Blackhawks hold firm in power rankings ahead of grueling schedule

In this week’s power rankings, the contenders continue to separate themselves from the pretenders. The Vancouver Canucks have begun their fire sale after losing 11 straight games with no end in sight. 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 (1-2-0)

The Chicago Blackhawks began their week with a disappointing loss to the Calgary Flames. If the team is looking to have a chance at making the playoffs or even competing for a wild card, then these are the games they must win. The Blackhawks followed up that game by scoring two goals in the first period, but allowed the Boston Bruins to score five unanswered goals. They let off the gas pedal in these two games, and it cost them four points in the standings.

With Jonathan Toews' return to Chicago, the United Center crowd was loud and ready to show their appreciation for their former captain. Appearances from the Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong and the Bears' Caleb Williams also helped to whip the crowd into a frenzy. After the almost four-minute ovation for Toews, the Jets began the game strong, but Spencer Knight and the Blackhawks were able to withstand the storm. After a Jason Dickinson goal and Connor Bedard's empty net goal, the team captured the two points and kept Winnipeg behind them in the standings.

Power Rankings

32 - Vancouver Canucks (16-28-5) (-)
31 - St. Louis Blues (19-23-8) (-2)
30 - Winnipeg Jets (20-23-6) (+1)
29 - New York Rangers (21-24-6) (-3)
28 - Chicago Blackhawks (20-22-7) (-)
27 - Calgary Flames (21-23-5) (+3)
26 - Seattle Kraken (21-18-9) (-8)
25 - Nashville Predators (23-22-4) (-3)
24 - Columbus Blue Jackets (22-20-7) (-)
23 - Los Angeles Kings (20-16-13) (-2)
22 - Ottawa Senators (23-19-7) (+3)
21 - Anaheim Ducks (25-21-3) (+6)
20 - New Jersey Devils (26-22-2) (+3)
19 - San Jose Sharks (25-21-3) (-)
18 - Philadelphia Flyers (23-17-8) (-2)
17 - Washington Capitals (24-20-6) (-7)

16 - Florida Panthers (25-20-3) (-1)
15 - Utah Mammoth (25-20-4) (+5)
14 - Toronto Maple Leafs (24-17-8) (-1)
13 - Edmonton Oilers (25-18-8) (-2)
12 - Pittsburgh Penguins (23-14-11) (+5)
11 - Buffalo Sabres (27-17-5) (+3)
10 - New York Islanders (27-17-5) (-2)
9 - Boston Bruins (28-20-2) (+3)
8 - Vegas Golden Knights (24-12-12) (+1)
7 - Montreal Canadiens (28-15-7) (-)
6 - Dallas Stars (28-13-9) (-1)
5 - Detroit Red Wings (30-16-4) (+1)
4 - Minnesota Wild (28-14-9) (-1)
3 - Carolina Hurricanes (31-15-4) (+1)
2 - Tampa Bay Lightning (31-13-4) (-)
1 - Colorado Avalanche (34-5-8) (-)

Metropolitan teams take a hit

The New York Rangers, Washington Capitals, and Philadelphia Flyers all fell significantly in this week's power rankings. In their last ten games, the Rangers are 2-7-1 while the Capitals and Flyers are both 3-6-1. In a conference as competitive as the Eastern Conference, prolonged losing streaks can quickly send a team down the standings. After firing their coach, the Blue Jackets carried a four-game winning streak until losing to the Ottawa Senators last night. With this run, the Rangers have cemented themselves in last place in the conference.

Mammoth and Ducks rebound

The Utah Mammoth have found their winning ways by going 6-0-1 in their last seven games. They have currently played themselves back into the top wild card spot, although the top three positions in the Central Division appear to be locked up for the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, and Minnesota Wild. After losing nine straight, Joel Quenneville and the Anaheim Ducks have won four straight games and are currently third in the Pacific Division. The Ducks, San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, and Seattle Kraken are all within two points, so this race is far from over.

Looking Ahead

The schedule awaiting the Blackhawks this week is daunting as they begin by playing the Carolina Hurricanes (1/22) in Raleigh. The team returns home to play the Tampa Bay Lightning (1/23) and two-time defending champion Florida Panthers (1/25). Finally, the Blackhawks travel north to play the Wild (1/27) and will face Quinn Hughes for the first time with his new team. If the Blackhawks can finish this stretch with at least two wins, then it will have been a successful week.