RJ’s best and worst

Review-Journal hockey writer Ben Gotz gives his best and worst NHL teams each week (record and goal differential through Friday): Best

1. Boston Bruins (39-11-12, +55)

They’ve won five straight and 10 of their last 11.

2. Tampa Bay Lightning (40-16-5, +54)

They had allowed three or fewer goals in 22 straight games before giving up five to the Golden Knights on Thursday.

3. Pittsburgh Penguins (37-16-6, +38)

Las Vegas-raised newcomer Jason Zucker has three goals in his first five games.

4. Washington Capitals (37-17-6, +27)

Trade acquisition Brenden Dillon should be a good defensive partner for Norris Trophy favorite John Carlson.

5. Colorado Avalanche (35-18-7, +45)

With starting goaltender Philipp Grubauer injured, does general manager Joe Sakic made a splash in net at the deadline?

Worst

27. San Jose Sharks (26-30-4, -40)

Their big question before the deadline: Would either franchise legend Joe Thornton or Patrick Marleau consider a trade to a contender?

28. New Jersey Devils (23-27-10, -44)

Interim GM Tom Fitzgerald has done a nice job getting good value for the assets on his roster.

29. Ottawa Senators (21-29-11, -45)

They should get plenty of calls on forwards Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Tyler Ennis and Vladislav Namestnikov.

30. Los Angeles Kings (22-34-5, -44)

They’ve sold off some pieces and now have a ton of draft capital to complement their deep pool of prospects.

31. Detroit Red Wings (15-44-4, -108)

They are the first team to be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention before the trade deadline since the 2003-04 Penguins.