Central Division Power Rankings Week 3

Good Afternoon from chilly Colorado Springs Colorado. What a great weekend of Hockey it was, including Minnesota’s absolute drubbing of the battered Tampa Bay Lightning, John Scott leaving the bench for a fight, and big Dustin Byfuglien‘s hit on Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie were just a few of many highlights and stories from the past couple days. The Wild have a competitive week out east before returning home for a Thursday night contest with the Sharks. I’m especially looking forward to seeing how they play in back to back contests versus the Rangers and Bruins tonight and Tuesday. As for the rankings, we have a pleasantly surprising top dog this week!

Sorry for the day-late power rankings, I found myself occupied (during my designated writing time) viewing one of the truly most terrifying and disturbing films I’ve seen in quite some time. Just in time for Halloween, yes I’m talking about Gone Girl. Ben Affleck’s latest film, from an impressive career as of late, if you havn’t seen it I suggest you check it out ASAP. If you have seen it, I’ve thought of a new title for the movie… “Gone, off the deep end Girl.”  Eh?  Ba dum bump….

They don’t make many like that anymore, which is unfortunate. Anyway, here are your Week 3 Division Power Rankings.

1. PREDATORS (5-1-2) 12 pts

Last week 2nd – Up 1

Why are the Preds are ranked 1st this week after being shutout by Sydney Crosby and the Penguins 3-0 Saturday night? Well, that was their first game played where they did not come away with at least one point, and their previous game they defeated the Blackhawks in impressive fashion by shutting down their high flying offense. NHL Analysts still aren’t sold on the Preds, but they weren’t on the Avs last year all season either. Then, before everyone knew it, Colorado won the division. Here lies the test, 6 straight on the road, (the first 4 in Canada) before wrapping it up in Dallas and St Louis. If they’re for real, they’ll prove it on this road trip.

2. WILD (4-2-0) 8 pts

Last week 3rd – Up 1

I think everyone is most impressed thus far with how well their defence is playing. With the questions lying on that, and goaltending entering the year, I think it’s safe to assume (at least for now) Yeo has answered those questions, comfortably. Ryan Suter, is still logging 28:31 TOI per night, but honestly, his name has been pretty quiet. Not in a bad way, his play has been great! What I’m saying is it is nice to hear LaPanta actually able to comment on guys like Jared Spurgeon and Marco Scandella‘s game in recent nights. Jason Zucker has gotten stronger and has obviously made most of his chances thus far. I thought he may be trade bait this season if he didn’t produce, but now I don’t see how that’d be possible if this keeps up. They are all playing lights out hockey. Darcy Kuemper has been just electric and it’s nice to see him having such a hot start after fans were a little quick to get frustrated with his mini hold-out prior to camp. Back to backs on the road in NY and Boston should be a good challenge. Now, about that power play…

3. BLACKHAWKS (5-2-1) 11 pts

Last week 1st – Drop 2

Well well well, look who we have way down here. The Hawks avoided a rare 3 game skid by beating the Senators Sunday night (barely) after dropping both of last week’s games against Nashville and St. Louis. Quickly learning, this year will be like no other in recent memory as far as skill and competition in the Central or Western Conference entirely. They will need Marion Hossa and Brad Richards to start chipping in offensively, sooner rather than later. Clash of titans on Tuesday night in Chicago when Anaheim visits. Should be a good one.

4. STARS (4-2-2) 10 pts

Last week 5th – Up 1

This seems like it will be a reoccurent theme throughout the year for this team. High octane offense led by Benn and Seguin, and a low octane defence led by, no one. Scoring 3.5GPG is great, but you can’t continually allow 3.5GA either and expect to compete with the top teams in the west, who all have solid D’s. It doesn’t get easier for the Stars, they’ve got the Blues and Ducks this week, followed by, get ready to mark your calenders, the Wild next Saturday at the X.

5. BLUES (3-3-1) 7 pts

Last week 4th – Drop 1

The Blues are a bit puzzling in the early going of the year. They certainly don’t look “elite” right now, like they did much of last season. Last week, in two straight losses, they were outscored 7-1 by the Ducks and Canucks. Yet they followed it up with a tough win against the rival Blackhawks. Inconsistent to say the least. TJ Oshie has yet to get on the score sheet, while others like Jaden Schwartz who leads the team with 8 points look to have a career year. Point being, they will need everyone to contribute now that Paul Stastny is out for at least another week.

6. JETS (3-5-0) 6 pts

Last week 7th – Up 1

Really, the Jets could be the basement dweller this week, but honestly does it even matter? They’re here because they were able to pull off an OT win over a stellar Semyon Varlamov and the Avalanche Sunday. Their trouble lies with goal scoring, only tallying 1.8GPG. A tough 4 game road trip won’t help matters. It begins Tuesday with the surprising Islanders, followed by the Devils, Rangers and Hawks. Things could get ugly, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see abondened Jet jerseys thrown onto the home ice next.

7. AVALANCHE (2-4-3) 7 pts

Last week 6th – Drop 1

This is not the same playoff team from a year ago. Something is just off in that locker room. Losers of four straight before Coloradoans thought their beloved team “righted the ship” in blowout fashion, 7-3 over the visiting Canucks Friday night in Denver. Turned out, they beat a tired ‘Nucks team, who played the night prior in Winnipeg. We all know where this is going, the Avs then lost to that same Jets team in OT yesterday afternoon. Can Patty Roy fix the issues? Why isn’t Nathan MacKinnon scoring? What about Varly’s new drama? Will the Pepsi Center again be a haven for visiting team fans and empty seats?

As October winds down, how do you think the Power Rankings fare so far? Remember to tune in daily, to Gone Puck Wild for all news regarding your team, and after each game check in for Tremblay’s Take for recaps and highlights. Don’t forget, Minnesota has a busy week starting tonight at the Garden, Tuesday in Boston and Thursday back in the XCel Energy Center to host the Sharks.