The men's hockey tournament at PyeongChang 2018 has reached the quarter-final stage, and with that in mind, we rank the top eight remaining players to keep an eye on as the games become much more meaningful.
8. Viktor Fasth - Sweden
The top-seeded Swedes have had the luxury of impeccable goaltending thus far, as former Anaheim Ducks and Edmonton Oilers goaltender Viktor Fasth has surrendered just one goal in two starts, equaling a .972 save percentage.
7. Linus Omark - Sweden
A once-promising NHL prospect who entered the league to a ton of fanfare due to his flashy shooutout moves, Omark is having himself a strong tournament for the Tre Kronor. Omark leads the Swedes in points with five assists in three games.
6. Derek Roy - Canada
The catalyst for most of Canada's offense, Roy's notched five assists in three contests as the team's top center. He also leads all Canadian forwards in ice time, logging 19:29 per game.
5. Kirill Kaprizov - OAR
Playing on a team stacked with talent up front, Kaprizov has already had a strong offensive showing at PyeongChang 2018. He sits tied for the tournament lead in goals with Ryan Donato and teammate Ilya Kovalchuk at four. Don't be shocked if the Minnesota Wild's fifth-round pick is playing in North America, sooner rather than later.
4. Ryan Donato - USA
The NCAA's most dangerous goal-scorer has continued his run of dominance in South Korea, netting four goals and one assist for the United States so far. His tallies are tied for the tournament lead, and his opening goal versus Slovakia in a must-win game injected life into a team struggling to find any answers.
3. Sami Lepisto - Finland
A staple on blue lines throughout the KHL since leaving the Chicago Blackhawks in 2012, Lepisto has been rock-solid for the Finns this tournament. Logging 21:49 in ice time per game, no one has been on the ice more for Finland at PyeongChang 2018. The former Washington Capitals third-round selection has also chipped in offensively, notching two goals and three assists.
2. Ilya Kovalchuk - OAR
If Kovalchuk is using this tournament as a showcase for a potential return to the NHL, he's started with a bang. The Russian sniper put forth a dominant two-goal performance in a win over Team USA, and ranks third in the tournament with five points in three games.
1. Eeli Tolvanen - Finland
Tolvanen has been nothing short of sensation so far for the Finns, pacing the tournament with nine points (three goals and six assists) in four games. Speed, a strong shot, and slick hands, Tolvanen already can do it all at only 18 years old. The Nashville Predators' 2017 first-round selection is making a strong case to be playing NHL hockey in the near future.
The men's hockey tournament at PyeongChang 2018 has reached the quarter-final stage, and with that in mind, we rank the top eight remaining players to keep an eye on as the games become much more meaningful.
8. Viktor Fasth - Sweden
The top-seeded Swedes have had the luxury of impeccable goaltending thus far, as former Anaheim Ducks and Edmonton Oilers goaltender Viktor Fasth has surrendered just one goal in two starts, equaling a .972 save percentage.
7. Linus Omark - Sweden
A once-promising NHL prospect who entered the league to a ton of fanfare due to his flashy shooutout moves, Omark is having himself a strong tournament for the Tre Kronor. Omark leads the Swedes in points with five assists in three games.
6. Derek Roy - Canada
The catalyst for most of Canada's offense, Roy's notched five assists in three contests as the team's top center. He also leads all Canadian forwards in ice time, logging 19:29 per game.
5. Kirill Kaprizov - OAR
Playing on a team stacked with talent up front, Kaprizov has already had a strong offensive showing at PyeongChang 2018. He sits tied for the tournament lead in goals with Ryan Donato and teammate Ilya Kovalchuk at four. Don't be shocked if the Minnesota Wild's fifth-round pick is playing in North America, sooner rather than later.
4. Ryan Donato - USA
The NCAA's most dangerous goal-scorer has continued his run of dominance in South Korea, netting four goals and one assist for the United States so far. His tallies are tied for the tournament lead, and his opening goal versus Slovakia in a must-win game injected life into a team struggling to find any answers.
3. Sami Lepisto - Finland
A staple on blue lines throughout the KHL since leaving the Chicago Blackhawks in 2012, Lepisto has been rock-solid for the Finns this tournament. Logging 21:49 in ice time per game, no one has been on the ice more for Finland at PyeongChang 2018. The former Washington Capitals third-round selection has also chipped in offensively, notching two goals and three assists.
2. Ilya Kovalchuk - OAR
If Kovalchuk is using this tournament as a showcase for a potential return to the NHL, he's started with a bang. The Russian sniper put forth a dominant two-goal performance in a win over Team USA, and ranks third in the tournament with five points in three games.
1. Eeli Tolvanen - Finland
Tolvanen has been nothing short of sensation so far for the Finns, pacing the tournament with nine points (three goals and six assists) in four games. Speed, a strong shot, and slick hands, Tolvanen already can do it all at only 18 years old. The Nashville Predators' 2017 first-round selection is making a strong case to be playing NHL hockey in the near future.
Teenage defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, widely tipped to be taken first overall in the 2018 NHL Draft in June, was a healthy scratch for Sweden's Olympic opener against Norway on Thursday.
Dahlin, 17, has been the projected No. 1 overall pick all season.
With NHL players not competing in PyeongChang, his involvement was one of the highlights for hockey fans heading into the tournament.
Dahlin has drawn rave reviews from teammates and analysts alike for his play with Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League, where he racked up six goals and 17 points in 35 games prior to arriving in South Korea.
His next opportunity to make his anticipated Olympic debut will come Friday, when the Swedes meet Germany in Group C action.
theScore's NHL Power Rankings are published every other Monday. Our eighth installment is put together by editors Josh Wegman, Flip Livingstone, and Cory Wilkins.
1. Tampa Bay Lightning (38-14-3)
Previously: 1st
The Lightning have been the best team in the league from the get-go, and they show no signs of slowing down. There's a chance they could finish the season with the Vezina, Norris, Hart, Art Ross, and Rocket Richard trophy winners on their roster. That's absurd. - Wegman
2. Nashville Predators (33-12-9) ▲
Previously: 5th
Though the Predators remain behind the Golden Knights in the standings, the return of Filip Forsberg - perhaps one of the league's most underrated players - makes them the NHL's second-best team. Moreover, they seem to be picking up steam, compiling a record of 10-1-3 in their last 14 games. - Wegman
3. Vegas Golden Knights (36-15-4) ▼
Previously: 2nd
It's crazy that seven wins in their last 13 games is considered a rough patch for the Golden Knights, but that's the reality. If it weren't for the surging Predators, they'd likely remain in the No. 2 spot. - Wegman
4. Boston Bruins (34-12-8) ▼
Previously: 3rd
The Bruins have been on a remarkable run, losing just five times in regulation since mid-November. In fact, their loss to Buffalo Saturday was Tuukka Rask's first regulation defeat since Nov. 26. They too have become a victim of the red-hot Preds. - Wegman
5. Winnipeg Jets (32-15-9) ▼
Previously: 4th
Winnipeg managed to go 11-2-3 with Mark Scheifele sidelined. Blake Wheeler filled in admirably down the middle during that stretch, giving head coach Paul Maurice endless lineup combinations to use with his top center back in the fold. - Wegman
6. Toronto Maple Leafs (33-19-5) ▲
Previously: 8th
The Maple Leafs are 7-1-0 since promoting Mitch Marner to the second line alongside Nazem Kadri and Patrick Marleau. Marner has as many goals (six) in that span as he did in his previous 49 games, and Kadri has also elevated his play, picking up 10 points during that stretch. A potent second line has made the Leafs a matchup nightmare for opposing coaches. - Wegman
7. St. Louis Blues (34-21-3) ▼
Previously: 6th
Can Carter Hutton maintain his otherworldly play in net? Will Doug Armstrong be able to add a scoring winger to aid a middling offense? Will Joel Edmundson's injury loom larger than one might think? There are questions that need to be answered with the Blues, but regardless, they're still one of the more well-rounded teams in the NHL. - Wegman
Washington isn't going to win a third straight Presidents' Trophy, but it still remains the class of the Metro at this point, and that says a lot given how competitive the division is this year. - Wegman
10. Pittsburgh Penguins (31-22-4) ▲
Previously: 12th
The Penguins appear to have turned a corner, and that's incredibly scary for the other 30 teams in the league. They're 6-1-1 in their last eight games, and Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Phil Kessel are rolling. - Wegman
11. Minnesota Wild (30-19-6) ▲
Previously: 13th
There is no denying that the Wild are a group knocking on the postseason door, but that is likely the ceiling. Minny has the unfortunate trait of being a bubble team that is rather average in terms of top-end talent. Deadline improvements will be needed to book a ticket for playoff puck. - Livingstone
12. Anaheim Ducks (27-19-11) ▲
Previously: 17th
The Ducks have struggled to stay healthy this season. But, with Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler back in the lineup and the rest of the roster at full health, Anaheim is a completely different squad. Don't sleep on the Ducks, as they are a deep group with an outside shot at making some noise come April. - Livingstone
13. Los Angeles Kings (30-20-5) ▲
Previously: 18th
L.A. has gone 4-2 since the All-Star break, but those two losses came against the Lightning and Predators, arguably the two best teams in the league. With that and Jeff Carter's pending return in mind, the Kings are a side that no team will want to deal with in the first round. - Livingstone
14. Calgary Flames (29-19-8) ▼
Previously: 9th
Seven losses in their last 10 see the Flames sputtering at the most crucial point of the season. Their top line of Johnny Gaudreau, Micheal Ferlund, and Sean Monahan has been lights out, but after that, Calgary's offense leaves something to be desired. Expect GM Brad Treliving to be a very busy man over the next two weeks in search of some added scoring. - Livingstone
15. San Jose Sharks (30-18-8) ▼
Previously: 11th
The Sharks have only missed the postseason twice since 1997. Let that sink in for a second. So, it should come as no surprise that San Jose finds itself firmly in the mix for one of the three Pacific Division playoff spots. Joe Thornton and Joel Ward are out for the foreseeable future, so don't be shocked if the Sharks make a move for some depth up front. - Livingstone
16. Philadelphia Flyers (28-19-9) ▼
Previously: 15th
Special teams continue to be the Flyers' biggest strength and weakness, as Philly sits seventh in power-play efficiency and third-last in penalty killing. A sensational top-six forward group that includes three players (Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, and Jakub Voracek) in the top 20 in points will need added reinforcements on the blue line if the Flyers want to compete for a Cup. - Livingstone
17. Colorado Avalanche (30-21-4) ▼
Previously: 14th
Considering last year's dumpster fire of a season, the rest of this campaign for the upstart Avalanche has to be considered gravy, as Colorado has taken a big step forward. The Avalanche are within striking distance in the West, but with burgeoning superstar Nathan MacKinnon out for the next couple of weeks, Colorado will be in tough to maintain its position. - Livingstone
18. Columbus Blue Jackets (28-23-4) ▼
Previously: 16th
A preseason pick by many to be in contention for the Cup, Columbus has struggled mightily to score all year, netting an embarrassing 141. Only the Red Wings, Coyotes, and Sabres have fewer goals, and that certainly is not enough to get the job done in the high-flying Metro Division. - Livingstone
19. New York Islanders (27-24-6)
Previously: 19th
The Islanders play an exciting brand of offensive-minded hockey, which has led them to scoring an impressive 188 goals - only the Lightning have more (196). Unfortunately, New York happens to lead the league in goals allowed and owns potentially the least reliable goaltending duo in the NHL with Jaroslav Halak and Thomas Greiss. - Livingstone
20. New Jersey Devils (27-20-8)
Previously: 20th
New Jersey is picking a really bad time to play some of its worst hockey of the season. Losses in seven out of their last 10 contests have the Devils trending in the wrong direction and Cory Schneider's groin injury adds more reason for concern. - Livingstone
21. Carolina Hurricanes (26-21-9) ▲
Previously: 23rd
The postseason is a priority for the Canes under new owner Tom Dundon, whose gone as far as stuffing the arena to create a playoff-like atmosphere. The Hurricanes are in the thick of the race in the East and could make their first appearance to the dance since 2009. - Wilkins
22. New York Rangers (27-24-5) ▼
Previously: 21st
The firesale is underway in Manhattan, with management acknowledging that some short-term pain is in order to restock for the future. That means fans could see some familiar faces shipped out ahead of the deadline, from veteran winger Rick Nash to captain Ryan McDonagh. - Wilkins
23. Chicago Blackhawks (24-23-8) ▼
Previously: 22nd
Years of cap challenges always meant the Blackhawks could miss the playoffs this season, but who saw Chicago sitting last in the Central Division and double-digit points back of the pack? That's led to Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman announcing his team is unlikely to be a buyer this deadline. - Wilkins
24. Florida Panthers (23-23-6) ▲
Previously: 27th
Not yet out of the mix, the Panthers can thank relief goaltender Harri Sateri for keeping alive the team's slim playoff hopes. With regulars Roberto Luongo and James Reimer on the sidelines, Sateri has shined, including a recent run that saw him post four straight victories. - Wilkins
25. Edmonton Oilers (23-27-4) ▲
Previously: 28th
This wasn't the sort of season Oilers fans and GM Peter Chiarelli had in mind. Edmonton is a seller heading toward the deadline, and the biggest decision could be what to do with Connor McDavid's linemate, Patrick Maroon, who is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Maroon has netted 40 goals over the past two seasons and could command a significant raise to stick in Edmonton. - Wilkins
26. Detroit Red Wings (22-23-9) ▼
Previously: 24th
Defensive depth serves well in the playoffs, and the Red Wings have a prime trade chip ahead of the deadline in veteran rearguard Mike Green. Recouping young assets for the experienced defender will do a lot to further the Red Wings' rebuild, as would moving either goaltender Jimmy Howard or Petr Mrazek to a club needing to shore up its crease. - Wilkins
27. Montreal Canadiens (22-26-7) ▼
Previously: 25th
The wandering Canadiens would be well-served to follow suit of the Rangers and restock their prospect cupboard in the coming weeks. While long-term commitments to Carey Price and Shea Weber mean the Canadiens are still built to win now, that shouldn't stop GM Marc Bergevin from moving the likes of Tomas Plekanec, and possibly captain Max Pacioretty, for younger assets. - Wilkins
28. Ottawa Senators (19-26-9) ▲
Previously: 29th
Like many clubs at the bottom, the Senators recognize the playoffs aren't happening this year, and it's in the team's best interest to sell some veteran players in return for young talent. Recently extended GM Pierre Dorion won't move star players Erik Karlsson and Mark Stone, but anyone else could potentially be available. - Wilkins
29. Vancouver Canucks (22-28-6) ▼
Previously: 26th
Rookie sensation Brock Boeser, who's sure to be a Calder candidate at season's end, is a sign of what's to come in Vancouver. While this season is lost, more reinforcements are on the way with Swedish standout Elias Pettersson and up-and-coming Finnish blue-liner Olli Juolevi. - Wilkins
30. Buffalo Sabres (16-30-10)
Previously: 30th
Times are already tough in Buffalo, and the news that superstar Jack Eichel will be out of the lineup long term doesn't help matters. Should the Sabres move out other key pieces such as netminder Robin Lehner or scoring winger Evander Kane prior to Feb. 26, it'll be even more of a challenge for Buffalo to find the win column in the season's final stretch. - Wilkins
31. Arizona Coyotes (13-32-10)
Previously: 31st
With no playoffs coming to the desert for the sixth straight year, the focus turns to who is sticking around for the future. Goaltender Antti Raanta is a pending unrestricted free agent, while star blue-liner Oliver Ekman-Larsson can put his name on a long-term extension as soon as July 1. - Wilkins
theScore's NHL Power Rankings are published every other Monday. Our eighth installment was put together by editors Josh Gold-Smith, Cory Wilkins, and Flip Livingstone.
1. Vegas Golden Knights (29-10-3)
Previously 1st
The expansion darlings have won three of their last four games since the calendar flipped to 2018, and that eight-game run that started in December proved they're for real. - Gold-Smith
2. Washington Capitals (28-14-3)
Previously 2nd
The Capitals split a home-and-home with the Hurricanes last week. They've taken two of three from Carolina since our last edition and slid past the Blues and Canucks to punctuate a five-game win streak. - Gold-Smith
3. Boston Bruins (24-10-7) ▲
Previously 8th
The Bruins are once again a force to be reckoned with. They blew out the Islanders and Hurricanes, lost an overtime thriller to the Penguins, then beat the Canadiens in a shootout Saturday. Boston is 8-0-2 in its last 10, and still has three games in hand on the first-place Lightning. - Gold-Smith
4. Toronto Maple Leafs (25-17-3)
Previously 4th
The Leafs haven't won in regulation since last year - OK, Dec. 28, 2017 against the Coyotes, to be exact - but they did pick up a couple of shootout victories and nabbed a point in an overtime loss to the Blue Jackets. - Gold-Smith
5. Winnipeg Jets (26-13-7)
Previously 5th
Back-to-back losses to Central Division foes in Chicago and Minnesota sting, but Winnipeg basically did what it was supposed to do before that, knocking off the Sabres twice and earning a convincing win over the Sharks. The Jets have largely remained on course. - Gold-Smith
6. Nashville Predators (25-11-6) ▲
Previously 9th
The Predators' rise here is more a reflection of other teams slipping than their own success, but Nashville has won two straight games over the Kings and Oilers, respectively. - Gold-Smith
7. Los Angeles Kings (24-14-5) ▼
Previously 3rd
The bye week didn't seem to help the Kings - at least not immediately - as they dropped one to the Ducks on Saturday after losing to the Flames and Predators before their break. - Gold-Smith
8. Tampa Bay Lightning (31-10-3) ▼
Previously 6th
Victor Hedman's absence is really going to test the Lightning, who've lost three of six since our last rankings update, including the crushing 5-1 defeat to the Flames in which their anchor on the back end was injured. - Gold-Smith
9. New York Islanders (22-18-4) ▲
Previously 16th
The Islanders bounced back impressively against a couple of regional rivals after dropping three straight to begin the calendar year, eking out a shootout victory over the Devils, then destroying the Rangers behind Mathew Barzal's second five-point game of the season. - Gold-Smith
10. Edmonton Oilers (20-23-3) ▲
Previously 14th
Edmonton looked like its old self Saturday night in a big road win against the Golden Knights in overtime, and any team with the reigning Hart Trophy winner is always a threat, regardless of the rest of the roster's flaws. - Gold-Smith
11. San Jose Sharks (22-13-6) ▼
Previously 7th
The Sharks inability to score is a cause for concern as the team enters the stretch drive. Only Montreal, Arizona, and Buffalo have scored fewer goals than San Jose. - Wilkins
12. Dallas Stars (24-17-3)
Previously 12th
Alexander Radulov has caught fire, tallying seven points in his last four games, making his signing look like a shrewd move by general manager Jim Nill. - Wilkins
13. Minnesota Wild (24-17-5) ▲
Previously 18th
The top line of Jason Zucker, Mikko Koivu, and Mikael Granlund is running hot, doing its part to pull Minnesota into a wildcard position in the West. - Wilkins
14. New York Rangers (22-17-5) ▼
Previously 11th
The Broadway Blueshirts are having trouble finding the back of the net in recent weeks, and that's bad news in the super-competitive Metropolitan Division. - Wilkins
15. Colorado Avalanche (23-16-3) ▲
Previously 23rd
The Avalanche are the comeback kids after a disastrous season a year ago. Nathan MacKinnon could join the conversation for MVP consideration. - Wilkins
16. St. Louis Blues (26-17-3) ▼
Previously 13th
With starter Jake Allen struggling - he owns a 6.42 goals-against average in his last two outings - backup goaltender Carter Hutton is providing an intriguing option for the Blues. - Wilkins
17. Philadelphia Flyers (20-15-8) ▲
Previously 24th
After a slow start to the season, the Flyers are making noise. The playoffs are once again a possibility in Philadelphia. - Wilkins
18. Anaheim Ducks (20-15-9) ▼
Previously 17th
Netminder John Gibson has been a wall in the new year, owning a .933 save percentage through three January appearances. - Wilkins
19. Pittsburgh Penguins (24-19-3) ▲
Previously 21st
The back-to-back Stanley Cup champions are finally showing signs of life, holding down a wildcard position and striking fear into the teams at the top. - Wilkins
20. Chicago Blackhawks (22-17-6)
Previously 20th
Already a top scoring team, the Blackhawks could have another weapon in their arsenal if they can unlock the offensive potential from newly acquired forward Anthony Duclair. - Wilkins
21. Columbus Blue Jackets (25-18-3) ▼
Previously 15th
Sergei Bobrovsky can't do it all. Just six Blue Jackets have scored in the team's past six games. - Wilkins
22. Calgary Flames (25-16-4) ▲
Previously 30th
An offseason favorite to compete for a Cup, Calgary is finally starting to look like a team that should be in the mix come June. Seven straight wins see the Flames heating up once again. - Livingstone
23. New Jersey Devils (22-12-8) ▼
Previously 10th
New Jersey is still clinging to third in the Metropolitan Division, but just by a thread. Losses in six of their last 10 contests have the Devils slipping out of contention. - Livingstone
24. Carolina Hurricanes (20-17-8) ▼
Previously 19th
The see-saw season continues for Carolina. And until the Hurricanes can find some consistency between the pipes, the up-and-down campaign should continue for Bill Peters and Co. - Livingstone
25. Montreal Canadiens (18-20-5) ▲
Previously 26th
Despite sitting firmly outside of a playoff spot, the Canadiens still have a pulse, as points in three straight games have breathed a bit of life into a club struggling to find its identity. - Livingstone
26. Florida Panthers (18-19-6) ▼
Previously 22nd
Just when it looked like the Panthers were rounding into form by winning five in a row to end December, they reeled off four losses in their last five to start January. - Livingstone
27. Detroit Red Wings (18-18-7) ▲
Previously 28th
A tidy shutout victory over the Blackhawks Sunday has the Wings trending in the right direction once again. And, with five home games out of its next six, Detroit has an excellent chance to continue that trend, as the Wings have points in 16 of 23 games at Little Caesars Arena. - Livingstone
28. Ottawa Senators (15-18-9) ▲
Previously 31st
Massive victories over the Lightning and Maple Leafs have Senators fans feeling optimistic for the first time in weeks. However, Ottawa allowed an eight-spot to the Blackhawks in between those wins. The Sens still have a lot of work to do if they want to be seriously considered as a playoff threat. - Livingstone
29. Vancouver Canucks (18-21-6) ▼
Previously 25th
Bo Horvat's injury has hindered Vancouver's ability to put in the puck in the net, as the Canucks have scored more than two goals in a game only twice in the past six contests. Expect Vancouver to continue its fall back to earth until Horvat returns. - Livingstone
30. Buffalo Sabres (11-24-9) ▼
Previously 27th
Buffalo has already allowed a staggering 25 goals this month and they've only played six games. Quite simply, nothing has gone right this season for the lackluster Sabres, as the team has easily been one of the biggest disappointments of the 2017-18 campaign. - Livingstone
31. Arizona Coyotes (10-28-7) ▼
Previously 29th
The Desert Dogs have points in five of their last 10 contests, but until they can string wins together with any kind of consistency, the club will remain firmly entrenched in the bottom few spots on our list. - Livingstone
What's an All-Star weekend without Brent Burns? The San Jose Sharks blue-liner has rebounded nicely after a slow start.
Atlantic Division
Position
Player
Team
F
Steven Stamkos
Lightning
F
Nikita Kucherov
Lightning
F
Auston Matthews
Maple Leafs
F
Jonathan Huberdeau
Panthers
F
Jack Eichel
Sabres
F
Brad Marchand
Bruins
D
Erik Karlsson
Senators
D
Mike Green
Red Wings
D
Victor Hedman
Lightning
G
Carey Price
Canadiens
G
Andrei Vasilevskiy
Lightning
With Tampa Bay hosting the All-Star festivities, expect a large number of Lightning players to make the roster. It helps that they're the best team in the league.
At the halfway point of the 2017-18 campaign, theScore's NHL team identifies the front-runners to bring home some hardware. This installment was put together by editors Cory Wilkins and Craig Hagerman.
Hart - John Tavares
Previously: Steven Stamkos
The New York Islanders captain hasn't cracked under the pressure of being just months away from a big payday in free agency. In fact, he's done just the opposite.
Not only is Tavares on pace for a 100-point season, he's also transformed linemates Anders Lee and Josh Bailey from solid players into elite scoring threats. Like Tavares, they're both on pace for career years - Bailey is just six points back of his previous best.
That sort of production has allowed the Islanders to hold down a playoff position for most of the year in the ultra-competitive Metropolitan Division, despite being backstopped by the questionable duo of Jaroslav Halak and Thomas Greiss. If the Islanders make the postseason, thank Tavares. - Wilkins
The 23-year-old has had no trouble shifting into the starter's role in the post-Ben Bishop era. Among netminders with a minimum of 30 games played, he stands atop the league in both wins (26) and save percentage (.937). - Wilkins
Norris - Drew Doughty
Previously: Erik Karlsson
The competition for the NHL's defenseman of the year is stiff, but the leader of the pack at the halfway point is the Los Angeles Kings' star blue-liner.
On pace to match his career high in production, Doughty has revived a Los Angeles squad that many pundits picked to finish outside the playoff picture. Instead, the Kings stand second in the West and look like the same Stanley Cup contender that won it all in 2012 and 2014.
Even more impressive, Doughty is getting it done on a defensive corps that has little help to speak of outside of Jake Muzzin and Alec Martinez. - Wilkins
Calder - Brock Boeser
Previously: Will Butcher
He may be a rookie, but Boeser is already one of the purest goal-scorers in the game.
The Vancouver Canucks forward paces all rookies with 21 goals, leads his team in scoring with 38 points, and has been named rookie of the month in both November and December. He sits fourth overall in goals and is on pace to score 44, which would be the seventh-most by a rookie in NHL history - and the most since Alex Ovechkin tallied 52 in 2005-06. - Hagerman
Selke - Patrice Bergeron
Previously: Mark Stone
It's just too hard to knock Bergeron off his perch as the league's best two-way forward.
Bergeron's put up a respectable 12 goals and 26 points in 33 games, but once again is proving to be a stud in his own end. He's rocking a Corsi For rating of 57.75, has won 57 percent of his faceoffs, and, most impressively, his line (with Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak) has allowed just one goal against at five-on-five in 25 games.
One day, this award might be named after the Boston Bruins forward, who's on his way to capturing it for the fifth time and fourth in five years. - Hagerman
Jack Adams - Gerard Gallant
Previously: Gerard Gallant
This year's Jack Adams Award looks to be a slam dunk.
Gallant has taken an expansion team constructed mostly of second- and third-line players and turned it into the second-best squad in the NHL. That's no easy feat, and barring a collapse of cataclysmic proportions, the Vegas Golden Knights should host some playoff hockey this spring.
Florida Panthers management must be kicking themselves. - Hagerman
General Manager of the Year - David Poile
Previously: Doug Armstrong
The Nashville Predators have proven that last year's run to the Stanley Cup Final was no fluke.
The club sits two points out of top spot in the Central Division and is once again thriving thanks to Poile's work.
Kyle Turris is making the Preds look like the winners of the three-team Matt Duchene swap. More subtle moves in the offseason, such as signing Nick Bonino and Scott Hartnell and trading for Alexei Emelin, have given the team great depth. Meanwhile, first-round pick Eeli Tolvanen looks like he could be the steal of the 2017 draft.
All of this has set the Predators up for prolonged success. - Hagerman
theScore's NHL Power Rankings are published every other Monday. Our seventh installment is put together by editors Cory Wilkins, Sean O'Leary, and Josh Wegman.
1. Vegas Golden Knights (26-9-2) ▲
Previously 5th
Vegas knows winning. The Golden Knights recently became the first expansion team to reel off six straight wins and are one of the hottest teams coming out of the holiday break. - Wilkins
2. Washington Capitals (24-13-3) ▲
Previously 3rd
Don't overlook the Capitals. Winners of the past two Presidents' Trophies, Washington is getting hot as we approach midseason. - Wilkins
3. Los Angeles Kings (23-11-5) ▲
Previously 4th
After a down season a year ago, the Kings are back and looking like the team that won it all in 2012 and 2014. - Wilkins
4. Toronto Maple Leafs (23-15-2) ▲
Previously 9th
The Maple Leafs scoring machine is roaring again, as Toronto has netted 26 goals in its last six outings. - Wilkins
5. Winnipeg Jets (23-11-6) ▲
Previously 8th
The Jets keep soaring along, but the team's offensive game will be challenged with Mark Scheifele out for the long term. - Wilkins
6. Tampa Bay Lightning (28-8-2) ▼
Previously 2nd
A slight dip for the Lightning, who have cooled in recent weeks. Among the changes from the start of the season? Nikita Kucherov, who has just two tallies in his last six appearances. - Wilkins
7. San Jose Sharks (20-12-4)
Previously 7th
The netminding duo of Martin Jones and Aaron Dell has impressed, holding down the fort for the low-scoring Sharks. - Wilkins
8. Boston Bruins (21-10-6) ▲
Previously 17th
The Bruins have pieced together eight consecutive games without a regulation loss and now sit in second place in the Atlantic Division. - Wilkins
9. Nashville Predators (23-10-5) ▼
Previously 1st
Nashville has scored just 15 goals in its past six outings, and that lagging production won't be helped with Filip Forsberg on the sidelines. - Wilkins
10. New Jersey Devils (22-10-6) ▲
Previously 12th
The surprise factor has worn off as the Devils remain one of the most consistent teams this campaign. - Wilkins
11. New York Rangers (20-13-5)
Previously 11th
The Rangers continue to stick around in the Metro race, but will need to tighten things up in their own end if it's going to last. -O'Leary
12. Dallas Stars (22-15-3) ▲
Previously 15th
For whatever reason, Dallas is nearly unstoppable at home and quite mediocre on the road, which is why the Stars are stuck near the middle of the pack. -O'Leary
13. St. Louis Blues (24-15-2) ▼
Previously 6th
The loss of Jaden Schwartz has hurt immensely, and the Blues have won just three of their last 10.
14. Edmonton Oilers (17-19-3) ▲
Previously 24th
The Oilers look much better lately, but still have quite a road ahead to reach the playoff cut line. Whether Connor McDavid and Co. can pull it off should prove to be highly entertaining down the stretch. -O'Leary
15. Columbus Blue Jackets (22-15-3) ▼
Previously 13th
Sergei Bobrovsky had a December to forget, winning just four starts, but the team in front of him needs to be way better, too. -O'Leary
16. New York Islanders (20-15-4) ▼
Previously 14th
Being sandwiched between the Coyotes and Sabres in any stat - particularly goals allowed - is not a good place to be, especially for a team as offensively exciting as the Islanders. -O'Leary
17. Anaheim Ducks (17-14-8) ▲
Previously 19th
The Ducks continue to get key pieces back, and suddenly sit just one point out of a wild-card spot. -O'Leary
18. Minnesota Wild (20-16-3) ▼
Previously 16th
Just about halfway through the season, the Wild do indeed still exist. -O'Leary
19. Carolina Hurricanes (18-13-7) ▲
Previously 22nd
Carolina's surged for seven wins in 10 games, because another playoff competitor is exactly what the Metropolitan Division needed. -O'Leary
20. Chicago Blackhawks (18-14-6) ▼
Previously 10th
Jeff Glass nabbing his first NHL win was a nice story and all, but this club needs Corey Crawford desperately to have a chance. -O'Leary
21. Pittsburgh Penguins (19-18-3) ▼
Previously 18th
It's time to accept the Penguins are nowhere near the team they were for the past two seasons. A big-time acquisition would certainly help, but they have very little trade bait to offer. - Wegman
22. Florida Panthers (17-16-5) ▲
Previously 27th
Don't look now, but the Panthers have won five in a row, thanks in large part to stellar goaltending from James Reimer. Unfortunately, it might be too little too late for the Cats. - Wegman
23. Colorado Avalanche (19-16-3) ▲
Previously 26th
A playoff appearance this season is still unlikely, but the Avs are very exciting to watch, and they're undoubtedly trending in the right direction. - Wegman
24. Philadelphia Flyers (16-14-8) ▼
Previously 20th
The Flyers are easily the streakiest team in the league, and their lack of consistency will ultimately keep them out of the postseason. - Wegman
25. Vancouver Canucks (16-18-5) ▼
Previously 23rd
There's a lot to like about what Vancouver has done this season, but Bo Horvat's injury erased their status as a potential playoff contender. - Wegman
26. Montreal Canadiens (16-19-4) ▼
Previously 21st
The Habs have scored three goals during their current four-game losing streak. That just about sums up their season. - Wegman
27. Buffalo Sabres (10-20-8) ▲
Previously 30th
Another year, another basement-dwelling season for the Sabres. At least the Buffalo Bills' playoff berth eliminates some of the negativity surrounding the city's sports teams. - Wegman
