NHL Power Rankings: Week Ending Jan. 22, 2010

With so many of the teams, particularly at the top of the NHL point totals, struggling through brutal road swings, not to mention the compressed (pre-Olympic) schedule, this week's Power Rankings truly separate the stout from the struggling.

With that, here are the power rankings for the week ending on Jan. 22, 2010:

1. Chicago

In the midst of their brutal eight-game road swing, which included a puzzling 4-1 loss to the Sens.

With the Northwest Canada portion of their swing starting tonight, and a game in the Shark Tank, we will see what's left in their tank come the end of January.

2. San Jose

Not ranking the Sharks above the 'Hawks was a tough call, as the Sharks are on a roll.

The Sharks have a nice little five-game homestand—all against formidable foes, including Chicago—which will go a long way towards determining their positioning before the Olympic break.

3. Washington

Winners of seven of their last eight games, the Caps are really starting to light the lamp; however, the prospect of going with their current tandem of Theodore and Neuvirth will not take them deep into the playoffs, in spite of what Ovie does.

4. Buffalo

The Sabres have flatten out, a bit; they, too, are in the midst of a brutal (seven-game) road trip. Their task gets even tougher during the remaining three road games against the Kings, Sharks, and Canucks.

The good news is the Sabres are scoring goals, finally giving Ryan Miller some goal-scoring support.

5. New Jersey

The Devils have struggled recently, losing three in a row before their 2-0 victory against the Panthers.

But, scoring just 11 goals in their past seven games—Louie and Lemaire hockey, aside—is a concern.

6. Pittsburgh

The Pens are playing a bit better; at least they're not losing to teams they appear to be much better than. Of great concern is the status of Marc-Andre Fleury, who is out with a finger injury.

7. Colorado

Memo to the rest of the NHL: This team is not a fluke.

While it won't happen, Craig Anderson's play is worthy of MVP consideration. Kudos to the organization for ditching that retro philosophy and going with a philosophy based on youth, speed and skill.

It's not called the "new NHL" for nothing.

8. Nashville

The 'Preds swept the Northwest Canadian teams this past week. Then, at home, they lose to the struggling Leafs—that has to be fatigue.

Finishing off a four-game road swing will go a long way towards solidifying that coveted home-ice advantage come playoff time.

9. Vancouver

The good news? The 'Nucks have won two games in a row, and play four straight home games starting tonight.

The bad news?  After that, a 14-game road death march begins.

10. Phoenix

The 'Yotes had two impressive wins again the Devils and Wild before getting smashed by the Sabres.

As with so many teams, the 'Yotes have some tough road stretches upcoming.

11. Los Angeles

Beating the Bruins and Ducks helped their slide, a bit. But tough games ahead against the Sabres and Wings will determine if they've righted the ship—getting drummed by the Sharks certainly didn't ease any concerns by the faithful.

12. Calgary

The Flames are flaming out—pardon the pun. Getting drilled by the Sharks 9-1 and going 0-4-1 in their past five games has their ardent fans in panic mode.

13. Anaheim

Winners of seven of their last eight games, the Ducks are keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Now that Jonas Hiller appears to be their No. 1 netminder, could J.S. Giguere be dealt to bolster a playoff push?

14. Detroit

The Wings have lost four of their last five games, including an embarrassing 6-1 loss to the NY Islanders, while being out shot, 31-16.

Forget losing five players for the season—the rest of the squad resembles a M.A.S.H unit, also. This team may be on the outside looking in come playoff time.

15. Ottawa

Winners of four straight, the 'Sens roller-coaster season continues. Brodeur (that's Mike, not Martin) and Elliot have stepped up in the wake of another Pascal LeClaire injury to provide Ottawa with stellar goaltending.

16. New York Rangers

After a disappointing three-game losing streak, the Rangers are wrought with more of the same: lack of goal scoring, the Broadway Blueshirts rebounded by smashing the Habs (6-2) and the Lightning (8-2).

17. New York Islanders

If the season ended, today, no, the Isles wouldn't make the playoffs. But, after having their four-game winning streak snapped by the Penguins, losing to the Isles is no longer embarrassing.

In fact, it's not a surprise at all.

18. Boston

It's official: The Bruins are having a winter classic hangover, as they've lost five of their last six games. Injuries have put the team in a precarious position to make the playoffs, something unthinkable for the Eastern Conference points leader last season.

19. Philadelphia

Recovered from being soundly beaten in their past two games by defeating the Blue Jackets, 5-3. Well, maybe that's not really a recovery.

Getting Ray Emery back, so long as he's fully recovered, should help their quest for the playoffs.

20. Dallas

The Stars have won their last two games; however, they were both at home. So long as they fail to win on the road (they've lost seven straight on the road) this team will be headed straight to the draft lottery.

21. St. Louis

Winners of five of their last six games, the Blues are playing much better. But are they good enough to repeat last season's improbable run towards the playoffs?

22. Minnesota

Like the Stars, for any chance at the playoffs, the Wild have to find a way to improve their road fortunes.

However, with eight of their next 11 games at home, the Wild can make a run at the playoffs.

23. Atlanta

Well, at least they haven't been pummeled lately.

The Thrash have been much more competitive in their last five games. So long as the Ilya Kovalchuck saga continues, Atlanta will once again not be in the running for the playoffs.

24. Florida

The Panthers' three-game winning streak came to an end against the Devils; however, Tomas Vokoun's gaudy .952 save percentage has kept their playoff dreams alive.

25. Montreal

The NHL's greatest dynasty is merely a mediocre .500 team.

When Cary Price is your most physical player, you have serious problems. This team is a prime candidate for a complete rebuild: see the Colorado Avalanche.

26. Tampa Bay

While Mike Smith may not be the answer, Antero Nittymaki (.793 save percentage in the past three games in relief of Smith) isn't exactly stating a case for taking over as the starting netminder.

27. Columbus

Well, they've opened up their game recently; the problem is, their opponents have opened up their offense quite a bit more.

It looks like they'll be back to being sellers at the trade deadline.

28. Carolina

A three-game losing streak immediately followed a three-game winning streak. They, like the Blue Jackets, have opened up their offense.

Much like Columbus, what do they have to lose at this point?

29. Toronto

Wasn't Brian Burke supposed to be the savior of the Leafs?  Sure, they were sub-mediocre the prior four seasons, but possessing the third worst record in the NHL isn't exactly a return to glory.

30. Edmonton

Losers of 16 of their last 17 games, the Oilers would stand a far better chance at winning if their legendary 1980s players took the ice (many years removed from playing) rather than this inept group.