Detroit News NHL Power Rankings

1. Anaheim (31-10-6)

Has looked every bit as powerful as expected.

2. Nashville (30-10-5)

Will be tested with G Pekka Rinne (knee) hurt.

3. St. Louis (29-13-4)

The Blues are more capable offensively than previous seasons.

4. New York Islanders (31-14-1)

Most analysts felt this team was a year or two away from contending. The Islanders felt differently.

5. New York Rangers (27-13-4)

There haven't been many better teams over the last month. The Rangers have a lot of speed.

6. Chicago (30-15-2)

The Blackhawks have been a little under the radar but a Stanley Cup contender, as usual.

7. Tampa Bay (30-14-4)

It'll be interesting to see whether G Ben Bishop can win in the playoffs.

8. Detroit (27-11-9)

As Babcock said, don't think many people expected the Red Wings to be so good.

9. Montreal (29-13-3)

Speed, good depth, G Carey Price ... they have a lot of ways to win.

10. Winnipeg (26-14-8)

What a job coach Paul Maurice has done with this roster. They'd be tough to beat at home in the playoffs.

11. Pittsburgh (26-12-8)

This team can't afford injuries to core players — which has happened recently.

12. Boston (25-16-7)

You get the sense this team will be heard from heading into the playoffs.

13. Vancouver (26-16-3)

It's a bit surprising the Canucks have been as good after mini-housecleaning.

14. Washington (24-13-9)

G Braden Holtby has been super, and Capitals seem to be buying into coach Barry Trotz' defensive system.

15. Calgary (25-19-3)

The Flames continue to grind and out-work opponents and stockpile points in the standings.

16. Los Angeles (20-15-12)

Still a team nobody wants to mess with in the playoffs — if they get there.

17. San Jose (25-17-6)

Rebuilding on the fly, but it seems to be working well enough.

18. Florida (20-14-10)

Some tough losses lately have the Panthers slipping out of the playoff picture.

19. Dallas (21-18-7)

There's enough talent on this roster to make a push toward the playoffs.

20. Columbus (20-22-3)

Injuries early in the season put the Blue Jackets into a major hole.

21. Colorado (20-18-10)

The Avalanche have fallen back to earth after magical last season.

22. Minnesota (20-20-6)

Coach Mike Yeo under tremendous pressure.

23. Toronto (22-23-3)

The traditional major slide came a little earlier than usual for the Maple Leafs.

24. Philadelphia (19-22-7)

Injuries have hurt, but the Flyers just don't have enough talent this season.

25. Ottawa (19-18-9)

An average hockey team in every way possible; just not good enough to win consistently.

26. New Jersey (17-22-8)

GM Lou Lamiorello appears to be losing his magic for putting together winning rosters.

27. Arizona ( 16-25-5)

The Coyotes have slipped out of contender status quite rapidly over past couple seasons.

28. Carolina (16-25-5)

Unlike some other teams down here, the Hurricanes have a base and coach (Bill Peters) to build with.

29. Edmonton (12-26-9)

How can the Oilers be as bad as they've been for so long?

30. Buffalo (14-30-3)

Have lived down to expectations. This roster is truly non-competitive.