Outsider Sports NHL Power Rankings Oct. 23
Welcome to the Outsider Sports NHL power rankings, where our hockey staff provides their top-10 rankings each week. Each first place vote receives 10 points, while 10th place votes receive one point. Voting this week is Ben Mandell, Tom Leone, Michael Diakunczak, Arianna Fariss and Parker Dorsey.
via Daily Faceoff
1. Vegas Golden Knights (50 points)
The Golden Knights remained unanimous atop our power rankings and the league, remaining unbeaten. Bruce Cassidy and his club are ensuring a Stanley Cup hangover doesn’t occur and that they don’t waste any opportunities.
2. Colorado Avalanche (45 points)
The Avalanche jumped all the way to second in our rankings thanks to an undefeated start. The depth pieces Colorado has brought in seem to be working and superstars like Cale Makar and Nathan Mackinnon continue to dominate.
3. Dallas Stars (36 points)
Dallas is dangerous, and the start of the season has continued to prove that. They have suffered just one loss, and it came after regulation so they have picked up points in every game. It is in large part thanks to Jake Oettinger, who has been spectacular.
4. Boston Bruins (30 points)
Boston was easy to ignore last week due to strength of schedule, but the depth is showing up. Rookie, Matthew Poitras has three goals already, and if the Bruins see him as NHL ready, they may keep him up with the club this year.
5. Toronto Maple Leafs (28 points)
The Leafs have been good and definitely a team with more attitude this season. The physicality has been on full display along with the elite talent. Auston Matthes still has yet to find the back of the net since his second hat trick of the season in game two, but Jon Tavares and William Nylander both have nine points.
6. New York Rangers (21 points)
New York has enjoyed an up-and-down start to the Peter Laviolette era. Tough losses to Columbus and Nashville were certainly discouraging, but in other moments the Rangers have been dominant. Under the new regime, they should be able to find some consistency.
7. Detroit Red Wings (19 points)
The Red Wings may have finally turned the corner after missing the playoffs for seven straight years. Alex Debrincat has been everything Detroit can ask for and they have a strong combination of veteran and young players.
8. New Jersey Devils (17 points)
Just two games last week for New Jersey, and that was probably why they fell in our rankings. Jack Hughes has been other-worldly, posting 10 points. His four points and game-winning goal against the Islanders were a statement.
9. Carolina Hurricanes (14 points)
This is the lowest Carolina has been in our power rankings, and the biggest reason why is injuries. Sebastian Aho, Brett Pesce and Frederik Andersen all are day-to-day with injuries and missing some time. On the bright side, Andrei Svechnikov was a full participant in practice Monday and nearing a return.
10. Philadelphia Flyers (12 points)
Philadelphia is easily the biggest surprise to start the season, but maybe winning is just contagious inside the city. Travis Konecny was expected to be the team’s strongest offensive player, but his five goals is a nice surprise. Carter Hart has been good between the pipes as well, and if he can find consistency there this season, the Flyers will be in good shape moving forward.
Others receiving votes: Los Angeles Kings (3 points)
How we ranked them.
Ben M: Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes.
Tom L: Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings.
Mikey D: Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers.
Arianna F: Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils.
Parker D: Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes.
Rankings are based on games through Oct. 22.
