NHL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, each team's questionable move
While the Edmonton Oilers approach history with a record-breaking win streak, it's another Western Canadian team that takes over the top spot of the NHL Power Rankings this week. Plus, while we identified each team's best new addition in last week's Rankings, this week it's the opposite side of the coin: What are the moves (or non-moves) on which each team might like a do-over?
Top 5
# 1| Vancouver
Vancouver has hit all the right notes this season. The Canucks' only regret might wind up being not extending Elias Petterssson before now (if it was an option). He's on pace for another 100-plus-point campaign and will be (rightfully) looking for a significant payday when the time comes to negotiate. Vancouver will have to come prepared -- and maybe back up the Brinks truck.
# 2 | Boston
Perhaps this would be considered a "good problem to have." Boston has red-hot netminder (and pending RFA) jeremy Swayman up for another contract negotiation this summer -- and the way he's playing, Swayman's going to demand even more than he did a year ago. The Bruins might regret not getting something longer-term done with Swayman when they had the chance, prior to his levelling up again in 2023-24.
# 3 | Winnipeg
The Jets are excellent in so many areas that it's easy to gloss over the fact their power play is in the bottom 10 of the league. Yikes. The Jets haven't remedied that situation for over half the season, and it's the type of problem that comes back to bite a contender in the playoffs. Winnipeg might regret letting its not-so-little problem linger (although perhaps a remedy could be on the way ahead of the trade deadline).
#4 | Colorado
Colorado took a risk replacing injured goaltender Pavel Francouz with waiver-wire pickup Ivan Prosvetov last October -- and it hasn't paid off. Prosvetov has provided little help to starter Alexander Geotgiev in a backup role, and as Colorado leans heavily on Georgiev now, the more likely he'll be burned out by spring. The Avalanche might regret not bolstering their goalie tandem sooner.
#5 | Dallas
Dallas didn't upgrade its backup goalie position for the season, sticking with Scott Wedgewood behind the usually fantastic Jake Oettinger. Well. Oettinger has struggled between injury stints, and Wedgewood has been taxed in the meantime. The Stars are a good team despite their below-average goaltending -- but will GM Jim Nill regret not adding a more reliable No. 2 option?
