Super 16: Golden Knights take No. 1 spot; Islanders, Oilers enter rankings

Golden Knights lead the rankings

The Vegas Golden Knights have claimed the No. 1 spot in the NHL.com Super 16 rankings. With a record of 20-5-5, the Golden Knights have showcased their depth and contributions from various players. They have had 23 skaters play at least one game this season, and each player has scored a goal. The team's stars have performed well, but it's the overall contribution from every player that has propelled them to the top spot.

The Golden Knights' defenseman Brayden McNabb has been a surprise standout with 11 points in 30 games, including two goals and nine assists. He also leads the team with a plus-11 rating and an average ice time of 20:15 per game. The defending Stanley Cup champions continue to impress and solidify their position at the top of the rankings.

Pleasant surprises around the league

The article highlights several other NHL teams and players that have been pleasant surprises this season. The Boston Bruins, ranked No. 2, have seen rookies Matthew Poitras and Johnny Beecher make unexpected contributions, providing depth at the center position. The New York Rangers' goalie Jonathan Quick, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, has exceeded expectations and proved that he still has plenty of saves left in his pads at 37 years old.

The Los Angeles Kings, ranked No. 4, have found quality goaltending in Cam Talbot, who joined the team on a one-year, $1 million contract. Talbot has been a key contributor with a 12-5-2 record, a 2.02 goals-against average, and a .927 save percentage in 19 games. The Vancouver Canucks, ranked No. 5, have seen defenseman Filip Hronek exceed expectations with 27 points in 30 games and a plus-21 rating.

Other teams that have climbed in the rankings include the Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals, and Philadelphia Flyers. These teams have seen individual players such as Calle Jarnkrok, Sam Reinhart, and Sean Couturier elevate their game and provide significant contributions to their respective teams.

Islanders and Oilers enter the rankings

The New York Islanders and Edmonton Oilers have entered the Super 16 rankings this week. The Islanders, ranked No. 11, have benefited from the development of forward Simon Holmstrom, who has already surpassed his goal total from last season. The Oilers, ranked No. 12, have been surprised by the performance of Sam Gagner, who joined the team on a professional tryout and has become an important member of the fourth line.

This week's New Amsterdam Game of the Week features the Oilers and Islanders, two teams that have played their way back into the Super 16 rankings. The outcome of this game will have an impact on the teams' positioning and their trajectory going forward.