NHL Power Rankings: Oilers and Maple Leafs rising, Blues on top

Oct 6, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) celebrates with teammates on the bench after scoring a goal in the first period against the Winnipeg Jets during a preseason hockey game at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Previous: . Calgary Flames. 28. team. 112. . 0-2-1

Fans were hoping the Calgary Flames would be better after firing Bob Hartley. The Flames had a strong offseason, led by the acquisition of Brian Elliott. So far, the same problems which plagued the Flames last season are plaguing them this season. The Flames have struggled against the Edmonton Oilers so far this season. A fly has probably been the highlight of their season so far. Luckily for them, Loui Eriksson scored on his own goal to help the Flames get to overtime against the Canucks on Saturday. Unfortunately, they still lost in a shootout.

72. . 1-2-0. Previous: . Detroit Red Wings. 27. team

Granted, it’s still quite early in the NHL season. But the Detroit Red Wings have looked terrible in their first two games. In their first game, they took a 2-0 lead and a 3-1 lead, but they still wound up losing 6-4 to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Against the Florida Panthers on Saturday, they lost 4-1 and were clearly dominated. Petr Mrazek kept the game reasonably close until the Panthers scored an empty net goal late in the third period.

Detroit has been outscored 10-5 so far this season. It’s not on their goaltenders, either. Their defense has been pitiful, allowing a lot of dangerous chances. Luckily, it’s still early in the season. However, the Red Wings clearly have some issues to solve and they’d better do it sooner rather than later.

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