NHL Power Rankings: Ducks soar, Maple Leafs in free fall

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 30: The shot of Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) deflects off the mask of Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) during the NHL preseason game between the Nashville Predators and the Tampa Bay Lightning, held on September 30, 2017, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 11: Dallas Stars Left Wing Jamie Benn (14) looks on during the third period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Dallas Stars on March 11, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. The Penguins defeated the Stars 3-1. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

14. Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars find themselves in the first Western Conference wild-card spot this season. Head coach Ken Hitchcock has joined the Dallas Stars for the second time in his career this season. He has made an instant impact and has been able to coach well enough to cover Dallas’ weak spots. The offense was never the issue with players like Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin on the team. However, goaltending and defense plagued the Stars in years past. Ben Bishop fixed the goaltending issues and Hitchcock was able to coach up the defense. The Dallas Stars are a much more well-rounded team this season heading towards the postseason.

The Stars had a rough week, making their playoff chances more difficult. Losses to the Ottawa Senators, Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins were unfortunate. Luckily, they were able to beat the Anaheim Ducks to earn some points from the week’s games. Dallas has plenty of winnable games on its schedule this week. The Stars will play against the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and the Winnipeg Jets. Dallas must get back on track this week and earn as many points as possible after dropping so many points last week.

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