DC Hockey Spot Power Ranking Philosophy: I believe Power Rankings are for body work, not at the given moment. So my ranking are based on more than a few games during a week.
2. Detroit Red Wings: Despite losing 2 straight, the wings are only 3 points off the pace of the Pens and have played 4 less games. They just keep getting it done.
3. Philadelphia Flyers: Deepest forward group in hockey and have been an excellent road team, which is important. Also have the leagues best goal differential.
4. Washington Capitals: Might have the most talent in the league and are winning despite a slumping Alex the Great. Look for them to move up when OV picks it up. Semin, Neuvirth, Carlson and the unsung heroes (Hendricks) have been huge early on. Look for the Hannan deal to pay huge dividends this year.
5. Vancouver Canucks: Will only improve as Burrows works his way back into the lineup to complete the best line in hockey (Sedin-Sedin-Burrows).
6. Montreal Canadiens: Solid goaltending from Price and contributions from depth forwards (Halpern, Darche) normally equals success.
7. Chicago Blackhawks: There has clearly been a Cup hangover and Salary Cap hangover, but the Hawks are still a force to be dealt with. Goaltending needs to improve to put them into the repeat category.
8. Boston Bruins: Tim Thomas is playing at an MVP level and the top line of Lucic- Kreicj-Horton has been impressive early on.
9. Atlanta Thrashers: A bit high, but I really like the makeup of this team. Excellent goaltending, young scoring talent, and the former Hawk's could make the Thrash a legit team in March and April. Plus they have the Caps number.
10. Dallas Stars: Good goaltending is always a key to success. Lots of under the radar talent in Big D (Neal, Benn, etc).
11. New York Rangers
12. Tampa Bay Lightning
13. Los Angeles Kings
14. Phoenix Coyotes
15. San Jose Sharks
16. Colorado Avalanche
17. St. Louis Blues
18. Columbus Blue Jackets
19. Anaheim Ducks
20. Nashville Predators
21. Minnesota Wild
22. Ottawa Senators
23. Carolina Hurricanes
24. Toronto Maple Leafs
25. Buffalo Sabres
26. Florida Panthers: Cannot seem to score goals despite some talent. Without Voukon this team is dead last.
27. Calgary Flames: Curious signings in the offseason are not panning out. This team is in dire straits.
28. Edmonton Oilers : There is hope for this team. They have a ton of young talent in Hall and Eberle.
29. New York Islanders: This team is going to lose Taveres if they do not find some success. However small it is.
30. New Jersey Devils: I have a feeling everyone is hockey is having a private laugh at the expense of the Devils. The team that frustrated everyone with the trap and tried to ruin hockey with the Kovalchuk deal is awful.
There you have it. Feel free to argue, agree, or just comment.
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