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NHL Power Rankings: Bruins climb as the Golden Knights fall

By Derek Grochowski

TAMPA, FL - MARCH 17: Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Dan Girardi (5) and Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug (47) collide in the second period of the NHL game between the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning on March 17, 2018 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - MARCH 17: Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Dan Girardi (5) and Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug (47) collide in the second period of the NHL game between the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning on March 17, 2018 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – MARCH 18: Members of the Colorado Avalanche celebrate Nathan MacKinnon’s
DENVER, CO – MARCH 18: Members of the Colorado Avalanche celebrate Nathan MacKinnon’s /

18. Colorado Avalanche (-1)

Nathan MacKinnon is the leader for the Hart Trophy this season. There is no way it can be anyone else. MacKinnon is lighting up the league with 89 points in 64 games and dragging the Avalanche to the playoffs. Outside of Miko Rantanen his linemate, no one on the team is close to points. When MacKinnon was out of the lineup the Avalanche struggled greatly. Outside of Taylor Hall, it is hard to argue there is a more important player to their respective team. If Nathan MacKinnon and the Avalanche continue their great run and make the playoffs, his case will only be stronger.

Colorado had a great week, picking up three wins in four games. They started by picking apart the Minnesota Wild in a five-goal win. Then they traveled to St. Louis and took points from the Blues. They dropped a game at home against the Nashville Predators but were able to rally and beat the Detroit Red Wings at home on Sunday. This week will be another important test for MacKinnon and the Avalanche. They open against a bad Chicago Blackhawks team, then play the Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights to end the week. As the season rolls on, the Avalanche look more and more like a playoff team.

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