With the NHL regular season being a few weeks old, this is a good time to do my first power ranking this season. My criteria is ranking the teams from one to eight on how they have done so far this season. My honorable mentions are the Vegas Golden Knights, Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, and Carolina Hurricanes.
8: Utah Mammoth
The Utah Mammoth are off to a good start to the season. Their top 6 has been electric to start out. Nick Schmaltz has stepped up his game in a big way. He currently leads the team in points with 17 in 12 games. The defense is the healthiest it has been in a very long time. Despite making the rankings, I do have some concerns. They still lack depth scoring. Outside of their five main producers, no forwards have more than four points on the season. Their center depth is weak. Also, Karel Vejmelka has struggled in net this season. These are all things that need to be addressed for Utah to become a legit contender, but as long as they stay healthy, the Mammoth will be a team to keep an eye on this season.
7: Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars look like they are going to be a very solid team again. The Stars have beaten several powerhouses so far this season including the Hurricanes, Avalanche, and Jets. Even when the Stars are losing, they are losing close games. Half of their losses have come in overtime or a shootout, which are skill competitions (not traditional hockey). My only concern is their struggles scoring even strength goals. However, it is very early on in the season, and I am confident the Stars can overcome it.
6: Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins have been the biggest surprise so far this season. While I do not think their success will continue, it does not make their start to the season any less impressive. So many players have stepped up for them to get them to this point. They have the most goals of any team in the league. Their special teams have been on point. Several players are outperforming their expectations by a large margin. Evgeni Malkin has been on fire to start the season and is amongst the league leaders in points. Justin Brazeau has 12 points through his first 12 games, already surpassing half of his career high. Sidney Crosby has continued to play at an elite level with 9 goals and 8 assists in 14 games. Parker Wotherspoon and Ryan Shea have been able to handle top-four minutes. While the Pens might not continue their impressive pace, what they’re doing is impressive, and they have earned their spot on this list.
5: New Jersey Devils
The Devils have played well against other good teams, beating the Avalanche, Maple Leafs, Oilers, Panthers, and Lightning. Their special teams have been good to start out the season, as they have the 4th best power play and 7th best penalty kill. They have scored goals at will, and as long as they stay healthy, it is hard to see that changing. Jake Allen has stepped up with Jacob Markstrom struggling in net. While the Devils have struggled, losing three of their last four, they have earned this spot with their great start to the season.
4: Colorado Avalanche
Even though the Avalanche have won only one more game than they have lost, they currently lead the NHL in points. This is because when they do lose, it’s overtime or in a shootout. While obviously it would be better to win those games, I do not put as much stock in overtime and shootouts because it is a skilled competition, and it goes away in the playoffs. The Avs play teams very closely, and that is why they are first, even though they do not win every close game. Like a lot of the other teams on this list, they have been very high scoring. With Mackenzie Blackwood back, things are looking up for Colorado.
3: Montreal Canadiens
Unlike last season, the Canadiens are hot to start the season. The Canadiens have had no problems scoring goals. They have averaged 3.67 goals per game, which is good enough for second in that category just behind the Winnipeg Jets. Sam Montembeault has struggled in net. He currently has a .839 save percentage. However, I am confident that he will turn it around.
2: Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings have already beaten several good teams including the Lightning, Panthers, Oilers, and Maple Leafs twice. They have shown they can not only hold their own against top teams but also win games. They are scoring at a good rate, and their special teams have been very solid. The defense has been a bit of a struggle at times, but this looks like it could be the season the Red Wings make it back to the playoffs.
1: Winnipeg Jets
The Jets have been the top team so far this season. It just seems like everyone is on their game. Mark Scheifele currently leads the NHL in points with 20 and Kyle Connor is not far behind with 17. They have strong depth scoring. 10 players currently have 6 points through 12 games. The Jets are still an elite defensive team. They are 2nd in goals against this season and Connor Hellebuyck is off to a great start this season.
