The NHL season is already a quarter old, but just like the weeks prior, the New York-area standings remains the same, with the New York Rangers a big step above the rest of the local competition. The Blueshirts improved one spot from last week to No. 6, but it was the New Jersey Devils who made the biggest leap, jumping up three positions to No. 17. The New York Islanders stayed steady at second-to-worst and continue to disappoint.
For those who are unfamiliar with the rankings: the number from seven different media outlets is averaged and compiled into one streamlined ranking (shown above) by Real Clear Sports.
This week, SB Nation NY's Stephen Crociata devised his own comprehensive NHL power rankings. He had the Boston Bruins leading the way, the Rangers fourth, Devils 15th and the Islanders 28th.
How did the locals fair over the past week? After a lackluster effort at the Florida Panthers when they lost 2-1, the Rangers put together two of their better performances of the year, dismantling the Capitals 6-3 and taking down the Philadelphia Flyers 2-0. New Jersey also went 2-1 during the week, though it had some very close calls. The Devils barely defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets, 2-1, and the Islanders in the first of a home-and-home, 1-0. They lost on the road to the Isles the next night, 3-2. Luckily for the Islanders, they played the Devils because it was the only win they got during the week, after losing to the Flyers in overtime 4-3 and the Devils later in the week.
The Blueshirts begin their post-Thanksgiving week with a game against the NHL-leading Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday at home. The Devils play the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday. The Isles take on the the Buffalo Sabres on the road Tuesday.