Canada opened its Spengler Cup campaign with a 5-3 win over Mountfield HK on Tuesday, as David McIntyre's shorthanded marker in the third period pushed the Canadians to victory in Davos, Switzerland.
Canada, the two-time defending champion at the annual competition, also got goals from Victor Bartley, Curtis Hamilton, Mason Raymond, and P.A. Parenteau. Between the pipes, Barry Brust made 31 saves.
Canada is back in action Thursday against tournament host HC Davos.
Following the NHL's decision not to participate in the 2018 Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, this year's edition of the Spengler Cup serves as a final opportunity for Olympic hopefuls to convince the Hockey Canada brass that they deserve a chance to feature in South Korea.
Canada will announce its Olympic roster in January.
In the third edition of the player power rankings, theScore hockey editors Josh Wegman, Flip Livingstone, and Sean O'Leary order the top players from around the league based on all-around performance this season.
10. Drew Doughty
Previously unranked
GP
G
A
P
P/GP
5-on-5 CF%
36
5
21
26
0.72
52.9
Doughty's future in L.A. may be uncertain, but one thing is for sure: the rugged rearguard is one of the best in the business. A leader in the locker room and on the ice, the perennial Norris Trophy threat is a big reason the Kings find themselves in first place. - Livingstone
9. Anze Kopitar
Previously unranked
GP
G
A
P
P/GP
5-on-5 CF%
36
17
23
40
1.11
52.0
Another underrated Kings player who deserves a lot more love than he usually gets, Kopitar is having a massive bounce-back year following a campaign in which he registered only 12 goals. On pace for 91 points, he's been the Kings' best forward night in and night out. - Livingstone
8. Johnny Gaudreau
Previously 1st
GP
G
A
P
P/GP
5-on-5 CF%
36
13
28
41
1.14
53.8
Gaudreau may have cooled slightly of late, but he remains one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the game. His 41 points and ridiculous possession numbers lead us to believe he'll be on this list a lot more moving forward. - Livingstone
7. Sidney Crosby
Previously unranked
GP
G
A
P
P/GP
5-on-5 CF%
36
14
20
34
0.94
53.9
Sid might not be lighting the lamp on the regular right now, but power rankings aren't complete without the best player on the planet. Crosby is still performing at almost a point-per-game clip and he seems to be rounding into form, registering eight goals and 11 assists in his last 16 games. - Livingstone
6. Nathan MacKinnon
Previously unranked
GP
G
A
P
P/GP
5-on-5 CF%
34
15
25
40
1.18
51.4
From one Nova Scotia native to the next. MacKinnon is having that huge breakout season we've been waiting for, despite scoring just one goal in his first 10 games. His play has helped transform the Avs from league laughingstocks into a team that's fun to watch - and has a legitimately bright future. - Wegman
5. Alex Ovechkin
Previously unranked
GP
G
A
P
P/GP
5-on-5 CF%
36
23
14
37
1.03
50
After one subpar season, Ovechkin is back scoring at a 50-goal pace. More importantly, he has picked up the slack for all of Washington's offseason departures, as his Caps sit near the top of the ultra-competitive Metropolitan Division. - Wegman
4. Connor McDavid
Previously 7th
GP
G
A
P
P/GP
5-on-5 CF%
35
14
28
41
1.17
55.7
McDavid hasn't dazzled to the extent he did a year ago, but he is still arguably the most dynamic and dangerous player in the game today. The Oilers go as he goes, and given how much better they've played of late, their best player deserves recognition. - Wegman
3. Steven Stamkos
Previously 2nd
GP
G
A
P
P/GP
5-on-5 CF%
35
13
32
45
1.29
54.9
Stamkos has slowed down a touch this month, but remains in the top five in scoring and sits second in points per game. His importance to the Lightning's success can't be understated, and his return as one of the top producers in the NHL, after a treacherous spell of injuries, is one of the better stories of the season. - O'Leary
2. John Tavares
Previously unranked
GP
G
A
P
P/GP
5-on-5 CF%
36
21
25
46
1.28
51.4
Since the start of December, no one has out-produced Tavares, who has recorded 18 points in 12 contests in the final month of the calendar. Linemate Josh Bailey has actually equaled that number, but it's No. 91 who drives the bus in New York, and he's picked a good time to have his best season yet. - O'Leary
1. Nikita Kucherov
GP
G
A
P
P/GP
5-on-5 CF%
35
24
27
51
1.46
53.3
Previously 3rd
Over the past 10 seasons, only Crosby, Ovechkin, and Evgeni Malkin have reached 50 points faster than Kucherov, who accomplished the feat in his 34th game. Kucherov has developed into one of the best players in the world and could be in store for the Rocket Richard, Art Ross, and Hart trophies if this keeps up. - O'Leary
theScore's NHL Power Rankings are published every other Monday. Our sixth installment is put together by editors Craig Hagerman, Cory Wilkins, and Sean O'Leary.
1. Nashville Predators (21-7-4) â–²
Previously 3rd
The Predators are looking like the same club that made a dazzling march to the Cup Final last season. The offense is thriving and Pekka Rinne is playing some of the best hockey of his career. What's not to like? - Hagerman
2. Tampa Bay Lightning (24-6-2)
Previously 2nd
With seven straight wins, the Lightning continue to roll along, taking out nearly everyone in their path. - Hagerman
3. Washington Capitals (21-12-1) â–²
Previously 10th
Reuniting Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin has helped the Capitals' offense explode over the last two weeks. Ovechkin is tied for the league lead in goals again and Washington's first in the Metropolitan Division. - Hagerman
4. Los Angeles Kings (20-10-4)
Previously 4th
The Kings have lost three straight, but prior to that, they'd strung together an eight-game winning streak, and Anze Kopitar's sizzling season hasn't cooled off. Things are still looking up for an L.A. club that missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons. - Hagerman
5. Vegas Golden Knights (21-9-2) â–²
Previously 15th
The hockey world is still waiting for a Golden Knights collapse that never comes. Making matters worse for everyone else, Marc-Andre Fleury is back after a two-month absence and looks to be picking up where he left off before his concussion. - Hagerman
6. St. Louis Blues (22-11-2) â–²
Previously 8th
The Blues are still tied for the Central Division lead even with recent injuries to Alex Pietrangelo, Jaden Schwartz, and Jay Bouwmeester, but the Predators have three games in hand. - Hagerman
7. San Jose Sharks (17-10-4) â–²
Previously 9th
Undefeated in regulation in their last five games, the Sharks have begun to make up some ground on the Golden Knights and Kings in the Pacific. What's more promising, after scoring just once in the first 21 games, Brent Burns looks to be heating up with five goals in his last five contests. - Hagerman
8. Winnipeg Jets (19-10-5) â–¼
Previously 1st
The Jets have dropped five of its last seven games to slide out of top spot in the Central. - Hagerman
9. Toronto Maple Leafs (20-13-1) â–¼
Previously 5th
The Maple Leafs are suddenly struggling to score goals, with just 10 in their last seven contests. The fact they've been missing Auston Matthews over the past four is part of the equation, but it's not everything. Luckily, Frederik Andersen's keeping Toronto from entering a significant tailspin. - Hagerman
10. Chicago Blackhawks (17-11-5) â–²
Previously 19th
Five straight wins - including a 5-1 drubbing of the Jets - have pushed the Blackhawks back into a playoff spot. Corey Crawford's return from injury is a big reason for this, as he's gone 5-0-0 with just seven goals against and a .954 save percentage. - Hagerman
11. New York Rangers (18-12-3) â–²
Previously 14th
Winners of four of their past seven, the Rangers can thank Michael Grabner for scoring three goals over that stretch. The speedy winger has 16 tallies this season and continues to be one of the league's best bargains. - Wilkins
12. New Jersey Devils (18-9-5) â–²
Previously 16th
Despite slowing down in recent weeks, the Devils have held down a playoff spot in the ultra-competitive Metropolitan because of their hot start. Taylor Hall's taken another step forward offensively. - Wilkins
13. Columbus Blue Jackets (20-12-1) â–¼
Previously 7th
Coach John Tortorella is understandably testy considering his team's lost three of its past six outings by a combined score of 13-4. - Wilkins
14. New York Islanders (18-12-3) â–¼
Previously 6th
Winning just three of their past eight, the Islanders have been playing like a sub-.500 club too. If only they could shore up their goaltending. - Wilkins
15. Dallas Stars (18-14-2) â–¼
Previously 12th
Despite a change behind the bench, the Stars are still struggling defensively, having allowed as many goals as they've scored. Dallas is barely holding onto a wild-card position in the West. - Wilkins
It could come down to two teams for the final postseason berth in the Atlantic Division, and right now, the Bruins hold that ticket. - Wilkins
18. Pittsburgh Penguins (17-14-3) â–¼
Previously 11th
With the season nearing its halfway point, the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions don't occupy a playoff spot. That's more than a little concerning for general manager Jim Rutherford. - Wilkins
19. Anaheim Ducks (14-11-8) â–²
Previously 23rd
Undefeated in regulation in their past six contests, the Ducks have kept their heads above water despite seemingly constant attacks from the injury bug. - Wilkins
20. Philadelphia Flyers (14-11-7) â–²
Previously 30th
After dropping 10 straight, the Flyers strung together six consecutive victories to climb back into the playoff picture and grant coach Dave Hakstol a little breathing room. - Wilkins
21. Montreal Canadiens (14-15-4) â–¼
Previously 18th
Some nights, the Habs look like they've begun to right the ship. Other nights, they get shut out by the Senators. Even with the ultimate X-factor in Carey Price at their disposal again, this team is incredibly difficult to gauge. - O'Leary
22. Carolina Hurricanes (14-11-7) â–²
Previously 27th
The Hurricanes are among the league's best at generating shots and scoring chances, but with newcomer Scott Darling producing a .903 save percentage, the same ol' problem is hindering Carolina's efforts to compete. - O'Leary
23. Vancouver Canucks (15-15-4) â–¼
Previously 21st
The Canucks look much better under Travis Green, but this team still isn't talented enough to contend. - O'Leary
24. Edmonton Oilers (14-17-2) â–¼
Previously 22nd
With Cam Talbot back in goal and five home games before the end of 2017, now would be a good time for the Oilers to start a run. - O'Leary
25. Calgary Flames (17-14-3) â–¼
Previously 17th
Beyond the top-line duo of Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, the Flames are struggling to put the puck in the net. The current lack of production throughout the lineup won't cut it in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. - O'Leary
26. Colorado Avalanche (15-15-2) â–¼
Previously 24th
The good news: Nathan MacKinnon has never looked better. The bad news: The Avs still allow just over 3.3 goals per game - the fifth-highest mark in the NHL. - O'Leary
27. Florida Panthers (12-16-5) â–²
Previously 28th
Now that the Panthers are second-last in the Eastern Conference and own a minus-20 goal differential, it's almost as if letting go of Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith in the expansion draft was a bad idea. - O'Leary
28. Detroit Red Wings (12-13-7) â–²
Previously 29th
With only two wins over their last 10 games, it's time again for the Red Wings to decide which players can be shipped out of town for future assets. - O'Leary
29. Ottawa Senators (11-13-7) â–¼
Previously 25th
A nice win on a historic night in Ottawa took a back seat to owner Eugene Melnyk, who picked a dandy time to pour gasoline on an already raging fire with some dumbfounding comments about the state of his team. - O'Leary
30. Buffalo Sabres (8-18-7) â–²
Previously 31st
On a night when Jack Eichel dominated to the tune of his first career hat trick, the rest of Buffalo's roster activated full Sabres mode and spoiled the dazzling performance with an overtime loss. At this point, their greatest hope is some lottery luck come April, and we all know how that's gone in the past. - O'Leary
31. Arizona Coyotes (7-23-5) â–¼
Previously 26th
It's nearly Christmas, and the Coyotes have 19 points. There's not much else to say. - O'Leary
theScore's NHL Power Rankings are published every other Monday. Our fifth installment is put together by editors Josh Wegman, Josh Gold-Smith, Flip Livingstone, and Cory Wilkins.
1. Winnipeg Jets (17-6-4) â–²
Previously 3rd
With a decisive 5-0 win over the Senators Sunday night, the Jets tied the Lightning for the most points in the league, but became the first team to surpass them in theScore's power rankings. They've received stellar goaltending, the defense has stayed healthy, and the offense is firing on all cylinders. It has all come together for the Jets. - Wegman
2. Tampa Bay Lightning (18-6-2) â–¼
Previously 1st
A 3-4 record in their last seven games saw the Lightning fall out of the top spot in the NHL standings, and more importantly, theScore's power rankings. No need to worry, Bolts fans, as the club has seemingly already guaranteed themselves home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs in a weak Atlantic Division. - Wegman
3. Nashville Predators (16-7-3) â–²
Previously 4th
The Predators are 9-2-1 since the Kyle Turris-Matt Duchene three-way trade. Their new center has racked up eight points in the 11 games he's played. - Wegman
4. Los Angeles Kings (17-8-3) â–²
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Previously 10th
The Kings are proving to be one of the league's streakiest teams. After a blazing hot start, they lost seven of eight games, but have since bounced back by winning five in a row, including four straight on their most recent road trip. - Wegman
5. Toronto Maple Leafs (17-10-1) â–¼
Previously 2nd
The Maple Leafs's potent offense is usually what drives the team, but Frederik Andersen with his 2.14 goals-against average and .938 save percentage in the month of November has helped the Buds remain in the top five. - Wegman
6. New York Islanders (15-8-2)
Previously 6th
At 3.72 goals per game, the Islanders boast the league's best offense. However, they'll need to find consistency in the crease if they're ever to be considered a true contender. - Wegman
7. Columbus Blue Jackets (17-9-1)
Previously 7th
The Blue Jackets sit atop the Metro Division, but it's worth noting that eight of their 17 wins have come in overtime or shootout. While grabbing the additional point in the extra frame is crucial, they'll have to start closing teams out in regulation to move up. - Wegman
8. St. Louis Blues (17-8-2) â–¼
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Previously 5th
The Blues are losers of three straight, moving them slightly down this list. With Jay Bouwmeester and Patrik Berglund both making their season debuts in the last six games, they should be trending upwards in no time. - Wegman
9. San Jose Sharks (14-9-2) â–²
Previously 15th
The Sharks shut out the Jets a couple of Saturdays ago, and lost narrowly to the Ducks and Golden Knights. Throw in an overtime win over the Coyotes on Sunday, and perhaps reports of their demise were premature. - Gold-Smith
10. Washington Capitals (15-11-1) â–²
Previously 18th
Back-to-back victories over the high-flying Lightning and Leafs earned the Capitals some major credit, as did a win over the Blue Jackets Saturday. Washington could be on the verge of hitting its stride. - Gold-Smith
11. Pittsburgh Penguins (15-10-3) â–²
Previously 13th
Tristan Jarry has played well in relief of the injured Matt Murray, but he's only faced the struggling Sabres and the floundering Flyers since the Penguins' unquestioned starter got hurt. Let's see how he does against the Rangers, Islanders, and Leafs this week. - Gold-Smith
12. Dallas Stars (16-10-1) â–²
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Previously 19th
Sweeping a home-and-home with the Blackhawks was a big statement for the Stars, who are beginning to look like the team many thought they'd be after making several significant offseason additions. - Gold-Smith
13. Boston Bruins (12-8-4) â–²
Previously 22nd
Tuukka Rask is back, and not a moment too soon for the Bruins, despite Anton Khudobin's strong play in his absence.
Rask has won two of three contests since returning, including a shutout of the Flyers Saturday afternoon, and while he hasn't been this good all season, he does make Boston better when he's healthy. - Gold-Smith
14. New York Rangers (14-10-2) â–²
Previously 20th
The Blueshirts have reeled off four wins in the five games since our last edition of the rankings, and five victories in their last six contests overall. Are they turning the corner? - Gold-Smith
15. Vegas Golden Knights (16-9-1) â–¼
Previously 8th
Three straight losses before Sunday's 3-2 overtime win over Arizona suggest reality might be starting to set in for the Golden Knights. - Gold-Smith
16. New Jersey Devils (15-7-4) â–¼
Previously 9th
The Devils are 4-2-1 since our last edition, and six of those seven games were decided by one-goal margins, but New Jersey was dismantled 5-0 by the lowly Coyotes Saturday night, and that just can't be ignored. - Gold-Smith
17. Calgary Flames (14-11-1) â–¼
Previously 11th
Just when you thought the Flames were starting to figure it out, they allow the offensively challenged Oilers to hang a seven-spot on them. Calgary needs to win with more consistency to be considered a real Cup threat. - Livingstone
18. Montreal Canadiens (13-12-3) â–²
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Previously 29th
Don't look now, but the Canadiens are racking up Ws. Carey Price is up to his usual tricks, the team is scoring goals in bunches, and general manager Marc Bergevin is temporarily fending off calls for his job. - Livingstone
19. Chicago Blackhawks (12-10-5) â–¼
Previously 12th
Corey Crawford going down with injury is the salt in the wound for a Blackhawks team looking like a shell of its former self. Patty Kane and Captain Serious can only carry a team so far on their own. - Livingstone
20. Minnesota Wild (13-10-3) â–¼
Previously 17th
Two ugly losses followed by two big wins seems fitting for a Wild club struggling to string victories together. Allowing 26 goals over their last seven contests is also not a good look. - Livingstone
21. Vancouver Canucks (13-10-4) â–²
Previously 26th
We admit it, the Canucks are a lot better than we expected, as young guns Brock Boeser and Bo Horvat are making Vancouver a tough team to play against up front. A big home win Saturday over the Maple Leafs sees the Canucks on the come up. - Livingstone
22. Edmonton Oilers (11-14-2) â–²
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Previously 28th
A lot of Stanley Cup predictions have already been thrown out the window thanks to a shockingly bad start by the Oilers. Victories in three of their last four contests finally have Edmonton trending in the right direction, though. - Livingstone
23. Anaheim Ducks (11-11-5) â–¼
Previously 16th
The Ducks have lost six of their last 10 games and continue to be plagued by injuries to key players. Thursday's band-aid acquisition of Adam Henrique should help in the short term, but Anaheim will need to get healthy, and quickly, if they want to hang with the big boys in the West. - Livingstone
24. Colorado Avalanche (12-11-2) â–¼
Previously 23rd
Huge props due if you were one of the (very) few who expected the Avalanche to take a step forward this year, as Colorado finds itself a .500 club. But, after last year's dumpster fire of a season, there really was no way but up. - Livingstone
25. Ottawa Senators (9-10-6) â–¼
Previously 21st
It's still early, but the Senators don't look like the same team since the big trade to bring in center Matt Duchene from the Avalanche, having won just three of nine games. - Wilkins
26. Arizona Coyotes (7-18-5) â–²
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Previously 30th
The Coyotes continue to find positives after a slow start to the season. The recent stretch saw new netminder Scott Wedgewood post a shutout against his former club, the Devils. - Wilkins
27. Carolina Hurricanes (11-9-5) â–¼
Previously 24th
More was expected from the Hurricanes this season, but the team hasn't made much progress in recent weeks, winning just two of their last five. - Wilkins
28. Florida Panthers (10-13-3) â–¼
Previously 25th
While goaltender Roberto Luongo has been impressive - he owns a .928 save percentage on the season - the Panthers have been limited by their inability to find offense. - Wilkins
29. Detroit Red Wings (10-12-5) â–¼
Previously 14th
The Red Wings were on the wrong side of an ugly 10-1 score against the Canadiens, marking the team's seventh-straight game without a win. - Wilkins
30. Philadelphia Flyers (8-11-7) â–¼
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Previously 27th
The temperature continues to be turned up on coach Dave Hakstol, as the Flyers are winless in 10, picking up just five loser points in the process. - Wilkins
31. Buffalo Sabres (6-17-4)
Previously 31st
Shut out three straight times and then mustering just one goal in their fourth outing, the Sabres are a better team on paper than they are on the ice. - Wilkins
In the second running of theScore's NHL Player Power Rankings, editors Sean O'Leary, Craig Hagerman, and Ian McLaren order the top players from around the league this season - with extra consideration given to their performances this month - and there are plenty of new faces this time around.
10. Auston Matthews
Previously 5th
GP
G
A
P
P/PG
5-on-5 CF%
21
12
11
23
1.10
53.12
An unknown upper-body injury sidelined Matthews for four games this month, but the Toronto Maple Leafs star made his presence felt immediately upon his return, burying two goals in his first game back.
Despite missing action for the first time in his young career, Matthews remains highly productive as the heartbeat of one of the league's most exciting teams. -O'Leary
9. Taylor Hall
Previously unranked
GP
G
A
P
P/PG
5-on-5 CF%
23
8
18
26
1.13
49.69
The New Jersey Devils are still in the thick of the Metropolitan Division race, and Hall is a huge reason why.
The 26-year-old is on pace for the best campaign of his career, and has developed nice chemistry with rookie Nico Hischier on the Devils' top line. It's refreshing to see Hall healthy and playing up to his full potential again. -O'Leary
8. Phil Kessel
Previously unranked
(Photo Courtesy: Getty Images)
GP
G
A
P
P/PG
5-on-5 CF%
25
11
20
31
1.24
50
It's almost crazy to say, but where would the Pittsburgh Penguins be without Kessel right now?
With Sidney Crosby playing well below his usual standards and Evgeni Malkin injured, Kessel has easily been the best player for the back-to-back champs this season. He sits nine points clear of the captain for the team lead in scoring, and is fifth overall in the league. Phil forever. - O'Leary
7. Connor McDavid
Previously 4th
GP
G
A
P
P/PG
5-on-5 CF%
23
10
18
28
1.22
55.74
Poor Connor - the NHL's most exciting player is on pace for another 100-point season, but all anyone can talk about is how awful the rest of his team is.
In fairness, the Oilers have been pretty terrible, but McDavid can't do it all by himself, and his talent shouldn't be discredited by a failing supporting cast. - O'Leary
6. Sergei Bobrovsky
Previously 10th
GP
SV%
GAA
W
SO
SA
SV
19
.936
1.86
14
3
574
537
Bobrovsky continues to make a strong case for his second straight Vezina Trophy.
He's gone 7-2-1 during the month of November and has helped the Columbus Blue Jackets move to within a point of the Devils for top spot in the Metropolitan Division.
No one scored more goals this month than Karlsson.
Through his team's 11 games, he found the back of the net 10 times and chipped in with another five helpers. He's currently riding a five-game goal-scoring streak that's seen him light the lamp seven times.
Karlsson's success on the Vegas strip likely also has the Blue Jackets' front office kicking itself right about now. - Hagerman
Leading the pack has surprisingly been Schenn, who's paced the group with 30 points early in his first season with the Blues. His 19 points in November are tied for the most in the league, while the 26-year-old is already more than halfway to matching his career high of 59 points. -Hagerman
3. Nikita Kucherov
Previously 1st
GP
G
A
P
P/PG
5-on-5 CF%
23
17
17
34
1.48
52.46
Passed in the goals race by Alex Ovechkin, Kucherov has recorded just a lone assist over his past four games, thereby allowing the field to catch up in the overall scoring race, too.
He still remains in a tie for second in scoring, but with five players now within five points, Kucherov has lost a touch of the luster garnered during his dominant start to his season. - McLaren
2. Steven Stamkos
Previously 2nd
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
GP
G
A
P
P/PG
5-on-5 CF%
23
10
26
36
1.57
54.06
It's hard to knock the NHL's leading scorer, but just like Kucherov, Stamkos has begun falling back to earth after a truly out-of-this-world start to the season.
He's also recorded only a single assist over his past four games, and while Stamkos' performance to date coming off a major leg injury has been downright inspiring, a plucky underdog has eclipsed him in our rankings, at least for the time being. - McLaren
1. Johnny Gaudreau
Previously unranked
GP
G
A
P
P/PG
5-on-5 CF%
23
11
23
34
1.48
54.63
Since the beginning of November, no player has recorded more points than Calgary's Gaudreau, whose eight goals and 11 assists have him level with Schenn for the month.
Over that stretch, he's jumped into a tie for second in NHL scoring with Kucherov, and is just two points back of Stamkos for the lead.
On pace for 121 points, Gaudreau is well on his way to bouncing back from a down 2016-17 season and smashing the career-high 78 points he recorded in 2015-16. As it stands, he's put himself in the running for both the Art Ross and Hart trophies. - McLaren
At the quarter point of the 2017-18 campaign, theScore's NHL team identifies the front-runners to bring home some hardware. This installment was put together by editors Sean O'Leary and Josh Wegman.
Hart - Steven Stamkos
The Tampa Bay Lightning turned heads last season even without their captain, but Stamkos has made them nearly unstoppable.
The Lightning have lost just three games in regulation, and Stamkos leads the NHL with 35 points in 20 games, owning a 1.75 per-game average that projects him to shatter career highs in points and assists. - O'Leary
Vezina - Sergei Bobrovsky
Bobrovsky leads all starting goalies in save percentage (.933) and goals-against average (2.02). He also leads all starters in high-danger save percentage, per Corsica, as he already has a season's worth of highlight-reel saves to his name.
Both Andrei Vasilevskiy and Corey Crawford should garner some consideration here, but Bobrovsky is a clear-cut choice for the quarter-season award. - Wegman
Norris - Erik Karlsson
While Alex Pietrangelo and John Klingberg have started strong, only one elite defenseman is producing at least one point per game.
Despite missing the first chunk of his season to recover from offseason foot surgery, Karlsson sits two points off the league lead in points among defenseman with one goal and 16 assists in 14 contests. While he's not logging his usual standard in ice time, he still averages more than 25 minutes per night, and it doesn't look like there's anything that can stop him from snapping his brief, inexplicable two-year Norris drought. - O'Leary
Calder - Will Butcher
While there may be no Auston Matthews or Patrik Laine in this rookie class, there's certainly no shortage of Calder-worthy players.
Butcher, a defenseman for the Devils, has a slight edge at the quarter mark. He has 16 points in 20 games and a plus-7 rating, and has his team atop the Metro Division standings.
This award is generally reserved for Patrice Bergeron, but since the perennial gold standard of defensive forwards has missed some time this season, he hasn't established himself as the early leader.
It's rare that the Selke ever goes to a winger, but Stone should be in the mix. The 25-year-old is tied for second among all forwards with 24 takeaways, and has been on the ice for 17 goals for at even strength, compared to just nine against. - O'Leary
Jack Adams - Gerard Gallant
The no-brainer above all no-brainers. Gallant has his expansion team sitting second in the Pacific Division with 25 points in 19 games, despite having to start a fourth-string netminder.
Though Vegas' success may not be sustainable, it's far and away the NHL's most surprising team this season. Gallant has to be given credit for getting his players to compete every night. - Wegman
General Manager of the Year - Doug Armstrong
There's lots of time left to see which GM can orchestrate a move to push his team over the top, but Armstrong is a worthy candidate to this point.
The Jori Lehtera-Brayden Schenn trade has been highway robbery for the Blues, helping to rejuvenate a lineup now perched atop the Western Conference. - O'Leary
theScore's NHL Power Rankings are published every other Monday. Our fourth installment is put together by editors Josh Gold-Smith, Ian McLaren, and Cory Wilkins.
1. Tampa Bay Lightning (15-3-2)
Previously 1st
The dynamic duo of Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov is showing no signs of letting up. Four consecutive victories before a loss Saturday kept the Lightning where they deserve to be.
- Wilkins
2. Toronto Maple Leafs (14-7-0) â–²
Previously 21st
No Auston Matthews? No problem. With their best player on the sidelines, the Maple Leafs cruised to four straight wins of their own, then captured No. 5 against the rival Canadiens upon Matthews' return.
- Wilkins
3. Winnipeg Jets (12-4-3) â–²
Previously 5th
The Jets are proving the pundits correct: Give Winnipeg a goaltender and they're a dangerous team. The Jets have won four straight, allowing just six goals in the process.
- Wilkins
4. Nashville Predators (11-6-2) â–²
Previously 12th
Kyle Turris has been a hit in the Music City, chipping in three points in four games, while the Predators have taken three of four contests since his arrival.
- Wilkins
5. St. Louis Blues (15-5-1) â–¼
Previously 2nd
A bit of a dip for the Blues, as St. Louis was on the wrong end of an ugly loss to the Flames, just days after needing extra time to take down the last-place Coyotes.
- Wilkins
6. New York Islanders (11-7-2) â–²
Previously 15th
It's been a mixed bag for the Islanders, but the team's most impressive outing was a 5-3 win over the first-place Lightning. Thomas Greiss and Jaroslav Halak continue to battle for minutes between the pipes.
- Wilkins
7. Columbus Blue Jackets (12-7-1) â–¼
Previously 3rd
The Blue Jackets will need to find the back of the net more often in order to climb this list. Columbus mustered just six regulation goals in its last five appearances.
- Wilkins
8. Vegas Golden Knights (12-6-1) â–²
Previously 10th
Credit the Golden Knights for their ability to find the win column despite constant injuries in the crease. One negative of the week: an 8-2 shellacking to the struggling Oilers.
- Wilkins
9. New Jersey Devils (11-5-3) â–¼
Previously 6th
The Devils are .500 in their last six outings, despite allowing four more goals than they've scored. Travis Zajac's return should improve the team's fortunes.
- Wilkins
10. Los Angeles Kings (12-7-2) â–¼
Previously 4th
Winning just two of their last six, with only one coming in regulation, cracks are starting to show in the Kings' hot start to the season.
- Wilkins
11. Calgary Flames (11-8-0) â–²
Previously 25th
Johnny Gaudreau has quietly risen among the NHL's point leaders, and if Mike Smith can remain healthy while the defense starts to mesh more effectively, Calgary could really set the league on fire.
- McLaren
12. Chicago Blackhawks (10-8-2) â–²
Previously 24th
A tightly contested win over Pittsburgh on Saturday served notice that this team's window hasn't closed quite yet. Having said that, maybe beating Pittsburgh isn't all that impressive these days (see below).
- McLaren
13. Pittsburgh Penguins (11-8-3) â–¼
Previously 9th
The Penguins' defensive numbers have been skewed by a few lopsided losses, but the defending Stanley Cup champions are also having trouble scoring. Issues at both ends of the ice doesn't bode well moving forward.
- McLaren
14. Detroit Red Wings (10-8-3) â–²
Previously 27th
Detroit appears to have some swagger back following a fight-filled romp over Calgary. The Wings are defying expectations and young stars Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha are leading the way.
- McLaren
15. San Jose Sharks (10-8-0) â–¼
Previously 7th
Despite the winning record, San Jose has scored the fewest amount of goals in the NHL, and the offensive struggles are exacerbated by the fact Norris Trophy winner Brent Burns has zero goals on 75 shots.
- McLaren
16. Anaheim Ducks (9-7-3) â–¼
Previously 14th
Recent wins over Vancouver, Boston, and Florida helped end a stretch of losses for the Ducks, who are somehow hanging on in the midst of a slew of injuries.
- McLaren
17. Minnesota Wild (9-8-2) â–²
Previously 20th
Prior to a loss to Washington on Saturday, the Wild won four in a row, including a string of three-straight shutouts by Devan Dubnyk. The streak helped Minnesota get back on the positive side of the goal differential ledger.
- McLaren
18. Washington Capitals (11-9-1) â–²
Previously 22nd
The two-time defending Presidents' Trophy winners have certainly lost some luster. Braden Holtby is being left out to dry with regularity, but thankfully the offense is still chugging along.
- McLaren
19. Dallas Stars (10-9-1) â–¼
Previously 8th
A win over Edmonton on Saturday snapped a three-game losing streak, but 20 games in, this team does not want to be in the lower tier of the standings in terms of point percentage.
- McLaren
20. New York Rangers (10-9-2) â–¼
Previously 16th
The Blueshirts have recorded 10 wins in 20 games, and a team that features Henrik Lundqvist in net should not have a negative goal differential.
- McLaren
21. Ottawa Senators (8-5-6) â–¼
Previously 11th
Note to other teams looking to avoid falling in the rankings: Don't lose to the worst team in the league in the same week you get beaten by a defending Stanley Cup champion still looking to find its stride.
Unfortunately for the Senators, they can't just play the Avalanche every game.
- Gold-Smith
22. Boston Bruins (8-7-4) â–¼
Previously 19th
Two big wins on the West Coast will do just fine, but they came after four straight defeats, including back-to-back losses to the Maple Leafs.
- Gold-Smith
23. Colorado Avalanche (10-8-1) â–¼
Previously 17th
Colorado has lost four of their last six, including back-to-back defeats to the Senators in their Swedish sojourn, and a humbling loss to their other Matt Duchene trade partner, the Predators.
- Gold-Smith
24. Carolina Hurricanes (9-6-4) â–²
Previously 29th
Carolina isn't a playoff-calibre team yet, but there's reason for hope. The Hurricanes have won five of their last seven contests, including back-to-back victories over the weekend.
- Gold-Smith
25. Florida Panthers (7-11-2) â–²
Previously 31st
Getting shut out by the Kings on Saturday was hardly ideal, but Florida did blank the Sharks in San Jose two days earlier.
Florida has lost two straight games, but hovered around .500 since our last edition, so that's enough to get out of our basement for now.
- Gold-Smith
26. Vancouver Canucks (9-8-3) â–¼
Previously 13th
Saturday's overtime loss to the Blues was a valiant effort, but the Canucks have won only two of the seven games since our last edition, and have emerged victorious in only three of their last 10. That's bad.
- Gold-Smith
27. Philadelphia Flyers (8-8-4) â–¼
Previously 23rd
The Flyers blew a 3-1 lead and eventually lost to the Flames in overtime Saturday, dropping their fourth straight game and fifth in their last six.
Edmonton could still turn out to be a Stanley Cup contender, but the Oilers have dug themselves into a serious hole.
Neither their 4-1 loss to the Blues nor Saturday's 6-3 defeat to the Stars inspire much confidence that the Oilers will snap out of this any time soon.
- Gold-Smith
29. Montreal Canadiens (8-11-2) â–¼
Previously 18th
Montreal got embarrassed by the Maple Leafs on Saturday night, and the 6-0 rout was the Canadiens' third consecutive loss. Is it time for a shake-up?
- Gold-Smith
30. Arizona Coyotes (4-15-3)
Previously 30th
A win streak! Two straight victories and an Anthony Duclair hat trick Saturday are encouraging, but the Coyotes still have the NHL's worst goal differential (-31), and they've won only three of their last 10 games.
- Gold-Smith
31. Buffalo Sabres (5-11-4) â–¼
Previously 28th
Buffalo lost its fifth straight game Saturday, and that makes eight losses in the last 10 contests. Only the Coyotes have a worse goal differential than the skidding Sabres.
theScore's NHL Power Rankings are published every other Monday. Our third go-round is put together by editors Cory Wilkins, Flip Livingstone, Craig Hagerman, and Josh Wegman.
1. Tampa Bay Lightning (11-2-2)
Previously 1st
The Lightning remain at the top for the second consecutive week. They're still scoring at an incredible pace, and Andrei Vasilevskiy continues to be rock solid between the pipes. - Wegman
2. St. Louis Blues (11-3-1) â–²
Previously 7th
The Blues are for real. They have had the second-toughest schedule in the league, per Hockey Reference, but continue to pile up wins. Jaden Schwartz is having a huge breakout season, and Alex Pietrangelo is playing like he wants a Norris Trophy. - Wegman
3. Columbus Blue Jackets (9-4-1) â–²
Previously 11th
The Blue Jackets have been dealt the toughest schedule in the league thus far, but they have responded relatively well. The Lightning have had their number so far, but they're at the top for the reason. The Jackets are fast, physical, and as deep as they come. Having Sergei Bobrovsky between the pipes doesn't hurt either. - Wegman
4. Los Angeles Kings (10-2-2) â–¼
Previously 2nd
The Kings move down two spots on this list, losing two of their last three games, and needing overtime or a shootout to pick up two of their last four wins. They're still a strong team, but how long will their scoring depth hold up, and how long will Jonathan Quick continue to stand on his head? - Wegman
5. Winnipeg Jets (7-3-3) â–²
Previously 22nd
The Jets are 7-1-3 since the first two games of the season. An OT loss to the Habs on Saturday wasn't the way they wanted to end their week, but three straight wins over Pittsburgh, Minnesota, and Dallas by a combined score of 14-4 is impressive. For the first time in its history, the team seems to have an answer in goal with Connor Hellebuyck, and that has been the difference. - Wegman
6. New Jersey Devils (9-3-1) â–²
Previously 10th
The Devils continue to prove they are more than just a hot start. They currently boast the fourth-best points percentage in the league and have dropped just one of their first six road games. They're getting both scoring and solid goaltending from committee and are torching clubs with their speed with no signs of slowing down. - Hagerman
7. San Jose Sharks (8-5-0) â–²
Previously 25th
The Sharks are cruising, currently on a four-game winning streak and on the back of strong defensive play that has seen them concede the second-fewest goals per game (2.31) while boasting the second-best penalty kill. Logan Couture is off to a hot start, while Brent Burns is still without his first goal of the season. If he returns to his Norris Trophy-winning self the Sharks could climb that much higher. - Hagerman
8. Dallas Stars (8-6-0)
Previously 8th
The Stars continue to do work with their top-ranked power play and third-place penalty-kill units. Some more consistency at 5-on-5 and they could really start making some noise in the West. - Hagerman
9. Pittsburgh Penguins (8-6-2) â–¼
Previously 5th
The Penguins have dropped four of their last five games and have managed to score more than two goals in a game just once in their last eight games. In all they've tallied 13 goals in eight games with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Phil Kessel combining for just five. That should change. - Hagerman
10. Vegas Golden Knights (9-4-0) â–²
Previously 15th
Injuries in goal and the team's first real taste of life on the road has seen the Golden Knights fall back to earth a touch. They still cling to a top-third offense and could receive a jolt once some of their goalies return to regular duty. - Hagerman
11. Ottawa Senators (6-3-5) â–¼
Previously 6th
Early trade rumors surrounding Matt Duchene may have been a distraction for Ottawa, as it was thumped by the Habs and lost a close, one-goal game to the Knights. Now that the deal is done, the team should be able to get things back in order. - Livingstone
12. Nashville Predators (7-5-2) â–²
Previously 14th
After a rough start to the year the Preds are seemingly rounding into form. Back-to-back road wins over the Ducks and Kings have Peter Laviolette's crew on the rise. - Livingstone
13. Vancouver Canucks (7-4-2) â–²
Previously 24th
Show of hands from those who expected the Canucks to ever crack the top 20, let alone the top 15? We'll wait. - Livingstone
14. Anaheim Ducks (6-6-2) â–¼
Previously 13th
The Ducks continue to hold on despite significant injuries up front. They are just over a week out from dismantling the top-ranked Lightning and that shouldn't be overlooked. - Hagerman
15. New York Islanders (8-5-1) â–²
Previously 16th
The Islanders have the unfortunate distinction of being a team that wins big and loses big. But, with Johnny T filling the net on the regular, New York finds itself smack dab in the middle of the pack. - Livingstone
16. New York Rangers (6-7-2) â–²
Previously 27th
Much like the team right below, the Rangers are trending in the right direction once again, earning three straight wins and four of their last five. If New York can keep lighting the lamp and getting consistency from Henrik Lundqvist, look for it to continue its ascent up this list. - Livingstone
17. Colorado Avalanche (8-6-0) â–²
Previously 28th
Colorado continues to shock the hockey world by not being the flaming pile of garbage it was last season. The Avs only managed 22 wins last year, and already have eight to start this campaign. Three wins in their last four games have Colorado on the rise once again. - Livingstone
18. Montreal Canadiens (6-8-1) â–²
Previously 29th
Four victories in the last five games, including a statement win on the road against the Jets, have fans in Montreal shelving their pitchforks - for the time being. - Livingstone
19. Boston Bruins (5-4-3) â–²
Previously 21st
Boston may have lost three of its last four, but one of those was a shootout loss, one was an OT loss, and the other was a tight one-goal game against the Capitals. The Bruins could easily have four wins in a row instead. - Livingstone
20. Minnesota Wild (5-5-2) â–¼
Previously 19th
The injury-plagued Wild are struggling to score, as defenseman Jared Spurgeon leads the team with only nine points. Two things here should be alarming to Minnesota fans: One, a defenseman is leading the team in scoring. Two, the leading scorer has only nine points. - Livingstone
21. Toronto Maple Leafs (8-7-0) â–¼
Previously 3rd
After starting the season 6-1, Toronto has found the win column just once in its last six. Goaltender Frederik Andersen continues to struggle in the early going. - Wilkins
22. Washington Capitals (7-6-1) â–¼
Previously 12th
The Capitals have looked incredibly pedestrian in their last five contests, winning three times but allowing as many goals as they've scored. Washington won't have to worry about the Presidents' Trophy this year. - Wilkins
23. Philadelphia Flyers (7-6-2) â–¼
Previously 9th
Philadelphia's top line is putting plenty of pucks in the net. The problem is keeping them out of their own. Offseason addition Brian Elliott has looked only average as the Flyers' go-to goaltender. - Wilkins
24. Chicago Blackhawks (7-6-2) â–¼
Previously 4th
Goaltender Corey Crawford leads the league with an eye-popping .945 save percentage. He's doing all he can for a lackluster Blackhawks squad that has scored just 11 times in its last six appearances. - Wilkins
25. Calgary Flames (8-6-0) â–¼
Previously 17th
Captain Mark Giordano called goaltender Mike Smith the Flames' MVP. It's a fair statement given Calgary has scored just 11 times in its last five games. - Wilkins
26. Edmonton Oilers (4-8-1) â–¼
Previously 20th
Years of high draft picks - including superstar Connor McDavid - leaves the Oilers with no excuses. The team has no business sitting second-last league-wide. - Wilkins
27. Detroit Red Wings (7-7-1) â–¼
Previously 26th
Detroit's 4-1 start to the season appears to be a mirage, as the Red Wings have won just three of their last 10. The good news: With 13 points in 15 games, Dylan Larkin is back after struggling through his sophomore year. - Wilkins
28. Buffalo Sabres (4-8-2) â–²
Previously 30th
Starter Robin Lehner was given a show-me contract but is failing to live up to his end of the deal. A banged up blue line hasn't helped either. - Wilkins
29. Carolina Hurricanes (4-5-3) â–¼
Previously 23rd
The expectation was the Hurricanes would take the next step this season, but fans are still waiting. New netminder Scott Darling is still adjusting to the starter's role. - Wilkins
30. Arizona Coyotes (2-12-1) â–²
Previously 31st
The overall record is ugly, but the Coyotes are finally showing some signs of life, coming away with the win in two of their last four. Rookie sensation Clayton Keller continues to impress. - Wilkins
31. Florida Panthers (4-7-2) â–¼
Previously 18th
The Panthers have struggled in their last six outings, picking up just one win, while interim starter James Reimer has allowed 19 goals in his last five appearances. - Wilkins
In this season's first edition of the player power rankings, theScore hockey editors Josh Gold-Smith, Flip Livingstone, and Ian McLaren evaluate some of the NHL's biggest names based on their star power and how they've performed so far.
While Carey Price and Braden Holtby haven't been their typically dominant selves, Bobrovsky is once again proving to be a model of consistency. - Gold-Smith
9. Jamie Benn
GP
G
A
P
P/GP
5-on-5 CF%
11
7
6
13
1.18
54.72
Benn was held off the scoresheet in the Dallas Stars' win over the Calgary Flames on Friday night, but it was the first time since Oct. 17 and only the fourth time all season that he failed to collect a point.
The 2015 Art Ross Trophy winner piled up five goals and nine points in the four games prior to that contest, and while his shooting percentage (18.4) is bound to regress, there's no reason to believe he won't continue to be one of the toughest assignments for opposing defenders. - Gold-Smith
8. John Tavares
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
GP
G
A
P
P/GP
5-on-5 CF%
11
9
4
13
1.18
52.7
The New York Islanders captain hasn't looked at all distracted by his contract situation this fall, and he's been on an absolute tear over the last week or so.
Tavares potted a natural hat trick Saturday - his second three-goal game in the last three contests - and he has seven goals and 10 points in his last four games. - Gold-Smith
7. Erik Karlsson
GP
G
A
P
P/GP
5-on-5 CF%
6
0
9
9
1.5
50.47
The all-world defenseman hasn't shown much rust after missing the first five games of the season, and he's shown no hesitation in taking on his typical heavy workload despite coming off foot surgery.
Karlsson is averaging over 25 minutes in ice time, and he's posted more than a point in half of the games he's played early on. - Gold-Smith
6. Sidney Crosby
GP
G
A
P
P/GP
5-on-5 CF%
13
5
6
11
0.92
50.0
He may be struggling to fill the scoresheet right now, but the Penguins are still a dangerous group with Sid at the helm, and he doesn’t need to be lighting the lamp on the regular to earn a spot among the NHL's most dominant players.
Also, don't forget, No. 87 has 11 points and is just getting warmed up. Until we see a significant decline in his ability, Crosby's earned the right to be firmly entrenched on this list, as few players in the NHL today can play at both ends of the rink like he can. - Livingstone
5. Auston Matthews
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
GP
G
A
P
P/GP
5-on-5 CF%
11
8
7
15
1.36
54.46
While the Maple Leafs continue to fall back to earth, Matthews' torrid scoring pace has seemingly no end in sight, with seven points in his last five games.
Few thought Matthews would be able to replicate last season's 40-goal output, but, with eight already under his belt through only 11 games, the 40-goal mark becomes increasingly attainable with each passing game. - Livingstone
4. Connor McDavid
GP
G
A
P
P/GP
5-on-5 CF%
10
5
6
11
1.1
59.9
The Oilers might be struggling to bury the biscuit, but McDavid can't do it all by himself. Edmonton's captain has five goals and six assists across 10 games this season while also logging a beastly 22:37 of ice time per game.
McDavid has already shown flashes of his MVP-level play this season, and if his supporting cast can figure it out offensively, McJesus should take his rightful place in the top three very soon. - Livingstone
3. Alex Ovechkin
GP
G
A
P
P/GP
5-on-5 CF%
12
10
5
15
1.25
48.3
A blistering start has given way to a bit of a dry spell in the goal-scoring department, but while Ovechkin has tallied only once in his past seven games, his overall point total has been boosted by some helpers.
Overall, he sits second in goals, tied for fourth in total points, and is on pace for one of his most productive seasons in years. - McLaren
2. Steven Stamkos
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
GP
G
A
P
P/GP
5-on-5 CF%
12
4
17
21
1.75
54.47
Stamkos' comeback has been one of the best stories through the first month of the season.
The Tampa Bay Lightning captain was on a tear when he was sidelined almost a year ago with a devastating knee injury, and he's been even better this time around, leading the NHL in total points.
Known more for his goal scoring over the years, he's been setting the table with regularity for his red-hot linemate, the only player to eclipse him on this list. - McLaren
The Russian winger is averaging a goal per game, and Ovechkin is the only other player in double digits this season. He's also contributing more than enough helpers, and his even possession numbers are boosted by his efficiency in the offensive zone.
Dating back to Jan. 1, no player has more goals (39) or total points (69). At the moment, he's the best in the game. - McLaren
theScore's NHL Power Rankings are published every other Monday. Our second go-round is put together by editors Josh Gold-Smith, Sean O'Leary, and Josh Wegman.
1. Tampa Bay Lightning (7-1-1) â–²
Previously 12th
Imagine a team where a healthy Steven Stamkos isn't even the top offensive weapon? Thanks to Nikita Kucherov, that's the Lightning these days - and that's awfully scary. - Wegman
2. Los Angeles Kings (6-0-1) â–²
Previously 5th
The Kings are faster, younger, and the only team without a regulation loss. New head coach John Stevens has them playing a more aggressive style, and it's working - especially while Jonathan Quick looks like he wants a Vezina. - Wegman
3. Toronto Maple Leafs (6-2-0) â–¼
Previously 2nd
The Leafs still have troubles in their own end, but nobody can argue with their prolific offense. Thirteen players are on pace for at least 40 points, and Auston Matthews is an early Hart candidate. - Wegman
4. Chicago Blackhawks (5-2-2) â–¼
Previously 1st
The Blackhawks still have plenty of speed and three dangerous lines. It would be foolish to disrespect a team with three Stanley Cups in the last decade. - Wegman
5. Pittsburgh Penguins (5-3-1) â–²
Previously 11th
Glaring weaknesses at third-line center and backup goalie could hold the Pens back until they find upgrades, but the champs still have the firepower to keep them in the top five. - Wegman
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
6. Ottawa Senators (4-1-3) â–²
Previously 21st
The Sens avoided what many thought would be a disaster, going 3-0-2 without Erik Karlsson in the lineup. The captain has now played three games, and already has six points. They'll be a tough team to beat from here on out. - Wegman
The Stars experienced some growing pains to start the year, but those can be expected with a new head coach. They've now won four straight, albeit against a relatively soft schedule. Ben Bishop has provided a long-awaited solution in goal, and we all know this team can score. - Wegman
9. Philadelphia Flyers (5-3-0) â–¼
Previously 8th
Moving captain Claude Giroux to the wing has paid early dividends, as he has 10 points in eight games. Sean Couturier, known more as a shutdown player, has flourished in the No. 1 center role, providing offense and defense. Regardless, the Flyers' depth up the middle will be a question mark moving forward. - Wegman
10. New Jersey Devils (6-2-0) â–²
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Previously 19th
The Devils are young, fast, skilled, and exciting to watch, but it's still awfully early. They've had some impressive victories - beating three teams ahead of them in these power rankings - but we're still in wait-and-see mode. - Wegman
11. Columbus Blue Jackets (5-3-0) â–²
Previously 14th
Newcomer Artemi Panarin has settled in quite nicely, and along with Alexander Wennberg and Cam Atkinson, he's part of what's been one of the most productive lines in the NHL. Back-to-back losses to the Lightning and Kings aren't much to be ashamed of. - O'Leary
12. Washington Capitals (4-4-1) â–¼
Previously 3rd
Alex Ovechkin has slowed drastically after a scorching start, and losses to the Red Wings and Panthers over the weekend have Washington trending in the wrong direction. - O'Leary
13. Anaheim Ducks (3-3-1) â–¼
Previously 10th
Boy, the loss of Cam Fowler is really going to test what's already a depleted defense. Thankfully, John Gibson has quietly posted a .932 save percentage through seven starts - O'Leary
14. Nashville Predators (4-3-1) â–²
Previously 29th
The Preds haven't looked particularly great or particularly bad, but if they can keep up high shot rates, their wildly low shooting percentage (5.95) should improve, and so should their record. - O'Leary
15. Vegas Golden Knights (6-1-0) â–¼
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Previously 6th
Vegas keeps winning, but with Oscar Dansk leading the charge in goal from here on out, you can color us skeptical. - O'Leary
16. New York Islanders (4-3-1) â–²
Previously 22nd
The Islanders have been fairly average across the board, but have managed just a 4 percent conversion rate on the power play - how is that even possible? - O'Leary
17. Calgary Flames (4-4-0) â–¼
Previously 16th
Mike Smith's early workload has been similar to his prior duties in Arizona, but he's survived so far, posting a .927 save percentage across eight starts. Calgary still might want to cut down on the shots against per game (35.4). - O'Leary
18. Florida Panthers (3-4-0) â–¼
Previously 15th
Florida's offered a balanced attack so far, but with Roberto Luongo headed to the IR, the team will need to tidy things up in the defensive zone. - O'Leary
19. Minnesota Wild (2-2-2) â–²
Previously 25th
The Wild have been ravaged by injuries, and should be focused on staying afloat until their talented roster can be reassembled. - O'Leary
20. Edmonton Oilers (2-5-0) â–¼
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Previously 15th
The Oilers have managed a worse record than nearly every team on this list, but considering they're averaging almost 40 shots per game and still employ Connor McDavid, they retain the benefit of the doubt, for the time being. - O'Leary
21. Boston Bruins (3-3-1) â–¼
Previously 9th
Things have really gone downhill for the Bruins since their season-opening win over the Predators.
A slew of injuries (Tuukka Rask, Ryan Spooner, Adam McQuaid), a pair of losses to the Avalanche, and an overtime loss to the Sabres in which they blew a three-goal lead have left Boston smarting, despite getting Patrice Bergeron and David Backes back from their respective ailments. - Gold-Smith
22. Winnipeg Jets (4-3-0) â–²
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Previously 31st
Winning four of out five games since the last edition of the power rankings gets the Jets out of our basement and closer to where many project they'll ultimately finish.
Victories over the Oilers and Wild inspire some hope, but Winnipeg still has some work to do before it can be considered a legitimate playoff threat. - Gold-Smith
23. Carolina Hurricanes (3-2-1) â–¼
Previously 18th
It wasn't easy evaluating the Hurricanes after one game, but it's a little clearer now. Carolina earned big road wins over the Oilers and Flames, but losses to the Jets and Stars showed consistency is still a work in progress. - Gold-Smith
24. Vancouver Canucks (4-3-1) â–¼
Previously 17th
Vancouver has won three of its last four, but two of those were over the Sabres and Red Wings. It's only a matter of time before reality sets in. - Gold-Smith
25. San Jose Sharks (3-4-0) â–²
Previously 30th
Wins against a couple of struggling squads in the Canadiens and Sabres and a victory over the surprising Devils were enough for the Sharks to gain some ground, despite a pair of losses to the Islanders.
San Jose still isn't scoring enough, though, and will need to figure that out as it continues a five-game road trip Monday at Madison Square Garden. - Gold-Smith
26. Detroit Red Wings (4-4-1) â–¼
Previously 7th
Last week was a big test for the Red Wings, and they failed it by losing three games against legit contenders in the Lightning, Maple Leafs, and Capitals. Following that up with a 4-1 beatdown on home ice at the hands of the Canucks wasn't great, either. - Gold-Smith
27. New York Rangers (2-5-2) â–¼
Previously 23rd
The Rangers have lost five of their last six, and while Saturday's win over the Predators was a good sign, New York hasn't been playing to its full potential. We knew the Rangers were going to regress, but it wasn't supposed to happen this quickly. - Gold-Smith
28. Colorado Avalanche (4-4-0) â–¼
Previously 20th
Last week, we told you not to get used to seeing the Avalanche ranked as high as they were, and Colorado responded by winning three straight, before losing three in a row. Despite solid play at times, the Avalanche are still too inconsistent to sustain success over the long haul. - Gold-Smith
29. Montreal Canadiens (1-6-1) â–¼
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Previously 24th
It's still way too early for the Canadiens to give up on the season, but seven straight losses are definitely cause for concern. Montreal went 0-for-3 on its California road swing last week, as both scoring and defense remain major issues. - Gold-Smith
30. Buffalo Sabres (2-5-2) â–¼
Previously 26th
The Sabres earned a big comeback win over the Bruins on Saturday night, but they still have the third-worst goal differential in the league and a host of root causes to account for that. - Gold-Smith
31. Arizona Coyotes (0-7-1) â–¼
Previously 28th
The NHL's lone remaining winless team has seven regulation losses in eight games. That's bad. - Gold-Smith
