Locked on NHL: Power Rankings

Introduction

• Hosts: Nick Zaris (Locked on Oilers), Hunter Hodies (Locked on Penguins)
• Sponsor: FanDuel
• Overview: Episode focusing on traditional power rankings as the NHL offseason progresses.
• Three segments: Rebuilding Teams, Bubble Teams, and Stanley Cup Contenders

Rebuilding Teams

• Unquestionably Rebuilding:

  • San Jose
  • Anaheim
  • Chicago Blackhawks
  • Columbus Blue Jackets
  • Montreal Canadiens
  • Calgary Flames

• Other Possible Rebuilding Teams:

  • Philadelphia Flyers (Mentioned: Rebuilding under Danny Brier regime)
  • St. Louis Blues (Maybe)
  • Utah (Maybe)

• Highlighted Points:

  • Flyers are somewhat competitive but rebuilding.
  • Prospects and unexpected breakout performances needed for rebuilding teams to improve.
  • John Gibson’s situation in Anaheim is crucial; potential trade to give Lucas Dostal more starts.
  • Chicago added good talent but still in rebuild; frisky but won’t likely make playoffs.
  • Calgary’s step back due to goaltending issues.

Bubble Teams

• Middle Tier 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
  • Washington Capitals (Suggested moving them up from rebuilding)
  • Buffalo Sabres

• Highlighted Points:

  • Pittsburg’s mini rebuild via Kyle Dubas.
  • Washington pushing for playoff contention before Ovechkin retires.
  • New Jersey Devils might not yet be a Bonafide Contender.
  • Nashville’s improvements but potential constraints.
  • Buffalo and Ottawa needing to break through expectations.

Stanley Cup Contenders

• Top Teams:

  • New Jersey Devils (Hunter: Should be bubble team. Needs to see consistent performance.)
  • Toronto Maple Leafs
  • New York Rangers
  • Vegas Golden Knights
  • Florida Panthers
  • Dallas Stars
  • Colorado Avalanche
  • Edmonton Oilers

• Highlighted Points:

  • Rangers need defensive improvement and consistent star performance.
  • Edmonton and Dallas seen as top teams heading into the season. Best forward groups.
  • Colorado relies on star power with potential return of Landeskog.
  • Vegas faces some roster gaps but a solid core.
  • Toronto needs to prove they can win in the playoffs.

Conclusion

• Predicted Top Teams:
  • West: Edmonton, Dallas, Colorado
  • East: Florida, Rangers, Devils
• Call to Action: Subscribe and engage with the podcast for next week’s discussions.