Extra MustardSI On CampusFantasyPhoto GalleriesSwimsuitVideoFanNationSI KidsTNT

Pacific power

Sharks, Stars, Ducks in the top three; Bruins fall hard

Posted: Tuesday March 11, 2008 10:37AM; Updated: Wednesday March 12, 2008 9:39AM
Print ThisE-mail ThisFree E-mail AlertsSave ThisMost PopularRSS Aggregators

BIGGEST CLIMB: Colorado (14 to 9)
BIGGEST FALL: Boston (8 to 14)

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

NHL Power Rankings
Rank LW Team
1 5
San Jose Sharks (40-21-8)
Is that John Williams' theme from Jaws in the background? The Sharks have been biting everyone -- franchise-record nine straight wins -- while climbing to the No. 4 seed in the West and within one point of the Stars for the Pacific lead. "A little bit of confidence, it goes a long way," coach Ron Wilson said. It also helps when captain Patrick Marleau picks up his play (seven points during the streak).
Last Week: 4-0-0
2 1
Dallas Stars (42-25-5)
Maybe holding the top spot in the Rankings was too much for the Stars, who managed an abysmal three goals during a three-game slide before bouncing back. In Sunday's solid victory over Colorado, Marty Turco earned his 33rd career shutout and notched 30 wins for the fifth consecutive season -- second only to Marty Brodeur (12) among active goalies.
Last Week: 1-2-0
3 2
Anaheim Ducks (39-25-7)
Just when they hit a bump in the road with back-to-back shutout losses, they found the right mix to get rolling again. Playing their first game without top goal-scorer Corey Perry, coach Randy Carlyle formed a new line (Chris Kunitz-Ryan Getzlaf-Teemu Selanne) that produced the game-winning goal against the tough Canadiens.
Last Week: 2-2-0
4 4 Never underestimate the value of a good, steady blueliner. Playing his first game after missing six straight with a knee injury, all-world backend Nicklas Lidstrom had two assists as the Wings edged the Preds 4-3 -- their third straight win. Detroit had gone 2-3-1 sans Saint Nick. "He's just that calming influence, and he makes all the right plays," said fellow blueliner Brad Stuart.
Last Week: 2-0-0
5 6 They've won three straight, but there's reason for concern. The offense isn't clicking -- just 10 goals in the past six games. In fact, the Devils have lit the lamp more than twice in a game only once since Feb. 23. Their drought would be even more mystifying if not for Zach Parise. The 23-year-old winger's five goals in three games put him one away from his career high of 31 set last season.
Last Week: 3-0-0
6 3 It's tough to find much fault with a team that has won five of its last seven, but that's what I'm here for. If the Habs hope to carry some serious momentum into the playoffs, they need to tighten up their defense. They were outshot 152-95 on their recent four-game road trip and were also whistled for 24 penalties. I still like this team's chances, but if the defense doesn't shape up, it'll mean a first-round exit.
Last Week: 2-2-0
7 10 In case you haven't been paying attention, they've won nine of their last 12 and earned points in 17 of their past 20. The biggest reason? Henrik Lundqvist, who has surrendered more than three goals just once in his previous 10 starts to lower his GAA to 2.31. If he keeps this up, he could surpass last season's career-high of 37 wins. "That's the Hank we know," said Scott Gomez.
Last Week: 2-0-1
8 7 Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin, believe it or not, is a hugely one-sided rivalry. The Pens are 10-1 against the Caps when both stars played. Sunday was no exception, with Sid the Kid's two goals helping Pittsburgh pull out a hard-earned 4-2 win despite A.O.'s two helpers. Just think how good this team will be when it gets healthy (e.g. Marian Hossa).
Last Week: 2-1-0
9 14 OK, Avs fans -- let's all say it together: Here we go again. That was probably the sentiment among Colorado followers after Peter Forsberg's latest injury, a groin pull that has the Avs uncertain when he might return. And what makes the news even worse, if possible, is that it comes when they are playing some of their best hockey of the season.
Last Week: 3-1-0
10 9
Ottawa Senators (38-25-7)
They've gone winless in six of their last eight and been shut out three times. The offense? Despite leading the NHL with 220 goals, Ottawa scored more than two in a game just twice during that span. But at least one thing has gotten straightened out: Martin Gerber appears to be the No. 1 goalie, starting five straight.
Last Week: 1-2-1

Read on for teams 11-20 ...

Continue
1 of 3

Search