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 /

31 of 31

November 29, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Montreal Canadiens center Andrew Shaw (65) celebrates his goal scored against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Montreal Canadiens

Previous: 1st

Season record: 16-5-2 (34 points)

What a difference a year makes! This time last year, the Montreal Canadiens were in freefall toward the cellar. Now, the Habs lead the NHL with 34 points and are looking like real contenders.

Coming off a stellar World Cup performance for Team Canada, goalie Carey Price leads the NHL with 13 wins, is tied for the league lead in save percentage at .948, and is third with a 1.68 goals against average.

Led by Alex Galchenyuk and Shea Weber, the Montreal lineup is exceeding well balanced, having seven players with more than 11 points.

Next: Chicago Blackhawks Need to Feast on Florida Panthers

That’s it for this week’s NHL power rankings. Where will the teams fall next week? Tune in to find out.