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NHL Power Rankings: Penguins Unanimously Sit On Top

November 19, 2014, 11:06 AM ET [22 Comments]
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Welcome to another edition of the Hockeybuzz hotstove.

As is the case every Wednesday, below you'll find each hotstove member's personal power rankings.

Todd Cordell

1. Pittsburgh Penguins (13-3-1)

When a team wins 10 of 11 games and allow 16 goals in that span (five of which were in one game, so 11 in 10 besides that) it's hard to argue they're not the best team in hockey. Their added depth is really paying off, and Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and co. continue producing points in bunches.

2. Tampa Bay Lightning (13-5-2)

The Lightning have 73 goals in 20 games, and a plus-19 goal differential. This is without their best defenseman and potential Norris candidate Victor Hedman. They're scary good right now.

3. Nashville Predators (12-4-2)

They've won five of their last six, and that includes wins over the Blues, Stars and Jets, among others. Their defense has been good, Pekka Rinne has been good and they finally have a legitimate offense.

4. Montreal Canadiens (14-5-1)

I'm still not completely sold on the Habs and don't think they're as good as their record indicates, but they're currently 1st in the East and Carey Price is playing very well so they'll remain in my top-5 for now.

5. St. Louis Blues (12-5-1)

They were just shutout by Boston, but they've still won eight of 10 and are just one point behind Nashville for 1st in a very tough Central Division.

Honorable mention: Anaheim. They've slipped a little bit of late, but I think that's more on Corey Perry and Francois Beauchemin missing time with the mumps than anything else. They're a good team and Sami Vatanen is turning into a star.

Ryan Wilson

1. Pittsburgh (13-3-1)

The Penguins have won 10 of their last 11 games and while they are known for their offensive ways, but they have only given up 16 goals in that 11 game sample size. Their third line is doing a great job, their goaltending has been above average regardless of who is in net, and they’ve been doing this without Olli Maatta in the lineup for a chunk of games. The Penguins have an NHL best +29 in goal differential. These aren’t your Dan Bylsma Penguins anymore. They are legitimate Cup theat.

2. Tampa Bay (13-5-2)

The Lightning continue to take care of business without the services of Victor Hedman. They have an impressive +19 in goal differential. They are able to roll out four solid lines of forwards and Ben Bishop is a quality netminder. Tampa is legit and should be on everybody’s radar.

3. Nashville (12-4-2)

Peter Laviolette has been a breath of fresh air for Nashville. Just take last night for example. The Predators defeated the Leafs 9-2. Those 9 goals were what 5 games worth of Trotz coached teams used to put up at times. The top line of Ribeiro, Neal, and Forsberg are outscoring the opposition 17-1 at even strength per @AGretz.

4. St. Louis Blues (12-5-1)

The Blues boast one of the best offensive lines in hockey right now. Tarasenko, Lehtera, and Schwartz while combining that with other great forward depth. Their blue line is solid and they will continue to receive at least league average goaltending (currently they receive way above average goaltending #2 overall in EVSV% at .946).

5. Anaheim Ducks (11-4-5)

Ducks fell a little bit for me this week but that had more to do with Corey Perry missing time with the mumps than it is anything. Ducks are still one of the better teams out West and until Chicago and Los Angeles can string together some more consistency the Ducks will continue to be ranked over them.

Adam French

1. Pittsburgh Penguins (13-3-1)

Seemingly unstoppable on offense. Maatta back on what is an extremely underrated defense (so much better without Orpik). Fleury is regular season Fleury which means pretty good. Penguins look good, if Bennett can stay healthy for five minutes go get some traction they might be set.

2. Tampa Bay Lightning (13-5-2)

Like the Pens offensively deep though more so in my opinion. Bishop has been strong again, though maybe Nabokov has offset that. Defense hasn't been a big issue and Stralman has proven to be one of the savyest pickups of the off-season. With Hedman back...could get interesting.

3. Nashville Predators (12-4-2)

It's not just because of the 9-2 drilling, Nashville has been quietly brilliant. Elite levels of goaltending, one of the best top-pairings and a strong supporting cast on defense and a creatively underrated offense under a coach who knows his business. A part of me wishes Radulov would come back...but Ribeiro, Roy and him all on the same team? Follow your nose.

4. St. Louis Blues (12-5-1)

The Blues are a really good team and better as the sum of their parts. Despite Pietrangelo not having a great start (nor Oshie for that matter) they still get things done. Good depth all around and strong goaltending.

5. Calgary Flames (12-6-2)

Montreal is coming off of a 6 game win streak, but the Flames are just so impressive with their work ethic and never say die attitude. This team embodies the "better than on paper" notion. Gioardano is well on his way to a Norris win, Hiller looks like pre-vertigo Hiller and an assortment of young forwards are simply getting it done (Markus Granlund looking ridiculously good). Will this last? Maybe not, but right now the Flames and their fans should be proud of the Heart(ley) they are showing.

Tim Chiasson

1. Pittsburgh Penguins (13-3-1)

Aren’t the Penguins just down right entertaining to watch? They’ve been my number one for a few weeks now and after thumping the Canadiens they aren’t going anywhere.

2. Tampa Bay Lightning (13-5-2)

The Lightning are a great team. Nabokov is not a great back-up, so I’m not holding it against them. The NHL’s leaders in goals for continue to play some top notch hockey in the offensive zone and are getting closer to getting Victor Hedman back on defense. The Lightning should be near the top of the league all year long.

3. Nashville Predators (12-4-2)

Peter Laviolette has the Predators in 2nd in the West and 5th in the league overall. This team plays a relentless attack game that just smothers the opposition. The Predators have the full package from the net out and they lead the West in point%. Right now, I don’t think there’s a better team in the Western Conference.

4.Montreal Canadiens (14-5-1)

Carey Price continues to take this team to places it shouldn’t reach. They got blown out by the Penguins on Tuesday night as the offense dried up again and they just don’t look like a team that should have the record they do. I’m not convinced that this is a full team record and not just Price carrying a decent team further than they can go on their own.

5. St. Louis Blues (12-5-1)

Until they struggled against Boston last night it was business as usual for the Blues, winning three straight and scoring a bunch of goals. After a sluggish start the Blues have picked up their play and never looked back and are on pace for a 113 point season.

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