NHL Weekly Fives From the Sports Mac: November 24, 2010

5 Stories Making News The Past Week

1.  The Coyotes are the hottest team in the league winning seven straight and moving to the top of the Pacific Division and 2^nd in the Western Conference.

2.  A tinge of sadness in Philadelphia as the Spectrum is demolished; the highlights for the Flyers were the back-to-back Stanley Cup teams in 1975 and 1976.

3.  Bruins F. Marc Savard, who has not played since March because of concussion symptoms is given clearance to return to practice and full contact workouts for Boston.

4.  The Wild claim left wing Patrick O’Sullivan after he was placed on waivers by the Carolina Hurricanes.

5.  The Ducks trade center Ryan Carter to the Hurricanes for a pair of minor league players.

Best 5 Teams Right Now

1.  Philadelphia Flyers (14-6-2, 30 points): They’ve risen to the top of the league behind a potent offense and solid goaltending from rookie Sergei Bobrovsky.

2.  Washington Captials (14-6-2, 30 points): The defending President Trophy winners are right back on the top of the league and have lost only once in regulation at home this season.

3.  Detroit Red Wings (13-3-2, 28 points): They’re one of the hottest teams in the league right now with eight wins in the last 10 to sit on top of the Western Conference.

4.  Montreal Canadiens (13-7-1, 27 points): The Northeast Division leaders are riding the hot goaltending of Carey Price over the last few weeks.

5.  Phoenix Coyotes (11-5-5, 27 points): They’re the hottest team in the league having won seven in a row to sit on top of the Pacific Division.

Worst 5 Teams Right Now

1.  New York Islanders (4-12-4, 12 points): So far, the coaching change hasn’t helped as they are 0-8-2 in their last 10 games.

2.  New Jersey Devils (6-13-2, 14 points): This is what a struggling team does not need; an injury to their best player in goaltender Martin Brodeur.

3.  Edmonton Oilers (5-11-4, 14 points): Defense has become a real issue for this squad as they are giving up more than four goals a game now.

4.  Calgary Flames (8-11-1, 17 points): The other team in Alberta isn’t faring much better as they’ve won just twice in their past 10 contests.

5.  Florida Panthers (9-10-0, 18 points): Their struggle with getting to .500 continues, but may improve since they’ve only played eight home games so far this year.

5 League Leaders To Keep Track Of

1.  Steven Stamkos, Lightning C: His breakout season continues as he is the first player to get to the 20 goal mark this year.

2.  Henrik Sedin, Canucks C: He continues to pace in the league in helpers as his 22 points this year is top right now.

3.  Rostislav Klesla, Blue Jackets D: He been one of the reasons for Columbus’ good run of play recently and he’s moved to the top of the league with a +17.

4.  Tim Thomas, Bruins G: He continues to be one of the best performers on the Boston roster as his .954 save percentage and 1.49 GAA lead everybody right now.

5.  Carey Price, Canadiens G: He’s been incredibly hot and is now tied for the most wins in the league with 12.

5 Games To Watch Over The Next Week

1.  Lightning at Capitals, Friday, 5:00 PM: The two best teams in the Southeast Division square off with two great scores in Stamkos and Ovechkin going head to head.

2.  Blackhawks at Kings, Saturday, 10:30 PM: The defending champs head to Los Angeles to face an up and coming young Kings squad.

3.  Blue Jackets at Red Wings, Sunday, 5:00 PM: Two teams who have gotten off to good starts meet in Detroit looking to improve on them.

4.  Penguins at Rangers, Monday, 7:00 PM: Crosby and the Penguins take their show to the Big Apple to clash with Lundqvist and the Rangers.

5.  Coyotes at Predators, Tuesday, 8:00 PM: The hottest team in the league goes to Nashville trying for a road triumph against the Preds.