NHL Power Rankings: Every franchise statistically ranked all-time
By Daniel
10. Anaheim Ducks (1993): 2.095 Points
The only franchise from the West Coast to crack the top ten is Anaheim. The Ducks (formally known as the Mighty Ducks) have packed a lot of success into their history of just 21 years. They’ve been highly competitive for years and are currently one of the best teams in the Western Conference. So far they’ve won one Stanley Cup, two conference championships, and three division championships. They’ve yet to win a Presidents’ Trophy (missed by one point last year). Anaheim is led by captain Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Ryan Kesler, Dany Heatley and feature some young defensive talent. Frederik Andersen seems to be the real deal at goaltender. This team could climb this list over the next few years. In the Ducks’ past they’ve been led by all-time great Finnish player forward Teemu Selanne and defenseman Scott Niedermayer.
9. Boston Bruins (1942): 2.222 Points
Boston is one of the most proud fan bases in NHL history. They’re an “Original Six” team that has seen Stanley Cup success both in ancient and modern times. Their three modern Stanley Cups wins, four conference championships, and NHL-high 18 division championships have landed them in the top ten of this list. They’ve also won two Presidents’ Trophies. The 1940s, 50s, 60s, and 90s were not particularly successful decades for this franchise. That lack of consistency is what is keeping them from being higher. Their team leaders today includes phenomenal two-way forward Patrice Bergeron, as well as forwards David Krejci, Chris Kelly, and Milan Lucic. Of course captain defenseman Zdeno Chara cannot be forgotten, either. Some of the NHL’s all-time greats have played in Bean Town and they include defensemen Bobby Orr and Ray Bourque and forwards Phil Esposito and Jonny Bucyk — among others.
8. Pittsburgh Penguins (1967): 2.425 Points
The Penguins’ inclusion in the top 10 of this list is particularly impressive considering their lack of competitiveness for the first two decades in the NHL. They’re one of the “Second Six” franchises and over the last 25 they’ve featured some of the game’s top players. Their three Stanley Cups, four conference championships, eight division championships, and one Presidents’ Trophy have landed them ahead of some of the NHL’s most iconic franchises. Perennial all-stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang currently lead this team. They are a threat to add more points to the Pens’ total over the next handful of seasons — despite recent struggles in the playoffs. Some of the game’s best players have come through town including Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, Paul Coffey, and Joe Mullen. But their radio personality Mike Lange might be the most iconic part of the best offensive franchise in NHL history. A Penguin has won the Art Ross Trophy 15 times in the last 26 seasons (Canadiens are second all-time with nine).
7. Colorado Avalanche (1979): 2.914 Points
The franchise in Colorado began in Quebec and it has seen relative success in both locations. The Avalanche has won two Cups, two conference championships, 11 division championships (4 in Quebec), and two Presidents’ Trophies. They’re the second highest ranked franchise on this list to switch cities. Colorado was quite a force in the 1990s and formed quite an amazing rivalry with the Detroit Red Wings during the era. Duding those days they were led by Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, and goaltender Patrick Roy. Today they’re a young and upcoming squad coached by Roy that could move up a few spots on this list as the near future unfolds. Young Swedish forward Gabriel Landeskog is their captain and leader and he is one of the most exciting young players in the game. But this team’s young talent goes deep with Matt Duchene, Ryan O’Reilly, and Nathan MacKinnon just to name a few. The future is bright in Colorado.
(Formerly Quebec Nordiques 1979-1995)
6. New York Islanders (1972): 3.047 Points
Despite recent struggles the Islanders come in impressively high on this list at No. 6. They can thank their placement to an amazing dynasty in which they won four Stanley Cups from 1979-1983. They’ve also won six conference championships and six division championships in only 42 years, but have failed to take home a Presidents’ Trophy. Their current squad is led by their captain center John Tavares (who is a rare talent) and forwards Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen. As well as defensemen Travis Hamonic among others. They’re a franchise that is going to have a better future five years than their past five. The greatest Islanders of all-time are forwards Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, defenseman Dennis Potvin, and goalie Billy Smith along with a few others from their dynasty era. If New York doesn’t start winning again they continue to slide further down this list.