Leafs drop in NHL Power Ranking, Lightning and Sabres surge

By Sportlogiq Staff (@Sportlogiq)

Two streaks came to an end last week, and if the Toronto Maple Leafs don’t bring their best game on Tuesday, another may begin.

The Leafs begin the week coming off back-to-back losses and will look to avoid a third straight against the surging Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night. The Maple Leafs' point streak and Mitch Marner’s 23-game point streak were snapped against the New York Rangers last week as the Leafs lost in regulation for the first time since Nov. 11. Following their 1-2-0 week, Toronto drops two spots in our rankings to fifth overall.

The Winnipeg Jets finished last week with a 2-2-0 record and drop one spot from sixth to seventh on our list. The Jets, who sit one point behind Dallas for top spot in the Central Division, own the best points percentage of any team in their division. The injury-ravaged Jets continue to play solid hockey despite major losses to their lineup – the latest including Blake Wheeler and Nate Schmidt. The good news for Jets fans is that Nikolaj Ehlers skated for the first time last week as he continues to progress towards a return.

The Edmonton Oilers fall out of the top 10 following a 1-2-1 week, dropping to 13th on our list.  Despite ranking 16th in points percentage, the Oilers sit seventh in expected goal differential, which suggests the process has been more sound than the results this season. Improved and more consistent goaltending will likely see this team return to the top 10 on our list before long. Or Connor McDavid can continue to defy logic by putting up incredible numbers as he has to this point of the season. McDavid’s 62 points are eight clear of teammate Leon Draisaitl and 13 clear of anyone who doesn’t play on his team.

The Ottawa