NHL Power Rankings: Nobody Can Score on Jaroslav Halak, St. Louis Blues

Jaroslav Halak has proved to be a big pickup for the Blues, who have shut out four of their last seven opponents.

Sergei Bobrovsky has become the answer in net for Philly. Early signs indicate that the Flyers will not fall victim to the Stanley Cup hangover.

The Sharks are not happy about Joe Thornton's two-game suspension, but have played like Stanley Cup contenders recently.

Mark your calendars: Buffalo and New Jersey play on Wednesday to determine who is the worst team in the league.

1. St. Louis Blues

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BOSTON - NOVEMBER 06: Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins and Alex Pietrangelo #27 of the St. Louis Blues collide as Alexander Steen #20 of the Blues stands by on November 6, 2010 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

Last week: 4

Record: 9-1-2 (20 pts)

Stingy D has put the Blues on top of this week's power rankings. The team leads the league in goals against, allowing only 1.5 per contest.

During the team's seven-game win streak, St. Louis has shut out its opponent four times.

2. Los Angeles Kings

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LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 04: Steve Downie #9 of the Tampa Bay Lightning fights with Willie Mitchell #33 of the Los Angeles Kings during the third period at Staples Center on November 4, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Kings won 1-0. (Photo by Har

Last week: 2

Record: 10-3-0 (20 pts)

The Kings average three goals per game, but the real story is their defense, which has been solid.

They only allow two goals per game (third in NHL) and have killed penalties at a 90.7 percent rate (second).

LA has won six of its past seven games and is riding a four-game win streak. The Kings look like the team to beat in the Pacific right now.

3. Vancouver Canucks

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - OCTOBER 26: Jeff Tambellini #10 of the Vancouver Canucks is congratulated by Daniel Sedin #22 after scoring against the Colorado Avalanche during the first period in NHL action on October 26, 2010 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British

Last week: 18

Record: 8-3-2 (18 pts)

The 'Nucks are lethal on the power play. They have converted 29.4 percent of the time with an extra man, best in the league.

The team has won six straight, including a thriller in front of their home crowd against the powerful Wings.

This team is back.

4. Washington Capitals

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WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 03: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates a Capitals goal in the third period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Verizon Center on November 3, 2010 in Washington, DC. The Washington Captials won 5-4 in a shooto

Last week: 8

Record: 10-4-0 (20 pts)

As Tampa slips back to reality, the Caps jumped on the opportunity to get back to the top of the Southeast division.

The Capitals' second-most potent offense in the NHL has allowed them to string four straight wins together after losing in Minnesota.

5. Philadelphia Flyers

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 01: Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky #35 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates against the Carolina Hurricanes on November 1, 2010 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Flyers defeat the Hurricanes 3-2. (Photo by Mike S

Last week: 7

Record: 9-4-2 (20 pts)

Sergei Bobrovsky has emerged as the answer for the Flyers in net.

The team had won six straight with the Russian in net before losing to Washington in overtime.

6. Boston Bruins

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BUFFALO, NY - NOVEMBER 03: Tim Thomas #30 of the Boston Bruins tends net against the Buffalo Sabres at the HSBC Arena on November 3, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. The Bruins defeated the Sabres 5-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Last week: 9

Record: 7-3-1 (15 pts)

Boston has the league's best penalty kill, second best defense and is in the top 10 in goals per game and power-play percentage.

The Bruins have also lost two straight and face Pittsburgh and Montreal next week.

7. Detroit Red Wings

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DETROIT - OCTOBER 30: Niklas Kronwall #55 of the Detroit Red Wings defends in a game against the Nashville Predators on October 30,2010 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit , Michigan. The Wings defeated the Predators 5-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Ima

Last week: 5

Record: 8-3-1 (17 pts)

The Wings' offense is clicking, good enough for third in the league, but this veteran squad needs to crack down on defense.

They let Vancouver catch them from behind north of the border, snapping a three-game winning streak.

8. Tampa Bay Lightning

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 22: Vincent Lecavalier #4 of the Tampa Bay Lightning against the Atlanta Thrashers at Philips Arena on October 22, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Last week: 1

Record: 7-4-2 (16 pts)

The Bolts have slipped recently, dropping three of four against the Pacific Division.

Steven Stamkos continues to impress, but captain Vincent Lecavalier has not. He needs to show up every night for this team to compete with Washington for the division title.

9. Montreal Canadiens

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BUFFALO, NY - NOVEMBER 05: Michael Cammalleri #13 of the Montreal Canadiens gets off a shot against the Buffalo Sabres on November 5, 2010 at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Last week: 6

Record: 8-5-1 (17 pts)

This team cannot score, which will keep them from emerging as an elite force in the East.

Tomas Plekanec and Mike Cammalleri need do something with an extra man on the ice. The Habs have the league's worst power play.

10. Chicago Blackhawks

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CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 03: Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates to the puck against the New Jersey Devils at the United Center on November 3, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Devils defeated the Blackhawks 5-3. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty

Last week: 3

Record: 8-8-1 (17 pts)

The Hawks have the league's second-best power play, but are scoring less than three goals per game.

In the past four contests, Chicago has lost to the Rangers, Devils and Oilers, and had to enter a shootout to beat Atlanta.

That's a tough week for the defending champs.

11. Minnesota Wild

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EDMONTON, CANADA - OCTOBER 21: Niklas Backstrom #32 of the Minnesota Wild skates against the Edmonton Oilers on October 21, 2010 at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Dale MacMillan/Getty Images)

Last week: 21

Record: 7-4-2 (16 pts)

Minnesota has stepped its game up and, due to strong special teams and stingy defense, has become relevant in the Northwest Division.

With Atlanta, Florida and Anaheim due up in its next four contests, this team could separate itself from Colorado in a hurry, assuming it can score with even strength.

12. San Jose Sharks

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ST. LOUIS - NOVEMBER 4: Joe Thornton #19 of the San Jose Sharks questions the linesman's call during the game against the St. Louis Blues at the Scottrade Center on November 4, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Last week: 15

Record: 6-5-1 (13 pts)

Without suspended captain Joe Thornton, the Sharks were able to beat Tampa 5-2 in San Jose.

They were also shut out by both St. Louis and Minnesota away from the Bay Area.

13. Colorado Avalanche

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - OCTOBER 26: Chris Stewart #25 of the Colorado Avalanche looks to take a shot on net while Andrew Alberts #41 of the Vancouver Canucks tries to defend on the play during the second period in NHL action on October 26, 2010 at Rogers Aren

Last week: 11

Record: 7-5-1 (15 pts)

The Avs have the league's best offense, but are allowing more than three goals per game and have the second-worst penalty kill.

A 5-0 win over Dallas was convincing, but Colorado will have to play defense in order to go anywhere this year.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets

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COLUMBUS,OH - NOVEMBER 2: Goaltender Mathieu Garon #32 of the Columbus Blue Jackets makes one of his 29 saves during his 3-0 shutout of the Montreal Canadiens on November 2, 2010 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Image

Last week: 16

Record: 8-5-0 (16 pts)

This team is putrid offensively, but continues to win games by playing solid defense.

Mathieu Garon has played well in goal in place of Steve Mason. He had two straight shutouts before losing to Minnesota on Saturday.

15. Pittsburgh Penguins

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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 06: Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates with the puck during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on November 6, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Penguins defeated the Coyotes 4-3 in an overti

Last week: 12

Record: 7-7-1 (15 pts)

The Pens offense isn't where it needs to be and Evgeni Malkin really needs to step his game up.

He only has four goals in 14 games.

Games against Boston and Tampa Bay next week will give the team a good indication of where they are at this season.

16. Dallas Stars

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DALLAS - OCTOBER 28: Center Brad Richards #91 of the Dallas Stars celebrates a power play goal against the Los Angeles Kings on October 28, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Last week: 13

Record: 8-5-0 (16 pts)

Dallas can score, but needs to focus on defense.

They are giving up nearly three goals per game and have the third-worst penalty kill in the league.

Their 5-0 loss in Colorado was pretty shameful, overshadowing their impressive win over Pittsburgh earlier this week.

17. Ottawa Senators

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MONTREAL- NOVEMBER 6: Alexei Kovalev #27 of the Ottawa Senators celebrates his third period goal with teammates Chris Neil #25 and Peter Regin #13 during the NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on November 6, 2010 in Montreal, Queb

Last week: 27

Record: 7-6-1 (15 pts)

Ottawa has won three straight, but two wins have come against the lowly Leafs and Islanders.

Next week they will be able to prove themselves against Vancouver and in Boston.

18. New York Rangers

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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 01: (L-R) Brandon Dubinsky #17 and Ryan Callahan #24 of the New York Rangers celebrate Dubinsky's second goal of the game at 55 seconds of the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks at Madison Square Garden on November 1, 2010 in

Last week: 19

Record: 7-6-1 (15 pts)

Brandon Dubinsky is having a good season. His 10 goals are good enough for second in the league.

Unfortunately, this team appears to be spinning its wheels. Marian Gaborik's injury-induced absence is a major reason why.

19. Atlanta Thrashers

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 04: Goaltender Ondrej Pavelec #31 of the Atlanta Thrashers saves a shot on goal by the Columbus Blue Jackets at Philips Arena on November 4, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Last week: 14

Record: 6-5-3 (15 pts)

The Thrashers have to play better defense if they are going to go anywhere. They have allowed 3.5 goals per game.

However, they are sixth in goals per game and have the fifth-best power play.

Ondrej Pavelec is back as well, which should help the Thrashers keep the puck out of the net.

20. Anaheim Ducks

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ANAHEIM, CA - NOVEMBER 03: Goaltender Jonas Hiller #1 of the Ducks makes a save on a shot by Vincent Lecavalier #4 of the Tampa Bay Lightning as Paul Mara #23 of the Anaheim Ducks defends in the third period at the Honda Center on November 3, 2010 in Ana

Last week: 29

Record: 7-7-1 (15 pts)

The Ducks have made a little comeback.

Anaheim has won three straight against Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh and Nashville in the Pond.

They travel north to play San Jose on Tuesday in what will be a defining game early in the season.

21. Nashville Predators

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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 03: Shea Weber #6 of the Nashville Predators during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on November 3, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Predators 4-3. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Gett

Last week: 10

Record: 5-5-3 (13 pts)

Nashville has dropped five straight and has St. Louis and Chicago next week.

If they can take one of those games, it would do wonders for this young team's morale.

22. Carolina Hurricanes

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 01: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the Philadelphia Flyers on November 1, 2010 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Flyers defeat the Hurricanes 3-2. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Imag

Last week: 22

Record: 7-7-0 (14 pts)

Jeff Skinner is having a solid rookie season.

However, the 'Canes are going to need production from more players than just him and teammate Eric Staal if they are going to get back into the Eastern Conference race.

23. Calgary Flames

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COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 22: Derek Dorsett #15 of the Columbus Blue Jackets throws a punch while fighting with Jarome Iginla #12 of the Calgary Flames during the first period on October 22, 2010 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by John Griesh

Last week: 17

Record: 6-7-0 (12 pts)

The Flames are looking aged and washed up.

Rumors of the team moving captain Jarome Iginla will continue to swirl if this team cannot figure it out quickly.

24. Florida Panthers

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OTTAWA, ON - OCTOBER 28: Bryan McCabe #24 of the Florida Panthers celebrates his goal against the Ottawa Senators with teammates Stephen Weiss #9, David Booth #10 and Cory Stillman #61 at Scotiabank Place on October 28, 2010 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Last week: 24

Record: 5-7-0 (10 pts)

The Cats have the eighth-best goals per game average and the fourth-best penalty kill.

However, they cannot score on the power play and remain one of the league's most inconsistent teams.

25. Phoenix Coyotes

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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 06: Goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov #30 of the Phoenix Coyotes is introduced before the NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Jobing.com Arena on November 6, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Penguins defeated the Coyotes 4-3 in an

Last week: 26

Record: 4-5-4 (12 pts)

Ilya Bryzgalov continues to keep the Coyotes in games.

Unfortunately for him he's going to see a lot of work because the 'Yotes have been lit up in the past two contests he's spent sitting on the pine.

26. Toronto Maple Leafs

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TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 06: Clarke MacArthur #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Buffalo Sabres at the Air Canada Centre on November 6, 2010 in Toronto, Canada. The Sabres defeated the Maple Leafs 3-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Last week: 20

Record: 5-5-3 (13 pts)

Clarke MacArthur, not Phil Kessel, leads the Leafs in scoring and Dion Phaneuf remains on IR.

The Leafs have dropped five straight and eight of their last nine, their only win coming against Florida.

After a strong start, the Leafs have resorted to doing what they typically do: torturing their loyal fans.

27. Edmonton Oilers

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CHICAGO - OCTOBER 29: Ales Hemsky #83 of the Edmonton Oilers controls the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on October 29, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Oilers defeated the Blackhawks 7-4. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Last week: 25

Record: 4-6-2 (10 pts)

The Oilers have the league's worst PK, give up over three goals per game and do not have enough offense to make up for their poor D.

That's a recipe for disaster.

28. New York Islanders

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UNIONDALE, NY - OCTOBER 16: Matt Moulson #26 of the New York Islanders skates against Craig Anderson #41 of the Colorado Avalanche on October 16, 2010 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Last week: 23

Record: 4-8-2 (10 pts)

The Isles have the sixth-best power play, but cannot score on even strength and have the second-worst defense in the league.

As a result they have lost seven straight.

29. Buffalo Sabres

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 26: Ryan Miller #30 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 26, 2010 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Sabres 6-3. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Last week: 28

Record: 4-9-2 (10 pts)

The Sabres have yet to win in regulation since playing New Jersey on October 23.

The two teams will rematch on Wednesday to determine who is the worst team in the league.

Too bad injured goaltender Ryan Miller might miss out.

30. New Jersey Devils

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NEWARK, NJ - OCTOBER 23: Zach Parise #9 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the Buffalo Sabres on October 23, 2010 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Sabres defeated the Devils 6-1. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Last week: 30

Record: 4-10-1 (9 pts)

Ilya Kovalchuk isn't living up to his contract.

Zach Parise may bounce if this team continues to sit at the bottom of the league.

Times are tough in New Jersey.