NHL Power Rankings 2011: Where The Coyotes Rank In Week 4

The Phoenix Coyotes are just barely into the NHL season, and are starting to gel and take shape as a cohesive unit. Somewhat similarly, hockey writers are scrambling to assemble power rankings, which they will use all season long to weigh how each teach is performing relative to one another. We'll check in on these power rankings from week to week in order to see what the world at large thinks about your Coyotes. Let's get started.

ESPN ranks the Coyotes at number 22 overall, which is fairly understandable at this point. They do an admirable job of explaining their decision and find the silver lining at the same time:

The Coyotes rank only 22nd in goals against per game; that's not a usual trademark for a Dave Tippett-coached team. Expect the Coyotes to tighten up here soon.

FOX Sports on MSN treats the Coyotes a bit better, placing them at number 21, ahead of the Edmonton Oilers, who have two more wins than Phoenix. Here's what FOX has to say:

The 'Yotes recalled Hobey Baker winner Andy Miele and promptly won a road game in Anaheim, 5-4. They’ll have their hands full with San Jose, Los Angeles, Dallas and Anaheim 32 times this season.

Finally, The Hockey News has Phoenix down at number 24 and points out the elephant in the room that we call the "near future":

Tough week ahead with home games against Stars, Devils, Kings

All three lists had the Washington Capitals firmly in the number one overall spot, and you certainly can't blame them.

If you want to discuss the power rankings further, engage your fellow Coyotes fans at Five For Howling.