Rangers Secure Top Spot in Super 16 Rankings; Kings and Avalanche Show Promising Rise

“Discover the Underdogs: Unsung Heroes and Rising Stars in the NHL Super 16 Rankings

11. Winnipeg Jets (12-7-2) Total points: 73 Last week: No. 10
The Winnipeg Jets are demonstrating their offensive prowess through a collaborative effort, with Cole Perfetti proving to be the standout star. The 21-year-old forward, alongside Vladislav Namestnikov and Nikolaj Ehlers, has accumulated an impressive 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) in 21 games, outshining his fellow linemates by a significant margin. Notably, Perfetti has reaped the benefits of Mark Scheifele’s mentorship, drawing inspiration from his childhood role model and earning recognition for his inquisitive hockey intelligence. As Perfetti’s star continues to rise, it’s clear that his unsung status won’t last for long.” — Paul Strizhevsky, staff writer

12. Detroit Red Wings (11-7-3) Total points: 71 Last week: No. 16
The Detroit Red Wings sought to bolster their offensive capabilities after ranking 24th in goals last season, and the addition of defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere has certainly made an impact. Gostisbehere, with 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) in 20 games, has emerged as a key player for Detroit, trailing only Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat in point production. A notable contributor on the power play, Gostisbehere’s offensive prowess has undoubtedly elevated the Red Wings’ performance this season.” — Nicholas J. Cotsonika, columnist

13. Tampa Bay Lightning (10-8-5) Total points: 32 Last week: No. 13
Erik Cernak continues to be a standout player for the Tampa Bay Lightning, showcasing his powerful presence on the ice through his physical style of play. While his teammates Victor Hedman and Mikhail Sergachev often receive the spotlight, Cernak’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, leading the team in hits and ranking second in blocked shots. As Cernak’s impact continues to be felt, the Lightning’s performance is sure to benefit.” — Rosen

14. Washington Capitals (11-6-2) Total points: 30 Last week: No. 11
Rasmus Sandin’s defensive improvements have not gone unnoticed, positioning him as a vital component of the Washington Capitals’ success this season. Despite a decline in offensive production, Sandin’s reliability on the defensive end has proven to be invaluable, providing stability in the absence of key players due to injuries.” — Tom Gulitti, Staff Writer

15. New Jersey Devils (10-9-1) Total points: 29 Last week: No. 15
Brendan Smith has harnessed the support of fans as a result of his unmatched determination and versatility. Despite his official position as a defenseman, Smith’s willingness to step up to fill in on the forward lines has not gone unnoticed, earning praise from his teammates for his unwavering commitment and physical contributions.” — Morreale

16. Nashville Predators (11-10-0) Total points: 24 Last week: Unranked
Yakov Trenin has emerged as a pivotal player for the Nashville Predators, proving instrumental in sparking the team’s turnaround. Trenin’s recent surge in performance has undoubtedly energized the Predators, as evidenced by their impressive six-game winning streak.” — Rosen

Other teams receiving points: St. Louis Blues 19, Philadelphia Flyers 5, Edmonton Oilers 4, Calgary Flames 1, New York Islanders 1

Dropped out from last week: Flyers (No. 14)

New Amsterdam Game of the Week
Each week, NHL.com will highlight one game that features two teams in the Super 16. This week, it’s the Colorado Avalanche against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday (8 p.m. ET; BSW, ALT, SN1). The No. 4 Avalanche have won four in a row and seven of eight. The No. 2 Kings had won five in a row before losing 2-1 to the Washington Capitals on Wednesday. Colorado will be playing the second game of a back-to-back and its third game in four nights when it visits Los Angeles. The Kings won’t play again until the Avalanche come into their building Sunday. This is a rematch of the season opener for both teams, a 5-2 Colorado win in Los Angeles on Oct. 11.” — Rosen

Here’s how the rankings stacked up:

Amalie Benjamin
1. New York Rangers
2. Boston Bruins
3. Los Angeles Kings
4. Colorado Avalanche
5. Vegas Golden Knights
6. Dallas Stars
7. Florida Panthers
8. Vancouver Canucks
9. Carolina Hurricanes
10. Toronto Maple Leafs
11. Detroit Red Wings
12. Winnipeg Jets
13. Washington Capitals
14. New Jersey Devils
15. Tampa Bay Lightning
16. St. Louis Blues

Brian Compton
1. New York Rangers
2. Los Angeles Kings
3. Colorado Avalanche
4. Boston Bruins
5. Dallas Stars
6. Vegas Golden Knights
7. Vancouver Canucks
8. Florida Panthers
9. Toronto Maple Leafs
10. Detroit Red Wings
11. Winnipeg Jets
12. Carolina Hurricanes
13. Nashville Predators
14. Washington Capitals
15. St. Louis Blues
16. Tampa Bay Lightning

Nicholas J. Cotsonika
1. New York Rangers
2. Los Angeles Kings
3. Boston Bruins
4. Colorado Avalanche
5. Dallas Stars
6. Vegas Golden Knights
7. Vancouver Canucks
8. Florida Panthers
9. Detroit Red Wings
10. Toronto Maple Leafs
11. Winnipeg Jets
12. Carolina Hurricanes
13. Washington Capitals
14. St. Louis Blues
15. Tampa Bay Lightning
16. New Jersey Devils

Tom Gulitti
1. Los Angeles Kings
2. New York Rangers
3. Boston Bruins
4. Colorado Avalanche
5. Vegas Golden Knights
6. Dallas Stars
7. Florida Panthers
8. Vancouver Canucks
9. Carolina Hurricanes
10. Toronto Maple Leafs
11. Detroit Red Wings
12. Winnipeg Jets
13. Washington Capitals
14. New Jersey Devils
15. Tampa Bay Lightning
16. Nashville Predators

Adam Kimelman
1. New York Rangers
2. Vegas Golden Knights
3. Los Angeles Kings
4. Colorado Avalanche
5. Vancouver Canucks
6. Boston Bruins
7. Dallas Stars
8. Carolina Hurricanes
9. Florida Panthers
10. Winnipeg Jets
11. Toronto Maple Leafs
12. Tampa Bay Lightning
13. New Jersey Devils
14. St. Louis Blues
15. Detroit Red Wings
16. Washington Capitals

Mike G. Morreale
1. Boston Bruins
2. Los Angeles Kings
3. Colorado Avalanche
4. Dallas Stars
5. New York Rangers
6. Toronto Maple Leafs
7. Vegas Golden Knights
8. Florida Panthers
9. Vancouver Canucks
10. Winnipeg Jets
11. Carolina Hurricanes
12. New Jersey Devils
13. Detroit Red Wings
14. St. Louis Blues
15. Nashville Predators
16. New York Islanders

Tracey Myers
1. New York Rangers
2. Boston Bruins
3. Vegas Golden Knights
4. Los Angeles Kings
5. Colorado Avalanche
6. Dallas Stars
7. Vancouver Canucks
8. Florida Panthers
9. Winnipeg Jets
10. Toronto Maple Leafs
11. Carolina Hurricanes
12. Detroit Red Wings
13. Tampa Bay Lightning

Reference