Oilers move into Top 10 in NHL Power Rankings

By Sportlogiq Staff (@Sportlogiq)

First in goal differential, first in expected goal differential, and, once again, first in our Power Rankings. The Florida Panthers continue to pull away from the competition in the Eastern Conference and are in a battle with the Colorado Avalanche for the Presidents Trophy.

Florida won all three of its games last week and its next five games are against non-playoff teams. Expect the Panthers to sit atop our list again next week.

Following a 3-0-1 week, the Toronto Maple Leafs remain third in our Power Rankings. The only blemish on Toronto’s record last week was a loss to the Panthers in which the Leafs held a 5-1 lead in the second period.

Auston Matthews continues to torch the rest of the NHL, scoring twice Saturday against Montreal. Matthews has scored 51 goals in his past 50 games. Like the Panthers, the Leafs’ next five games are against non-playoff teams. Toronto is currently four points up on the Tampa Bay Lightning for second place in the Atlantic Division as it looks to secure home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. 

The Calgary Flames are back in the top five, moving from seventh to fifth on our list. The Flames were a perfect 4-0-0 last week and play their next three games on home ice. Calgary looks like a team built for playoff success as it has few identifiable weaknesses.

Only two teams in the NHL rank in the top three in both goal and expected goal differential: the Panthers and Flames. Calgary ranks top five in both creating and limiting slot shots and rush scoring chances. The Flames have the lowest expected goals-against average of any team and rank second in goals against. This team is a legitimate threat to come out of the Western Conference in the