NHL Power Rankings: Eastern Conference Still Crowds Top 10

By George Clifford

Nov 30, 2016

Nov 26, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) celebrates with teammates on the bench after scoring a goal to tie the game against the New Jersey Devils with fourteen seconds remaining in the third period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Pens won 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 29, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Cam Atkinson (13) fires a shot against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 8: Columbus Blue Jackets

Previous: 9th

Season record: 12-5-4 (28 points)

Sparked by the NHL’s hottest powerplay, the Blue Jackets are pouring in goals while posting an impressive plus-19 goal differential. Paced by Cam Atkinson’s eight goals and 12 assists, seven players have posted at least 11 points, including rookie star defenseman Zach Werenski with five goals and 16 points.

Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky ranks second in wins in the Eastern Conference and is showing consistency that had eluded him in recent years. Young and talented, the speedy Blue Jackets are the most dangerous team in the league.

You gotta love a team that has a “Wild Bill” Karlsson on its roster.