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NHL 2017/18: Top 10 teams entering week 9
The first several weeks of the 2017/18 NHL season has been exciting. It is crazy to think we are about to enter the month of December. While a few teams have no chance to make it to the postseason, there are still several sides who have a shot to make it to the play-offs.
Also Read: NHL Top 10 Teams Entering Week 8
Let us take a look at the top ten teams entering week nine of the competition.
#10 Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights hit a rough patch a little bit, but they hope they don't have to put in Maxime Lagace back in net for the rest of the season. Malcolm Subban recently returned from injury and he has been playing well. His record is 4-0 with a .935 save percentage and a 1.88 GAA. They haven't gotten back Oscar Dansk or Marc-Andre Fleury yet, but it is going to be interesting who will be the starting goalie when all of them are healthy. Vegas's record is 15-6-1 with 31 points and they are in first place in the Pacific Division.
Last week's ranking: not ranked
#9 Washington Capitals
Alex Ovechkin leads the NHL in goals scored with 18. The Capitals are starting to figure it out in a tough Metropolitan Division. Philipp Grubauer made 25 saves in a 3-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning and it was much needed for him. That was his first win of the season. Washington's record so far this season is 14-10-1 with 29 points.
Last week's ranking: not ranked
#8 Nashville Predators
The Predators continue to play with swagger and continue to keep pace in the Central Division. Their record is 14-6-3 with 31 points. Nashville plays very physical. Kyle Turris continues to spark the Predators.
Last week's ranking: not ranked
#7 New York Islanders
The Islanders have won three straight games because of the play of John Tavares and Mathew Barzal. Tavares has scored 15 goals and recorded 11 assists so far this season. Barzal leads all rookies with 23 points ( 6 goals and 17 assists). He is providing a major spark for this offense. The Islanders have scored 84 goals so far this season which is tied for the third most in the NHL. New York's record is 14-7-2 with 30 points.
Last week's ranking: not ranked
#6 New Jersey Devils
The Devils offense is being contained a little bit, but they are still scoring a good amount of goals in order for them to win games. New Jersey's record is 14-5-4 with 32 points.
Last week's ranking: 7
#5 Winnipeg Jets
The Jets called up goaltender Eric Comrie (8-4-1 .927 save percentage and 2.30 GAA and one shutout) from Mantioba (AHL) to replace Steve Mason as the backup to Conor Hellebuyck. Mason is hurt, but this could be helpful for the Jets when Hellebuyck has to take a night off. Comrie has potential as a goalie in the NHL. Winnipeg's record this season is 14-6-3 with 31 points.
Last week's ranking: 3
#4 Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus has won six straight games and maybe they can try and break their own record of 16 set last season. They have the potential to do it again and it would more than solidify themselves at another chance in the postseason. Columbus hasn't been scoring a lot of goals (68 in 23 games), but they are playing well defensively (55 goals given up in 23 games). The Blue Jackets record is 15-7-1 with 31 points.
Last week's ranking: 6
#3 Toronto Maple Leafs
Auston Matthews has been buzzing lately for Toronto. In 21 games played, he has scored 12 goals and recorded 11 assists so far this season. Toronto has scored 88 goals which is the most in the NHL so far this season. The Maple Leafs record is 15-9-1 with 31 points.
Last week's ranking: 4
#2 St Louis Blues
The Blues continue to roll out four solid lines. They can score at any moment and they also play rough. St. Louis is a tough opponent to play against and Jake Allen continues to be a brick wall for them. Their record is 17-6-1 with 35 points.
Last week's ranking: 2
#1 Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay didn't have a sharp week, but they are still for right now the best team in the NHL. Tampa lost on a back-to-back to Washington and Pittsburgh, but they are both good hockey teams. The Lightning have scored 86 goals this season which is the second most in the NHL. Mikhail Sergachev is becoming a solid defensive for the Lightning ( 5 goals and 10 assists). Tampa Bay's record is 16-5-2 with 34 points.
Last week's ranking: 1
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