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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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ANAHEIM, CA – MARCH 18: Derek Grant
ANAHEIM, CA – MARCH 18: Derek Grant /

8. Anaheim Ducks (+1)

The Anaheim Ducks are surviving the crazy Western Conference playoff race. They sit in the last playoff space of the Pacific Division, holding off the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings do have a chance to draw even with the Ducks because they have a game in hand. The road to the playoffs will get a little harder for the Ducks. This week it was announced that defenseman Kevin Bieksa will miss two to five weeks after a small hand surgery. Even if Bieksa isn’t the best defenseman anymore, he is still an important piece to the Ducks depth. The coaching staff will now need to experiment with the depth and hope they can find a defenseman that fits the mold they are looking for.

The Ducks stumbled out of the gate this week, losing to the St. Louis Blues 4-2. From there they were able to rip off three straight wins, beating the Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings and the New Jersey Devils. This week is light with only three games, but two of them are very winnable. The week gets started in Calgary as the Ducks travel to face the Flames. Following that the Ducks will fly together to Winnipeg in an attempt to slow down Patrik Laine and the Jets. After that game, it is back to Alberta to face the Edmonton Oilers and close out the week.

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