NHL Power Rankings: Canucks Keep Winning

We are closing in on the All-Star break in the NHL, and time is coming to start figuring out which teams are the best of the best. Others are just plummeting far down the chain with no sign of life on the horizon.

We’re past the halfway mark of the season and contenders are starting to take form, and some teams are starting to play good hockey at the right time. Much like last year, the second half should provide a ton of intrigue.

On this latest edition of NHL power rankings, I'm going to dive a little bit deeper into what teams are starting to separate themselves from the pack and who we should expect to be teams to watch in the second half. To do this, we're going to start with just 10 who are playing like true contenders:

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1) Vancouver Canucks (31-11-4)

They just keep winning. It’s still uncertain how that will translate come playoff time, but J.T. Miller, Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes remain spectacular. Brock Boeser (27 goals) has restored himself to his old form. There’s a lot left to prove, but the Canucks are fun to watch.

2) Edmonton Oilers (26-15-1)

Reports of the Oilers’ demise have been greatly exaggerated. Edmonton has now reeled off 13 wins in a row and are suddenly back in the fold for a top spot in the Western Conference. There’s still some work to do, like passing the Canucks or even the Vegas Golden Knights. But they are a wagon. As long as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are healthy, and if this depth can continue to produce, they’re as dangerous a threat as anyone.

3) Boston Bruins (28-8-9)

Remember when losing Patrice Bergeron was supposed to be a problem? The Bruins haven’t skipped a beat. David Pastrnak is making a strong Hart Trophy case with 66 points in 45 games, and Brad Marchand is still scoring goals as a toned-down captain. Boston is going to be tough so long as Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark stay

4) Winnipeg Jets (30-10-4)

I almost feel horrible for not giving the Jets enough credit, but it’s just the way of the world right now. Think of it this way: Three of the top four teams in this are from Canada. If that’s not a sign the times are changing, I don’t know what is. But think of the Jets in this capacity: Their leading scorer is Mark Scheifele with 41 points. They played the month-and–a-half without Kyle Connor but still managed to storm their way to the top of the Central. This is a balanced team with scoring up and down the lineup, and Connor Hellebuyck is once again an elite goalie. The Jets continue to be a surprise, but it won’t be long now for them to be where everyone expects.

5) Vegas Golden Knights (27-14-5)

Don’t look now, but the defending Stanley Cup champs are back. Even if half of their roster has been called up from AHL Henderson, the Golden Knights are starting to find their game. Vegas has won three straight despite eight players on IR, including Jack Eichel, William Karlsson and Shea Theodore. They’ve found ways to win even when things haven’t gone right; especially with the latest win a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Brendan Brisson, the team’s top prospect, scored his first NHL goal in the win. Vegas is nowhere near to repeat-worthy material, but just like last year, if good health fortunes arise in the playoffs, who wants to face this team?

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6) Florida Panthers (27-14-4)

The defending Eastern Conference champions aren’t getting talked about enough with what they’ve been able to do. Sam Reinhart might be the most off-the-board Hart Trophy contender who’s not getting love. His 57 points (33 goals) are a firm second in the Atlantic. So long as Sergei Bobrovsky doesn’t fall off a cliff, things are in good shape.

7) Dallas Stars (27-13-6)

Dallas is still expected to compete in a tough Central. And I think they have the pedigree to make it happen. The key is the health of Jake Oettinger. If Pete DeBoer doesn’t run him into the ground, he’s bound to get it going at some point.

8) Colorado Avalanche (30-14-3)

I’m still not sure what to think of Colorado. They still have Nathan MacKinnon, which makes them dangerous at all times. But the goaltending concerns me, and Alexandar Georgiev is nowhere near ready to be placed in the elite category.

9) New York Rangers (29-15-2)

The Rangers have a strong attention to detail and it’s what’s made them more successful this year. And they’ll be a contender to watch out for. But the goaltending hasn’t been up to snuff, and Igor Shesterkin can only do so much. They’re going to need more out of Jonathan Quick going forward to spell Shesterkin.

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10) Philadelphia Flyers (25-16-6)

How are they good? Why are they good? What about them makes them good? I still can’t figure out that exactly for the Flyers, but Travis Konecny is their leading scorer at just 40 points at 45 games. They’re getting goals from Owen Tippett (18), Joel Farabee (15) and Cam Atkinson (11). The biggest surprise? Sam Ersson. The 24-year-old from Sweden has taken claim of the No. 1 goalie spot in Philadelphia over Carter Hart. With Connor Bedard out, there might be an opening for him to be at the center of the Calder Trophy discussion. John Tortorella has this group playing ahead of schedule, which makes them an enticing pick at the moment.