NHL report cards: Grading each team's performance in 2016-17 season

Kevin Allen | USA TODAY Sports

Show Caption Hide Caption Stanley Cup: Game 5 tipping point for Predators-Penguins USA TODAY Sports' Kevin Allen explains why Pittsburgh and Nashville can feel good about their chances heading into Game 5.

The Stanley Cup winner has yet to be decided but that doesn't mean general managers across the league haven't assessed their team's performance during the 2016-17 season.

USA TODAY Sports NHL columnist Kevin Allen takes out his red pen to give his final grades:

A

Pittsburgh Penguins. Speed. Goaltending. Scoring. Mental toughness. First-rate management and coaching. The Pens have it all.

Nashville Predators. General manager David Poile has been doing it the right way for a very long time. Top defense in the NHL.

Columbus Blue Jackets. Jumped from 27th last season to fourth this season in the regular-season standings. This is a team headed in the right direction.

Ottawa Senators. New coach Guy Boucher helped this team exceed expectations in the regular season and postseason.

Anaheim Ducks. Another break here or there and they could be in the Stanley Cup Final today.

Edmonton Oilers. With Connor McDavid leading the charge, the Oilers have finally emerged from a decade-long funk.

Toronto Maple Leafs. Brendan Shanahan, Lou Lamoriello and Mike Babcock have schooled the hockey world on how to rebuild and change the culture of an organization

MORE NHL:

A-

Chicago Blackhawks. Scrapped and willed their way to a strong regular season and then failed their playoff exam.

Minnesota Wild. Now has the total game necessary to be successful, but haven’t yet solved their playoff issues.

Montreal Canadiens. Despite a 103-point regular season, it’s clear that this team needs more offensive flash up front.

Boston Bruins. If you are grading on a curve, raise the Bruins a half grade for exceeding expectations. GM Don Sweeney has a clear vision.

B+

Washington Capitals. This is a quality team, but they lose a half grade because they haven’t found a way to succeed in the postseason. And everyone should stop heaping all of the blame on Alex Ovechkin.

San Jose Sharks. Have somehow managed to stay right on the edge of the contention range.

New York Rangers. This team had 102 points, but it was clear in the playoffs that their defense needs an overhaul.

St. Louis Blues. The Blues get extra credit for how they played down the stretch and Jake Allen’s playoff stinginess.

B

Calgary Flames. Intriguing team. Still plenty of work needs to be done, but this is a team that can test well.

Winnipeg Jets. The Jets have overflowing potential. You can see this is a team on the rise. They could get an "A" next season if their goaltending improves.

B-

New York Islanders. Stronger second half improved their grade. They were 24-12-4 with Doug Weight behind the bench.

Los Angeles Kings. The core group is still sound, but the team’s offense has to be improved.

C+

Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning underachieved, but injuries were the primary reason.

Carolina Hurricanes. When you consider the performance levels of the younger players, the future looks bright for the Hurricanes.

Philadelphia Flyers. Another team headed in the right direction, with younger players simply needing to mature.

C

Florida Panthers. With Dale Tallon back in charge as GM, we figure they will raise their grade next season.

C-

Detroit Red Wings. Long playoff streak is finally over, and it’s unclear where the Red Wings are really at right now. More questions than answers.

Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres took a step backward last season, but the hiring of Jason Botterill as GM is positive step. He’s a pro’s pro when it comes to managing.

D+

New Jersey Devils. Devils gain a half grade because GM Ray Shero has a history of success and the upcoming No. 1 draft pick will help.

Dallas Stars. This was a disastrous season for the Stars, but there’s enough talent there to rebound quickly. GM Jim Nill’s aggressiveness paid off with the signing of Ben Bishop early this offseason. Coach Ken Hitchcock will make the team better defensively.

D

Vancouver Canucks. Would like to see them be more committed to a full youth movement around the Sedin twins. They are classy enough to handle that.

Arizona Coyotes. The team was disappointing this season, but we have to give GM John Chayka some time to build. He has a bushel of quality prospects who need time to mature.

F

Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche were the NHL’s worst team, and it’s not evident what they are planning to do about it.