Wing since 2010-11. Detroit has dropped seven straight games, however, and the team looks ready to hear the results of this year's draft lottery.

Previously: 25th

30. Anaheim Ducks (25-32-9) ▲

It's been a season to forget for the lowly Ducks. Since ending a franchise-worst 12-game losing streak in January, Anaheim has suffered through seven- and five-game slides. Over their last six contests, the Ducks have mustered seven goals while recording just one win in that span.

Previously: 31st

31. Ottawa Senators (23-38-5) ▼

After cleaning house at the deadline, none of the Senators' top-six scorers from a season ago are on the team's roster. Ottawa has recorded just five regulation wins since Dec. 15.

Previously: 29th

Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NHL Trade Deadline Tracker

Details on every trade made before the deadline on Monday, Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. ET:

Feb. 9: Canadiens, Flyers swap depth pieces

Canadiens receive Flyers receive
F Dale Weise D David Schlemko
D Christian Folin F Byron Froese 

Feb. 8: Predators, Coyotes swing minor deal

Predators receive Coyotes receive
F Laurent Dauphin F Emil Pettersson
F Adam Helewka

Feb. 6: Predators add grit with McLeod

Predators receive Rangers receive
F Cody McLeod 7th-round pick (2020)

Feb. 6: Predators land Boyle

Predators receive Devils receive
F Brian Boyle 2nd-round pick (2019)

Feb. 6: Sens, Avs make minor trade

Senators receive Avalanche receive
F Jean-Christophe Beaudin F Max McCormick

Feb. 1: Pens, Panthers pull off 4-player deal

Penguins receive Panthers receive
F Nick Bjugstad F Derick Brassard
F Jared McCann F Riley Sheahan
2nd-round pick (2019)
4th-round pick (2019)
4th-round pick (2019)

Jan. 30: Wild, Devils swing minor deal

Wild receive Devils receive
D Michael Kapla D Ryan Murphy

Jan. 28: Kings deal Muzzin to Leafs

Maple Leafs receive Kings receive
D Jake Muzzin 1st-round pick (2019)
F Carl Grundstrom
Right to D Sean Durzi

Jan. 28: Stars acquire Oleksiak from Penguins

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Stars receive Penguins receive
D Jamie Oleksiak 4th-round pick (2019)

Jan. 24: Kings, Blackhawks make minor swap

Kings receive Blackhawks receive
5th-round pick (2019) Right to F Dominik Kubalik

Jan. 21: Wild get Hunt

Wild receive Golden Knights receive
D Brad Hunt 5th-round pick (2019)
6th-round pick (2019)

Notes: Golden Knights will receive the better 6th-round pick of Wild or Capitals (both currently owned by Minnesota).

Jan. 17: Flyers, Sabres swap forwards

Flyers receive Sabres receive 
F Justin Bailey F Taylor Leier

Jan. 17: Hurricanes flip Rask for Niederreiter

Hurricanes receive Wild receive
F Nino Niederreiter F Victor Rask

Jan. 17: Ducks acquire Del Zotto for Schenn

Derek Leung / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Ducks receive Canucks receive
D Michael Del Zotto D Luke Schenn 
7th-round pick (2020)

Jan. 17: Ducks, Pens agree to minor trade

Penguins receive Ducks receive 
F Joseph Blandisi F Derek Grant

Jan. 16: Ducks send Aberg to Minnesota

Wild receive Ducks receive
F Pontus Aberg F Justin Kloos

Jan. 14: Rangers acquire Brickley

Rangers receive Predators receive
F Connor Brickley F Cole Schneider

Jan. 14: Cogliano traded for Shore

Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Ducks receive Stars receive
F Devin Shore F Andre Cogliano

Jan. 11: Lightning, Blackhawks trade defensemen, picks

Lightning receive Blackhawks receive
D Jan Rutta D Slater Koekkoek 
7th-round picks (2019) 5th-round pick (2019)

Jan. 11: Coyotes acquire Weal

Coyotes receive Flyers receive
Jordan Weal D Jacob Graves
6th-round pick (2019)

Jan. 11: Bruins, Sens make minor deal

Bruins receive Senators receive
F Paul Carey D Cody Goloubef

Jan. 11: Sens, Leafs swap forwards

Seantors receive Maple Leafs receive 
F Morgan Klimchuk F Gabriel Gagne

Jan. 3: Blues add goalie

Blues receive Ducks receive
G Jared Coreau Future Considerations

Jan. 2: Senators, Canucks trade goalies

Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports / USA TODAY Sports
Senators receive Canucks receive
G Anders Nilsson G Mike McKenna
F Darren Archibald F Tom Pyatt
6th-round pick (2019)

Dec. 30: Oilers deal for Manning

Oilers receive Blackhawks receive
D Brandon Manning D Jason Garrison
D Robin Norell F Drake Caggiula

Dec. 30: Oilers acquire Petrovic

Oilers receive Panthers receive
D Alexander Petrovic D Chris Wideman
3rd-round pick (2019)

Dec. 29: Leafs add Hutchinson

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Maple Leafs receive Panthers receive
G Michael Hutchinson 5th-round pick (2020)

Dec. 28: Ducks send Fiore to Arizona

Ducks receive Coyotes receive
D Trevor Murphy F Giovanni Fiore

Dec. 10: Ducks trade Olesky to Toronto

Maple Leafs receive Ducks receive
D Steve Oleksy F Adam Cracknell

Dec. 5: Pens, Sens make 4-player swap

Penguins receive Senators receive
D Macoy Erkamps D Stefan Elliott
F Ben Sexton F Tobias Lindberg

Dec. 3: Ducks get Sprong

Ducks receive Penguins receive
F Daniel Sprong D Marcus Petterson

Dec. 3: Canucks acquire Leivo

Canucks receive Maple Leafs receive
F Josh Leivo F Michael Carcone

Nov. 27: Leafs send Nielsen to Calgary

Maple Leafs receive Flames receive
F Morgan Klimchuk D Andrew Nielsen

Nov. 25: Dylan Strome traded to Chicago

Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Blackhawks receive Coyotes receive
F Dylan Strome F Nick Schmaltz 
F Brendan Perlini

Nov. 22: Oilers acquire Wideman

Oilers receive Senators receive
D Chris Wideman Conditional pick (2020)

Notes: Senators will get the pick Edmonton received from St. Louis in the Jakub Jerabek trade.

Nov. 21: Kings, Wild make minor deal

Kings receive Wild receive
F Pavel Jenys D Stepan Falkovsky

Nov. 16: Ryan Strome traded to Rangers

Rangers receive Oilers receive
F Ryan Strome F Ryan Spooner

Nov. 14: Penguins swap Hagelin for Pearson

Joe Sargent / National Hockey League / Getty
Penguins receive Kings receive
F Tanner Pearson F Carl Hagelin

Nov. 10: Fedun traded to Dallas

Stars receive Sabres receive
Taylor Fedun Conditional 7th-round pick (2020)

Notes: Sabres get the pick if Fedun plays in more than 25 games during the 2018-19 season.

Oct. 18: Lightning get Hults

Lightning receive Ducks receive
F Mitch Hults Future Considerations

Oct. 3: Olofsson dealt to Montreal

Canadiens receive Wild receive
D Gustav Olofsson F William Bitten

Oct. 1: Predators acquire Baptiste

Predators receive Sabres receive
F Nicholas Baptiste D Jack Dougherty

Oct. 1: Flames trade Kulak to Montreal

Canadiens receive Flames receive 
D Brett Kulak D Matt Taormina
D Rinat Valiev

Oct. 1: Leafs deal Carrick to Stars

Stars receive Maple Leafs receive 
D Connor Carrick Conditional 7th-round pick (2019)

Notes: The pick becomes a 6th rounder if Carrick plays at least 50 games in the 2018-19 season.

Oct. 1: Oilers send Jerabek to St. Louis

Blues receive Oilers receive
D Jakub Jerabek 6th-round pick (2020)

Sept. 13: Sharks acquire Karlsson

Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Sharks receive Senators receive
D Erik Karlsson F Chris Tierney 
F Francis Perron F Rudolfs Balcer
D Dylan DeMelo
Right to F Joshua Norris
1st-round pick (2019 or 2020)
2nd-round pick (2019)
Conditional 1st- or 2nd-round pick (2021)
Conditional 1st-round pick (2022)

Notes: San Jose's 2019 1st-round pick will go to Buffalo if the Sharks make the playoffs this season. If San Jose misses the playoffs, Ottawa gets the 2019 1st-round pick. If the Sharks make the playoffs, the Senators get San Jose's 2020 1st-round pick. The Senators get the better of San Jose or Florida's 2nd-round pick in 2019, both of which are owned by the Sharks. Ottawa gets a 1st-round pick in 2021 or 2022 if Karlsson is traded back to the Eastern Conference. If the Sharks re-sign Karlsson or make the Stanley Cup Final, the 2nd-round pick in 2021 becomes a 1st-round pick.

Sept. 11: Bruins ship McQuaid to New York

Rangers receive Bruins receive 
D Adam McQuaid D Steven Kampfer
4th-round pick (2019)
Conditional 7th-round pick (2019)

Sept. 10: Canadiens swap Pacioretty for Tatar

Golden Knights Receive Canadiens Receive
F Max Pacioretty F Tomas Tartar
F Nick Suzuki 
2nd-round pick (2019)

Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

McDavid avoids serious injury after being drilled into boards from behind

Despite cries from his head coach, Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid still doesn't seem to be getting much protection from the officials.

McDavid avoided serious injury when he crashed hard into the boards during the second period of Sunday's game in Anaheim after being hit from behind by Ducks defenseman Hampus Lindholm.

McDavid skated off under his own power and didn't miss any time. No penalty was called on the play.

Oilers head coach Ken Hitchcock has been critical of the league for not protecting McDavid in the past, calling out officials in December.

"I'm not going to comment on the penalties, but the stuff that really bothers me is what's happening to Connor," Hitchcock said. "We're a league that's supposed to showcase our top players - and you don't want to give them all the freedom - but the tug-of-war on him was absolutely ridiculous and that's a little bit discouraging, to be honest with you.

"I can see the whack-and-hacking going on when he's got the puck, but to me, it's all the stuff behind (the play) that doesn't allow him to showcase his speed, and if that's what we want, well, that's fine, but I think it's a real disservice to a player like him."

Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Top 25 sportspeople of 2018: Nos. 5-1

With 2018 winding down, theScore looked back at the previous 12 months and voted on the top 25 sportspeople of the year. Here's the final installment, highlighting Nos. 5-1.

25-21 | 20-16 | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-1

5. Tiger Woods, PGA Tour

Stan Badz / US PGA TOUR / Getty

Woods put golf back on the map in 2018 with a historic comeback season. He was ranked 668th, coming off his fourth back surgery, and many questioned whether a return to the sport was the right move for his legacy. And then came the Open Championship in July, when he captivated the sports world by taking the solo lead on Sunday. Woods ultimately fell short at Carnoustie but pressed on. He recaptured that magic at the PGA Championship, firing the lowest final round of his major career to finish alone in second and set the stage for a storybook ending. At the season finale Tour Championship, Woods never relinquished his first-round lead to win for the 80th time on the PGA Tour and climb to No. 13 in the world. Chaos ensued as Woods walked up the 18th fairway en route to his first title since 2013, surrounded by fans storming the grounds in hopes of catching a glimpse of history. After so many years defined by turmoil, 2018 was, by all accounts - including his own - one of the best seasons of Woods' legendary career. - Eric Patterson

4. Alexander Ovechkin, LW, Washington Capitals

Dave Sandford / National Hockey League / Getty

Ovechkin finally got it done in 2018. His seventh Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy was an afterthought in the shadow of his heroic playoff performance, during which Ovi posted 27 points in 24 games en route to a Conn Smythe and Stanley Cup win. The 33-year-old finally added the most glaring omission to his resume - which was already among the most polished in the history of the sport - and the raw emotion he displayed upon hoisting the Cup after 13 years of shortcomings will forever serve as one of the NHL's most iconic images. And if you think he'll rest on his laurels, take a peek at this season's goal leaders. You'll see a familiar face. - Sean O'Leary

3. Luka Modric, MF, Real Madrid

Michael Regan - FIFA / FIFA / Getty

It took over a decade, but the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly finally ended when do-it-all Croatian midfielder Modric captured the 2018 Ballon d'Or. In doing so, the 33-year-old proved that, contrary to popular belief, players for whom goal-scoring isn't the primary attribute can indeed be celebrated. Voter fatigue was a factor, sure - more than ever before, 2018 saw the football world grow numb to the continued excellence of Messi and Ronaldo - but Modric was the deserved winner of the sport's grandest individual honor. He was central to Real Madrid's third consecutive Champions League triumph, and his combination of subtle brilliance, crafty playmaking, and tireless, almost superhuman effort carried Croatia all the way to the World Cup final. - Gianluca Nesci

2. Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Rachel Denhollander, and members of USA Women's Gymnastics

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic / Getty

The past three years have been both the best and worst for gymnastics in the United States: transcendent flashes of triumph on the bars, beams, and mats underscored by the exorcism of the monsters who plagued the sport for decades.

This year saw Biles elevate her craft to new heights, as she dominated the field of world-class competitors to take gold in the vault, floor, all-around, and team events at the 2018 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Doha, Qatar. Even if she chose to walk away from the sport tomorrow at just 21 years old, she already has a legitimate claim to the title of greatest gymnast ever.

But, by no fault of Biles or the dozens of other American gymnasts who excelled in competition this year, those accomplishments will only ever be part of their story. This was also the year that former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State team doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced for the decades of crimes he committed against the athletes entrusted to his care.

For years, these young women were forced to relive their trauma as those responsible avoided accountability. But the persistence and bravery of Denhollander, Raisman, and so many others ultimately culminated in the trial and sentencing hearing, and brought Nassar and the institutions that enabled him to their reckoning.

The courage, strength, and perseverance of the American gymnasts, regardless of whether they competed in 2018, is why theScore chose to honor the individuals (Biles) and the whole as one entity. - Andrew Joe Potter

1. LeBron James, F, Los Angeles Lakers

Andrew D. Bernstein / National Basketball Association / Getty

Ruminate on the 2003 NBA Draft class for a moment. Dwyane Wade, coming off the bench for a mediocre Heat team, is in the midst of a farewell season. Carmelo Anthony has made more highlights in an empty gym than he has on an NBA court in 2018. Chris Bosh hasn't played in nearly three years. Luke Walton, the 32nd pick in that famed draft, is coaching the Lakers. And then there's James; now 34 years old, in season No. 16, with more than 55,000 NBA minutes (regular season and playoffs) logged, and still at the height of his powers, both in terms of on-court production and off-court impact.

If you want to know why James remains one of the most scrutinized athletes on the planet despite all of his accomplishments, it's because the man, himself, continues to raise the bar for what we thought possible of him - or any other athlete, for that matter.

James nearly went the entire calendar year without missing a game, shifted the NBA's balance of power with another monumental move in free agency, and cemented his perennial status as the best player alive for the umpteenth time by dragging an obviously flawed Cleveland Cavaliers team to the NBA Finals, marking his eighth straight trip to the league's championship round.

Most importantly, the foundation James laid from a humanitarian standpoint in 2018, with the I Promise School, ensured that even long after Father Time finally catches up to him, LeBron's legacy will endure.

For continuing to defy the odds and perfect his craft on the court, and refusing to "shut up and dribble" off of it, LeBron James is theScore's 2018 Sportsperson of the Year. - Joseph Casciaro

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Top 25 sportspeople of 2018: Nos. 10-6

With 2018 winding down, theScore looked back at the previous 12 months and voted on the top 25 sportspeople of the year. Here's the fourth instalment, highlighting Nos. 10-6.

25-21 | 20-16 | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-1

10. Eliud Kipchoge, marathon runner

picture alliance / picture alliance / Getty

Few athletes had as dominant a 2018 as Kenyan distance runner Eliud Kipchoge. The 33-year-old has won 10 of the 11 marathons he's entered since switching to the distance in 2012. His last was a record-smashing 2:01.39 at the Berlin Marathon that shattered the previous best by 78 seconds. So dominant was Kipchoge's performance in Berlin that he ran the final 17 kilometers alone after dropping the third of three pacemakers, running the second half in an obscene 60:34 - or 4:37 per mile. The greatest marathoner of all time, full stop. - Michael Chandler

9. Shohei Ohtani, P/DH, Los Angeles Angels

Masterpress / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Shohei Ohtani arrived stateside with absurd expectations after seemingly every MLB team was in on the bidding for his services. As the first true two-way player to hit the league, he was basically a unicorn. Ohtani showed that he could measure up to his peers on both sides of the ball (.925 OPS, 22 HR, 3.31 ERA, 10.97 K/9) en route to winning AL Rookie of the Year. And though Tommy John surgery risked derailing his year, he answered by going 4-for-4 with two homers on the very day surgery was suggested. The phenom may have to wait until 2020 before he can pitch again, but he should be able to swing a bat and remain an impactful piece. - Jason Wilson

8. Chloe Kim, snowboarder

Ryan Pierse / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Chloe Kim is the future.

At just 17 years of age, Kim entered PyeongChang 2018 as one of the faces of the games and somehow exceeded the enormous hype. The California native, who has family ties to South Korea, faced stiffer competition from her hunger than those in the field, as evidenced by her tweet between runs.

Kim already had the gold medal sewn up before she took to the course for her final run, and her triumph represents much more than just being crowned as the world's best. Despite being just a teenager, Kim is a role model to so many - Americans, Asian Americans, women, girls - and has comported herself with aplomb at every turn, even in the face of casual and cruel misogyny. Thanks to the trail she's helped blaze, there will be more Chloe Kims coming down the pipe. - Andrew Joe Potter

7. Kylian Mbappe, F, Paris Saint-Germain

Stefan Matzke - sampics / Corbis Sport / Getty

What were most 19-year-olds doing this year? Probably watching Kylian Mbappe, mouth agape in awe. The forward, who only turned 20 on Dec. 20, set the world alight with his scintillating pace and prolific scoring on the way to winning a domestic treble with Paris Saint-Germain and starring in France's World Cup triumph in Russia this summer. His four goals and breathtaking performances saw him named that tournament's Best Young Player after he became just the second teenager - after Pele in 1958 - to score in a World Cup final. An unbelievable talent. - Tom Nightingale

6. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

Having gotten a taste of the jaw-dropping plays he was capable of making in college, football fans were excited to see Patrick Mahomes step in as the Chiefs starter in 2018. Nobody could have predicted he'd translate that ability to the professional level so quickly. At an early career stage where quarterbacks are typically going through growing pains, the 23-year-old is on track to join Peyton Manning and Tom Brady with the third-ever 50-touchdown season. He's running away with the MVP race as a result, but such accolades can't even begin to adequately explain his impact. Mahomes is football's human highlight reel.

Chiefs games have become must-see TV on a weekly basis because of the frequency with which he hits throws that other quarterbacks wouldn't even dream of attempting. Just as a phenomenal generation of quarterbacks closes in on the end of their reign, the NFL's next megastar has emerged. And he's only just begun. - Dan Wilkins

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Top 25 sportspeople of 2018: Nos. 15-11

With 2018 winding down, theScore looked back at the previous 12 months and voted on the top 25 sportspeople of the year. Here's the third instalment, highlighting Nos. 15-11.

25-21 | 20-16 | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-1

15. Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

Brett Deering / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The vast majority of the world's top athletes train countless years and make endless sacrifices to reach the pinnacle of their sport. And then there's Kyler Murray. Not only was the Texas-born Murray a top-10 pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, but he also won the Heisman Trophy as the quarterback of Oklahoma in his "offseason." The latest two-sport star to grace the American landscape also has the potential to be one of the best, as the Oakland A's prospect is now being mentioned as a Day 1 pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Before he's forced to make that decision, he will lead the Sooners into the CFP semifinal against Alabama, hoping to end the Crimson Tide's three-year streak of reaching the final. - Dane Belbeck

14. Ada Hegerberg, F, Olympique Lyonnais

FRANCK FIFE / AFP / Getty

One of the most important figures in the history of world football hails from a modest Norwegian town of just 7,000 people, but she's more than capable of living up to her illustrious title. "Every female player deserves the same opportunity (as men) to develop," the first female winner of the Ballon d'Or wrote for The Players' Tribune. "There's so much talent out there all over the world that deserves a chance to shine." What a relief Hegerberg was given that chance, with the phenomenal striker racking up almost 300 goals at just 23 years of age. As influential off the pitch as she is on it, Hegerberg shooting down a now infamous sexist remark about twerking - while on stage accepting her Ballon d'Or, no less - was the perfect response from someone who has been such an outspoken advocate for equality in football. - Daniel Rouse

13. Steph Curry, G, Golden State

Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Steph Curry's growing impact on the game of basketball continued in 2018. Teams are taking (and making) the most 3-pointers per game in history, turning the NBA into a perimeter-driven league no matter the position. The average pace is fractions from 100 possessions per game for the first time in nearly three decades, and players are fearlessly chucking shots from well beyond the 3-point line early in the shot clock. Much of this can be directly related to the Warriors' dominance. Individually, Curry added a third NBA championship to his resume and has begun the new season on a torrid pace, averaging 28.6 points per game on a sparkling 46-percent shooting from deep. - Wael Saghir

12. Nick Foles, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Was there a better 2018 sports story than Nick Foles? A backup to begin the 2017 season, the quarterback was thrust into the starting lineup after Carson Wentz tore his ACL in December. Despite being the NFC's No. 1 seed, no one thought the Eagles would win one playoff game, let alone the franchise's first Super Bowl. The ultimate underdog, Foles put together a spectacular playoff run, and now has Philadelphia charging toward the postseason after another injury to Wentz. And let's not forget, the Super Bowl MVP not only threw for over 350 yards and threw three scores last February, but he also suggested the legendary "Philly Special" play call. - Mike Alessandrini

11. Breanna Stewart, F, Seattle Storm

Lindsey Wasson / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Somehow, Breanna Stewart has evaded the debate over whether she will go down as the greatest women's basketball player of all time. That won't last long.

At 24 years old, the superstar power forward just capped one of the most remarkable years in hoops history, capturing the WNBA's regular season and Finals MVP honor en route to her first domestic title with the Seattle Storm. Stewart followed up her clean sweep of the circuit with a gold medal and tournament MVP award at September's Women's Basketball World Cup, leading Team USA in scoring with 16.3 points per game.

Off the court, Stewart has continued her advocacy for sexual abuse survivors, which was put into motion after revealing she was abused as a child. Stewart is perseverance personified. - Andrew Joe Potter

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.