Pythagenpat estimates a team’s true talent level based on goals for and against, while a team’s Fenwick Close gives us a proxy for their ability to drive puck possession. The more shots in their favor after eliminating score effects, the more sustainable winning should be. You can find a complete explanation of the methodology by clicking here.

Here are this week’s power ratings. Agree or disagree? Let Neil know on twitter @ngreenberg.

The defending champion Los Angeles Kings are on a hot streak and the Minnesota Wild are 2.2 goals per game better than average, according to Hockey-Reference’s Simple Rating System. And as you can see in the chart below, the Wild are not only beating good teams but they are also outshooting them once you adjust for score effects and eliminate special teams.

1. Minnesota Wild (4-2-0), Last week’s rank: 5

Back-to-back shutouts of the Colorado Avalanche and a big win over last week’s No. 2 team the Tampa Bay Lightning propel the Wild to the top spot. Plus, ignoring special teams and lead-protecting situations, the Wild have put 58.5 percent of shots in its favor — the highest percentage in the NHL.

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2. Pittsburgh Penguins (4-2-1), Last week’s rank: 1

3. St. Louis Blues (3-3-1), Last week’s rank: 3

4. Chicago Blackhawks (5-2-1), Last week’s rank: 7

5. Washington Capitals (4-2-2), Last week’s rank: 8

The Capitals are coming off their most uninspiring performance to date under Coach Barry Trotz, but have seen 54.3 percent of even-strength shots in their favor during close games which is a vast improvement over last year’s 47.5 percent mark. It’s too soon to say if this is sustainable improvement or not, but so far so good.

6. Anaheim Ducks (7-2-0), Last week’s rank: 4

The Ducks didn’t look good in their loss to the Sharks, and the two teams combined for 165 total penalty minutes — 90 of which were assessed to Anaheim.

However, Bruce Boudreau’s squad has a .661 winning percentage and have put over 51 percent of shots in their favor once you adjust for strength of schedule.

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7. New York Islanders (6-2-0), Last week’s rank: 6

8. Tampa Bay Lightning (5-3-1), Last week’s rank: 2

9. Nashville Predators (5-1-2), Last week’s rank: 11

10. Dallas Stars (4-2-2), Last week’s rank: 9

11. Los Angeles Kings (6-1-1), Last week’s rank: 16

The Los Angeles Kings have won six straight, completing the best run at home since the 1990-91 season (5-0-1). Their success is fueled by the Jeff Carter-Tyler Toffoli-Tanner Pearson line which leads the league in goals produced (10.)

12. Detroit Red Wings (4-2-2), Last week’s rank: 13

13. Boston Bruins (5-5-0), Last week’s rank: 17

14. Montreal Canadiens (7-1-0), Last week’s rank: 15

15. Vancouver Canucks (5-3-0), Last week’s rank: 12

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16. New Jersey Devils (4-2-2), Last week’s rank: 14

17. New York Rangers (4-4-0), Last week’s rank: 10

18. San Jose Sharks (5-4-1), Last week’s rank: 21

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19. Arizona Coyotes (3-3-1), Last week’s rank: 23

20. Toronto Maple Leafs (3-4-1), Last week’s rank: 20

21. Calgary Flames (5-4-1), Last week’s rank: 25

22. Philadelphia Flyers (3-3-2), Last week’s rank: 19

23. Winnipeg Jets (3-5-0), Last week’s rank: 29

24. Columbus Blue Jackets (4-4-0), Last week’s rank: 18

25. Colorado Avalanche (2-4-3), Last week’s rank: 28

26. Edmonton Oilers (3-4-1), Last week’s rank: 27

27. Florida Panthers (2-2-3), Last week’s rank: 24

28. Ottawa Senators (4-2-1), Last week’s rank: 22

29. Carolina Hurricanes (0-5-2), Last week’s rank: 26

The Hurricanes have just two points in seven games. Carolina has also been outshot, 108-130, during even-strength when the score has been within one goal or fewer.