Welcome to Week 3 of the TWC Playoff Power Rankings! Here at TWC, we use a statistical model to effectively rank teams on a week to week basis. The model takes into effect winning percentages, CF%, SCF%, HDCF% as well as SV%. Each statistical category is weighed and scored differently, giving each team a unique TWC Score that determines their ranking after each week. The formula puts the highest emphasis on winning percentages over other statistics. All numbers are taken in all situations, to incorporate special teams into the fray. Don’t like where your team is ranked? Unfortunately, they will have to turn it around on the ice, as we take zero personal opinions into effect.

Have any suggestions for the TWC Playoff Power Rankings for next season? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Rank Change Team Last Week Record TWCScore 1 +1 Colorado Avalanche 1-1 5-2 803.34 2 -1 New York Islanders 0-2 4-2 786.16 3 +1 Dallas Stars 2-1 5-3 739.65 4 -1 Columbus Blue Jackets 1-1 5-1 731.58 5 +5 Boston Bruins 2-1 5-4 730.14 6 +7 Carolina Hurricanes 4-0 6-3 719.98 7 +2 San Jose Sharks 2-1 5-4 702.24 8 -3 St Louis Blues 1-1 5-3 691.33

Power Ranking Notables

The first round is complete, with eight left fighting for the Stanley Cup. The San Jose Sharks rallied from a 3-1 series deficit, while the Carolina Hurricanes and Boston Bruins both rallied from a 3-2 hole. Perhaps the biggest story line of the first round: the Dallas Stars edged out the Nashville Predators in six games, making it the first time in NHL history that all divisional winners were eliminated after Round 1. It’s anybody’s trophy now.

The start of the second round has been intriguing to say the least. Three of the four series sit tied at one game a piece, while the Hurricanes stole both games from the Islander’s home ice to lead 2-0. With parity being a huge talking point, we are seeing it more now than ever. Each series is a complete toss up.

The Avalanche take the top spot this week, as they boast the best offensive statistics in the league, which is propelling them to the top. Based on TWCScore, there isn’t that much separation between teams, after all, these are the best teams remaining. Look for these positions to rotate again next week.

Player Standouts

The Good

The two biggest surprises from the first round, and the start of the second, have to be Warren Foegele and Charlie Coyle. Both have five goals and seven points through nine games, while leading their respective teams in goals. Safe to say it’s a surprise to see both players finding so much post season success.

The Bad

The New York Islanders fourth line of Matt Martin, Casey Cizikas, and Cal Clutterbuck found more success than expected in the regular season, but so far in the playoffs have no points and are a combined -12.

Biggest Gainer and Loser

Gainer: Carolina Hurricanes (+7)

As previously mentioned, the Hurricanes are boasting a four game winning streak at the moment propelling them up seven spots. Of course, the big jump is taking into effect last week’s rankings, where eliminated teams are now fully removed. The Hurricanes are being absolutely bombarded with injuries at the moment, but continue to find a way to win. Almost the opposite story line compared to the regular season.

Loser: St. Louis Blues (-3)

The Blues aren’t necessarily “losers” here by any means, but their underlying numbers are simply lower then the remaining playoff teams. They didn’t look great in the Game 2 loss, but it’s safe to say this team knows how to bounce back.

What are your thoughts? Are you surprised where your team landed this week? Let us know at @wincolumnblog.

Related:

TWC Playoff Power Rankings:

Week 1 | 2

Regular Season TWC Power Rankings:

Week 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |26

All data courtesy of Natural Stat Trick.