Heading into this weeks action, changes at the top of the power rankings have taken place and its a shocker. Vancouver missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season and not much was expected of the Canucks this year, but they have started the year 4-0-0, the only perfect mark in hockey and despite last years failures, on top of the ladder and a great feel good story.
Speaking of good stories, last year not one of the teams from Canada made the playoffs, but if early season success and momentum mean anything, that will change in 2017.
Montreal sits on top of the Atlantic Division with a 3-0-1 mark and averaging four goals per game. Edmonton is also off to a quick start, tied with Vancouver on top of the Pacific Division with 8 points with a 4-1-0 record and a league high 20 goals scored.
These two franchises are now in the top-5 in the latest power rankings, but in the case of the Oilers, defense will be an issue throughout the year, having allowed 16 goals already this year.
Pittsburgh started the season on top and it was hard to argue after the Penguins won the Stanley Cup last season, but injuries have hit this club hard. The squad has opened the year 3-1-1, a terrific start considering they are missing their biggest star, but the fact they have allowed more goals than they’ve scored, shows cracks are developing and depth could become an issue over the next few months.
Washington is also off to a hot start and considered the best team in hockey by some experts. The Capitals are 3-0-1 and having allowed a league low 6 goals, it’s hard to argue, but the early season excitement in Vancouver is tough to beat and for at least this week, give the Canucks the credit they deserve and enjoy the great story line.
