This is an update to our Contenders vs. Pretenders standings. For those that missed the original article outlining why each criteria was selected, please view the original article:

http://www.hookedonhockeymagazine.com/contenders-vs-pretenders-the-structure-of-a-stanley-cup-champion/

Now….an update to our Contender standings. Just to refresh everyone’s memory, here are the criteria that will be used and the point values assigned for each:

1. Overall Win-Loss Record

Teams will earn 1 point if they are projected to win 38 or more games

Teams will earn 1 point if a team is projected to win 45 or more games

2. Goals For

Teams will earn 1 point if they are in the top 10 for goals for

Teams will earn 1 point if they are in the top 5 for goals for

3. Goals Against

Teams will earn 1 point if they are in the top 10 for goals against

Teams will earn 1 point if they are in the top 5 for goals against

Teams will earn 1 point if they are top 10 in both goals for and goals against

4. # of 20 goal scorers

Teams will earn 1 point if projected to have 4 or more 20 goal scorers

5. # of 10 goal scorers

Teams will earn 1 point if projected to have 10 or more 10 goal scorers

6. PP%

Teams will earn 0.5 points if in the top 20 in PP%

7. PK%

Teams will earn 1 point if in the top 15 in PK%

Teams will earn 1 point if in the top 10 in PK%

8. Even Strength F/A

Teams will earn 1 point if they have an Even Strength F/A > 1.00 (does not include 1.00)

Teams will earn 1 point if they are in the top 10 in Even Strength F/A

Teams will earn 1 point if they are in the top 5 in Even Strength F/A

Teams will earn 1 point if they have an Even Strength F/A greater than 1.07

Teams will earn 1 point if they have an Even Strength F/A greater than 1.20

Teams will earn 1 point if they are 1st or 2nd in Even Strength F/A

Alright, let’s take a look at the updated standings as of the morning of 2/20 (Max Possible Points = 17.5)

1. Boston – 16.5 (No Change)

2. Detroit – 15.5 (No Change)

3. New York Rangers – 12.0 (+1)

4. Vancouver -11.5 (-1)

5. St. Louis – 11.0 (+1)

6. San Jose – 10.5 (+2)

7. Philadelphia – 9.5 (-2)

8. Pittsburgh – 8.5 (-1)

9. Phoenix – 8.0 (+11)

10. Nashville – 6.5 (No Change)

Falling out of the top ten (Chicago – (-5)

There’s your updated top 10 standings as of the morning of 2/20. Despite Boston’s recent slide, our top two spots have not changed as Boston and Detroit remains a few notches ahead of the rest. The Rangers and Canucks are on their tails in 3 and 4, followed by St. Louis and San Jose. Philadelphia’s slide cost them a couple of spots, but no one took a bigger hit than Chicago. When these standings were first published on January 25th, Chicago was in 9th with 7.5 points. They have since fallen to 14th with just 4.5 points, well out of contention. The real surprise team in here is Phoenix. Phoenix’s ascent can be attributed to their vastly improved 5 on 5 play (up to 1.07 from 0.99 3 weeks ago), their improved defense (up to 8th in goals against from 11th) and their overall improved play of late. You can see where your team stands in the list below.

Anaheim – 1.5

Boston – 16.5

Buffalo – 0.5

Calgary – 3.5

Carolina – 0

Chicago – 4.5

Colorado – 2.5

Columbus – 0

Dallas – 2

Detroit – 15.5

Edmonton – 1.5

Florida – 1.5

Los Angeles – 5

Minnesota – 2

Montreal – 5

Nashville – 6.5

New Jersey – 5.5

NY Islanders – 2.5

NY Rangers – 12

Ottawa – 2.5

Philadelphia – 9.5

Phoenix – 8

Pittsburgh – 8.5

San Jose – 10.5

St. Louis – 11

Tampa Bay – 1

Toronto – 4.5

Vancouver – 11.5

Washington – 3.5

Winnipeg – 1.5