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

By Dave Stevenson

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
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: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

team. 12. . 1-1-0. Previous: . Buffalo Sabres. 26

Sure, the Buffalo Sabres got a win on Sunday against the Edmonton Oilers. But it took Cam Talbot having a night to forget in order for it to appear as impressive as it did. Buffalo has been cursed by injuries so far this season. They have lost both star center Jack Eichel and forward Evander Kane long-term due to injuries.

Robin Lehner was great on Sunday night. He will have to keep it up for the Sabres to avoid being among the worst teams in the NHL while Eichel and Kane are out. Though Kyle Okposo should certainly help, the Sabres only have one good forward line right now. That’s not encouraging.

0-2-0. Previous: . Los Angeles Kings. 25. team. 67.

While the Kings have lost each of their first two games, they haven’t looked like a terrible team except for one period against the Philadelphia Flyers. Star goaltender Jonathan Quick is out potentially long-term with a lower body injury. However, the Kings defense is quite good. Perhaps they can overcome the loss of Quick if Jeff Zatkoff can hang in there.

A concerning trend is the Kings aren’t scoring goals. They’ll need to score more goals with Quick out. Then again, this isn’t a new issue for the Kings. It’s been around for the past three seasons. One can never rule out the Kings, but they need to get out of this funk and tread water without Quick.

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