NHL Power Rankings: Lightning strikes, Flames burn out

14. Anaheim Ducks (-6)

The Anaheim Ducks are right in the middle of the Western Conference playoff race. They are sitting in the last playoff position in the Pacific Conference, but any stumble will leave them on the outside looking in. For years, the Ducks were carried by Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. This year one of the Ducks’ best players has been Rickard Rakell. He has taken over the team lead for goals and points. He totaled 31 goals for 63 points. As the season winds down and the points in the standings get even more important, Rackell will need to continue his strong play and veterans like Getzlaf, Perry and Ryan Kesler will need to play large roles.

The Anaheim Ducks are in that cluster of teams in the Western Conference with 91 points. The St. Louis Blues and Los Angeles Kings are the other teams and the Colorado Avalanche are right behind with 90. Every game for the Ducks down the stretch is so important to their playoff lives. The Ducks were able to win three of their last five by beating the New Jersey Devils, Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers. Their final five games will see them play two of the teams near them in the standings making them must win games. The Ducks start their final stretch against the Los Angles Kings, then host the Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars. Their regular season will end in Arizona against the Coyotes.