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.