I recently posted some thoughts on roster building that I think is a more sustainable approach to long term success compared to the typical patterns currently displayed across the NHL. I termed the approach Roster Regeneration and today we’ll try to put it into practice.
Analysis
22/23 Mid-Season Power Rankings: #10-#1 – Jostling Juggernauts
Today, it’s the third and final installment of our mid-season power rankings as we get to the top 10.
22/23 Mid-Season Power Rankings: Meddling in Mediocrity – #21-#11
Today we continue our way through the team strength rankings with a look at the middle third of the league, looking at teams #21 to #11. If you missed the bottom third, find #32-#22 here.
22/23 Mid-Season Power Rankings: #32-22 – Lusting for Lottery Luck
We’ve hit the mid point of the 2022/23 regular season. I thought it would be a good time to check in on how the NHL’s 32 teams stack up against one another based on their projected roster strengths.
Today we’ll start with the bottom third of the league, looking at teams ranked #32 through #22. Most of these teams are clearly in the tank mode looking to land a top pick in the 2023 draft but there are a few surprises…
Team Synopsis: Carolina Hurricanes – January 6, 2023
I last looked at the Carolina Hurricanes during the preseason. They were one of the NHL’s best 5v5 teams last season and they looked ready to replicate that this season. They’ve been on a tear of late, with their loss to the Rangers on Tuesday ending an 11 game win streak and 17 game point streak. Let’s take a look at their performance this season, with data from games played through December 31.
Team Synopsis: Edmonton Oilers – January 5, 2023
My last look at the Edmonton Oilers was in August, after the majority of offseason moves were complete. The Oilers were headed toward the 2022/23 season with a roster quite similar to the one that went to the Western Conference Final last season. The results have been more like the team’s regular season last season though, so what should we expect for the second half of the season? Let’s take a look at the Oiler’s performance this season with data from games played through December 31.
Team Synopsis: Montreal Canadiens – January 4, 2023
My last look at the Montreal Canadiens was late in the offseason. It was clear at the time that the Habs would likely struggle again this season as they start into their rebuild. They hung in the Atlantic Division race for some time but have slipped to the bottom of the division over the past ten games. Let’s take a look at their season so far, with data from games played through December 31.
Team Synopsis: Winnipeg Jets – January 3, 2023
I last looked at the Winnipeg Jets just ahead of the preseason. At that time, their roster looked average and their defense corps looked like a weak spot with a need for a number one defensemen. The start of the season has gone much better for the Jets than predicted. Let’s dig into their results to see what’s driving their success, with data from games played through December 31.
Team Synopsis: Pittsburgh Penguins – December 29, 2022
My last look at the Pittsburgh Penguins was in late August, after they were able to re-sign both Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang to keep their core in tact for few more seasons. Some cracks in the roster were starting to show, however, and there wasn’t much separation in the Metropolitan Division projections. Sitting in a playoff spot at the Christmas break, are the Penguins set for another run at the Stanley Cup? Let’s take a look at their season so far, with data for games played up to the Christmas break.
Team Synopsis: Vancouver Canucks – December 28, 2022
When I last looked at the Vancouver Canucks, they looked likely to be a factor in the playoff race in the Pacific this season. That was during the preseason, before they crashed out of the gate with a 7 game losing streak to start the 2022/23 campaign. They’ve been steadily recovering since their dreadful start to the season. Can they still make a push for a playoff spot this season? Let’s take a look at their season performance so far, with data up to the Christmas break.