Power Rankings in the NHL - Locked On NHL Podcast

Introduction

• Hosts: Nick Zaris (Locked on Oilers), Hunter Hodis (Locked on Penguins)
• Sponsor: FanDuel
• Format: Discussing NHL teams post-playoffs using a Power Rankings format, divided into 3 segments:
  1. Rebuilding teams or teams in uncertain categories
  2. Bubble teams
  3. Stanley Cup contenders

Rebuilding Teams

• Teams:
  • San Jose Sharks
  • Anaheim Ducks
  • Chicago Blackhawks
  • Columbus Blue Jackets
  • Montreal Canadiens (Habs)
  • Calgary Flames
• Additional Mentioned: Philadelphia Flyers (may rebuild under Danny Brier)
• Considerations: Rebuild might progress faster with breakout performances or unexpected improvements.
  • Flyers competitive but termed as rebuilding.
  • For teams like Ducks, health and key player performances important.
  • Blackhawks may be slightly more competitive.
• Uncertain Teams: Seattle, Washington, St. Louis, Calgary due to unclear trajectories.
• Playoffs note: Teams like Philadelphia competitive, potential overachievers.

Bubble Teams

• Teams:
  • Pittsburgh Penguins
  • Philadelphia Flyers
  • New York Islanders
  • Detroit Red Wings
  • Ottawa Senators
  • Minnesota Wild
  • Winnipeg Jets
  • Los Angeles Kings
  • Tampa Bay Lightning
  • Boston Bruins
  • Nashville Predators
  • Carolina Hurricanes
  • Vancouver Canucks
• Performance Factors:
  • Teams with variability in performance and consistency.
  • Key players and factors that could sway their rank (e.g., Flyers' push for playoffs, Nashville's offseason moves).
  • High ceiling if clicking or could struggle if encountering issues.

True Contenders

• Teams:
  • New Jerseys Devils (controversial, Hunter would move them to Bubble Teams for having potential but needing to prove)
  • Toronto Maple Leafs
  • New York Rangers
  • Vegas Golden Knights
  • Florida Panthers
  • Dallas Stars
  • Colorado Avalanche
  • Edmonton Oilers
• Discussion Points:
  • Movement and performance consistency.
  • New Jersey Devils' debated status as true contenders.
  • High expectations from teams like Toronto, but skepticism exists based on historical performance.
  • Dallas and Edmonton seen as top leading teams in the West.

Closing Thoughts

• Bringing Focus: Top teams to each host’s preferences and balance of depth vs. high talent
• Expectation Trend:
  • West: Edmonton, Dallas, Colorado seen as top competitive teams, followed by Vegas.
  • East: Florida, Rangers, Devils anticipated to lead.
• Subscription and engagement encouragement: Apple/Spotify reviews, YouTube subscriptions, viewer interaction (comments for rankings).