TWC Playoff Power Rankings: Week 4

Welcome to Week 4 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	+5		Carolina Hurricanes	2-0	8-3	873.0
2	-1		Colorado Avalanche	1-2	6-4	868.7
3	–		Dallas Stars	2-2	7-5	833.4
4	+1		Boston Bruins	2-1	7-5	833.0
5	-1		Columbus Blue Jackets	1-2	6-3	830.4
6	+1		San Jose Sharks	2-1	7-5	812.5
7	-5		New York Islanders	0-2	4-4	809.9
8	–		St Louis Blues	2-2	7-5	791.2

Power Ranking Notables

We have a new team at the top of our rankings, the only team to secure a Conference Final berth at this point in time: the Carolina Hurricanes. Coming off the heels of a seven game series against the defending cup champs, the Hurricanes made quick work of the New York Islanders. Sweeping the Isles, the Hurricanes now wait for the winner of the Boston/Columbus series. What a playoff story they have been.

The Dallas Stars and St. Louis Blues will face off in the first game seven of the second round, in what has been the definition of a back and forth series. Although the Blues rank last on our list, they still have home ice advantage. While their underlying numbers are worse in comparison to the other second round teams, they shouldn’t be taken lightly.

The San Jose Sharks and Boston Bruins both hold 3-2 series leads heading into Monday night, with both teams looking to advance to the third round. Based on the playoff so far, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if two more Game 7’s were added to the playoff schedule. The competition is as tight as can be right now.

Player Standouts

The Good

Logan Couture has been a beast this post season. Leading the league in both goals and points, Couture is a proven playoff performer and is leading his team in Joe Pavelski‘s absence. Curtis McElhinney gets a special shout out for not only winning in relief, but also for then winning his first two career playoff starts. McElhinney has gone from career back-up, to waiver wire pickup, to now playoff saviour all in the matter of one season.

The Bad

Brenden Dillon hasn’t had the best post season thus far. Currently sitting with one assist in twelve games, Dillon has logged a -5 and registered 16PIM.

The St. Louis Blues could also use a bit more out of Alex Steen, who has two points (1G, 1A) in twelve games played. Not exactly the type of performance Steen’s accustomed to, to say the least.

Biggest Gainer and Loser

Gainer: Carolina Hurricanes (+5)

What more can we say about these bunch of jerks? Next man up mentality, one of the best defensive corps in the league, and an outstanding leadership group. The ceiling is impossible to set for this team.

Loser: New York Islanders (-5)

A valiant season, but a tough end for Islanders fans. Completing the first round sweep of the Penguins was impressive, but they simply did not have the answer for the Hurricanes. Perhaps the wait in between series was too long, but they did let the first three games slip away from them.

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 | 3

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.