NHL Power Rankings

As we are now into week seven of the NHL season, here are the power rankings so far.  Needless to say our Florida Panthers are at the bottom of the barrel at either 28th or 29th depending on which ranking you’re looking at.

ESPN  29th, with the second worst GAA in the league.

TSN  Backup Goalie Scott Clemmensen allowing too many goals.

The Hockey News  Outscored 11-5 against Washington, minus Ovechkin.

Seeing a common thread amongst these reports.  Giving up too many goals, and not scoring enough.  But we knew we’d be challenged with the lack of goal scoring right?

The defence is what’s perplxing.  Or is it?  With more than 50% of the backline revamped from last year is that the reason why we’re giving up so many goals?  According to reports that Panthers had a vigorous workout today as they spent 90 minutes on the ice.

I hope they spent some time watching film, and that DeBoer and Kitchen spent some time working on coverages.

One of the only ways they are going to fix this is that the defenceman are going to have to control the puck more coming out of the zone and the forwards are actually going to have to apply pressure both physical and forechecking when in the offensive zone.  They have to hold onto the puck more.

But I am sure the coaches have told them this.  That’s why they’re coaching right?

By the way, catch the Colorado Avalanche visiting the Chicago Blackhawks tonight.  Besides being a good game to watch, it’s Bobby Hull Heritage Night in Chicago.  One of my all-time favs, the Stadium United Center should be rocking!

Thanks for reading.

Cheers