NHL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, each team’s questionable move

Kristen Shilton, ESPN NHL reporterJan 26, 2024, 07:00 AM ET

CloseKristen Shilton is a national NHL reporter for ESPN.

While the Edmonton Oilers approach history with a record-breaking win streak, it’s another Western Canadian team that takes over the top spot of the NHL Power Rankings this week.

Plus, while we identified each team’s best new addition in last week’s Power Rankings, this week it’s the opposite side of the coin: What are the moves (or non-moves) on which each team might like a do-over?

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list here.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Jan. 19. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.

Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 71.88%
Next seven days: vs. CBJ (Jan. 27)

Vancouver has hit all the right notes this season. The Canucks’ only regret might wind up being not extending Elias Pettersson before now (if it was an option). He’s on pace for another 100-plus-point campaign and will be (rightfully) looking for a significant payday when the time comes to negotiate. Vancouver will have to come prepared — and maybe back up the Brinks truck.

Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 71.88%
Next seven days: @ PHI (Jan. 27)

Perhaps this would be considered a “good problem to have.” Boston has red-hot netminder (and pending RFA) Jeremy Swayman up for another contract negotiation this summer — and the way he’s playing, Swayman’s going to demand even more than he did a year ago. The Bruins might regret not getting something longer-term done with Swayman when they had the chance, prior to his levelling up again in 2023-24.

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 70.65%
Next seven days: vs. TOR (Jan. 27)

The Jets are excellent in so many areas that it’s easy to gloss over the fact their power play is in the bottom 10 of the league. Yikes. The Jets haven’t remedied that…

Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39387712/nhl-power-rankings-2023-2024-best-teams-standings-questions

Author : Kristen Shilton

Publish date : 2024-01-26 11:08:36

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