NHL Power Rankings: Every franchise statistically ranked all-time
By Daniel
20. Los Angeles Kings (1967): 1.276 Points
The recent success of the Kings has vaulted them far up this list from where they were even a few years ago. In the last three years the Kings have won two Stanley Cups and two of their three all-time conference championships. In their vast history, being a “Second Six” team, they’ve won their division only once. That lack of regular season success is what keeps them further down on this ranking. They’re currently led by forwards Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, and Jeff Carter and their unbelievable goalie Jonathan Quick. They have a lot more talent, too, look for this squad to continue to climb this list in the coming years. Their best all-time players include Marcel Dionne, Luc Robitaille, Date Taylor and of course ‘The Great One’ Wayne Gretzky.
19. San Jose Sharks (1991): 1.304 Points
San Jose has been a competitive team for a good portion of their existence, yet have never made it to the Stanley Cup. Since 1991 they’ve won their division an impressive six times and have taken home one Presidents’ Trophy. They should be proud that they’ve come in ahead of five different franchises that have been in the NHL for more than 20 years than them. Their current squad has a lot of talent and features goalie Antti Niemi, forwards Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski and Patrick Marleau, and defenseman Dan Boyle. Owen Nolan should be mentioned as one of the best players in team history. Look for them to be competitive for years to come.
18. Toronto Maple Leafs (1942): 1.305 Points
Maple Leafs fans will understandably not be too thrilled with their position on this list. But their lack of success in the modern era of organized NHL hockey cannot be ignored. Between 1942-1967 they won nine Stanley Cups and that’s essentially where their history ends. Since 1942 they’ve won their division only once. They’re a legendary “Original Six” franchise that left all of their success in that era — that is why they’re so low on this list. Despite their lack of recent success their fans are incredibly loyal. Their team is led by defenseman Dion Phaneauf and wingers Joffrey Lupul and Phil Kessel. Their best all-time players include Syl Apps, Tim Horton, Marcel Pronovost, Terry Sawchuk, Mats Sundin and countless others. Will they return to their past glory? Millions of fans sure hope they do.
17. Ottawa Senators (1992): 1.363 Points
The franchise that calls Canada’s capital city home has seen some successful years in the Eastern Conference. They’ve won their division four times and won one conference championship. Ottawa has won a Presidents’ Trophy, but surely would trade that award in for their first Stanley Cup. The franchise is led by goalie Craig Anderson and lethal offensive defenseman Erik Karlsson. But they feature a slew of other talented players as well. Expect them to be a team to reckon with over the next few seasons. Historically their best individual seasons have been put together by Dany Heatley, Jason Spezza, Daniel Alfredsson, and Marian Hossa. They have a chance to climb this list over the next few years.
16. Tampa Bay Lighting (1992): 1.454 Points
The Lighting have packed a good deal of success into their 22 years in the league. They’ve lifted the Cup once, to go along with their one conference championship. They have won two division championships, too. The franchise is currently captained by Steven Stamkos — one of the league’s best offensive players. Young defenseman Victor Hedman is turning into one of the better defensemen in the game. Denis Savard, Dino Ciccarelli, Martin St. Louis, and Vincent Lecavalier have been this franchise’s best players in the past. This team is exciting to watch and their fans are selling out just about every home game lately. Although perhaps the “Lighting Girls”, Tampa Bay’s official dance team, has something to do with that.