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.

11. Buffalo Sabres (49 pts, 22-17-5)

This is a good team, but they are stuck at a point, six points from the next spot in the standings, that they could continue to play well throughout the rest of the season and never get higher than seventh, where they are now.

Big game tonight against the Hurricanes in Buffalo. I'll tell you one thing: I'll be tuning in.

12. Anaheim Ducks (49 pts, 22-19-5)

While the rest of the team is caught in a chess match for fifth in the conference, there is another tight race going on at the goaltender position. I'm just waiting for one of them to get hot, and quickly.

Standings-wise, this team can move from tied for fifth to 13th in six points. To move up, they need to gain seven points to move a single spot. The Ducks have too much to lose, too little to gain.

13. Phoenix Coyotes (49 pts, 22-18-5)

Gretzky has gotten a young team that isn't as good as some teams below them into playoff contention. Actually, more than playoff contention. All hats off to The Great. This is a team that opponents suddenly need to worry about.

14. Vancouver Canucks (49 pts, 22-19-5)

15. Minnesota Wild (47 pts, 22-18-3)

16. Carolina Hurricanes (47 pts, 21-19-5)

They've lost four straight games, but they can move up three spots in one game tonight against the Sabres. They did show some life in a comeback last Thursday night versus Toronto after trailing 4-0, but fell short, 6-4. This is a team that needs something to mix them up. Believe me, they're going to be very active around the trade deadline.

17. Florida Panthers (47 pts, 20-16-7)

18. Pittsburgh Penguins (47 pts, 22-20-4)

The team is a mess, and it's not going to get any better with today's trade. The transaction definitely benefited Edmonton, and I believe that Pittsburgh just got too desperate. They need a playing level boost, too, but I'm not sure where they're going to get it.

19. Edmonton Oilers (47 pts, 22-19-3)

The Oilers pulled off robbery in the trade with the Penguins today. Now they finally have some stability at goaltender, and they might be able to stabilize themselves in the Western Conference standings.

20. Columbus Blue Jackets (46 pts, 21-19-4)

Steve Mason is doing a great job keeping this team in contention. 7-3 in their last 10 games, 13-7-1 at home. The away record of 8-12-3 does need some help, though, if this team wants to make an impression for once.

21. Colorado Avalanche (45 pts, 22-22-1)

The Avalanche need something to spark their talent. Big trade deadline deal possibility, anyone?

22. Dallas Stars (45 pts, 19-17-7)

23. Nashville Predators (43 pts, 20-21-3)

The Predators are currently at the dreadful 13th position, but they're six points away from fifth. I've never seen a set of standings so close after so many games. Don't get down, Nashville fans. A little hot streak and you're in a playoff spot.

24. Toronto Maple Leafs (41 pts, 17-21-7)

A straight win-loss record of 17-28 isn't getting it done. The Maple Leafs are the latest definition of inconsistency, and Toronto can't be pleased with their team's play. Something needs to happen quickly in Toronto.

25. Los Angeles Kings (41 pts, 17-20-7)

26. Ottawa Senators (36 pts, 15-21-6)

They have not been consistent at all. One good thing for Senators fans: They've played the fewest games in the league, at 42. If they could just pick up a couple wins in those extra games!

27. Tampa Bay Lightning (38 pts, 14-20-10)

Talking of straight win-loss records, Tampa Bay's is 14-30. Hmm. I think Kevin Rudolf and Lil' Wayne will have their hands full putting some life back into the Lightning. (In case anyone hasn't noticed, the NHL has just announced that Rudolf will sing 'Let it Rock' at a Lightning game next Saturday.)

28. Atlanta Thrashers (35 pts, 15-25-5)

29. St. Louis Blues (37 pts, 17-23-3)

30. New York Islanders (28 pts, 12-28-4)

Don't be so harsh on the Islanders. They are just 12-28-4, 2-7-1 in their last 10 games, and just seven points away from 14th in the conference! C'mon guys, give them a break! Haha. This team is a joke. And they call this the NHL?!