Panthers and Avs continue to lead Power Rankings down the stretch

By Sportlogiq Staff (@Sportlogiq)

With less than two weeks remaining in the regular season, the Florida Panthers and Colorado Avalanche have separated themselves from the pack. The two teams continue to battle for the Presidents' Trophy with the Avs holding a narrow two-point lead in the standings.

Our model believes in the Panthers, who rank first overall once again in our Power Rankings. Florida has won 10 straight games, while Colorado is riding a nine-game win streak. It has been pure domination from both teams. 

A Canadian team sits third on our list, though it is no longer the Toronto Maple Leafs who drop one spot to fourth place. Following a 2-1-0 week, the Calgary Flames move from fifth to third in our rankings, largely due to their terrific underlying numbers.

While Calgary ranks seventh in points percentage, it sits third overall in goal and expected goal differential. We’ve been saying for months that the Flames are a true Stanley Cup contender. We’ll find out soon enough with the playoffs fast approaching. 

The Maple Leafs finished last week with a 3-1-0 record including a win over the New York Islanders on Sunday without MVP candidate Auston Matthews. Toronto ranks sixth in goal differential and is playing some of its best hockey of the season.

The Leafs have a 94 per cent chance of finishing second in the Atlantic Division, which would secure them home-ice advantage in the first round. Toronto also has an 81 per cent chance of facing the two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round. Those two teams will meet in Tampa Bay on Thursday. 

Winners of nine straight, the St. Louis Blues have jumped into the top five, moving from sixth to fifth on our list. The Blues have scored four or more