Note: All statistics and records are through Sunday.
| NHL Power Rankings |
| 21 |
27 |
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Someone has to win the Southeast, right? Every team in this division has glaring holes, but the Caps have more positives than the others -- including Alex Ovechkin. Another reason I like them is their play since Bruce Boudreau took over (15-7-4). They've proven to be a real test for the big boys, sweeping the season series from the Sens for the first time since 1995-96.
Last Week: 3-0-0 Early Prediction: 3rd in East
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| 22 |
19 |
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Though I put them in the playoffs, they are definitely one of the bigger disappointments. With the star power they possess, you'd figure no worse than the No. 6 seed. But Jaromir Jagr is on pace for just 23 goals, and Chris Drury for 20 after he potted 30 or more in the past two seasons. And after putting up mind-boggling numbers the first part of the season, Henrik Lundqvist is just 2-5-2 in his last nine starts.
Last Week: 1-2-1 Early Prediction: 8th in East
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| 23 |
21 |
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They had a hot stretch of four straight wins, but their playoff hopes were done in by an 11-14-1 mark over the first two months. The goaltending has left a lot to be desired. Mathieu Garon and Dwayne Roloson sport GAAs over 2.50. But Oilers fans can still look to the future in Robert Nilsson, Andrew Cogliano and Sam Gagner.
Last Week: 1-2-1 Early Prediction: 14th in West
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| 24 |
22 |
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They've dropped five of their last seven, bringing everyone back into the race for the Southeast crown. "It's gut-check time," Rod Brind'Amour said. "It's not easy when your confidence is a little shaken." They have the talent and the goaltending, but things just haven't gone right for this club since Justin Williams went down.
Last Week: 1-2-0 Early Prediction: 10th in East
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| 25 |
23 |
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The biggest reason they won't make the playoffs: lack of scoring from anyone other than Ilya Kovalchuk. While Marian Hossa says his contract status isn't affecting him, he isn't playing at nearly the same level as last season, when he scored 100 points. The other big problem area is goaltending, where Kari Lehtonen and Johan Hedberg have both been shaky.
Last Week: 1-2-1 Early Prediction: 11th in East
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| 26 |
24 |
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Their recent 10-game slide all but put them out of the playoff chase. The only way they make a miracle run is if their $50 million man comes up big. Thomas Vanek has just 13 goals -- two in his last 12 games. This after the 24-year-old turned in a 43-goal campaign last season before landing the blockbuster deal. It also looks as though Ryan Miller has taken a step back.
Last Week: 1-2-0 Early Prediction: 12th in East
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| 27 |
26 |
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With playoff hopes just about done, it's time to look to the future. Enter Shawn Matthias, their top prospect who was acquired from the Wings for Todd Bertuzzi. In just his second NHL game, the 19-year-old scored twice. Another interesting situation to watch is whether the team decides it's indeed out of the race and trades Olli Jokinen.
Last Week: 1-2-0 Early Prediction: 15th in East
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| 28 |
30 |
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As the Feb. 26 trade deadline nears, Leafs fans won't wonder where this team will be seeded. They'll wonder if the franchise will finally toss in the towel and deal Mats Sundin. Likely too late to help much, Bryan McCabe returned to skating Saturday and could be back within 2-3 weeks.
Last Week: 3-1-0 Early Prediction: 13th in East
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| 29 |
28 |
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Where was this effort from Johan Holmqvist earlier? With Saturday's 2-0 win over Ottawa, Holmer pocketed back-to-back shutouts for the first time this season. Considering how weak the Southeast is, there's always a bit of hope for all teams, but I'd give the Bolts and Panthers about a 5-10 percent chance. After all, only the division-winner will make the postseason.
Last Week: 2-1-0 Early Prediction: 14th in East
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| 30 |
29 |
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The 2007-08 season became a lost cause probably around the end of November. But if any team has reason for optimism, it's the Kings. The have a boatload of talented players and some who are just a year or two away from making their mark in the NHL. If the lottery goes accordingly, the Kings could snag the top pick.
Last Week: 2-1-0 Early Prediction: 15th in West
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