NHL September Power Rankings: Ducks, Capitals, Lightning, Blues Are Stanley Cup Favorites

Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

It’s already September, which means that the NHL season is just a little over a month away from beginning. Training camps begin in roughly two to three weeks. While teams might still add players to their roster, most teams have their lineups cemented in stone. Players are already beginning to practice with their teammates, preparing for what should be an exciting regular season.

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MORE FROM STARS AND STICKS: NHL Power Rankings (July)

While the Capitals have done a lot to improve their team, other NHL teams have vastly improved themselves as well. Who are the Stanley Cup favorites? Do the Capitals have what it takes to win the Eastern Conference? I’ll attempt to answer both of those questions as I present my power rankings.

For these power rankings, I took several things into consideration. First of all, in my mind, I created the “best case scenario” for each NHL team. Having success in hockey depends largely on skill and talent, but there is an undeniable “luck” factor. To win the Stanley Cup, you’re going to need your guys to stay healthy. You’re going to need to have some bounces go your way.

Secondly, I also created the “worst case scenario” for each team. Injuries are unpredictable. Sometimes, players who you expect to do well simply don’t do well. Is the team ready in case things don’t go their way? Depth is undeniably important. Great example: the 2014-2015 Chicago Blackhawks.

Without further ado, here are my NHL power rankings.

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