BIGGEST CLIMB: Nashville (17 to 13), N.J. (20 to 16), Toronto (27 to 23)
BIGGEST FALL: Columbus (14 to 18), Calgary (24 to 28)
Note: All statistics and records are through Sunday.
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It took a few seasons, but it appears Pavel Datsyuk has finally realized that shooting the puck is a good thing; his shots have gone up every year since he joined the NHL in 2001, and his 96 shots this season are nearly halfway to last year's 207. He certainly has Detroit on a roll, but don't get too cocky, Wings fans. This week could be tough: Montreal, Minnesota and Carolina.
Last Week: 3-0-0
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This can't be the same team that raced out to a 15-2 start. The Sens have dropped six straight, their longest slide since losing seven consecutive from Feb. 22-March 9, 1996. The schedule-makers certainly haven't made it any easier going forward. Ottawa plays seven of its next eight away from Scotiabank Place.
Last Week: 0-2-1
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Henrik Lundqvist continues to amaze. Oh wait. That was my sentiment in the previous Power Rankings. It's tough to talk about the Rangers and not mention King Henrik, but I'll try. Saturday's 5-2 victory over the Senators may have been the Blueshirts' most impressive tally this season. It was also just their second win in their last 10 trips to Ottawa.
Last Week: 2-0-0
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Most people outside the state of Missouri probably can't believe what they see: the Blues in the top 5. Well, get over it. They are for real. St. Louis has solid goaltending in Manny Legace (11-6-1, 2.22 GAA), a proven playmaker with Paul Kariya (25 points) and an emgering star in Brad Boyes (15 goals). The 2nd-ranked PK doesn't hurt, either.
Last Week: 2-0-1
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Their last two wins have come against division leaders (Carolina and Ottawa), but sandwiched in between were losses at home. Nothing new. Philly has dropped five straight in the unfriendly confines of Wachovia Center. If this team wants to capture the Atlantic, they have to win at home.
Last Week: 1-2-0
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Nope. I'm not ready to bail yet, but with just one win in their last four games (including an ugly 8-1 setback against Buffalo), the 'Canes are in the midst of their worst stretch this season. The good news: they play in the NHL's weakest division. Hey, Erik Staal, how 'bout a multipoint game?
Last Week: 1-2-0
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They had a pair of impressive wins last week. On Monday, they recorded their first over the Islanders since March 23, 2001 (1-5-1). On Saturday night, they broke an 0-2-6 winless run in Philly that dates to 1993. Of course, in between came two somewhat ugly losses to the Devils and Penguins.
Last Week: 2-2-0
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Don't look now, but they've won four straight -- their longest streak since opening the season with five. Why the recent surge? Marian Gaborik and Pavol Demitra. Both are back from injuries and producing at a healthy clip, combining for two goals and four points in their last three games.
Last Week: 3-0-0
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Before Sunday's loss to the Wild, they had won three straight. Let me clarify: Roberto Luongo won three straight -- with three consecutive shutouts that set personal and franchise records. Bobby Lu's impressive run helped Vancouver finish the month on a 9-1-2 run that put them just two points behind Minny in the Northwest.
Last Week: 2-1-0
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Only three things are certain: death, taxes and feedback from Isles fans. Good or bad week, I can count on them to fill my inbox. I'm not complaining. But even diehards have to agree that last week was a tough one for the Isles, who knocked off the Sens but fell to the rival Rangers and were blasted 4-0 by the Thrashers.
Last Week: 1-2-1
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Read on for teams 11-20 ...
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