The Chicago Blackhawks extend its NHL record streak to 19 consecutive games with a point.  As a result, this week’s NHL Power Rankings at The Wife Hates Sports are a no-brainer.  At least, when it comes to the top spot.

While Chicago is on cruise control, the rest of the top five are a lot closer together.  Specifically, the rest of the list starts with the Anaheim Ducks in second place.  The Ducks would typically get more pub because Anaheim has lost just twice in the month of February.

As always, with the rankings, I feature a few stats, tidbits and thoughts for each of the thirty teams.  The point totals are the ratings calculations and there is no correlation to the team’s actual point totals in the standings.  Because, well, I felt I had to mention that.  NHL standings can and do throw a wrench into things.

But overall, here’s how the rankings fall into place:

marian-hossa-chicago-blackhawks

Marian Hossa and the Blackhawks are dominating the NHL Power Rankings

KP’s NHL Power Rankings: February 27, 2013

Note: All stats and figures are as of February 27, 2013 (at 7pm Eastern)

1-10: ‘Hawks, Ducks and Pens

The Canadiens and Bruins – bitter rivals to the very end – land in the third and fourth place spots.  Carey Price and Tuukka Rask are the main reasons for each team’s success.  Meanwhile, the feisty and talented Penguins round out this edition’s top five.  But Pittsburgh’s standing is not due to its goalie.  It’s because of Sidney Crosby, who is healthy this season and playing great.  The real question remains: Can “Sid the Kid” stay healthy over the course of the season?

6-10: Leafs and Devils

Vancouver is on a downturn, but still maintains strong stat rankings and a division lead.  But more struggles and the Canucks will fade further down the list.

Good luck facing the Sens at home!

Notice a trend with goalies?   Because Halak has the Blues in the top ten.

11-15: Kings and ‘Wings

Topping the second group are the L.A. Kings and Carolina Hurricanes.  The Kings are on a roll, while Carolina has been driven forward by Eric Staal.

Stamkos is a handful for opposing defenses.

Wait until you see the stat line on the Wings later in this post.  It’s not pretty.

16-20: Kings and Rangers

The Rangers round out the back of the group and will need a hot streak to gain ground.  But let’s talk about Nashville and the six shutouts in February.

21-25: Wild to Caps

The Wild and Jets headline the final grouping of ten hockey teams.  The Jets are in a good position following four wins during a recent five-game road trip.

Anyone else think Konopka should pay rent in the “sin bin”?  Because I do.

Of course, the Jets hashtag links to the New York NFL team.  Oh well.

26-30: Oilers to Jackets

NHL Power Rankings: The Blue Jackets sit in last place, but if anything, have had some success against Detroit.  That’s something, right?  Yeah, probably not.

But seriously, does Vanek have to do everything, Buffalo?

Yeah, Detroit fans must be pumped about this.

* All stats per NHL.com

The Wife Hates Sports NHL Power Rankings system has a method to its madness.  It attempts to be different and not just rank by popularity and record.  It mixes a secret formula of six completely different categories, meshed into a points system.  The categories don’t just include team results regarding record, but how each team has performed recently.  It also incorporates statistics on both a team’s offense and defense, too.

 

Greetings and salutations!  Do you like the Twitter feed version (and NHL Power Rankings), because this was an attempt at something new.  If yes, I will consider doing them again.