Central Division Power Rankings Week 1

As I sit here and watch the Vikings highlights/lowlights (or lack thereof) from their 17-3 defeat at the hands of the Lions, I find myself thanking God that hockey is back and underway.

Only a couple games have been played a piece for each team in the deadly central division thus far, and I know it may be early for power rankings. The way I see it, if that is the performance that I will be sitting through on Sundays watching the boys in purple, than Sunday will be the day where division power rankings will be published.

So without further ado, here are the Central Division Power Rankings after the “tail-end” of week 1.

1. MINNESOTA WILD (2-0-0) 4 PTS

No, this is not Minnesota fan bias. The Wild have not only looked like the best overall team in the division, but among the top (dare I say) 5 teams in the entire league. They man-handled the Avalanche last Thursday in their record-setting performance for goals scored in a home opener. And again, last night on the road opener in Denver by a score of 3-0. We will know more about our boys after a long week off before playing again Friday in Anaheim, another high octane offense type team. Darcy Kuemper should be tested more. He faced a total of 46 shots in two games stopping them all. They’re in first right now because of their overall performance. Obviously tinkering can and will be done by Yeo, but as of now, they are perfect. The two points are what’s most important at the end of the night, but by scoring 8 and not allowing any goals against, that’s why I have them in 1st. They just look good and dangerous.

*I’ve been most impressed with Marco Scandella here early. He looks a lot more mature out there and has been playing an all around solid game. As far as young guys, whose performance are you happiest about in the early going?

2. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS  (2-0-0) 4 PTS

Arguably, the Blackhawks could be in the number one spot as well. They did indeed win both games they’ve played and have put up 9 goals for already. However 6 of those goals scored came against the Sabres. So until next weekend, when they start a more challenging run, they sit here. As long as you have a Patrick Kane to save games for you this way, than the Hawks are going to be a threat all year long, as we already knew.

3. NASHVILLE PREDATORS (2-0-0) 4 PTS

Pekka Rinne, Pekka Rinne, Pekka Rinne. He looks good and he’s healthy. This was the team I did a divisional preview on and I don’t think they are that far off as a team on the rise as most do. So far, I’m right. Two games in and they are tied at the top of the standings with the Hawks and Wild. Obviously beating the Stars Saturday night 4-1 is a huge momentum boost for Laviolettes’s group. Especially holding them to a total of just 18 shots. Rinne stopped 17 of them. Big stretch ahead this week with two games against inner division foes including the Jets and Hawks. I’m impressed with them in the early going.

4. ST. LOUIS BLUES (1-1-0) 2 PTS

Luckily the hit on Paul Stastny‘s knee/quad wasn’t serious. Otherwise the Blues would be sorely missing their off-season addition. After a late 3rd period goal that allowed the Rangers to take game 1 from the Blues’ home campaign this year, they rebounded with authority over the Flames in decisive fashion. A 4-1 victory. From now until next Sunday, they’ve got a stingy schedule, including the Kings, Coyotes and Ducks. We should see this teams true colors by next weekend’s end.

5. WINNIPEG JETS (1-1-0) 2 PTS

The Evander Kane-less Jets play tonight vs. the LA Kings. While they have to be happy to have gotten that big win on opening night 6-2 over the mess of a team Coyotes, the Sharks blanked them last night 3-0 and brought them back down to earth. Now, without possibly their biggest name player out for two weeks due to a knee injury, it will be imperative for the Jets to at least play .500 hockey until his return. If they fail to do so, I could see Kane finally traded this season after years of speculation. “Now he’s talking trades!” you say.

6. DALLAS STARS (0-1-1) 1 PT

I thought the additions of Ales Hemsky and Jason Spezza were supposed to add more offense? Only managing a measily 18 shots on the Preds last night is concerning for Dallas. They’re probably not panicking as they shouldn’t quite yet but they have got to get on a roll here. They also have a tough week ahead taking on the Blue Jackets, Penguins and the Flyers.  You can’t afford to start slow, especially with this teams’ top six group. Lindy Ruff decided to go with Anders Lindback in net for today’s practice per source. Could a change between the pipes kick start the Stars?

7. COLORADO AVALANCHE (0-2-0) 0 PTS

Where to start? Jarome Iginla, Daniel Briere and a healthy? Alex Tanguay looked slow against the Wild. For Avalanche fans’ sake, don’t worry about getting that elusive first win, focus on scoring your first goal. The defence looks bad. Worse than last year’s. Brad Stuart’s play sure as hell shows he was not the answer they needed to strengthen their blue line. Granted we’re only two games in and the Avs are likely to get going sooner or later (probably not Monday against the Bruins). In this division though, you can’t take your sweet time stringing wins together either. Always knew Stastny was the true captain in Colorado.

Remember to get your Gone Puck Wild Central Division Power Rankings every Sunday fans. What do you think after week 1?

Also, anyone else watching this Maple Leaf thumping of the Rangers? When David Clarkson is scoring…. yeah you catch my drift.