This is the eighth edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for 2019-20. Check back for updated rankings every second Monday during the regular season.
In this edition, we identify one New Year's resolution for each team in 2020.
1. Washington Capitals (29-9-5)
Previous Rank: 1
While the Capitals have been dominant this season, an improved power play would make them unstoppable. Washington owns the league's 11th-ranked man advantage (21.8%) but has converted on just five of 33 opportunities over its last 10 games (15.15%).
2. Pittsburgh Penguins (25-12-5)
Previous Rank: 7
Like many of us, the Penguins should make a concerted effort to be healthier in 2020. Pittsburgh currently has more than $24 million going to players on its long-term injured reserve, but at least the club keeps winning.
3. St. Louis Blues (26-10-7)
Previous Rank: 2
Give Robert Thomas more ice time. The speedy sophomore leads the team in points per 60 minutes and individual high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (both at five-on-five), but he's averaging just 13:53 of time per game - less than Tyler Bozak, Oskar Sundqvist, Alex Steen, and Ivan Barbashev.
4. Boston Bruins (24-8-11)
Previous Rank: 4
In 2020, the Bruins need to close out tight games. In 13 trips to extra time this season, they've come out with just two wins while going 0-for-6 in shootouts.
5. Toronto Maple Leafs (24-14-5)
Previous Rank: 11
Don't be afraid to give Michael Hutchinson more starts. The Maple Leafs are 15-4-1 under Sheldon Keefe, which has given them a bit of a cushion in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Hutchinson was brutal to begin the season, but he's won all three of his starts since Mike Babcock was fired, posting a .945 save percentage in the process. A well-rested Frederik Andersen will give Toronto its best shot at a deep playoff run in the spring.
6. Vegas Golden Knights (24-15-6)
Previous Rank: 8
The Golden Knights have taken over the driver's seat in the Pacific Division following a slow start to the season. Priority No. 1 for 2020 should be to keep it that way.
7. Tampa Bay Lightning (24-13-4)
Previous Rank: 17
The Lightning must resolve to stop giving out so many no-trade clauses. With five pending RFAs, four pending UFAs, and only $8 million in projected cap space for 2020-21, the Lightning will need to get creative to lock up key players like Mikhail Sergachev and Anthony Cirelli - especially because they also have a whopping nine players with no-trade clauses.
8. New York Islanders (25-12-3)
Previous Rank: 6
The Islanders play a unique style of hockey, but in 2020, they'll need to get more pucks on net. The team ranks dead last in shots on goal with 1,148 - almost 400 less than the top-ranked Golden Knights.
9. Colorado Avalanche (25-13-4)
Previous Rank: 3
This club needs to make a splash in 2020. The Avalanche are in a rare situation as a Cup-contending team with ample cap space and plenty of trade capital. One more elite player would push them over the top.
10. Vancouver Canucks (23-15-4)
Previous Rank: 21
It's been a roller-coaster season for the Canucks, and a current seven-game winning streak has put them back in the playoff mix. Finding some consistency is of the utmost importance in 2020.
11. Dallas Stars (24-14-4)
Previous Rank: 14
Jamie Benn, Joe Pavelski, and Tyler Seguin will need to hit a shooting clinic sometime soon. All three players are on pace for the lowest goals-per-game totals of their careers, so they should resolve to light the lamp at their usual levels in 2020.
12. Carolina Hurricanes (24-16-2)
Previous Rank: 5
Give Andrei Svechnikov more ice time. The 19-year-old phenom has emerged as one of the best and most exciting young talents in the league, but he's played just 16:42 per game - almost three full minutes less than Teuvo Teravainen. It's time to let the kid loose.
13. Arizona Coyotes (24-16-4)
Previous Rank: 9
Someone needs to light a fire under Phil Kessel, who's on pace for just 45 points, which would be his lowest output since 2007-08. With goalies Darcy Kuemper and Antti Raanta battling injuries, Kessel needs to be an offensive catalyst. He can start by shooting the puck more often, considering his 2.32 shots per game would rank as the lowest mark of his career.
14. Florida Panthers (22-15-5)
Previous Rank: 16
The Panthers need to be better on the road. Their 8-8-3 mark away from BB&T Center thus far won't cut it in the playoff race.
15. Philadelphia Flyers (22-15-5)
Previous Rank: 10
The Flyers should resolve to rise above mediocrity in 2020. Ranked 15th in these power rankings, Philly also sits 15th in power-play percentage, 16th in penalty-kill percentage, 16th in goals scored, and 15th in the league's overall standings.
16. Edmonton Oilers (22-17-5)
Previous Rank: 15
It might be obvious, but the Oilers simply need someone not named Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl to score some goals. James Neal has chipped in with 19 this season, but 11 of those came during October.
17. Winnipeg Jets (22-16-4)
Previous Rank: 12
The Jets must stop allowing so many power-play goals. Winnipeg can't keep being the NHL's worst penalty-killing club if it plans to keep pace in the rough-and-tumble Central Division.
18. Columbus Blue Jackets (19-15-8)
Previous Rank: 22
The Blue Jackets must remember to keep funds in their savings account this year, just in case a referee does something their coach doesn't agree with.
19. Calgary Flames (22-17-5)
Previous Rank: 13
The Flames should acquire a top-six forward. Michael Frolik’s departure created the required cap space to land such a player, but actions speak louder than words, and GM Brad Treliving needs to make it happen before the trade deadline.
20. Minnesota Wild (20-17-6)
Previous Rank: 23
Wild goaltenders need to make more saves in 2020, especially considering they play behind one of the league's stingiest defensive teams. Minnesota ranks near the top of the NHL in expected goals against per 60 minutes, scoring chances against per 60 minutes, and high-danger scoring chances against per 60 minutes, yet Alex Stalock, Devan Dubnyk, and Kaapo Kahkonen have combined for a save percentage below .900 and a goals-against average above 3.00. Even league-average goaltending the rest of the way could get the Wild into the playoffs.
21. Nashville Predators (19-15-7)
Previous Rank: 20
Pekka Rinne needs to play up to his usual standard. The Predators are largely pulling their weight on both offense and defense, while their longtime starting goaltender is the primary reason they've underachieved to date.
22. Buffalo Sabres (19-17-7)
Previous Rank: 19
More roster improvements are needed in 2020. The Sabres have made a series of smart trades over the past year but haven't kept pace in the top-heavy Atlantic Division. Fortunately, Buffalo still has some expendable pieces on its roster who could be dealt for reinforcements. Perhaps some additions can help the Sabres snap their lengthy playoff drought.
23. New York Rangers (19-18-4)
Previous Rank: 24
Stop taking so many penalties. The Rangers have been shorthanded more often than any other team in the league this season, and their 23rd-ranked penalty kill (78.4%) hasn’t done them any favors.
24. Montreal Canadiens (18-17-7)
Previous Rank: 18
The Canadiens must resolve to close out key games. Montreal has gone just 4-7-3 against divisional opponents this season, while 15 of its total losses have been decided by one goal.
25. Chicago Blackhawks (19-18-6)
Previous Rank: 25
The Blackhawks need to spend the first six weeks of 2020 figuring out their long-term plan. Do they go full rebuild or can they stay the course with a mix of youth and experience in hopes of simply qualifying for the playoffs? The former would be more feasible if not for the hefty contracts of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, and Duncan Keith, but it bears considering.
26. San Jose Sharks (19-21-4)
Previous Rank: 28
Climb the standings - it's that simple. This already appears to be a lost season for the Sharks, but it could get even worse if the first-round pick they owe the Senators ends up in the top five.
27. New Jersey Devils (15-20-6)
Previous Rank: 30
While this season is a write-off, the Devils should still believe in their not-so-distant future. Following a disastrous start, they've gone 6-3-1 in their last 10 games while showing glimpses of potential. This team is loaded with young talent and a handful of key veterans, so it should resolve to keep on trucking in 2020.
28. Ottawa Senators (16-21-5)
Previous Rank: 26
Ottawa must re-sign Anthony Duclair. The 24-year-old - who was considered a throwaway in last year's Ryan Dzingel trade - is in the midst of a breakout season. The Senators have plenty of cap space but don't feature many foundational pieces, so locking up Duclair should be a priority. He's always had the talent to produce at this rate, so there's a strong chance that he's for real.
29. Los Angeles Kings (17-22-4)
Previous Rank: 29
With $21 million tied up between franchise cornerstones Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty until 2024, the Kings will need to make big strides in their rebuild this year. Both veterans are now in their 30s, so the window to become competitive again won't stay open much longer.
30. Anaheim Ducks (17-20-5)
Previous Rank: 27
A complete teardown is needed in 2020. The on-the-fly retool - or whatever you want to call the current situation in Anaheim - isn't working. This needs to be the year in which the Ducks start from scratch.
31. Detroit Red Wings (10-30-3)
Previous Rank: 31
Where does one even begin with these Red Wings? Let's start with Dylan Larkin. While the young forward's candor about wanting to skip the All-Star Game could be considered refreshing, it likely didn't sit well with many fans. Larkin could stand to show a bit more tact in 2020.
(Advanced stats source: Natural Stat Trick)
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