Super 16: Bruins remain No. 1, Kraken rise in power rankings


They’ve been in it every week since and this week are No. 6, up five spots from last week because of a six-game winning streak and seven-game point streak.

The top three teams in the Super 16 are the same as they were last week with the Boston Bruins in first, the New Jersey Devils in second and the Vegas Golden Knights in third.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are up four spots to No. 4 and the Winnipeg Jets are up two spots and are now No. 5.

There are some unexpected teams in the top five and spread throughout the Super 16, which is why the theme of the rankings this week is the surprises of the season with participating NHL.com staff writers offering their thoughts for each team.

As a reminder, to come up with the Super 16 each week, the 13 voters put together their own version of what they think the rankings should look like. A point total assigned to each with the team selected first is given 16 points, second 15, third 14, and so on down the line.

Here is the Super 16, with the surprising thoughts from the staff members, whose individual rankings are below:

1. Boston Bruins (19-3-0)

Total points: 206

Last week: No. 1

“The biggest surprise for the Bruins is their sheer dominance, especially at home. They have started the season with 13 consecutive wins at TD Garden, setting a new NHL record, and meaning that new coach Jim Montgomery has yet to leave the building without a rousing rendition of “Dirty Water.” Every game certainly hasn’t been easy — note their comeback from 2-0 down to the Carolina Hurricanes on “Black Friday” — but there seems to be a feeling around the room that each game is theirs for the taking. Some prognosticators had them out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs or a fringe team and yet, they’re probably the best team in hockey. Yeah, I’d call that a surprise.” — Amalie Benjamin, staff writer

Video: TBL@BOS: Hall wires home shot from slot for PPG

2. New Jersey Devils (19-4-0)

Total points: 194

Last week: No. 2

“The Devils have been full of surprises this season, but I think the biggest thus far has been in goal. Vitek Vanecek continues to establish himself as a No. 1 in the NHL and has played an enormous role in New Jersey’s remarkable success. Vanecek had a .908 save percentage in each of his two seasons with the Washington Capitals, but his .923 with the Devils is fifth among goalies who have played at least 10 games. Whether he can play at this level for another five months remains to be seen, but Vanecek has proven to be a great addition.” — Brian Compton, managing editor

3. Vegas Golden Knights (17-6-1)

Total points: 178

Last week: No. 3

“The biggest surprise here is how goalie Logan Thompson was more than ready to fill the void left by Robin Lehner, whose hip surgery in August cost him this season. I figured the 25-year-old rookie would be good. I wasn’t sure he’d be this good. He’s 12-4-0 with a 2.44 goals-against average, .921 save percentage and two shutouts. The Golden Knights were bound to be better this season, considering…

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Read More: Super 16: Bruins remain No. 1, Kraken rise in power rankings 2022-12-01 05:39:23

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