NHL Power Rankings: January 17th Edition

Mark Jones' NHL Weekly Power Rankings: January 17th Edition

The top 10 teams all have extra analysis, plus any others I have anything to comment on.

1. Boston Bruins (70 pts, 33-7-4)

They're 8-2 in their last 10. Normally anyone would love that, but maybe not for the Bruins. However, nothing to take away from this team if they continue to play like that. They have a real possibility of faltering down the stretch, but when you lose just seven out of 44 games in regulation I'm not sure if there is any question about your ranking.

2. Detroit Red Wings (68 pts, 31-7-6)

They're mighty close to the Sharks after not losing in regulation in their last 10 games (they're 8-0-2). They've also overtaken San Jose in my power rankings. A loss or two put together could mean a missed opportunity to catch the Sharks (they're within one point now) and a reunion with the third spot.

3. San Jose Sharks (69 pts, 31-6-5)

The big lead on the conference is now just a slim point, after going 6-2-2 to the Red Wings' 8-0-2 in the last 10 games. But 21-1-2 at home leaves nothing to be regretted, and if they keep it up this team will be serious Cup contenders. For now, though, they'll just continue to battle it out with Detroit.

4. Calgary Flames (58 pts, 27-12-4)

9-1-0 in their last 10 isn't bad. In fact, it's great. This team is really coming on strong lately, despite the fact they have 10 points to make up to move up another spot in the standings. If they could just play all their games like their 16-4-3 home record!

5. Washington Capitals (59 pts, 28-14-3)

I was about to mention that this team hasn't gotten much better recently. Now I see why. There is nowhere to improve! This team is great now, and is on the verge of becoming a dynasty for years to come. The 18-3-1 home record is amazing, too!

6. Montreal Canadiens (58 pts, 26-11-6)

They've only played 43 games, and they're 8-2 in their last 10. Quite a stretch by the Canadiens. Latendresse is becoming a really underrated star and the Canadiens continue to produce win after win. By the way, Carey Price is still incredible.

7. New Jersey Devils (55 pts, 26-15-3)

The Devils have played a whole lot of games recently, and have been a mediocre-yet-acceptable 6-4. However, if they continue to play at this rate, this could be a very dangerous Devils team heading to the postseason.

8. New York Rangers (58 pts, 27-15-4)

I kept thinking, The Rangers are going to dive down the standings anytime. The Rangers are so overrated. Well, apparently they're not. Even now that most of the other teams have caught up to them in games played, they haven't fallen. Not one bit. But New York and Henrik Lundqvist do have their hands full with the Flyers, and 5-3-2 in their last 10 isn't going to work well, either.

9. Chicago Blackhawks (56 pts, 24-10-8)

This team hasn't played many games, which is a good thing for them. They've continued to hold the fourth spot for a while now, and in several years, when their talented youth matures, they could have a real elite squad on their hands. But for now, they need to think about the present. One thing that worries me about this record is the eight OT losses. That makes their point total seem higher than it should be.

10. Philadelphia Flyers (57 pts, 24-12-9)

5-2-3 in their last 10 isn't what they wanted, but they have moved to within one point of the division lead. Once again, I'm not convinced they are as good as they look because of their excessive overtime losses. Philadelphia is 14-5-3 at home, a good stat as it comes down to April and beyond.

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