NHL power rankings, first edition
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby skates during an informal workout with teammates at the Iceoplex in Canonsburg, Pa. (Oct. 11, 2012) Credit: AP
As the NHL season opens, a snapshot, based on goaltending, offense, team defense, special teams, depth, speed, grit, coaching, schedule.
Guarantee: Volatility.
With injuries, this won't be the same in a month or in April, when the playoff spots are on the line in the unchartered, choppy waters of a 48-game campaign.
1. Penguins
2. Rangers
3. Blues
4. Bruins
5. Canucks
6. Capitals
7. Blackhawks
8. Wild
9. Flyers
10. Kings
11. Senators
12. Ducks
13. Coyotes
14. Red Wings
15. Sabres
16. Hurricanes
17. Oilers
18. Devils
19. Lightning
20. Predators
21. Sharks
22. Panthers
23. Avalanche
24. Canadiens
25. Stars
26. Islanders
27. Blue Jackets
28. Flames
29. Maple Leafs
30. Jets
More Rangers
