Pressure is inherent in a game unfolding at top speeds with frozen rubber, stiff graphite, sharp blades and zero out-of-bounds.
But as training camps for the 2017-18 season open this week, some players — due to shaky performance, increased responsibility, trade possibility, or an impending performance review — are certainly striding under more pressure than others.
It’s the NHL Power Rankings: Players Under Pressure Edition.
As usual, all 31 teams are ranked according to their current strength. Unlikely as a threepeat may be, the Pittsburgh Penguins deserve the crow’s nest until shaken off. And, no, the Vegas Golden Knights do not debut in our newly created No. 31 slot.
Under “previous ranking” you’ll find each team’s final standing for the 2016-17 season.
The individual write-ups answer a simple pre-season question: Which player on each team is under the most pressure to deliver this winter?
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