Note: All statistics and records are through Sunday.
| NHL Power Rankings |
| 21 |
21 |
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Call it a wake up call for 2008. Gilbert Brule, sent to the minors on New Year's Day, notched a
hat trick in his first game with Syracuse. It's a fairly safe bet that his stay will be short. The
Jackets, meanwhile, on Monday saw Rick Nash notch his first goal (hat trick) since Dec. 5.
Last Week: 2-2-0
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| 22 |
15 |
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When it comes to this franchise, it appears reeling is contagious. They have dropped six straight
for the first time since March 18-27, 2006, scoring just 10 goals during that span. But that's an onslaught compared to
their minor-league affiliate. Rochester was shut out for three straight games -- a scoreless skid that reached 252:09.
Last Week: 0-2-1
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| 23 |
22 |
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Two ways to nearly ensure a victory: make it a one-goal game and have Ilya Kovalchuk score. Atlanta is
an impressive 11-2 in one-goal games and 13-4 when Kovy scores. But this squad only gets into the playoffs if it
gets consistent production from Marian Hossa, who on Sunday notched his first multi-goal game since Nov. 16.
Last Week: 2-2-0
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| 24 |
18 |
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They've lost a season-high five straight. It would be tough for any team to stay untracked with seven
regulars out injured: Brent Sopel, James Wisniewski, Jonathan Toews, Jason Williams,
Kevyn Adams, Dave Bolland and Ben Eager. The going doesn't get any easier this week with
matchups against the Habs, Stars and Wild.
Last Week: 0-4-0
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| 25 |
24 |
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They haven't managed consecutive wins since Dec. 16-20, have failed to gain ground on the 'Canes in the
Southeast, and been blanked twice in a week. "Some players didn't pull their weight," coach Jacques
Martin told the Miami Herald after Saturday's 3-0 loss. Added Tomas Vokoun: "When you play like crap,
you feel like crap."
Last Week: 1-2-0
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| 26 |
26 |
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The 542nd and 543rd goals of Mats Sundin's career moved him past Stan Mikita into 25th on the all-time
regular-season list. One more and he'll tie Maurice Richard. It marked the 17th consecutive season that Sundin scored at least 20 goals. Just think how weird it'll look to see him in another jersey if he's dealt at the trade
deadline (Feb. 26).
Last Week: 1-2-0
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| 27 |
27 |
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They're 11-2 in shootouts, with a rookie leading the way. Sam Gagner is 5-for-12, with four
deciding goals -- just one shy of the NHL record. His heroics are impressive, but what is even more astonishing
is the fact Edmonton had just one (not a misprint) regulation win in the month of December (14 games).
Last Week: 2-2-0
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| 28 |
28 |
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They are playing solid hockey of late, winning three of their last four games, including consecutive wins over
the East-leading Sens. During those four games, the offense has surged, tallying five or more goals in three.
Last Week: 2-1-0
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| 29 |
29 |
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They've lost seven straight and 10 of their last 11. At least with the team struggling, good quotes are easy to come by. "That's the way it's going right now for us, but don't pity us," coach John Tortorella said. "We can't have any self-pity."
Last Week: 0-1-2
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| 30 |
30 |
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On the strength of five power-play goals, the Kings hammered the Hawks 9-2 for their biggest offensive output since Nov. 16, 1995, when they beat the Isles 9-2. Still, LA's 15 wins are its fewest after 43 games since it had 13 during the 1994-95 season.
Last Week: 1-2-0
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