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Ryan S. Clark, NHL reporterMar 15, 2024, 07:00 AM ET
CloseRyan S. Clark is an NHL reporter for ESPN.
Playoff seeding. Just trying to get into the postseason. A lottery pick. Winning the draft lottery so they can have the No. 1 pick.
These are the driving factors that make the remainder of the NHL regular season so compelling. Perhaps the only things more compelling than what happens to these teams are the players whose efforts will play such a massive role in shaping their teams’ short- and long-term futures.
This week, our NHL Power Rankings take a look at each team’s most pivotal player now that the trade deadline has passed.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list here.
Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published March 1. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 70.15%
Gustav Forsling: Forsling signed an eight-year extension just days before the Panthers placed his defensive partner Aaron Ekblad on injured reserve following a collision with the newly acquired Vladimir Tarasenko. Forsling’s time in Florida has seen him serve as a reliable defenseman who constantly logs more than 21 minutes while averaging around 0.50 points per game. His contributions could prove even more vital with Ekblad on the shelf as the Panthers chase the top seed.
Next seven days: vs. TB (March 16), vs. NSH (March 21)
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 68.66%
Casey DeSmith: With Thatcher Demko set to miss up to four weeks, a greater value will be placed on what DeSmith can provide the Canucks. They’ve reached a stage where they are fighting for seeding and home-ice advantage as opposed to just trying to win a wild-card spot. Still, those circumstances have made for a tight race for first place in the Western Conference standings and the Presidents’ Trophy.
Next seven days: vs. WSH…
Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39732623/nhl-power-rankings-2023-2024-best-teams-standings-playoffs
Author : Ryan S. Clark
Publish date : 2024-03-15 11:05:04
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