With the trade deadline passed, teams have shaped up and are ready for a playoff push. Let’s check and see where they fall this week. I am drained from doing hours of math so let’s see how this comes out.

Number 1. The Flyers. They remain at the top spot for the third consecutive week but the gap has closed. They had a subpar 6-3 week following the perfect week 2. Their big deadline acquisition was getting Brad from the Ducks and he adds to the already deep forward core. Flyers will need to compile a 7+ win week in order to retain this spot because someone is lurking.  (SAME)

Number 2. Certainly not creeping up on anyone is the Panthers. Florida had an almost flawless week, losing to only the Blues in OT. Certainly a team that could be looked upon as one of the best on paper ever, they also get it done on the ice too. Despite bending rules, they may very well end up as the presidents trophy winners in 2 weeks. I’d mention trades from this team but the whole team started elsewhere. (UP 1)

Number 3. New Jersey. The Devils have hit their stride mid season with a 8-0-1 week to keep pace with the two prior teams. Goaltending has been nothing special outside of Beanzys three games (Vezina?) but last week they averaged 5 goals a game so it hasn’t been a cause for concern. No Big deadline acquisitions for the devils as sportsgeek got cold feet. (UP 1)

Number 4. St Louis. The Blues emerged as the top of the west midway through the season. First year GM LispDoge has gotten the team to buy in with DoorDash rewards making it hard for players to want out or to no show. A bit forward heavy could hurt them in the playoffs but only time will tell. (UP 2)

Number 5. Arizona. The Coyote train came to a screeching halt this week seeing them be bypassed by 2 other teams in the standings. While this may be cause for concern, Chico will figure this out and turn the ship around before it sinks. As long as availability is in line, they’re still up there in the West. (DOWN 3)

Number 6. San Jose. As much as they are deserving of being in the top 5, they can’t win the big game against teams ranked higher. The front 5 may be better than 2 of these teams right ahead of them, but goaltending is a major red flag because when your best LW is also your best goalie, you may have an issue. (DOWN 1)

Number 7. Colorado. Plisk has the boys right in the thick of it following deadline week. 7 points out of first but comfortably in the 4 spot, The Avs can very well make a push in the final weeks. Doesn’t change the fact that Bart’s forehead is massive. Avs pulled out wins vs top 5 teams but also struggled against some. Looking like a playoff lock for sure though. (SAME)

Number 8. Nashville. Shep took over a team and flipped it into a potential playoff team. Chad is more than capable of winning them games and the rest of the lineup will produce when needed. Unfortunately, it may not be enough since the west is very tough 1-4 and they will play most of them 2 more times. (SAME)

Number 9. Ottawa. From 7-2 to where did it go wrong. Devon recently stepped down and Cuban stepped up in his place but there is not much he can do at this point. While the Sens hold the last spot, they better hold on for dear life as they could easily lose hold of it. The current roster reminds me of week 1 NYI with Hardie and Aali and literally no one else. Last week was a 2-7 week where they gave up 71 goals, 61 in the final 2 days. yikes(SAME)

Number 10. New York Islanders. The Islanders in 2 weeks not only have added 5 more wins than they had after week 1, but are strangely in it for the last spot in the East. It will certainly be an uphill climb but they have been playing better hockey of late including a win over Arizona and heavily outplaying San Jose. Can they make up the 11 point deficit? (UP 2)

Number 11. Pittsburgh. While they sit higher than the Islanders, they have struggled of late but are only 6 points out of a playoff spot. They will need to do something they haven’t done since week one and that’s put together a winning night (Without FFs). (DOWN 1)

Number 12. Anaheim. Drafting guys with no avail seemed to work out as good as it sounded. A winless week finds the Ducks in the basement of SP. They also traded away their first round pick who played 0 games. They could possibly be tanking for Bedard, we are unsure as well. Best of luck to Jhursi who is being held hostage like John Dean was last season. (DOWN 1).

Thank you all for reading and special shoutout to Bej for not playing for the Islanders. Have a wonderful week SP.