NHL Power Rankings Week 5: Rangers rise, Canucks are terrible

Following a huge winning streak, the Detroit Red Wings have lost five straight games, including four of them in regulation. Don’t expect this roller coaster to change any time soon. The Red Wings are a fringe NHL playoff team at best, even in a relatively weak Atlantic Division. Their xGF percentage reflects this, as they have dipped below 50 percent for the season at even strength. Even though they recently got Nicklas Kronwall back, their defense is still a huge concern. What’s worse, the Red Wings are back to having a goaltending controversy with Petr Mrazek struggling. Things aren’t going well for anyone in Detroit right now.

The Florida Panthers, after making up for the losses of Jonathan Huberdeau and Nick Bjugstad in October, have started to miss them in November. However, they should be encouraged that they are playing rather well even without them. Their 53.71 xGF percentage at even strength is one of the best in the NHL. Things should get better for them and they aren’t in too deep a hole. However, at some point, the Panthers have to start playing like the reigning Atlantic Division champions. They could be without Jaromir Jagr for a short while after he suffered a groin injury against the Capitals.