BIGGEST CLIMB: Dallas (22 to 7)
BIGGEST FALL: Tampa Bay (10 to 23)
Note: All statistics and records are through Sunday.
Have issues with my Power Rankings or want to pat me on the back? Send me an E-mail
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Let me start by saying that if any of last week's top four squads had a good week, they probably would've bumped the suddenly sputtering Sens for their perch. That's what happens when you suffer your first three-game losing streak since March. "I'm not overly concerned," coach John Paddock said. Yes, John, but what about Ottawa's fans?
Last Week: 1-2-1
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Don't think there is parity this season in the Central? The Wings just finished a stretch against their division foes at 4-4-1. They lost just four of 32 games against the Central last season. It's a good thing for the Wings that they won't face any of those teams again until Dec. 10, when they travel to Nashville.
Last Week: 1-1-1
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Let me remind everyone that Monday's ugly loss to the Bruins doesn't count toward this week's Power Rankings. With that in mind, I gave serious thought to boosting the Flyers to the top spot, but their OT loss to the Caps nixed that. Unless they have two impressive wins over the Hurricanes and red-hot Stars, the top spot will elude them for another week.
Last Week: 2-0-1
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They slipped a bit last week, but are still off to a better-than-expected start. What's impressive is they've done it with the 29th-ranked penalty-kill unit, which allowed three scores in two of the last three games. And to think: last week would've been an 0-3 if not for their three goals in less than seven minutes in Friday's 4-3 win over the Bolts.
Last Week: 1-2-0
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I continue to be amazed at how a team that scores so little (28th, with 50 goals) can win. Oh yeah: Henrik Lundqvist. I realize that I give him praise just about every week, but he is truly the only reason the Blueshirts are over the .500 mark. The fact that future Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr has just five goals is also amazing.
Last Week: 1-2-1
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13 |
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If you throw out Wednesday's loss to Detroit, the Blues haven't suffered a regulation loss since Nov. 9. How have they done it? Solid defense, a top-ranked PK and stellar goaltending. All three have to be in tip-top shape considering the offense has notched more than three goals just once Oct. 27. Start lighting the lamp, Paul Kariya.
Last Week: 3-1-0
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22 |
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Want your team to get hot? Just have it fire the GM and team president. The Stars are 5-0-1 since 'Operation Front Office Shake-Up.' They certainly haven't been blasting teams out of the water, but the biggest reason for the jump this week is the impressive 3-2 win at MSG. Still, I wonder if this team is better with Mike Smith in net.
Last Week: 4-0-0
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Answer: Nov. 6. Question: When was the last time the Isles scored more than two goals in a game? This team appears to be stuck in neutral since a four-game win streak from Nov. 1-10. The biggest culprit has been the power play -- a miserable 3-for-43 over the last 11 games. Let the flood of angry e-mails commence.
Last Week: 2-2-0
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Since their 9-3-3 start, the Habs have lost five of eight. Of their eight losses, three have been against the Sabres. But there was Wednesday's win over the Isles. Long Island native Chris Higgins scored his first road goal of the season. "Good old Long Island came through for me once again," he said.
Last Week: 1-3-0
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Lack of depth down the middle has affected one player in particular. Brian Rolston, who hasn't scored a goal in nine games (his longest stretch with the Wild), has just one assist in his last three games while playing center. The 12-year vet had just two helpers in six previous games.
Last Week: 1-2-0
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Read on for teams 11-20 ...
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