Blackhawks gain ground during division opponents’ power ranking collapse

In this week’s power rankings, the top five teams from last week all held onto their spots, though their order shifted slightly. These power rankings are determined mostly by a team's win-loss record, but also by their recent performance, injuries, and the strength of the week's schedule. For example, if teams have similar records or point totals, they will receive a higher ranking based on who they played and the margins of victory. Teams will also be ranked higher or lower depending on how they have played over their last 10 games.

The Past Week (1-1-2)

The Chicago Blackhawks began their Thanksgiving week with an overtime loss to Minnesota and then had a turkey hangover, losing 4-3 to Nashville. After trailing 3-0 to Anaheim, they rattled off five straight goals, thus ending their five-game losing streak. Finally, they played a good game but lost in a shootout to the Golden Knights.

Connor Bedard continued his highlight-reel, Olympic-worthy season with four goals and three assists and was also named the NHL's third star of November. Bedard's linemate, Ryan Greene, has also remained a pleasant surprise this season, scoring twice and adding an assist as he becomes a consistent fixture on the top line. The growth of the young players on this team continues even if wins are not coming consistently.

Power Rankings

32 - Calgary Flames (9-15-4)
31 - Vancouver Canucks (10-14-3)
30 - Nashville Predators (9-13-4)
29 - St. Louis Blues (9-11-7)
28 - Buffalo Sabres (11-11-4)
27 - Winnipeg Jets (13-12-0)
26 - Utah Mammoth (12-12-3)
25 - Florida Panthers (12-12-1)
24 - Edmonton Oilers (11-11-5)
23 - Seattle Kraken (11-7-6)
22 - Chicago Blackhawks (11-9-6)
21 - Toronto Maple Leafs (12-11-3)
20 - Montreal Canadiens (13-9-3)
19 - Columbus Blue Jackets (12-9-5)
18 - San Jose Sharks (13-11-3)
17 - Boston Bruins (15-13-0)

16 - Detroit Red Wings (14-11-2)
15 - New York Rangers (14-12-2)
14 - Ottawa Senators (13-9-4)
13 - New York Islanders (14-10-3)
12 - Los Angeles Kings (12-7-7)
11 - Pittsburgh Penguins (13-7-5)
10 - Vegas Golden Knights (12-6-8)
9 - Philadelphia Flyers (14-8-3)
8 - New Jersey Devils (16-9-1)
7 - Anaheim Ducks (16-9-1)
6 - Washington Capitals (16-9-2)
5 - Carolina Hurricanes (16-7-2)
4 - Minnesota Wild (15-7-5)
3 - Tampa Bay Lightning (16-8-2)
2 - Dallas Stars (17-5-5)
1 - Colorado Avalanche (19-1-6)

Mammoth and Jets slide continues

The past week has seen the Mammoth's leading scorer, Logan Cooley, get injured while losing four games in a row. Injuries have also plagued the Jets, who remain without Connor Hellebuyck. The 2024-2025 division winners have lost nine out of their last thirteen games, and it does appear that help is on its way. Unfortunately, the homecoming for Jonathan Toews has not panned out thus far for him.

Capitals and Flyers lead a hot Metropolitan Division

All eight teams in the Metropolitan Division are within five points of each other. An example of how strong that division is is that the last-place Columbus Blue Jackets would currently hold a wild-card position in the Western Conference. The Capitals are currently on an NHL-leading five-game winning streak, while the Flyers have won five of their last seven games. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see whether this division remains as competitive as it is now.

Looking Ahead

The Blackhawks continue their west coast trip with back-to-back games in Los Angeles (12/4 and 12/6) and finish their trip in Anaheim (12/7). They lost their previous game to the Kings and defeated the Ducks twice, and they will look to get revenge. It will be interesting to see if any of the bad blood carried over from the skirmishes between Bedard and Mason McTavish in Anaheim. The Blackhawks will have a successful trip if they win two of the next three games.