BIGGEST CLIMB: Atlanta (27 to 21)
BIGGEST FALL: Colorado (4 to 9)
Note: All statistics and records are through Sunday.
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What a difference a season makes. Last year, Buffalo stormed out of the gate while the Senators treaded water. This season, Ottawa has taken 15 of its first 18. Buffalo is three games under .500 and in the Northeast cellar. Just think where the Sens would be if Dany Heatley had stayed hot. The winger has just one goal in his past 10 games.
Last Week: 1-1-0
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If not for Pavel Datsyuk's late score Sunday, the Red Wings would've gone four straight games without a point for the first time since they lost five in a row from Dec. 18 to 26, 1998. Probably the biggest reason Detroit has looked a bit pedestrian of late is the play, or lack thereof, of Dom Hasek. The veteran netminder has given up eight goals on his last 23 shots. Ouch.
Last Week: 1-2-0
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On Friday, the 'Canes were blanked at home for the first time since February. The loss gave them their second two-game losing streak (by a combined score of 9-1) this season and dropped them to 4-5 against division foes. Saturday's victory over the Panthers couldn't have come at a better time.
Last Week: 2-2-0
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You know things are going well when all of your offense comes from defensemen. That was the case in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Penguins. Aside from the continued brillance of Henrik Lundqvist, maybe the biggest reason this team won five straight is their "new" look: the Blueshirts are donning jerseys made almost completely of the old material.
Last Week: 3-0-0
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They put on an impressive offensive display on Saturday, blitzing the Bruins 7-4 and scoring more goals than in their previous three games combined. But it wasn't all good news: top-line winger Chris Higgins limped through the game, leaving for the dressing room a few times. This can't be good for Habs fans who remember him missing 17 games last season with a bad ankle sprain.
Last Week: 2-1-0
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One thing is certain: the Wild own the Oilers. With Thursday's 4-2 win, Minny improved to 8-0-1 in its last nine against Edmonton. "For some reason, it seems to happen that you just have a team's number," said Mark Parrish. "I don't really know why. You get wins that sometimes you don't even really deserve." The two teams will meet four more times.
Last Week: 2-2-0
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Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin and Dany Heatley are all on the All-Star Game ballot. No surprise. Four Flyers also made it. But no Mike Richards? He not only leads the team with 23 points, but is 13th in the league. Flyer fans have noticed the omission. Two sites are pushing for Richards as a write-in: votemikerichards.com and voteformike08.com.
Last Week: 1-1-1
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5 |
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Friday night's lucky number (unlucky for one individual) was 499. In the Isles' 499th road victory, Rick DiPietro became the fifth netminder this season to blank the Devils, keeping Martin Brodeur stuck on 499 wins. The victory also made the Isles 3-0 against New Jersey this season.
Last Week: 1-2-0
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It was an ugly week for the Avs, who were outscored 10-2 in two losses after going 7-1-1. The bigger concern, though, might be their inability to win on the road: 9-1-0 at home, 2-6-1 away from Pepsi Center. Equally puzzling has been the play of Jose Theodore, who gave up five goals on 10 shots in his last start after allowing just seven in his previous four.
Last Week: 0-2-0
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The Bolts have won five straight -- mainly on the strength of Johan Holmqvist and Vinny Lecavalier. During the win streak, Holmer has stopped 141 of 148 shots and increased his save percentage to .900. Vinny, meanwhile, extended his team record for consecutive multipoint games to seven. Early favorite for MVP?
Last Week: 2-0-0
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Read on for teams 11-20 ...
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