Wednesday, January 25, 2012

NHL Power Ranking - All-Star Week


The Maple Leafs go into the All-Star break with two wins over the Islanders to stay in the playoff mix. Most of the rankings were posted after the disappointing loss to the Canadiens and before the back to back games with New York. The rankings over the past two months have all consistently ranked the Bruins #1 overall. This week there is some disagreement as the Rangers and the Red Wings are sharing the honors.

TSN - 14th (-1)

Leafs have lost four of five and can't turn to that early-season scapegoat -- the penalty-killing -- as they've killed all 16 shorthanded situations that they have faced in January.

Sports Illustrated - 16th (+2)

Jonas Gustavsson got a nice shutout, his third of the season, Monday night against the Islanders. His 15 wins are just one short of his career best. Maybe the Swedish import isn't the big bust some had proclaimed after he was heavily courted by several NHL teams in 2009. And for a guy who was voted the most overrated player in the league in SI's NHL player poll, defenseman Dion Phaneuf's numbers aren't bad: 28 points in 48 games, and plus-1

CBS Sports - 17th (+1)

When you're fighting for a playoff spot you need to pick up wins against struggling teams like Montreal. The Maple Leafs fell short in that goal on Saturday night.

The Hockey News - 17th (+1)

Leafs epitome of mediocrity: even goals-for/against ratio; 13 wins and 12 losses at home; and 10 wins and 12 losses on the road

Fox Sports - 17th (-1)

Phil Kessel has two points and a minus-six rating in his last six games as the streaky Leafs have lost four out of five.

Sportsnet - 18th (-1)

The Leafs’ new leading point-getter, Joffrey Lupul (31), proved that he could rack up points even if he’s not playing alongside Phil Kessel. Bad news: Toronto has dropped four of its last five, most frustratingly Tuesday’s defeat at home by the Sens, who overcame a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2.

ESPN - 18th (-3)

The Leafs have lost four of five to fall out of the playoff bracket in the Eastern Conference. Offense has gone dry and they face a streaking Islanders squad Monday. Yikes.

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