NHL Rankings Shake-Up: Can the Blue Jackets Defy the Odds?

As we dive back into our weekend rankings, it's clear from recent performances that the NHL landscape has shifted dramatically in just two weeks. While the previous week saw no rankings update, this time around, expect a minor shake-up in the Top 5, including a surprise new number one and the return of a well-known contender.

Key Changes in the League

The Wild-Card Race: The Eastern Conference wild-card race is tightening up, with only one spot now up for grabs, making it a slow crawl for teams. The Ottawa Senators have made a strong push, reclaiming one of those coveted spots, leaving several other teams grappling for position but showing little desire to push forward. As it stands, various teams are in contention, but success seems elusive for many of them.

Western Conference Surprises: Contrary to earlier expectations of a mundane race dominated by the Calgary Flames and struggling Vancouver Canucks, the Western Conference is heating up. The playoff push now features a robust four-team competition, with the St. Louis Blues impressively standing firm and sporting a strong performance as the playoffs loom. Eastern writers may soon find themselves staying up late to catch crucial matchups.

Presidents' Trophy Battle: In the race for the prestigious Presidents' Trophy, it's a showdown between the Washington Capitals and the Winnipeg Jets. The Capitals seek their fourth title, which would tie them for the second-most in history, while the Jets aspire to clinch their first. However, the historical trend suggests that this trophy winner often doesn't translate into playoff success.

Division Updates: Presently, the Capitals and Jets are solidifying their leads in the Central and Metropolitan divisions respectively, while the Pacific remains competitive with the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights in a knock-down drag-out fight for supremacy.

Art Ross Trophy Race: Nathan MacKinnon has opened up a narrow lead in the points race, potentially setting up a two-man competition for the Art Ross Trophy with Leon Draisaitl. Both are favorites for the Hart Trophy, although others like Connor Hellebuyck may have a case.

Top Five Teams to Watch

5. Carolina Hurricanes (43-23-4, +37): After an impressive eight-game winning streak, they recently stumbled against the Kings but remain a potent threat in the playoffs.

4. Vegas Golden Knights (42-20-8, +49): Injuries have hindered their form but expect them to ramp up efforts as the postseason nears.

3. Dallas Stars (44-21-4, +52): They're still finding their footing after briefly topping the standings but must regroup to face tough competition.

2. Washington Capitals (47-15-8, +78): The Capitals clinched the first playoff spot and their key players, including Alex Ovechkin, are on the verge of remarkable achievements.

1. Winnipeg Jets (48-19-4, +76): Despite a recent loss, they remain a formidable team with strong chances for playoff success.

Late-Season Drama for the Blue Jackets

In a surprising twist, the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have been the underdog story of the season, have hit a rough patch, losing six straight games and seeing their playoff hopes dim. With only three points in their last nine games, their chances of making the postseason are slim—down to just 11 percent according to recent projections.

However, there's a glimmer of hope. Despite the gloomy outlook, their remaining schedule features winnable games against struggling teams like Buffalo and Nashville. Plus, they’ll face opponents like Ottawa who may not be at their best as they prepare for the playoffs.

For those rooting for a Cinderella story, the upcoming match against the New York Islanders looms large. A win could reignite their aspirations and turn the tide as they close in on the season's end.

Bottom Five Teams

The battle for the top draft pick is heating up, with the Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks leading the downward trend, facing disarray on and off the ice.

In conclusion, with the season nearing its climax, all eyes will be on the underdogs and the fierce competition that lies ahead. The NHL continues to surprise us, and anything can happen—so stay tuned for what promises to be an exhilarating finish!