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VGK Drops To 2nd In Mid-Summer Power Rankings

On August 3, 2023

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

It’s difficult to take any NHL power rankings seriously in early August. However, it didn’t stop Sportsnet from dropping their newest power rankings this week. Surprisingly enough, the current Stanley Cup winners were ranked second behind the 2022 NHL champions.

1. Colorado Avalanche:
The 2022 champs didn’t advance past Round 1 in 2023, but the Avs are poised to make noise again. Colorado knows captain Gabriel Landeskog is going to be on long-term injured all season, so it can stuff his $7-million salary there. Ryan Johansen and Ross Colton give a nice, new look to the centre crew and Jonathan Drouin is a fun bounce-back bet. Unlike last season, the Avs should be rested and hungry when the puck drops in October. –Ryan Dixon on Sportsnet.ca

By no means was Sportsnet’s Ryan Dixon taking a swipe at the Golden Knights by anointing the Avalanche as the league’s best team going into next season. Let’s be honest, the past two NHL champs are not far away from each other. Both have an elite center, game-changing wingers, dynamic defensive units, and strong coaching. Would anyone be surprised if Colorado and Vegas faced off in the 2024 Western Conference Finals?

The Golden Knights will try to not stub their toe like the Avalanche did this past postseason by being eliminated in the opening round. Of course, four playoff series, a championship parade, and dozens of “Day with the Cup” parties may create a hangover but VGK’s overall talent should keep them in contention. Sportsnet agreed.

2. Vegas Golden Knights:
Recency bias? Maybe. But the Knights have largely kept the band together and Jack Eichel just had his coming out party in the 2023 playoffs. Mark Stone missed half the season last year and the Knights still managed to win the Pacific Division. This balanced squad is going to be right back challenging for the Cup. –Dixon on Sportsnet.ca

With the exception of Reilly Smith’s departure to Pittsburgh, the core of Vegas’ Stanley Cup roster is fully intact. Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, William Karlsson, Jonathan Marchessault, and Alex Pietrangelo are all returning for a back-to-back attempt in 2024. Coach Bruce Cassidy will need repeat performances from all of his players, especially in net from Adin Hill, who was handsomely paid after his all-world postseason performance.

Expectations are high for Eichel and his linemates to lead the Golden Knights’ offense as they did in the playoffs. Pietrangelo will be relied upon to carry a heavy workload again and Stone will try and stay on the ice for as many regular season games as he can. As long as all of them are dressed for Game 1 of the 2024 NHL playoffs, Vegas will be considered a favorite to repeat, no matter where the out-of-town media has them ranked by April of next year.

For the record, Edmonton was listed third on Sportsnet’s power rankings. Considering how that econd round series played out, Vegas shouldn’t worry about dropping beneath them.

VGK Earns High Respect In Latest NHL Power Rankings

By Jason Pothier

On March 18, 2023

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

In exactly one month from yesterday the NHL playoffs will begin. Barring any major collapses, the Golden Knights will be one of the Western Conference’s most dangerous participants. However, some continue to doubt Vegas as a serious Stanley Cup contender. For example, MoneyPuck’s Power Rankings list the Golden Knights as the league’s 16th best team.

Over the years the Golden Knights front office built a team well-suited for the postseason. Six players have customized championship rings, and 12 others have playoff experience. Experience makes a different in the NHL’s second season. While MoneyPuck’s computer model doubts Vegas’ chances, several other Power Rankings are much more favorable to the 31st franchise. Here are the latest rankings from hockey outlets across the league.

Sportsnet – VGK #2

As you’d expect with a team dubbed the ‘Golden Misfits’ in their early expansion days, there is no shortage of guys who beat the odds in Vegas. All three members of the original ‘Misfit Line’ — William Karlsson between Reilly Smith and undrafted Jonathan Marchessault — are still there and have been joined by a captain, in Mark Stone, who was a sixth-round selection with questionable skating; Chandler Stephenson, a third-rounder who immediately became a top-six centre after Vegas fleeced Washington for his services; and undrafted goalie Logan Thompson, who was in the thick of the Calder Trophy race before getting hurt this season.- Ryan Dixon, Sportsnet

The Canadian avenue clearly respects the Golden Knights lineup enough to have them one spot below the high-powered Boston Bruins and higher than two teams with better records. It’s possible Sportsnet sees an easier postseason path for Vegas, or that their newly formed lineup is deep enough for a Cup run. Would Sportsnet rank Vegas higher than Boston if Mark Stone were healthy in time for the playoffs? That’s a bit of a stretch.

The Hockey News – VGK #3

The Knights are on a tear with four straight wins and seven of their past eight. They still haven’t really missed a beat despite being on their fourth starter in Jonathan Quick, who’s 4-0-0 with the Knights. As it stands, the Knights and Kings will face each other in the second round of the playoffs if they advance.- Jason Chen, THN

THN posted their latest Power Rankings before the Golden Knights last contest, but it would be difficult to drop Vegas more than two or three spots. Jonathan Quick’s success with Vegas has given the Pacific Division leader more security in net after injuries to virtually every Golden Knights goaltender.

Golden Knights Sliding In Latest Power Rankings

By Jason Pothier

On January 20, 2023

In Fans

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

The Golden Knights haven’t been as crisp lately as they were in their first 30+ games. On December 15th, Vegas held a first-place advantage by eight standings points. By New Year’s Eve, that lead was cut in half. After last night’s 3-2 loss to Detroit, the Golden Knights are no longer leading the Pacific Division. Local fans are well aware of the adversity the Golden Knights have faced over the past month but fans and media outside of the market haven’t been as understanding.

This week, national outlets updated their NHL Power Rankings, and not all of them were friendly towards Vegas.

Overall, the consensus is that Vegas has lost love from several publications. The Golden Knights’ average position in five separate power rankings was 10th. Tenth would likely place VGK out of winning the Western Conference and perhaps the Pacific Division. The positive news, however, most outlets feel comfortable that the Golden Knights are still a postseason club. Over time, the severity of Mark Stone’s injury setback may change some of their minds.

So, let’s take a look at how the outside hockey world perceives the Golden Knights today.

Daily Faceoff: VGK (6th)

The Daily Faceoff was by far the least knee-jerk.

The Golden Knights only got into two games last week, beating the Panthers before dropping a Saturday night game against the Oilers. Playing at about the same level as the Stars drops them down a spot as a result, and the fact that the Golden Knights 5-on-5 play hasn’t been good lately has hurt them as well. -Scott Maxwell, Daily Faceoff

Sports Illustrated: VGK (8th)

SI isn’t panicking like some others. Sure, the Stone situation impacted their decision enough to drop VGK three spots but they still rank the Golden Knights higher than three other outlets. Not surprisingly, SI listed two Western Conference teams; DAL (6th) and WPG (7th), ahead of Vegas, which is difficult to argue against. Also, Seattle (9th) and LA (10th) were ranked right behind the Golden Knights by Sports Illustrated.

Latest NHL Power Rankings: VGK A Multimillion-Dollar World Of Imagination

By Jason Pothier

On January 14, 2022

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Since the start of the new year the Golden Knights haven’t been at their best. Vegas is 1-2-2 in 2022 but still managed to add four points to their Pacific Division leading 23-14-2 record. It’s been awhile since we’ve seen the Golden Knights dominate opponents like they did throughout the month of December, which may have changed minds across the league. When in reality, Vegas picked up four points in five games without playing up to their potential and missing a myriad of starters.

Every so often we like to check in on NHL power rankings across the league. Vegas was a preseason Top 5 team but ever since the injuries piled up they’ve mostly been stuck in double digits. According to aggregate site Power Rankings Guru, this week the Golden Knights checked in at #11.

The consensus was, Vegas had an incredible month of December but took a step back once the calendar year ended. A little dramatic if you ask me.

Let’s start with the league’s site. Vegas rounded out the top ten for the second straight week on NHL.com. Up until they’re fully healthy expect Vegas to be ranked in bottom part of the top ten.

NHL.com – #10 (Previously #10)

The Golden Knights won an NHL record 14 straight regular-season games decided in overtime before losing 5-4 to the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday, the first time they lost in OT since Dec. 19, 2019 (5-4 at the Vancouver Canucks).

ESPN had a little fun by publishing a Disney themed NHL power rankings. Greg Wyshinski and crew went light on Vegas, only dropping them one position.

ESPN – #12 (Previously #11)

To honor this magical place, and with no small amount of corporate synergy, we’ve decided to use this week’s NHL power rankings to match all 32 teams with the Disney World attractions — rides, food, characters — that best fit their vibes.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. A multimillion-dollar world of imagination that offers thrilling rides, lasting memories and the unwavering feeling that it never goes quite as far as you’d like it to go. That weird feeling in your stomach about the Golden Knights in the playoffs is not because you drank too much blue milk …

Sportsnet has routinely had Vegas outside of the top ten. One of the reasons for the lower grade is the injuries to Jack Eichel, Max Pacioretty and Alec Martinez. Once those three impact players return I’m sure SN will raise the local boys in their rankings.

Golden Knights Being Disrespected In National Power Rankings

By Ken Boehlke

On November 13, 2021

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

The Golden Knights have won seven of their last nine games. They’ve won on the road, they’ve won at home, they’ve beaten bad teams, decent teams, and good teams. They’ve won both ends of a back-to-back. They’ve allowed two or fewer goals in six of the nine games.

They’ve done it all without Mark Stone, Max Pacioretty, William Karlsson, Zach Whitecloud, and at times. Alec Martinez. And this isn’t even considering Jack Eichel (or Alex Tuch before the deal)!

Vegas sits 16th in the NHL standings despite playing a roster that at times has sat below the salary cap floor.

Around here, I don’t need to tell anyone how remarkable this run has been and beyond that what it means for the future when players do start making their way back into the lineup. But apparently, I need to alert the national media because the Golden Knights are being insanely disrespected in the power rankings.

NHL.com’s Super 16 is a weekly column that lists the best 16 teams in the league by compiling votes from 14 of their writers. Vegas did not make the cut in the most recent installment and only appeared in the rankings of six of the 14 writers. The highest spot they garnered was 13th.

Sportsnet came out with their latest power rankings on Thursday and the Golden Knights came in at 24th. ESPN is even worse… 26th!?!

Bleacher Report has Vegas at 21. The Seattle Times has the Golden Knights at 22, just three spots ahead of the Kraken.

To borrow a phrase from the late great Vince Lombardi, “what the hell is going on out here?”

Literally everyone knows the Golden Knights are so much better than they are being ranked right now. You can point to the results, but really, they’ve been better than anyone could have imagined given the injuries.

I’m not trying to make the argument for the Golden Knights to be #1, or even in the top 5, but bottom third of the league? C’mon. 21st? 24th? 26th?

Do better national media. Do better.

Golden Knights Soaring Up Power Rankings

By Ken Boehlke

On March 28, 2019

In Game Analysis

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Recently the Golden Knights have hit the skids a bit, dropping three straight to less than perfect opponents. Prior to that though the Stone Age began with a terrific 10-1-1 start. The hockey world is starting to take notice.

Throughout the majority of the year, Vegas has rarely found itself inside the top 10 in the various major media Power Rankings. However, with the recent surge people are starting to believe again.

Yahoo – 2
NBC Sports – 3
Sportsnet – 5
CBS – 5
SI – 6
ESPN – 10
Buffalo News – 11
Toronto Sun – 10

National media are starting to really buy in on the Golden Knights, and why not? The recent losing streak has been without Marc-Andre Fleury, Max Pacioretty, and Brandon Pirri. Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Shea Theodore have missed games as well, but when healthy, the Golden Knights look primed and ready to take another run at the Western Conference banner.

For me, the Golden Knights would be 3rd, behind Tampa Bay and Boston. Going through San Jose, Calgary, and whoever makes it out of the Central is going to be tough, but for my money, Vegas should be favored in every series until the Final.

Understandably people are a bit nervous with the way they’ve looked against Detroit, St. Louis, and Colorado, but this is no time to panic. The light switch needs to flip back on by the time April 10th rolls around.

I’m confident it will, and it seems like much of the world is too.

Power Ranking Index; VGK #1 In Two Of Nine

By Ken Boehlke

On February 16, 2018

In Game Analysis

Remember when Jon Merrill scored that game-winner? That was awesome. (Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

The Golden Knights became the first team in the Western Conference, and joined the Tampa Bay Lighting as the only teams in the NHL, to reach 80 points. Vegas maintained its 10 point lead in the Pacific Division and continue chugging along towards not just a playoff berth, but possibly home-ice advantage throughout.

With the consistent, sustainable, success the Golden Knights have finally appeared to have broken through the glass ceiling of national media belief. Check out the latest power rankings from around the US and Canada.

ESPN – #1
Sports Illustrated – #1
NHL.com – #2
USA Today – #2
CBS Sports – #3
Sportsnet – #5
NBC Sports – #6
The Hockey News – #6
Yahoo – #8

Viva Vegas! We love that you are making us all look like fools and giving us a fun story to write about. -Luke Fox, Sportsnet

Then there’s Yahoo…

In the last month, Vegas is 7-5-2 and needed a few miracles to get that far. They’ve also won just one of their last four home games. If you’re wondering about anyone having developed a cure for the Vegas Flu, that seems fair and reasonable. -Ryan Lambert, Yahoo

Right, the team stinks now because they had a 14 game stretch of point per game hockey. Guess there always has to be one outlier.

Nonetheless, two top spots, two more second places, and every single ranking in the top eight is pretty darn impressive.

We just can’t wait for playoff time to see what they’re really about. -Cody Benjamin, CBSSports.com

What they’re really about… (Eye roll emoji)

Golden Knights Stake Claim In Top Five Of Most Power Rankings

By Ken Boehlke

On November 28, 2017

In Team Ops

Three weeks ago the Golden Knights found themselves atop the Power Rankings from a certain four-letter TV network/website. Number one in the league after three weeks of hockey.

This team’s good. Everyone’s going to have to start living with it. (Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

We mostly ignored it because it seemed like a bit of a click grab and honestly, it felt like they were number one just so websites like SinBin.vegas would write a story about it. But now we’re done ignoring power rankings because even though the Golden Knights don’t hold the top spot, their spot among the top five is legitimately warranted.

Check it out, here’s where the Vegas Golden Knights rank in the seven most popular news outlets that publish weekly (or close) power rankings.

USA Today – 3rd
TSN – 3rd
NBC Sports/Yahoo – 4th
CBS Sports – 5th
The Hockey News – 6th
Sports Illustrated – 7th
ESPN – 10th

Here are just a couple of the blurbs that went along with them.

SinBin.vegas

Praise Be To Foley, Vegas Golden Knights Hockey Website

Tag: Power Rankings

VGK Drops To 2nd In Mid-Summer Power Rankings

VGK Earns High Respect In Latest NHL Power Rankings

Golden Knights Sliding In Latest Power Rankings

Latest NHL Power Rankings: VGK A Multimillion-Dollar World Of Imagination

Golden Knights Being Disrespected In National Power Rankings

Golden Knights Soaring Up Power Rankings

Power Ranking Index; VGK #1 In Two Of Nine

Golden Knights Stake Claim In Top Five Of Most Power Rankings

Points To Elimination

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