While it hurts to finally bump the Chicago Blackhawks down, after going the entire month of March without losing a game, it’s too hard to justify not giving the Pittsburgh Penguins that first spot. The Blue Jackets have had a nice week as well and this month looks to be promising as we near the playoffs. Just a few days past the trade deadline everyone does still seems a bit shaken up, but are trying to quickly find their places.
*Rankings based upon statistics through Thursday night.
1. Pittsburgh Penguins (-)
Having gone on a 15-game winning streak, it’s impossible to deny the Penguins the number one ranking. The team lost Sidney Crosby Saturday due to a broken jaw but right now the team is far enough ahead they should be safe. Though they picked up a last minute Jussi Jokinen to fill in for Crosby, the Penguins should still keep their fingers crossed he’s back before playoffs. Other recent trades, Brenden Morrow, Douglas Murray, and Jarome Iginla, are all very solid additions to the team.
2. Chicago Blackhawks (-)
Despite being knocked down to second, the Blackhawks still have the NHL’s winningest percentage and lead with the most points. They lost a couple games last week but came back with a huge 7-1 win over Detroit on Sunday so they definitely shouldn’t feel bad about second place. The Blackhawks are still out Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp yet but have maintained their consistency.
3. Anaheim Ducks (-)
The Ducks have hit a rough patch. They lost most of their games last week, including one to Columbus, but did have a big win over Chicago. Their awesome season start is what’s keeping them up in the rankings right now, but if they don’t get back on track, expect to see them start dropping soon.
4. Montreal Canadiens (+1)
These Northeast divisional leaders had a bit of a rough patch last week but came out with a Rangers shutout and a big shootout win over Boston. The Canadiens aren’t an excellent team at any particular avenue but they’re overall a great team. Very well balanced and strong in a little bit of everything. To prove their solidarity, the team only added one player in the trades, Davis Drewiske, to give them a little boost.
5. Boston Bruins (+1)
While Boston definitely remains in the race between Montreal and a tied Ottawa/Toronto, they aren’t putting much effort in. Kudos to them for surviving without trying but it would be nice to see a little more hard work. The Bruins acquired Jaromir Jagr this week and although almost twice the age of his new fellow teammates he’s going to be a huge addition to the team.
6. Los Angeles Kings (+5)
Last year’s Stanley Cup champions continue to play top notch hockey now that they’ve found their groove again. They’re less than ten goals behind their divisional leader Anaheim and have allowed one goal less this season. The Kings didn’t have to do much at trade time this year either as they’ve got a solid core already, but they did add defense Robyn Regehr to beef up their game.
7. Minnesota Wild (+5)
Minnesota might have made one of this years most notable trades prior to the deadline. The team has made a lot of progress this past year with the additions of Ryan Suter and Zach Parise but to turn the fire up another notch they, very expensively, purchased Jason Pominville. He’s an incredibly strong, all-around player and will surely give the Wild a huge boost as they continue towards the postseason. They still might not win the divisional title but they should definitely see some extra game time.
8. Toronto Maple Leafs (-4)
A lot of people thought the Leafs needed to pick up another goalie before the trade deadline, but with super player, Nazem Kadri, I think the team is fine. He scored a hat trick and three of the team’s four goals in a 4-0 win the other night and the Maple Leafs continue to earn points. It’s been since 2004 that the guys saw the playoffs but this year should be a shoe in.
9. New York Islanders (+7)
Pretty much one of the only teams headed into this week with no trade intentions, the Islanders have stood strong. Although they are still seeming to waiver about making the playoffs, they’re giving the other teams a good run for their money. Not technically a trade, but still new, Notre Dame star Anders Lee had his NHL debut Tuesday night and scored a goal for the team. Hopefully he’s a sign of what’s to come; the island could really use a fan boost right about now.
10. Winnipeg Jets (-1)
The Jets might be tied for first right now in their division, but they have a misleading record with more games played, more losses, and some embarrassing losses to teams below them. They’re also on a five-game losing streak so unless they shape up I don’t foresee the tie lasting much longer, and they won’t be the team coming out on top. As for trades, Winnipeg did what was best and kept quiet. They’re doing okay for now slowly building their team and experience and still have some promising newcomers in their future.
11. San Jose Sharks (+11)
San Jose is on another upward swing with a six-game win streak right now, however they’re still a very foreboding 11 points behind first place. Even after releasing three players in trades, the Sharks shouldn’t have any worries about the playoffs. They still have solid players on the team and got some decent return for those they did trade.
12. Detroit Red Wings (-2)
The Red Wings had a few guys picked out they were hoping to get in trades but instead of gaining players actually only ended up selling Kent Huskins. For a team already struggling defensively, I must say that was an...interesting move. The Red Wings seem to make the playoffs every year no matter how they play so it will likely be the same this year, but if they don’t pick up a little they might get bumped completely out. The team is within easy reaching distance from it’s divisional competitors who all made much smarter trade decisions.
13. Ottawa Senators (-6)
Despite losing so many players to injury this season, the Senators head coach Paul MacLean, has kept the team going. The team has been incredibly consistent and their confidence never wavered. Probably one of my favorite trades for the season was here in Ottawa where they picked up an outstanding rookie, Cory Conacher. His light has dimmed some since the season started but he’s still a great player and has a lot he can add to and learn from the team. The Senators smartly traded a goalie, they had three, for Conacher which will alleviate some tensions there as well. Plus, Craig Anderson is finally back so I expect to see some big things in the next few weeks.
14. Nashville Predators (-)
Things continue to remain shaky in Nashville. The Predators have already been having a pretty rough season, but no one was prepared when veteran offensive player Martin Erat asked for a trade. Everyone seems to be disheartened by his leave and what it suggests but hopefully the team can prove they’re playoff material without him around. The team did pick up a young Filip Forsberg and are hoping he pans out, in contradiction to most first draft players who are traded right away. In theory, the Predators have a very defensive, strong style of play, so if they can get into the postseason they should be good.
15. Vancouver Canucks (-7)
The Canucks continue to bounce all over and are inconsistent; they need some serious offensive help and should have planned for that going into the trades. The team did make one addition, Derek Roy, but unless they know something I don’t about him, he sure isn’t their miracle. Also, one of the most talked about potential trades coming into this week was goalie Roberto Luongo, who they ended up keeping. The Canucks are desperately holding onto their divisional lead but are just a few points in front of Minnesota; playoffs are a given but the title is looking questionable.
16. Columbus Blue Jackets (+2)
Columbus came out with an insane overtime win against Anaheim last weekend which, albeit briefly, put them in a playoff spot. The Blue Jackets made some pretty big trades this week to give them a last ditch, rush for the postseason push; absolutely amazing to be saying considering where the team started this season. Marian Gaborik came as a huge addition to the team, in cost and potential, and is definitely stepping up to fill former teammate and former Blue Jacket Rick Nash’s shoes. Gaborik even scored a couple goals his first night on the team.
17. Phoenix Coyotes (+7)
Despite showing some serious hustle at the start of the season, the Coyotes have pretty quickly gone downhill. For being inconsistent, they’re quite consistent. The team still hovers on the edge of maybe, possibly, unlikely, but potentially getting into the playoffs. The Coyotes may have won their division last year but while the other teams beefed up, they did not. When the trades came along they chose to again not change, too little too late anyway I’d imagine, so are left with the team as is. If they could start scoring some goals again, with more regularity, I’d say the could at least whisper the word “postseason.”
18. Washington Capitals (+1)
The Capitals are currently tied for the division lead right now and as they’re on a win streak while the Jets are on a losing streak, it looks better for Washington. Although an older club at this point, if they do make the playoffs it could actually give them a nice edge. Picking up Martin Erat should be a good boost as well. His intentions behind wanted to be traded were to play for a team that would definitely make the postseason, so you know he’ll be working extra hard at least.
19. New Jersey Devils (-6)
Although the Devils went 2-4-4 their last ten games, they still seem to be hanging around in the playoff area. Their recent amount of games ending in overtime and shootouts has been their saving grace, earning them at least a point. The Devils are getting up there in years as well but still have some pretty strong talent on their team. Losing Ilya Kovalchuk has ultimately been a pretty big downer, but should the team make the postseason, the Devils will be a serious threat.
20. Philadelphia Flyers (+8)
The Flyers had an emotional come from behind win over the weekend which hopefully boosted their spirits since they lost another teammate to injury. The team definitely isn’t looking too hot for a playoff spot this year and decided not to mess around much with the trade deadline. When they aren’t injured and/or underachieving, the Flyers actually have a pretty talented team with potential; maybe next season with a new coach.
21. New York Rangers (-4)
The Rangers started this season with some pretty high expectations and have yet to deliver. Making some bold moves at the deadline, like relieving Gaborik and adding Ryane Clowe, might be the boost they needed though. The defense could still use a little help but Clowe has already scored a few goals since he donned his new jersey and, at least for now, gets along better with the head coach.
22. St. Louis Blues (-7)
After three straight losses it looked as if the Blues were done but with a couple straight wins and some new players they appear to be back in the running for playoffs. They could still stand to have a litte more goal-scoring power but went ham on their defense adding in Jordan Leopold and Jay Bouwmeester. The Blues might not have big talent but they work hard and play hard.
23. Edmonton Oilers (+3)
The Oilers have one of the youngest clubs in the league right now but decided to keep it together, as is, when it came deadline time. The kids seem to have come out of nowhere and keep pushing their way up. No one expected to see an Oilers team in the playoffs anytime soon, but they’re just a few points shy of a playoff spot right now and after pulling off shutouts against both the Blues and Canucks last week, I’d say they’re a real threat.
24. Tampa Bay Lightning (-4)
In my opinion, the Lightning made one of the worst trade decisions this week. The club was seriously in need of a goalie and did manage to pick one up in Ben Bishop but they still need a stronger defense as a whole; I don’t think getting rid of a leading scorer was the way to go about it. Adding a goalie is good but he can’t carry the whole defense and expecting just Steven Stamkos to carry the rest of the team now is a little unrealistic. It’s always possible the changeups, getting rid of a coach and adding a new goalie, could jostle everyone back into the game; the Lightning definitely have it in them to give at least one more push for the postseason.
25. Buffalo Sabres (-2)
After losing their last four games, the Sabres came back on embarrased the Penguins with a 4-1 win on Tuesday night. The Sabres decided to release three players this year, most notably their captain, which seems to have caught people off guard but it’s a small stepping stone in a big picture of revamping their team. Despite being projected as a strong team coming into the season, the Sabres struggled and have to once again look at what can be changed. The team still remains four points ahead of last place in their conference so it’s more about pride at this point. Pride and figuring out how to not flop for the third year in a row in 2014.
26. Carolina Hurricanes (-1)
The Hurricanes continue their losing streaks as the season progresses and aren’t looking much like a playoff team. They made no major changes at the trade deadline but re-signed Jeff Skinner and added Marc-Andre Bergeron to vamp up their defense. The Hurricanes play in a weak division with underachieving teams; they can’t give up just yet. There’s still a month and an indefinite amount of luck and good fortune that could put the Hurricanes into the postseason.
27. Dallas Stars (-6)
When the deadline came and went Wednesday it seemed pretty clear that Dallas had given up on the playoffs. The Stars traded their captain, a forward the team was supposed to grow around, and the guy who was supposed to carry them through the playoffs. Losing veterans will probably be good for future draft picks but severely limited their already small chances of making the postseason. Their lack of scoring recently and any really effort given on the ice doesn’t help the Stars either though.
28. Florida Panthers (-1)
The Panthers, not surprisingly, still hang around the bottom and remain the worst team in their conference. They have had a few pretty solid games in the past few weeks beating the Rangers, Sabres, Hurricanes, and most recently the Lightning Tuesday night but nothing to get their hopes up about. The Panthers were unlikely lucky last season when they won their division but a bad season this year could be good for the long run. The team couldn’t do a whole lot of anything when the deadline came as they have no real talent to trade and what there is was injured. Next season should come with some big draft picks and new recruits though; a fresh start is always good.
29. Colorado Avalanche (+1)
Avoiding the trade deadline this week was a smart move for the Avalanche; it was bad timing. This summer might be a good time for movement but right now it’s wise to keep the young core together. The Avalanche offense remains poor at best, so it’s no wonder the team is in last in the West, but standalone they have some pretty solid players. Matt Duchene and his fellow teammates either need to figure out how to play together or be prepared for a changeup.
30. Calgary Flames (-1)
No one expected the Flames to get far this season, they’ve been spiraling downward for a few years now, but with the trades this week they finally made some top notch decisions. He may have been the face of Calgary but it was time for Jarome Iginla to move on and so he did. The Flames didn’t get as much as they should have in return for Iginla or teammate Jay Bouwmeester but it’s done and they need to move on. They have allowed more goals than any team has scored this season and quite frequently go on extended losing streaks; the team needs to do a total rebuild if they hope to escape the conference dungeons anytime soon.