Blackhawks' youth steps up as veterans traded away in this week's power rankings

In this week’s power rankings, the Buffalo Sabres, yes, you read that right, sit atop the standings in the Atlantic Division. These power rankings are determined mainly 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 (1-1-1)

Friday marked the NHL trade deadline and also the Chicago Blackhawks' matchup against the league-worst Vancouver Canucks. The Blackhawks lost the game in the third period (once again) after giving up three straight goals, falling 6-3. Earlier in the day, the Blackhawks traded away their captain, Nick Foligno, to the Minnesota Wild, where he joined his brother in his pursuit of a Stanley Cup. Although he did not contribute on the scoresheet on a nightly basis, he remained a fixture in the locker room. Connor Bedard was understandably emotional as Foligno helped aid him through the first years of his career.

The Blackhawks responded well against the Dallas Stars two nights later as Bedard scored the game-tying goal with over a minute left to send the game to overtime. The Stars would eventually win the game; however, the Blackhawks took five of six points against Dallas this year.

The Blackhawks continued to play well against their division foes, defeating the Utah Mammoth for the third time this season. Frank Nazar scored the game-winning goal in overtime as he continues to rack up points. He accounted for five points in three games this week, as we have seen him slowly regain his pre-injury form.

Power Rankings

32 - Vancouver Canucks (19-37-8) (-)
31 - Calgary Flames (25-32-7) (-2)
30 - Chicago Blackhawks (24-29-11) (-2)
29 - New York Rangers (26-30-8) (+2)
28 - Toronto Maple Leafs (27-27-11) (-5)
27 - St. Louis Blues (25-29-10) (+3)
26 - Winnipeg Jets (26-27-10) (-)
25 - Nashville Predators (29-27-8) (+2)
24 - New Jersey Devils (32-30-2) (-)
23 - San Jose Sharks (30-26-6) (-4)
22 - Los Angeles Kings (26-23-15) (+3)
21 - Seattle Kraken (29-25-9) (-3)
20 - Philadelphia Flyers (29-23-11) (-)
19 - Florida Panthers (32-29-3) (+3)
18 - Vegas Golden Knights (29-22-14) (-4)
17 - Washington Capitals (32-26-7) (-2)

16 - Edmonton Oilers (32-25-8) (+1)
15 - Utah Mammoth (34-26-5) (+1)
14 - Ottawa Senators (32-22-9) (+7)
13 - Boston Bruins (36-22-6) (-2)
12 - Columbus Blue Jackets (33-21-10) (-)
11 - Anaheim Ducks (36-25-3) (+2)
10 - Detroit Red Wings (36-22-7) (-1)
9 - Pittsburgh Penguins (32-17-15) (-1)
8 - New York Islanders (37-23-5) (+2)
7 - Tampa Bay Lightning (39-20-4) (-2)
6 - Montreal Canadiens (35-18-10) (+1)
5 - Buffalo Sabres (40-19-6) (+1)
4 - Minnesota Wild (38-16-11) (-)
3 - Carolina Hurricanes (41-17-6) (-)
2 - Dallas Stars (40-14-10) (-)
1 - Colorado Avalanche (43-11-9) (-)

Buffalo Sabres Overtake Atlantic

The Sabres began the year 11-14-4, and it looked like another typical winter up in Buffalo. However, Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and their young core turned the season around in a big way. Since that point, the Sabres have had winning streaks of ten, five, and eight (active) games. They are comfortably sitting in a playoff position and have just taken over first place in the very competitive Atlantic Division. If they continue at this pace, we will see Buffalo in the playoffs for the first time since the 2010-2011 season.

Western Wild Card Drama

The Mammoth are currently holding a six-point lead on the top wild card position. However, there are four teams within one point of the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Kraken, Kings, Sharks, and Predators are all separated by one point. All of these teams are scuffling with the Kraken and Predators winning four of their last ten, while the Kings and Sharks have only won three of their last ten games.

Looking Ahead

The Blackhawks head back on the road as they travel out west to take on the Mammoth (3/12) for the fourth and final time of the season. They will look to complete the season sweep as they have played well against Utah all year. They then travel on to play in Vegas against the Golden Knights (3/14). The Golden Knights have fallen out of first place, and the Blackhawks have a good opportunity to beat a struggling team. Finally, the Blackhawks travel home to play the Wild (3/17) as Foligno makes his quick return to Chicago.