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NHL Power Rankings For Week 13 Of The 2014-15 Season

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By @powerplaywithcj

NHL Power Rankings For Week 13 Of The 2014-15 Season

Frederik Andersen
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The past week has been an eventful one in the NHL. On the ice, big-name players reached some pretty lofty milestones and the overall league standings reflected the action. Through 13 weeks, here are my NHL power rankings.

30. Edmonton Oilers

NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 07: David Perron #57 of the Edmonton Oilers in action against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on February 7, 2014 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Oilers 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
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30. Edmonton Oilers

NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 07: David Perron #57 of the Edmonton Oilers in action against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on February 7, 2014 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Oilers 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
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David Perron’s trade is the start of what will surely be one of the biggest firesales in NHL history. Look for the team to do everything in its power to tank the rest of the way and secure a top-two draft pick as potential franchise centers Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel headline this draft class.

29. Carolina Hurricanes

Eric Staal Carolina Hurricanes 2014-15
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

29. Carolina Hurricanes

Eric Staal Carolina Hurricanes 2014-15
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The team’s home win against the Bruins was a nice display for the fans, but much like the Oilers, there’s a firesale brewing and many of the team’s veterans could be seeing their last days in Carolina.

28. Buffalo Sabres

Zemgus Girgensons (Kevin Hoffman)
Kevin Hoffman - USA TODAY Sports

28. Buffalo Sabres

Zemgus Girgensons (Kevin Hoffman)
Kevin Hoffman - USA TODAY Sports

After what looked like an escape from the bottom, the Sabres are right back in the basement, which isn’t the worst place to be for a team in the middle of a massive rebuild. Despite the team’s struggles, Sabres fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future, not the least of which is 20-year-old Zemgus Girgensons being voted into the NHL All-Star Game.

27. Arizona Coyotes

Shane Doan Arizona Coyotes 2014-15
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

27. Arizona Coyotes

Shane Doan Arizona Coyotes 2014-15
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The team introduced new owner Andrew Barroway, and things appear to be stable in terms of the team’s long-term future in Arizona. The Coyotes have their work cut for them as the high-flying Blues and surprising Winnipeg Jets are coming to town this week.

26. New Jersey Devils

Jaromir Jagr
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26. New Jersey Devils

Jaromir Jagr
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The Devils are an absolute trainwreck as I really believe Lou Lamoriello's best days are long behind him. Having said that, they’re not exactly boring to watch, as evidenced by 42-year-old hockey legend Jaromir Jagr becoming the oldest player in league history to post a hat trick. Look for Jagr to be one of multiple Devils moved between now and the deadline as the team looks to start fresh.

25. Philadelphia Flyers

NHL: Preseason-Washington Capitals at Philadelphia Flyers
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

25. Philadelphia Flyers

NHL: Preseason-Washington Capitals at Philadelphia Flyers
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The season is getting uglier by the week for the Flyers, and there really is no end in sight. A four-game homestand that includes games against the Senators and Capitals could be season-defining.

24. Colorado Avalanche

Colorado Avalanche v Minnesota Wild - Game Four
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24. Colorado Avalanche

Colorado Avalanche v Minnesota Wild - Game Four
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The Avs have risen from the abyss and have a put nice run together to get back in the playoff picture. It may take a bit of a miracle, but I wouldn’t completely rule out Patrick Roy’s squad from making a late-season push.

23. Columbus Blue Jackets

James Wisniewski Columbus Blue Jackets Trade
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23. Columbus Blue Jackets

James Wisniewski Columbus Blue Jackets Trade
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Much like the Avalanche, the Blue Jackets have rebounded from a less-than-stellar start to make things interesting down the stretch. Friday’s showdown with the reeling Maple Leafs could be huge as one team is trending upwards and the other is in a free fall.

22. Ottawa Senators

Bobby Ryan
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

22. Ottawa Senators

Bobby Ryan
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The Sens have had their ups and downs and will surely be put to the test on an upcoming four-game road trip. Look Bobby Ryan to keep up his high level of play coming off a highlight-reel overtime goal against the Boston Bruins.

21. Minnesota Wild

Minnesota Wild v Winnipeg Jets
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21. Minnesota Wild

Minnesota Wild v Winnipeg Jets
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This team needs a major shakeup if it wants to avoid digging itself into an even deeper hole in the Western Conference playoff picture. The Wild are teetering dangerously close to missing the playoffs.

20. Dallas Stars

seguin
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

20. Dallas Stars

seguin
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

It wasn’t too long ago the Stars looked they were dead in the water. A 8-2-0 run later, and the team appears to be on the upswing. It’ll still take some work to get back in the Western Conference playoff picture, but if Tyler Seguin keeps up his torrid pace and his teammates start to pick up some of the slack, it’s not an impossible feat.

19. Boston Bruins

Buffalo Sabres v Boston Bruins
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19. Boston Bruins

Buffalo Sabres v Boston Bruins
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The Bruins just cannot catch a break as they have lost their last three games in overtime and are on the outside looking in when it comes to the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Their game against the elite Penguins on Wednesday will be huge.

18. Florida Panthers

Florida Panthers v Buffalo Sabres
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18. Florida Panthers

Florida Panthers v Buffalo Sabres
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Despite losing a tough game to the Washington Capitals, I like what I’m seeing from the Florida Panthers and really think they’ll be a team to be reckoned with down the stretch. I’m really excited to watch them take on the Canucks in Vancouver as Roberto Luongo returns to British Columbia for the first time since he was traded last season.

17. Toronto Maple Leafs

Carlyle
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

17. Toronto Maple Leafs

Carlyle
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Leafs' annual tradition of collapsing after a hot start has started early this year as the team is in the middle of a free fall that has seen its defensive liabilities catch up to it. A looming west coast trip could make or break the Leafs' chances this season, as well as head coach Randy Carlyle’s future in Toronto.

16. Calgary Flames

Gaudreau Rookie of the Month Calgary Flames 2014-15
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

16. Calgary Flames

Gaudreau Rookie of the Month Calgary Flames 2014-15
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The young, up-and-coming Flames have shown plenty of flashes of potential, but have still had their ups and downs this season. Look for rising star Johnny Gaudreau to lead the Flames as they take on the Detroit Red Wings and Florida Panthers at home this week.

15. San Jose Sharks

Second Line Center Chicago Blackhawks Joe Thornton
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15. San Jose Sharks

Second Line Center Chicago Blackhawks Joe Thornton
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San Jose is yet another team that has struggled with inconsistent play this season. The Sharks have been in the playoff picture, but have thus far been unable to take that next step. Upcoming games against the Jets, Wild and Blues will be even tougher with team captain Joe Thornton out of the lineup with an upper-body injury.

14. Winnipeg Jets

New York Islanders v Winnipeg Jets
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14. Winnipeg Jets

New York Islanders v Winnipeg Jets
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The team’s beatdown on the Leafs shows that this up-and-coming squad just might stick around and be a factor all year. Look for more of the same as they take on the Sharks and Coyotes before traveling to Los Angeles for a game with the reigning champions.

13. Los Angeles Kings

Nashville Predators v Los Angeles Kings
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13. Los Angeles Kings

Nashville Predators v Los Angeles Kings
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I loved the heart the team showed in its overtime loss to the Nashville Predators as the Kings never quit despite being down three goals late. Having said that, the Kings will need to show a little more this week to climb in the standings. Look for Thursday night’s Stanley Cup Final rematch against the Rangers to be a huge test for both teams.

12. Washington Capitals

Top 5 Games to Look Forward to in 2015 For Washington Capitals
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12. Washington Capitals

Top 5 Games to Look Forward to in 2015 For Washington Capitals
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Winning the Winter Classic will serve as a springboard for the Caps as they look to play themselves into a playoff spot in the second half. Look for the team to continue its two-game winning streak as the Caps face off on the road against the Leafs and Flyers this week.

11. Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver Canucks Early-Season Grade
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11. Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver Canucks Early-Season Grade
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I liked what I saw in the Canucks’ win against the Red Wings and am now 100 percent convinced they’re a playoff team in a tough Western Conference. Taking on the Islanders at home on Tuesday will be a great test, but the game of the week will be Roberto Luongo’s “homecoming” as the Panthers come to town on Thursday night.

10. New York Rangers

New York Rangers v Philadelphia Flyers
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10. New York Rangers

New York Rangers v Philadelphia Flyers
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Without question, the Rangers are the hottest team in hockey right now as they’ve won nine of their last 10 and look like world beaters. An upcoming west coast swing will test their mettle, especially Thursday night's showdown in Los Angeles in a Stanley Cup Final rematch.

9. Detroit Red Wings

Gustav Nyquist Tomas Tatar Detroit Red Wings 2014-15
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

9. Detroit Red Wings

Gustav Nyquist Tomas Tatar Detroit Red Wings 2014-15
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a bit of a rough patch of late for the Wings, but there’s no question they’re one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. Tomas Tatar is scoring at a very impressive rate, and the team will need that as they embark on a five-game road trip that will surely test what they’re made of.

8. St. Louis Blues

T.J. Oshie
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

8. St. Louis Blues

T.J. Oshie
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Blues’ impressive win in San Jose shows just how elite they can be when clicking on all cylinders. Look for the Blues to continue their winning ways when they travel to Arizona before a rematch with the Sharks in St. Louis this week.

7. New York Islanders

NY Islanders
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

7. New York Islanders

NY Islanders
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time in what seems like forever, the Islanders are first in their division and are looking like legitimate contenders. Look for the team to be at its best in Vancouver on Tuesday night in a showdown of surprise teams.

5. Tampa Bay Lightning

Steven Stamkos Tampa Bay Lightning 2014-15
Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

6. Tampa Bay Lightning

Steven Stamkos Tampa Bay Lightning 2014-15
Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

After opening 2015 with a loss to the Penguins, the Bolts got on back on track by beating the Senators in Ottawa. I expect the Lightning to continue their stellar start as they take on the Canadiens and Sabres this week as they look to build on their divisional lead.

5. Pittsburgh Penguins

New York Rangers v Pittsburgh Penguins
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5. Pittsburgh Penguins

New York Rangers v Pittsburgh Penguins
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After a rough loss at home to Montreal, look for the Penguins to be at their best for Wednesday’s home game against the Bruins before a rematch in Montreal against the Canadiens. The Penguins are one of the favorites in the East and will surely to continue that in the season’s second half.

4. Montreal Canadiens

Carey Price
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

4. Montreal Canadiens

Carey Price
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Montreal is showing all the signs that it can build on last year’s amazing run to the Eastern Conference Finals, and the latest six-game winning streak is proving just that. Look for Carey Price and the Habs to be at their best when they take on the Lightning at home with first place in the division on the line.

3. Nashville Predators

Pekka Rinne Nashville Predators 2014-15
Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

3. Nashville Predators

Pekka Rinne Nashville Predators 2014-15
Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

Three out of a possible four points against the Ducks and Kings is an impressive feat for a Nashville team still trying to prove its contender status. Look for more of the same as the team takes on Carolina and Dallas this week, teams that are a lot closer to the basement than the ceiling of the league.

2. Chicago Blackhawks

2015 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic
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2. Chicago Blackhawks

2015 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic
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The rough call to end the Winter Classic wasn’t a desirable outcome, but it won’t hold down this Blackhawks team. Look for the Hawks to keep up their amazing play and be one of the most dangerous teams in the NHL in 2015.

1. Anaheim Ducks

Corey Perry Head Up 2
Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

1. Anaheim Ducks

Corey Perry Head Up 2
Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

The Ducks just keep on winning games and outclassing the rest of the league. With Corey Perry back, look for the wins to keep on coming as the Ducks look to keep up their absolutely stellar play in the second half of the season. I'm really looking forward to Wednesday night's matchup with the Eastern Conference champion New York Rangers as both teams have really hit their stride.

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