NHL Power Rankings: Which Metro Teams Are Poised for a Shocking Leap This Season?
3. Washington Capitals, 17-9-2
Last week: 8
Sean: 2
Dom: 3
Good as Jakob Chychrun was last season, it was fair to wonder — still! — if he could truly put it all together. We may have our answer. Chychrun leads the league in goals by a defenseman (10) and, in top-pair minutes alongside Matt Roy, has a Net Rating behind only Cale Makar. Washington has outscored opponents 35-13 with him on the ice.
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4. Tampa Bay Lightning, 16-9-2
Last week: 3
Sean: 4
Dom: 4
In his first season with the Lightning, J.J. Moser was solid. Good, but nothing to write home about as a solid second-pair option. This year, though, he’s taking a jump toward being genuinely top-pair caliber. Moser has seen a large rise in his five-on-five impact and has been especially strong defensively. Most importantly, he’s stepped up in the absence of Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh, showing he may be this team’s No. 1 defenseman of the future.
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