Connor McDavid cannot be stopped. When Carey Price is on top of his game, there are still few goalies in the NHL that can compete with him. Is it time to start talking about Marc-Andre Fleury as a serious Vezina Trophy candidate? Points percentage: .583 They brought in Cody Ceci and Mike Matheson, who are both coming off of terrible seasons. This week: vs. CGY (Feb. 24); @ EDM (Feb. 27, March 1). Mon., Feb. 15, 2021 timer 2 min. A lot of this revolves around Erik Karlsson and Brent Burns’ play, which needs to be much better this season. NHL, the NHL Shield, the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup, the Stanley Cup Playoffs logo, the … On the contrary, their defense may be a concern. https://sports.yahoo.com/2021-nhl-power-rankings-breaking-205552209.html Drew Doughty, Jeff Carter, Dustin Brown and Johnathan Quick are no longer the same players they were, and many other key pieces of those teams have been traded or retired. January 22, ... (11 points in 12 games) and an impressive showing with Team USA, winning gold at … The league won't be playing inside a bubble, but it didn't make some substantial changes to the season format to try to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay safe and Let’s Go Islanders! Edmonton will likely finish higher than 17th in the standings due to their historically good power play and top-end talent, but are one of the most incomplete teams in the league. But, their offense has been disappointing over the past couple seasons. Get the 2021 All-Access Pass to stream out-of-market games for only $99.99. PIT (Feb. 27, 28); @ NJ (March 2). Here is where every team stands each week in the NHL. That's how many goals Jeff Skinner has scored this season, despite making $9 million. However, Steve Yzerman and the Wings still have to deal with a lot of brutal contracts and are in a complete rebuild. Previous weeks. This takes a major hit at the team’s offense, and while Pietrangelo would help any team he joins, was it really necessary for Vegas? Now is a good time to make up ground in the East: Eight of the Isles' next nine games are on Long Island. The Islanders love to play at home. The biggest question, surprisingly, is Jordan Binnington. Points percentage: .538 Previous ranking: 3 So, we will remain conservative with their spot on our power rankings. (2:55) Wins and losses. Which NHL preseason predictions were off the mark? Their defense is decent, with Shea Weber and Jeff Petry leading the charge. This week: @ TOR (Feb. 24); @ OTT (Feb. 25, 27, March 1). Players such as Matt Duchene, Ryan Johansen, and Filip Forsberg haven’t played nearly as well as their fans would have hoped. This week: vs. While Connor Hellebuyck did win the Vezina Trophy this past year, you can’t rely on an incredible performance from your goaltender every night and it doesn’t seem as if Hellebuyck gets that privilege. This week: vs. VGS (Feb. 25); vs. STL (Feb. 27); vs. COL (March 1). If not, they’ll likely miss the playoffs. Reports have implied that a shortened season is likely on the way, but that Gary Bettman doesn’t want it to be any less than 48 games. When your leading scorer is Adam Henrique with 43 points, that presents a problem. This team is still far below average in every facet in the game, and after a historically bad season, should stay in the basement. It’s hard to believe. The 22-year-old has been struggling to find consistency, posting a .891 save percentage through 10 games. NBC Sports | 3h. Previous ranking: 1 Share All sharing options for: 2021 NHL Power Rankings: Maple Leafs are in charge now That has paid off. The question is whether Ilya Samsonov is ready to truly become a starter in the NHL after Holtby’s departure. Points percentage: .719 It is clear they are in the early stages of a full-on rebuild. Points percentage: .559 Points percentage: .391 It sounds weird, but the Chicago Blackhawks are a bottom team. Previous ranking: 26 Here's a look at our preseason 2021 NHL rankings. The Rangers are still finding their way, dealing with on- and off-ice adversity. Regardless, here are Drive4Five’s 2021 NHL Power Rankings… The Sharks had an atrocious season last year and finished last in the Western Conference, leaving their fans quite disappointed. On the other hand, their top-six forward group is loaded. Previous ranking: 20 Previous ranking: 28 Nashville’s Stanley Cup window has suddenly slammed shut. Go get 'em, @tzegras11! Points percentage: .310 Their defense is one of the worst in the league, and their depth can use some help. Points percentage: .500 This team has certainly improved drastically. How the NHL could embrace the NBA Top Shot revolution. Points percentage: .619 Rite of passage for any NHL rookie - the solo lap. The 2021 NHL season looks to have turned a corner, with games running smoothly (and as scheduled) recently, following a number of additional protocols undertaken due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. After embarking on a historic playoff run, the Islanders look like they will be a very good team again heading into the 2021 NHL season. NHL Power Rankings: One thing to love about every team during the 2021 season A loving look at the NHL in mid-February. Outside of the league’s best duo in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, they’re missing almost everything. The Anaheim Ducks just might be the worst team in the Western Conference. Have to be able to rely on all four lines and keep pucks out of the back of the net to rank amongst the elite teams. Is Victor Hedman the best hockey player in the world. NHL Power Rankings: Stats that define every team's 2021 season. While this team likely still won’t be anywhere near the playoffs, a mix of acquired free agents and developing young players should equate to a more successful season. Their top-four defense is quietly one of the best in the NHL with Ryan Suter, Jared Spurgeon, Jonas Brodin, and Matt Dumba. Now, the Panthers are below average in every facet of the game. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust, Kris Letang and Jake Guentzel should continue to contribute offensively. We're still not sure what to make of this 2021 Penguins team, but it has been squeezing out wins. They shocked the hockey world and beat Edmonton in the Qualifiers during the Return to Play, then were eliminated in a rather one-sided series against Vegas. The Blues can remain a top team or slowly slip away into mediocrity, depending on their goaltending and how they respond to losing their captain. Zach Werenski is managing an injury while Seth Jones has been on the ice for 17 Columbus goals and 25 from opponents. Very interesting team here. Although, Evgenii Dadonov has now signed in Ottawa and Mike Hoffman is unlikely to re-sign. The Senators have made some pretty nice moves this offseason. This week: @ TB (Feb. 24, 25); @ FLA (Feb. 27, March 1); @ NSH (March 2). The Rangers top-six is scary, and just got even better with Alexis Lafreniere. Points percentage: .528 Top 31 2021 NHL Prospect Team Rankings: #1- The Los Angeles Kings 1. Andrei Vasilevskiy is one of the league’s best goaltenders, and their defense is deep and led by the NHL’s best defenseman in Victor Hedman. They've scored just five first-period goals in 21 games this season (for context, the Oilers lead the league with 28 first-period goals through 28 games).