Pen’s Power Ranking – the Real One as of January 24.2023

As the NHL heads into All-Star Weekend, I thought this would be a good time to see who the Real Power Teams are, especially up to this point of the season.

Pen’s Power Ranking Methodology

I looked at where the teams placed in the standings.

I reviewed their recent history of making the playoffs, and the type of team they have built.

I looked at their Offense, Defense and Special Teams.  Then, I cross referenced this info with their first half schedule and how they got to this point.

I looked at their current injuries and upcoming UFA situation.

Then, I cross referenced all this intel with their second half schedule to determine Pen’s Power Ranking.   Let’s dive in, shall we.

The Contenders Clubs

Boston Bruins – Atlantic Division – Eastern Conference

League Rank Today: 1

Current Streak: 5 Wins

They are in the #1 Playoff Position in the Atlantic Division-Eastern Conference.

The Boston Bruins have made the NHL Playoffs for the last 6 years.

Boston will be there again for a 7th year.

The Bruins have a deep, experienced line-up, that play a tight checking game.

Offense: They can score at anytime.

Defense: Deep unit that knows how to defend.

Goalies: They have goalie depth and the 2023 Vezina Trophy G-Man with Ullmark.

Special Teams:

PP%: 27.0%

PK%: 87.1%

Face-Off Win%: 55.99%

Injuries: 2

UFA’s:  7  after this season.

Schedule: They have passed every test to date.  All they do is dominate.

Pen’s Power Ranking: 1

The Bruins just hang around, then beat you with your own mistakes.  Yikes.  That Buzz you hear, is a powerful Swan Song coming from the B’s. 7 UFA’s means a re-tool is coming.

Burst Their Bubble: Can they survive the NHL marathon, remain healthy and continue to play at this elite level until April and beyond?

Carolina Hurricanes – Metropolitan Division – Eastern Conference

League Rank Today: 2

Current Streak: 2 Win

They are in the #1 Playoff Position in the Metro Division-Eastern Conference.

The Carolina Hurricanes have made the NHL Playoffs for the last 4 years.

Carolina will be there again for a 5th year.

The Hurricanes have a deep, experienced line-up, that play a fast, speed game.

Offense: They can score.

Defense: Deep unit that knows how to defend, box out and keep peeps to the outside.

Goalies: They have experienced goalie depth.

Special Teams:

PP%: 18.4%

PK%: 80.8%

Face-Off Win%: 53.1%

Injuries: 3

UFA’s:  8  after this season.

Schedule: They have lost key games vs the Metro Div. so far this year.  Hmmmm.

Pen’s Power Ranking: 2

The Canes are never really out of any game.  They have loaded up for the run this year.  They feel that it’s now their turn.

Burst Their Bubble: It’s tough getting out of the Metro Division, let alone the Eastern Conference.

Toronto Maple Leafs – Atlantic Division – Eastern Conference

League Rank Today: 3

Current Streak: 1 Win

They are in the #2 Playoff Position in the Atlantic Division-Eastern Conference.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made the NHL Playoffs for the last 6 years.

Toronto will be there again for a 7th year.

The Maple Leafs have a deep, experienced line-up, who likes to light the lamp.

Offense: They can score. Period.

Defense: Deep unit that can defend …in January…lol.

Goalies: They have NHL experienced goalie depth.

Special Teams:

PP%: 24.7%

PK%: 79.1%

Face-Off Win%: 52.9%

Injuries: 4

UFA’s:  9  after this season.

Schedule: They have lost some key games vs the Eastern Conf. rivals.

Pen’s Power Ranking: 3

The Buds need to learn how to stop goals from being scored on them, especially in April.  That Buzz you hear, it’s those pesky B’s flying around the Leafs heads…

Burst Their Bubble: Can they get out of the First Round?  Can they avoid the Bruins until the Final Four?  Can they get All-World Goaltending in April?  Alot of pressure come April.

Vegas Golden Knights – Pacific Division – Western Conference

League Rank Today: 7

Current Streak: 1 Loss

They are in the #1 Playoff Position in the Pacific Division-Western Conference.

The Vegas Golden Knights missed the NHL Playoffs last year, for the first time in their short franchise history.

Vegas will be back this year.

The Golden Knights have a deep, experienced line-up, that play a fast, grinding game.

Offense: They have players who can score.

Defense: Deep on D.

Goalies: They have Rookies in net.

Special Teams:

PP%: 24.6%

PK%: 79.2%

Face-Off Win%: 52.9%

Injuries: 7

UFA’s:  2  after this season.

Schedule: You gotta beat the Eastern Conference in order to Win the Stanley Cup.  They haven’t yet.

Pen’s Power Ranking: 4

Vegas have been injured for most of the season, yet still remain a Top NHL Team.  That means huge Team Depth.  Can the second half be who they really are?

Burst Their Bubble: Can they get healthy in time for April?  If so, look out.

Dallas Stars – Central Division – Western Conference

League Rank Today: 5

Current Streak: 1 Loss

They are in the #1 Playoff Position in the Central Division-Western Conference.

The Dallas Stars made the NHL Playoffs last year.

Dallas will be there again for a 2nd year.

The Stars have two top lines, then grit n sandpaper.  They play a tight checking game.

Offense: They can score.

Defense: They can defend and move the puck up ice quickly.

Goalies: They have a #1 goalie, weak on depth.

Special Teams:

PP%: 26.2%

PK%: 83.5%

Face-Off Win%: 54.5%

Injuries: 1

UFA’s:  4  after this season.

Schedule: They have lost key games to the big boys all year.

Pen’s Power Ranking: 5

Big D are healthy and appear to be inspired.  When leaders lead, you can go far.

Burst Their Bubble: You gotta beat the Eastern Conference in order to Win the Stanley Cup.  I still feel there are a few missing pieces in this line-up.

Tampa Bay Lightning – Atlantic Division – Eastern Conference

League Rank Today: 6

Current Streak: 2 Loss

They are in the #3 Playoff Position in the Atlantic Division-Eastern Conference.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have made the NHL Playoffs for the last 5 years.

Tampa Bay will be there again for a 6th year.

The Lightning have a deep, experienced line-up, that just knows how to win. Period.

Offense: They can score at anytime.

Defense: Deep unit that knows how to defend, especially in April, May and June.

Goalies: They have arguably the best goalie in the NHL, over the last 5 years.

Special Teams:

PP%: 27.1%

PK%: 80.5%

Face-Off Win%: 51.5%

Injuries: none

UFA’s:  6  after this season.

Schedule: They have passed many tests to date, except Boston.

Pen’s Power Ranking: 6

Champa Bay have been setting the standard in the NHL for over 5 years now.  They have been a Lightning Rod for others in the League to poach any upcoming Free Agents.  2 Cups will do that to your roster.

Burst Their Bubble: It’s been a war of attrition for Tampa Bay.  Yes they won 2 cups, but how many players have had to leave over the years.  Can they survive The Depth Chart Purge?

Colorado Avalanche – Central Division – Western Conference

League Rank Today: 13-tied

Current Streak: 5 Wins

They are 2 points out of a Wild Card Playoff Position in the Western Conference.

The Colorado Avalanche have made the NHL Playoffs for the last 5 years.

Colorado will be there again for a 6th year.

The Avalanche are the Defending Stanley Cup Champions.  They now know what is takes to win.  Do not count them out just yet.

Offense: They have struggled scoring goals early on, which translates into their current record.

Defense: D unit that knows how to defend, especially in April, May, and June.

Goalies: They have NHL experienced  goalies.

Special Teams:

PP%: 24.5%

PK%: 76.6%

Face-Off Win%: 45.8%

Injuries: 6

UFA’s:  7  after this season.

Schedule: They lost many games to teams who are below them in the standings.  Not a good sign.

Pen’s Power Ranking: 7

The Avs have been injured for a good portion of the season.  When you win the Cup, you are then facing every team’s best game, every night.  They are using you as the litmus test to determine where their roster stacks up against the Champs.

Burst Their Bubble: If they cannot get healthy and regain that killer instinct, they will be golfing early this year.  I’m not sure they have the goaltending to repeat.

The Jekyll and Hyde Clubs

Winnipeg Jets – Central Division – Western Conference

League Rank Today: 4

Current Streak: 2 Wins

They are in the #2 Playoff Position  in the Central Division-Western Conference.

The Winnipeg Jets missed the NHL Playoffs last year.

Winnipeg will make it in this year.

The Jets have a Vezina Trophy Goalie, A Norris Trophy candidate on D, two top lines that can score, and a bunch of grinders.  They play with speed.

Offense: They have top players who can score.

Defense: D unit appears to be smaller than they are.  They are mobile.

Goalies: They have a Vezina Goalie and an NHL backup.  Solid.

Special Teams:

PP%: 23.8%

PK%: 83.8%

Face-Off Win%: 48.3%

Injuries: 3

UFA’s:  4  after this season.

Schedule: They have lost to some of the Big Boys and have a tough time beating the Eastern Conference.  Let’s talk April 01.20023.  I’ll eat crow then…

Pen’s Power Ranking: 8

The Jets were injured early on and were still able to beat teams who critics thought were better than them.  They have weathered all storms to date and are leading the Central.  They have a Vezina Goalie-Hellebuyck.   A Norris Defensemen candidate- Morrissey.  A Power Forward playing the best of his career-Dubois.  And a sniper-Scheifele.

Burst Their Bubble: They caught a few teams by surprise early on.  They lost some leads, then won in OT, which can be viewed as, they cannot protect a lead or they never give up.  They have a stretch of games from Feb19 to March 20.2023 that, in my mind ,will determine who they really are.  Which is why I’m ranking them lower than their point total.

New York Rangers – Metropolitan Division – Eastern Conference

League Rank Today: 8

Current Streak: 1 Win

They are in the #3 Playoff Position in the Metropolitan Division-Eastern Conference.

The New York Rangers made the NHL Playoffs last year.

New York will be there again for a 2nd year.

The Rangers rebuild continues.  Some nights looking like a Final Four contender.  Other nights looking like there are still some missing pieces.  Never count out teams with an MVP Goalie.

Offense: They are struggling to score goals, compared to last year.

Defense: They can defend. Period

Goalies: They have a #1, MVP, Vezina goalie. Period.

Special Teams:

PP%: 22.2%

PK%: 80.6%

Face-Off Win%: 49.0%

Injuries: 2

UFA’s:  3  after this season.

Schedule: They have lost key games to the big boys all year.  That’s not good.

Pen’s Power Ranking: 9

NYR have not been as amazing as they were last year.  Maybe they are not surprising other teams.  Maybe their kids still need to grow up. Maybe you cannot rely on your goalie to save you night in and night out.

Burst Their Bubble: They lost a lot of key depth players which allowed them to be a Final Four team last year.  I still feel there are a few missing pieces in this line-up.

New Jersey Devils – Metropolitan Division – Eastern Conference

League Rank Today: 3

Current Streak: 1 Win

They are in the #2 Playoff Position in the Metropolitan Division-Eastern Conference.

The New Jersey Devils missed the NHL Playoffs for the last 4 years.

New Jersey will make it in this year.

The Devils have been in rebuild mode.  Their young guns have stepped up this year.  Sprinkle in some vets and solid team play structure and you get a performance that has been above expectations.

Offense: They are a top team that can score goals.

Defense: They can defend. Period

Goalies: They have solid NHL goalies.

Special Teams:

PP%: 20.9%

PK%: 81.1%

Face-Off Win%: 50.8%

Injuries: 3

UFA’s:  5  after this season.

Schedule: They have played better than many critics thought.  They have lost to the Big Boys and I see a tough upcoming schedule, from now until the end…

Pen’s Power Ranking: 10

The Devils have been a pleasant surprise so far.  They are channeling last years NYR, surprising teams with grit and scoring, all the while also surprising themselves at times, with how they win games.

Burst Their Bubble: They are still missing a few pieces to complete the rebuild.  I guess let’s talk April 01.2023 to see who the fool is…

Pittsburgh Penguins – Metropolitan Division – Eastern Conference

League Rank Today: 10-tied

Current Streak: 1 Loss

They are in the #2 Wild Card Position in the Eastern Conference.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have made the NHL Playoffs for the last 16 years.

Pittsburgh will be there again for a 17th year.

The Penguins have the third oldest team in the NHL.  This means they have a huge veteran presence and a ton of playoff experience.  This year they play like a contender on some nights and a pretender on other nights.  Injuries will determine how far this team will go.

Offense: They are Mid, considering the All -World Talent on the roster.

Defense: They have the names, however injuries means they have been average. Period

Goalies: They have an injured #1 goalie and suspects behind him.   Weak G Depth.

Special Teams:

PP%: 21.0%

PK%: 81.5%

Face-Off Win%: 52.0%

Injuries: 6

UFA’s:  5  after this season.

Schedule: They have lost key games to the big boys all year.  That’s not a good sign.

Pen’s Power Ranking: 11

The Pens have not been playing as well as they were last year at this time.  Injuries really have taken its toll on this team and their record shows it.  8 Overtime losses, so far this year, speaks volumes.  Might get healthy before playoffs, then enter the mix with momentum.  I said might.

Burst Their Bubble: They are to old and not motivated like they once were.  They had a chance for a re-load, to get younger this past offseason, however management choose to re-sign instead.  You get what ya bought…for four more years.

Los Angeles Kings – Pacific Division – Western Conference

League Rank Today: 7

Current Streak: 1 Win

They are in the #3 Playoff Position in the Pacific Division-Western Conference.

The Los Angeles Kings have made the NHL Playoffs last year.

Los Angeles will be there again for a 2nd year.

The Kings have re-made themselves into a Playoff Team.

Offense: They have some firepower.

Defense: As a unit, they can defend.

Goalies: They have goalie depth, both playing for future contracts.

Special Teams:

PP%: 24.4%

PK%: 73.5%

Face-Off Win%: 52.7%

Injuries: 4

UFA’s:  4  after this season.

Schedule: They have beat teams they were supposed to beat.  They have beat up some top dogs.  They struggle vs the Eastern Conference.  Now that is interesting.

Pen’s Power Ranking: 12

LA are not surprising any teams, like they were last year.  They are a playoff team.  Can they get out of the West?

Burst Their Bubble: I feel they might be a few missing pieces away from being a Final Four team.  It’s just not this year.

The Smoke n Mirrors Clubs

Edmonton Oilers – Pacific Division – Western Conference

League Rank Today: 8-tied

Current Streak: 6 Wins

They are in the #1 Wild Card Position in the Western Conference.

The Edmonton Oilers have made the NHL Playoffs for the last 3 years.

Edmonton will be there again for a 4th year.

The Oilers have tried to draft defenders, trade for defenders, and sign Free Agents, who were supposed to defend.  Their main issue….Team Defence.

Offense: They can score at will.

Defense: They cannot defend. Period.

Goalies: They have NHL experienced goalies.

Special Teams:

PP%: 31.0%

PK%: 74.9%

Face-Off Win%: 49.4%

Injuries: 4

UFA’s:  4  after this season.

Schedule: They have beat the big boys and lost to some of the little boys.

Pen’s Power Ranking: 13

The Oil needs to understand that Defence Wins Championships.  Period.

Burst Their Bubble: If they learn how to defend, this will be a Final Four Team.  If not, their Defense and Goalies are simply not good enough to carry this team.

Seattle Kraken – Pacific Division – Western Conference

League Rank Today: 6-tied

Current Streak: 1 Loss

They are in the #2 Playoff Position in the Pacific Division-Western Conference.

The Seattle Kraken have never made it into the NHL Playoffs, in their short history.

Seattle will miss out again for a 2nd year.

The Kraken are building this team from the ground up, literally.  New pieces are being added this and every year.  They are getting there, playing a defensive style, yet can score?

Offense: They are Top Four team in goals for.  I’m shocked.

Defense: I’m not seeing it as a D-unit. I see it as weak D.

Goalies: They have NHL experienced goalie depth.

Special Teams:

PP%: 20.3%

PK%: 70.5%

Face-Off Win%: 45.6%

Injuries: 5

UFA’s:  4  after this season.

Schedule: They have surprised many teams so far this year.  That said, they have lost to the big boys, which is not a shock.

Pen’s Power Ranking: 14

The Kraken, would be ecstatic if they made the NHL playoffs in year Two.

Burst Their Bubble: I feel they are only a few missing pieces away from making that happen.  I also see many tough games, still to come.  I don’t see it.

Washington Capitals – Metropolitan Division – Eastern Conference

League Rank Today: 9

Current Streak: 1 Loss

They are in the #1 Wild Card Position in the Eastern Conference.

The Washington Capitals have made the NHL Playoffs for the last 8 years.

Washington will be there again for a 9th year.

The Capitals are a veteran hockey team, that know how to win. That said, it just feels like they are riding the great 8 and his chase of the All-Time Goals Scoring record.

Offense: They have Ovie, do they need anyone else?  Lol.

Defense: They have some names, some injuries, and not enough depth.

Goalies: They have Average Goalies at best.

Special Teams:

PP%: 20.5%

PK%: 81.6%

Face-Off Win%: 49.8%

Injuries: 5

UFA’s:  11  after this season.

Schedule: They have lost key games to the big boys as well as losing to teams they should have beat.  That is not a good sign.

Pen’s Power Ranking: 15

The Caps have been injured and when this teams misses key players, they do not have the team depth to replace those All-World players.  They go as far as #8 can take them.  It’s the Last Hurrah.

Burst Their Bubble: They are too old, injured and not as motivated as they once were.  They will have a chance to re-tool after this year., given all their upcoming Free Agents.

Calgary Flames – Pacific Division – Western Conference

League Rank Today: 11-tied

Current Streak: 2 Wins

They are sitting in the #2 Wild Card Playoff Position in the Western Conference.

The Calgary Flames made the NHL Playoffs last year.

Calgary will be there again this year.

The Flames re-jigged their line-up.  It has taken a while for the team to gel.  I never bet against a Sutter…  They always have well structured teams, who can play D and will run through walls to get a win.

Offense: They have some goal scoring, but do they have enough?

Defense: They have a solid D-unit.

Goalies: They have NHL experienced goalies

Special Teams:

PP%: 19.7%

PK%: 82.0%

Face Win%: 50.6%

Injuries: 2

UFA’s:  3  after this season.

Schedule: They have been pounded by the Eastern Conference.  Very interesting.

Pen’s Power Ranking: 16

The Flames need to get hot, like now.  They need the stars to score.  They need to re-commit to D and a Hot Markstrom, would help.

Burst Their Bubble: I don’t see enough fire power.  I don’t see the Goalies carrying this team.  They need a slight re-jig, in order for them to get to where they want to be.

One Sneeze Away Clubs

Nashville Predators – Central Division – Western Conference

League Rank Today: 14

Current Streak: 1 Win

They are sitting Outside of the Playoff Picture as we speak, just 4 points behind Minnesota in the Western Conference.

The Nashville Predators have made the NHL Playoffs for the last 8 years.

Nashville will be there again this year.

The Predators have two top lines that are as good as any in the NHL.  I’m not so sure about their bottom 6.  They added McDonagh on D, which makes them a tough out.

Offense: They have the names, are they underachieving or it’s just not enough?

Defense: They have a solid D-unit.

Goalies: They have NHL experienced goalies.  Saros needs to take over games.

Special Teams:

PP%: 16.5%

PK%: 79.9%

Face Win%: 52.0%

Injuries: 1

UFA’s:  4  after this season.

Schedule: They have beat teams who they should beat.  They have even taken out some of the Big Boys.  Interesting second half coming up for sure.

Pen’s Power Ranking: 17

The Preds were injured and that is reflective in the standings.  Any type of Cold Front from Minny or Colorado in the second half, will allow the Preds to overtake them in the standings. Healthy now, and with a Red-Hot Saros, they can smell a Playoff Spot from here.

Burst Their Bubble: If they get any rash of injuries, they are toast.  There is simply not enough depth to overcome injuries in this lineup.  And I’m not sure if their offense can get them there.

Minnesota Wild – Central Division – Western Conference

League Rank Today: 11-tied

Current Streak: 2 Loss

They are sitting in the #3 Playoff Position in the Central Division – Western Conference.

The Minnesota Wild have made the NHL Playoffs for the last 3 years.

Minnesota will miss out this year.

The Wild have Kaprizov and Fleury are the big names of the Franchise.  Beyond that, I’m not sure where they are at.  They seem so Mid.

Offense: They have limited goal scoring, from what I can see.

Defense: They appear to have a solid D-unit, but I never hear about them.

Goalies: They have NHL experienced goalies.

Special Teams:

PP%: 23.9%

PK%: 79.1%

Face Win%: 47.6%

Injuries: 1

UFA’s:  3  after this season.

Schedule: They have lost to all the Big Boys.  They MUST beat the others to get in.

Pen’s Power Ranking: 18

The Wild have been dumping players for the last 3 years or so.  I’m not sure what there identity really is.  Play Defense and win every game 1-0?  Minny is simply one sneeze away from Colorado overtaking them in the standings.  They are one Wild slump away from golf season.

Burst Their Bubble: I don’t see enough fire power.  I’m not convinced of there D and I don’t see the Goalies carrying this team.  I see a re-jig, in order for them to get to where they want to be.

Florida Panthers – Atlantic Division – Eastern Conference

League Rank Today: 13-tied

Current Streak: 1 Loss

They are 3 points out of a Wild Card Position in the Eastern Conference.

The Florida Panthers have made the NHL Playoffs for the last 3 years.

Florida will miss out this year.

The Panthers traded away some heart and soul for a different heart and soul.  I think it takes time to repair and replace the heart and soul of a team.  The Panthers are experiencing that so far this year.

Offense: They have firepower, that is for sure.

Defense: I’m not seeing it on D at all.

Goalies: They have Average Goalies.

Special Teams:

PP%: 24.1%

PK%: 74.9%

Face-Off Win%: 48.7%

Injuries: 4

UFA’s:  4 after this season.

Schedule: They have lost key games to all the big boys.

Pen’s Power Ranking: 19

Fla have been missing their identity all season, as the trades have taken time for the team to gel.  Goalie BOB has underachieved and is now injured.  That said, just one sneeze by Pittsburgh or Washington in the second half, and the Panthers could make it into the dance.

Burst Their Bubble: They can get in, if they come together a team, play some tight D and get All-Star goaltending in the second half.  I don’t see it happening…

New York Islanders – Metropolitan Division – Eastern Conference

League Rank Today: 13-tied

Current Streak: 5 Loss

They are 3 points out of a Wild Card Position in the Eastern Conference.

The New York Islanders missed the NHL Playoffs last year.

New York miss out again this year.

The Islanders were on the cusp of something great.  Then Covid came and disrupted the team.  They have yet to recover from last years covid confusion.  Where did their Mojo go?

Offense: They have goal scorers, are they just having a slow first half?

Defense: They just don’t seem to be playing a tight D game at this time.

Goalies: They have two good Goalies between the pipes.

Special Teams:

PP%: 16.4%

PK: 82.6%

Face-Off Win%: 50.1%

Injuries: 3

UFA’s:  3 after this season.

Schedule: They actually beat the big boys, except for Boston.  Wow, then I don’t get it.

Pen’s Power Ranking: 20

NYI should be higher in the standings. Period.  They have the depth, experience, and are now getting the goaltending.  One sneeze by Pittsburgh or Washington, and they are in.

Burst Their Bubble: They are not consistent.  For every win against Toronto, there was a loss to Arizona.  Making up ground in the Eastern Conference will be a challenge in the second half.  Good teams will not make it in this year.  Ouch, it’s NYI.

Buffalo Sabres – Atlantic Division – Eastern Conference

League Rank Today: 13-tied

Current Streak: 3 Wins

They are 3 points out of a Wild Card Position in the Eastern Conference.

The Buffalo Sabres have not made the NHL Playoffs for the last 11 years.

Buffalo will miss out again this year.

The Sabres were shot out of a cannon, early in the season.  They took the NHL by storm, then  fell to earth.  Now they are understanding who they are.  Only a few pieces away from really making waves, next year.  They are a few sneezes away from the Big Dance.

Offense: They appear to have scoring power, with some star power.

Defense: They appear to have a solid D-unit, but I never hear about them.

Goalies: They have NHL experienced goalies.

Special Teams:

PP%: 26.1%

PK%: 73.4%

Face Win%: 45.0%

Injuries: 0

UFA’s:  4  after this season.

Schedule: They have both lost as well as beaten the Big Boys.  They are close folks. Real close.

Pen’s Power Ranking: 21

The Sabres have players that want to play there now.  They have skill and the speed of youth on their side.   Can they learn to defend before April?

Burst Their Bubble: I don’t see enough real D from this group.  It’s coming, just not this year.

St. Louis Blues – Central Division – Western Conference

The Blues were injured early on and still have many regulars out of the lineup.  They are clawing their way back into the playoff conversation, however Bennington will need to carry more load, in order to make it in.

They are a tough out any day.  Even tougher with all their peeps back from IR.  I’m not sure how many sneezes are needed for them to make it into the Playoffs.  They won’t.

Pen’s Power Ranking: 22

Sink Hard for Bedard Clubs

Connor Bedard, a generational talent, dangling as the Projected #1 Overall Pick in this year’s Draft, I can’t see why these teams want to climb in the standings, at this particular time.

Detroit Red Wings – Atlantic Division – Eastern Conference

Ottawa – Atlantic Division – Eastern Conference

Philadelphia Flyers – Metropolitan Division – Eastern Conference

Montreal Canadiens – Atlantic Division – Eastern Conference

Vancouver Canucks – Pacific Division – Western Conference

San Jose Sharks – Pacific Division – Western Conference

Arizona – Central Division – Western Conference

Anaheim – Pacific Division – Western Conference

Chicago Black Hawks – Central Division – Western Conference

Columbus Blue Jackets – Metropolitan Division – Eastern Conference

Pen’s Power Ranking: 23-32

Here were the NHL Standings  as of Nov 25.2022

Remember: As we pass USA Thanksgiving, and you look at today’s standings, we are reminded that on average, 75% of the NHL Teams listing, “in the Playoffs”, on this date, actually do make it into the NHL Playoffs.

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

1 Boston

2 Toronto

3 Detroit

Metropolitan Division

1 New Jersey

2 NY Islanders

3 Carolina

Wild Card

1 NY Rangers

2 Tampa Bay

———-

Pittsburgh

Florida

Montreal

Philadelphia

Washington

Buffalo

Columbus

Ottawa

NHL Standings  as of Nov 25.202 Continued…

Western Conference

Central Division

1 Dallas

2 Colorado

3 Winnipeg

Pacific Division

1 Las Vegas

2 Seattle

3 LA Kings

Wild Card

1 Calgary

2 St. Louis

———-

Minnesota

Edmonton

Nashville

Vancouver

San Jose

Arizona

Chicago

Anaheim

Below was my take based on November 25.2022 standings. As to who and how they would finish the season.

Here is how I see the Final Playoff Teams for 2022-2023..based on Nov25.22 standings

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

1 Boston

2 Tampa Bay

3 Toronto

Metropolitan Division

1 Carolina

2 NY Islanders

3 Pittsburgh

Wild Card

1 Florida

2 NY Rangers

———-

Out of the Playoffs, in no particular order

New Jersey

Detroit

Montreal

Philadelphia

Washington

Buffalo

Columbus

Ottawa

Ok, here are my thoughts about the Western Conference

Here is how I see the Final Playoff Teams for 2022-2023..based on Nov25.22 standings

Western Conference

Central Division

1 Colorado

2 Dallas

3 St. Louis

Pacific Division

1 Las Vegas

2 Calgary

3 LA Kings

Wild Card

1 Edmonton

2 Nashville

———-

Out of the Playoffs, in no particular order

Minnesota

Seattle

Winnipeg

Vancouver

San Jose

Arizona

Chicago

Anaheim

My View from the Cheap Seats

As  mentioned, this is simply my views from where I sit, in the Cheap Seats of course…lol.

It is not to used for betting purposes and was solely created for fun and fan discussion.

Full Disclosure, I have not seen every team play as yet.  I have seen many though.  I simply reviewed line-ups, schedules, and team history.  Please don’t be offended if I suggested your team will not make it to the playoffs.  That said, this is not the year for your team to be mid.  Trust Me.

Quote of the Day:

“This is the year you want your team to fall hard for Bedard”

Marc Penner  Author / Writer