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Pacific Division Power Rankings
#3
Okay! So I was wrong Edition
| 11/19/14 - By Ryan Hall -
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While only in its second season, the Pacific
Division has often been called the toughest in hockey; a fact that I have
trumpeted many times in this very column. However, is that really true? Is it
possible that the lovable Western teams really aren't the juggernauts that they
appear? As the calendar begins to draw towards the latter half of November,
it's time for us all to face the harsh reality: maybe parity isn't the same
thing are skill level?!
There, just saying that makes me feel better
already. In fact, my mind is so much lighter after that confession that I think
it's time to do that same with the rest of this column. So buckle up, as I bare
my hockey sole and admit 'Okay! So I was wrong…'
#1 - Calgary
Flames
Yup, you are reading that right - the Flames headline the
Power Rankings; and you know what? Good for them. For over a year I have
admired their pluckiness, and but undervalued the ability of this team to
sustain anything. In fact, last month I referred to them as 'not knowing they
are already dead'. Well, I was wrong. Completely wrong. In case you need proof
that the Flames are playing good hockey, check out their gutsy come from behind
3rd period rally against Anaheim on Tuesday night - their 4th such feat this
season already. Add in the goaltending of Jonas Hiller, having two of the top 4
scoring defensemen in the league, and hot young talent in Sean Monahan and
Johnny Gaudreau (Johnny 'Hockey' to his fans), and it's clear I was wrong: The
Flames are serious Pacific Division contenders.
Last Ranking:
6
#2 - Vancouver Canucks
What has this world come to? A
washed up Ryan Miller! A resurgent Sedin twins! Depth scoring! Things couldn't
be happier in Vancouver, as the fresh start provided by rookie coach Willie
Desjardins has brought new life to a moribund group. While I may have panned
these moves as desperate, and felt they would set back a franchise that needed
to clean house, I clearly was wrong - guess I shouldn't quit the day job to
become an NHL executive. There's not much else to say, as the Canucks are
playing great. So, kudo's Vancouver. Kudos.
Last Ranking: 3
#3 - Los Angeles Kings
Putting the Kings ahead of the Ducks?
What am I thinking?! Well, simply put, the Kings are a better team. Sure they
have a post-Stanley Cup hangover, and the offense is still too reliant of the
youth, but does anyone really think the Kings won't be there at the end of the
season? As a result, I'm confessing my doubts and putting them behind me. Why?
After watching the Ducks storm back and beat LA last Wednesday, a very surly
Darryl Sutter offered nothing but vitriol to Anaheim in the media - insulting
their past couple seasons and lack of championships. Then, his team went out
and beat the Ducks in the rematch. It seems obvious that when LA wants to win,
they win. I was a fool to doubt them.
Last Ranking: 2
#4 -
Anaheim Ducks
Okay, so the Ducks couldn't rise to the challenge
when they were challenged publically by the Kings. That worries me. Also, their
goaltending hasn't exactly been strong either since Jason Labarbera has made
two relief appearances in the past week alone to spell a struggling Frederick
Anderson. That is also troubling. At least the Ryan's (Getzlaf and Kessler) are
living up to billing, but will that be enough. Perhaps declaring Anaheim as a
Western Conference juggernaut was premature; looks like I was wrong again.
Last Ranking: 1
#5 - San Jose Sharks
Oh, how
the mighty have fallen. What looked like a veteran squad now appears woefully
old and lacking as the Sharks limp home from a road trip that saw them lose to
Florida, Buffalo, Chicago, and Columbus; while struggling to beat Tampa Bay and
Carolina. Where did it all go wrong? Was it the 16 road games out of the first
21? Perhaps it is over-reliance on veterans Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, and
Joe Pavelski instead of handing the franchise over to Logan Couture and Tomas
Hertl? Whatever the cause, the Sharks just look worn out - and closer to a
coaching change then they do to a playoff spot. Consider my teal-based faith
officially rescinded.
Last Ranking: 4
#6 - Arizona Coyotes
Well, what do you
know? The Coyotes CAN score some goals. Admittedly, not many (they are -10 for
the season), but it has been enough to climb out of Pacific Division cellar ad
within 1 game of .500. I should also point out that Mike Smith seems to have
rounded into form, and the rumours of his demise could have been greatly
exaggerated. I'm still not fully convinced that Arizona is a legitimate team,
but they do appear to be headed in an upward trajectory. So, consider this an
apology: I was wrong, you aren't putridly bad, just sorta bad.
Last
Ranking: 7
#7 - Edmonton Oilers
Come on in, sit down in
your favourite chair, and make yourself at home. No team owns the lowest rung
of the Power Rankings like the Oilers, and I was a fool to believe that you
were going to improve this season. Sure, you are showing better work ethic, but
you know what? You still have no goaltender or reliable top 4 Defensemen. But
you know what? I can't even get mad at you because I KNEW better. The signs
were there, but I wanted to believe you had changed into the team I wanted you
to be. Young, fast, hungry, and talented - a Tampa Bay or Montreal. Instead,
your are still the same deficient Oilers, and I'm stuck here apologizing.
Last Ranking: 5
Contact Ryan at at
ryanhall@letsgosharks.com
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