Welcome to RANKED. Every week during the NHL season, we will be ranking players, moments, and anything else we can think of throughout hockey history. This week, we’re ranking the teams currently in the Western Conference wild card race.
At this stage of the NHL season, teams are gradually starting to distance themselves from each other. The top teams with a legitimate chance at making an impact are vying for the top spots, while the less fortunate teams are fighting for position.
In the Western Conference, the gap between the top teams and the middle-tier teams is widening earlier than expected. The Avalanche, Stars, and Jets currently sit atop the Central division with at least a .619 points percentage, while the Golden Knights, Canucks, and Kings possess a .674 points percentage in the Pacific.
However, beyond these six teams, there’s a significant gap, with several teams competing for the two Wild Card spots in the West, none of them appearing particularly exceptional. Each team has at least one substantial flaw holding them back as they continue to battle for a shot at the playoffs.
With the top six teams establishing themselves in their respective divisions, it’s time to determine which of the remaining teams will claim the final two wild card spots.
The Anaheim Ducks had a promising start to the season, defying expectations with a group of young prospects making an impact in the NHL. However, they have since hit a rough patch and are currently near the bottom of the conference. Despite their strong start, it’s unlikely that they will remain in the race for a playoff spot.
The Seattle Kraken, who caught lightning in a bottle last season, have seen their spark fizzle out. Their offense has struggled, and the team appears in need of a major change to turn things around. Until they address their goaltending and make significant moves, they will likely remain outside of the playoff picture.
The Calgary Flames, while currently on a hot streak, are unlikely to continue their recent success. With expiring contracts and discussions of a fire sale, the Flames have signaled that they won’t attempt to sneak into the playoffs.
The Arizona Coyotes, like the Ducks, started strong but have managed to stay in the Wild Card picture. Their rejuvenated roster and depth make them a competitive team, and their hot start suggests they won’t plummet like some other overperformers.
Despite the Edmonton Oilers having the worst record among the teams, they possess a talented roster, with Connor McDavid heating up and the team performing well in various statistical categories. However, their glaring weakness in goaltending has held them back.
The St. Louis Blues find themselves in a good position, hanging around and waiting for other teams to drop off. However, the Nashville Predators, led by standout players like Filip Forsberg and Juuse Saros, have the talent to secure a playoff position.
In conclusion, the competition for the Western Conference wild card spots remains intense, with several teams vying for a chance to secure a postseason berth. Which teams will ultimately claim the final two spots remains to be seen, but the race is set to be a fascinating battle.
Sarah Anderson dives into the fast-paced world of NHL hockey. Her coverage includes game analysis, player spotlights, and the latest news from the ice. Sarah’s dedication to the sport ensures that hockey enthusiasts stay informed about the NHL’s thrilling action.
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