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NHL Power Rankings: Eastern Conference Taking Control

By Colin Likas
Nov 21, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The New York Rangers celebrate an empty net goal by center Derek Stepan (middle) against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the PPG Paints Arena. The Rangers won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The New York Rangers celebrate an empty net goal by center Derek Stepan (middle) against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the PPG Paints Arena. The Rangers won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 19, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) reacts to the game winning goal by Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa (not pictured) during overtime Blackhawks won 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) reacts to the game winning goal by Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa (not pictured) during overtime Blackhawks won 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 29: Vancouver Canucks

Previous: 25th

Season record: 7-10-2 (16 points)

This is the team I wanted to put at the bottom of this list, if only because of the way it lost 4-3 in overtime to Chicago on Saturday. And, yes, as of this post, that was the last game the Canucks had played. So it’s still very much at the forefront.

To recap: A mostly bad Canucks team managed three straight goals against the Western Conference-leading Chicago Blackhawks to carry a 3-0 lead into the third period. They proceeded to prove they were mostly bad by blowing that lead, then losing twice in overtime (the first goal was waved off).

Maybe Vancouver should’ve sold high on the Sedin twins and Alexander Edler when it was possible. Even with 13 and 12 points, respectively, Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin are well past their prime. Edler, meanwhile, is now a breathing pylon in Vancouver. The Blackhawks used and abused him in that third period. He used to be at least half decent (some thought).

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