NHL Power Rankings: Penguins, Flyers, Rangers Make Atlantic NHL's Best Division

Early in the season it was the Central. But currently the NHL's toughest division is the Atlantic.

The Capitals have lost six straight. Alex Ovechkin decided to take his anger out on Brandon Dubinsky.

Washington must get it together. Tampa Bay and Atlanta are ready to take the division if this team continues to lose.

The Thrashers and Predators continue to fly under the radar. Both are playing great hockey despite limited recognition.

Dallas has cooled off. After winning six straight, the Stars have dropped three of four.

Logan Couture leads all rookies in points (21) and goals (14), but San Jose continues to underachieve.

The Devils and Islanders are far and away the worst teams in the NHL.

1. Pittsburgh Penguins

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BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 11: Maxime Talbot #25, Arron Asham #45 and Kris Letang #58 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrate Asham's goal in the first period against the Buffalo Sabres at HSBC Arena on December 11, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick St

Last week: 1

Record: 21-8-2 (44 pts)

The Penguins continue to win. Their win over Buffalo on Saturday (5-2) made it 12 straight.

Pittsburgh needs to step up the power play (16.2 percent, 17th in NHL), but otherwise it is in the top five in offense, defense and penalty kill.

The Pens' last loss came against the Rangers on November 15. They host New York again on December 15 after playing across town at the Flyers on Versus on Tuesday.

2. Phildelphia Flyers

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UNIONDALE, NY - DECEMBER 05: Scott Hartnell #19 of the Philadelphia Flyers is tripped up as he attempts to reach a puck against Dwayne Roloson #30 of the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on December 5, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruc

Last week: 4

Record: 19-7-5 (43 pts)

The Flyers have a chance to curb Pittsburgh's win streak on national television on Tuesday.

In order to win, Philly needs to play better on special teams. The Flyers power play (17th in NHL) and penalty kill (11th in NHL) have hampered an otherwise outstanding team.

3. Detroit Red Wings

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NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 11: Pavel Datsyuk #13 of the Detroit Red Wings is congratulated by Tomas Holmstrom #96 on his goal at 10:26 of the third period against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on December 11, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. The Re

Last week: 2

Record: 19-6-3 (41 pts)

Outside of Pennsylvania, this is the best team in hockey.

The Wings have the league's best offense and are in the top 10 in defense and special teams.

Detroit is on Versus Monday with a game against the Kings. The Wings will try to avenge their OT loss in SoCal last month on national television.

4. New York Rangers

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NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 12: Ryan Callahan #24 of the New York Rangers celebrates his third period goal against the Washington Capitals with teammates Brandon Dubinsky #17 and Michael Sauer #38 on December 12, 2010 at Madison Square Garden in New York Cit

Last week: 10

Record: 18-13-1 (37 pts)

The Rangers have played well lately. They crushed the Capitals 7-0 at MSG and have taken advantage of having two weak teams in their division.

Next week they will be tested by Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

They will either show the NHL community they are for real or be exposed as a farce.

5. Montreal Canadiens

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MONTREAL- DECEMBER 4: Jaroslav Spacek #6 celebrates with Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens after defeating the San Jose Sharks during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on December 4, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Canadiens defeated the Sha

Last week: 5

Record: 18-10-2 (38 pts)

An embarrassing loss to Toronto aside, the Canadiens have continued to win using solid defense.

Next week is going to be trying for the Habs. Philly, Boston and Colorado all can crack the NHL's best defensive corps.

6. Vancouver Canucks

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BUFFALO, NY - NOVEMBER 15: Raffi Torres #13 and Christian Ehrhoff #5 of the Vancouver Canucks wait for a faceoff against the Buffalo Sabres at HSBC Arena on November 15, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. Buffalo won 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Get

Last week: 7

Record: 16-8-4 (36 pts)

Behind the NHL's best power play, the Canucks remain at the apex of the Northwest Division.

They have won four of six in December and face Columbus and Toronto next week before a three-game road trip.

7. Boston Bruins

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BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 02: Dennis Seidenberg #44 of the Boston Bruins is congratulated by teammates Michael Ryder #73 and Nathan Hornton #18 after Seidenberg scored a goal in the first period against the Tampa Bay Lightning on December 2, 2010 at the TD G

Last week: 8

Record: 16-8-4 (36 pts)

An OT loss against Philadelphia is tough to swallow, but the Bruins are finally playing to their potential.

Next week they face division rivals in Buffalo and Montreal before taking on the reeling Capitals in the Garden.

8. Dallas Stars

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 11: Scottie Upshall #8 of the Phoenix Coyotes is tripped up as he battles for the puck with Stephane Robidas #3 and James Neal #18 of the Dallas Stars during the NHL game at Jobing.com Arena on December 11, 2010 in Glendale, Arizo

Last week: 6

Record: 17-10-2 (36 pts)

After winning six straight, the Stars have cooled off.

They've dropped three of four, including a blowout in Glendale.

Their spot atop the Pacific is in jeopardy if they cannot find some consistency.

9. Washington Capitals

Last week: 3

Record: 18-11-3 (39 pts)

The Capitals got trounced in New York, 7-0. Alex Ovechkin took his anger out on Brandon Dubinsky.

This team needs to get back on track in a hurry. They've lost six straight and Atlanta and Tampa Bay are playing well.

10. Tampa Bay Lightning

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - DECEMBER 11: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning is congratulated by teammates after scoring against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period in NHL action on December 11, 2010 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Last week: 9

Record: 16-10-4 (36 pts)

Tampa Bay and Atlanta continue to vie for second place in the Southeast Division. Both teams could take first if Washington continues to lose.

The Lightning have the sixth-best offense and second-best power play in the league, but will not go anywhere until their NHL-worst defense improves.

The Bolts are the only top 10 team with a negative point differential.

11. Atlanta Thrashers

Last week: 12

Record: 16-11-3 (35 pts)

The Thrashers may not get much attention in Georgia or elsewhere in the league, but they are beginning to demand attention.

Regardless if you want to see offense (sixth in NHL), power-play prowess (fourth in NHL) or crazy celebrations (see video), this team has given fans around the NHL community a reason to Believe in Blueland.

12. Chicago Blackhawks

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 08: Bryan Bickell #29 of the Chicago Blackhawks is congratulated by teammate Dave Bolland #36 after scoring a first period goal against the Dallas Stars at the United Center on December 8, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonath

Last week: 11

Record: 16-12-3 (35 pts)

The Hawks have it clicking on the power play (third in NHL), but need to play better defense in order to challenge Detroit for the Central Division title.

Chicago has to play a home-and-home against Colorado next week before it gets to go head-to-head with the Wings.

13. Nashville Predators

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 11: Ryan Suter #20, Sergei Kostitsyn #74, and Martin Erat #10 of the Nashville Predators leave the ice after a goal by Suter against the Florida Panthers on December 11, 2010 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Ph

Last week: 15

Record: 14-8-6 (34 pts)

The Predators are a poor man's Canadiens.

They have been playing solid defense (sixth in NHL) and are killing penalties (fourth in NHL), but have not won consistently.

Nashville has yet to lose in regulation in December and won in Detroit last week. If they keep it up, they will return to the form they were in early in the year.

14. Colorado Avalanche

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - NOVEMBER 24: Matt Duchene #9 of the Colorado Avalanche skates with the puck during the pre-game skate prior to NHL action against the Vancouver Canucks on November 24, 2010 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Phot

Last week: 16

Record: 15-10-4 (34 pts)

The young Avs have the second-best offense in the league and a solid power play (fifth in NHL), but, like the Lightning, need to play better defense in order to win consistently.

Colorado has won two straight after dropping four in a row. A home-and-home against Chicago next week will give this team an idea of where it is at.

15. Phoenix Coyotes

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Ray Whitney #13 of the Phoenix Coyotes leaves the ice from warm ups to the NHL game against the Florida Panthers at Jobing.com Arena on December 4, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Panthers defeated the Coyotes 2-1 in an overti

Last week: 13

Record: 14-8-6 (34 pts)

Ray Whitney has been an astute pickup for the 'Yotes. He leads the team in points and assists.

Behind his efforts, Phoenix has won three of five in December, including a big 5-2 blowout over Dallas.

16. Anaheim Ducks

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

ANAHEIM, CA - DECEMBER 10: (L-R) Corey Perry #10 of the Anaheim Ducks jumps to deflect the puck as goaltender Henrik Karlsson #35 of the Calgary Flames defends his net in the third period at the Honda Center on December 10, 2010 in Anaheim, California.

Last week: 20

Record: 15-13-4 (34 pts)

After blowing out Minnesota 6-2, the Ducks currently share the Pacific Division lead with the Stars.

Time will tell if this team will be able to continue to win despite being at the bottom of the league in offense, defense and penalty kill.

17. San Jose Sharks

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 17: Logan Couture #39 of the San Jose Sharks prepares for a face off against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on November 17, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Last week: 17

Record: 15-10-4 (34 pts)

The Sharks are going through a tough stretch.

After playing five away from the Tank, they beat Chicago in NorCal and play Dallas Monday before leaving for another three games.

However, with the exception of a 6-3 hiccup against Buffalo, San Jose has weathered the storm.

Logan Couture has been solid. He's leading all rookies in points (21) and goals (14).

18. Los Angeles Kings

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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 02: Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings shoots the puck in the slot against the Florida Panthers during the game at the Staples Center on December 2, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Last week: 14

Record: 16-10-1 (33 pts)

Like the Sharks, the Kings are underachieving. Nobody expected this team to struggle on offense (19th in NHL).

After winning three straight, they lost to stagnant Minnesota. A win in Detroit on national television on Monday could jump-start this team.

19. St. Louis Blues

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NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 24: Brad Boyes #22, Andy McDonald #10, and David Backes #42 of the St. Louis Blues celebrate a goal against the Nashville Predators on November 24, 2010 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breed

Last week: 18

Record: 14-9-5 (33 pts)

The Blues have struggled offensively (23rd in NHL) and with inconsistent special teams, and continues to spin their wheels in the Central.

St. Louis has a tough schedule ahead. Next week it plays in Detroit before contests against San Jose and Los Angeles.

20. Columbus Blue Jackets

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COLUMBUS,OH - DECEMBER 11: Rick Nash #61 of the Columbus Blue Jackets beats goaltender Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers for his second goal of the game during the third period on December 11, 2010 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Colum

Last week: 19

Record: 16-11-1 (33 pts)

The Jackets are a large question mark.

In the last five games, Columbus has wins over Dallas and New York, but has also been blown out three times.

21. Carolina Hurricanes

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RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 29: Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the Dallas Stars at the RBC Center on November 29, 2010 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Stars defeated the Hurricanes 4-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Last week: 22

Record: 12-12-4 (28 pts)

The 'Canes are currently 1-2 on their road trip, with two contests being decided in a shootout.

They will travel to Florida and Atlanta, two division rivals, before facing Anaheim at home.

Cam Ward has played well. He's marked a 97-percent save percentage in three of his last four games.

22. Buffalo Sabres

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 09: Paul Gaustad #28, Tyler Myers #57 and Cody McCormick #8 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrate McCormick's goal in the first period against the San Jose Sharks at HSBC Arena on December 9, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick St

Last week: 24

Record: 12-14-4 (28 pts)

Buffalo is steadily improving, but after a big win in San Jose (6-3), they were routed by Pittsburgh (5-2).

The Sabres face Boston next week before traveling to the Sunshine State to face the Lightning and Panthers.

23. Minnesota Wild

Harry How/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 11: Jonathan Quick #32 of the Los Angeles Kings makes a save on Martin Havlat #24 of the Minnesota Wild as Matt Greene #2 and Andrew Brunette #15 look for a rebound during the third period at the Staples Center on December 11,

Last week: 21

Record: 13-12-4 (30 pts)

The Wild finished a Pacific Division road trip 2-2. That sounds impressive...but they finished the trip by losing to Anaheim 6-2.

With a game against Ottawa and then a home-and-home with Calgary next week, Minnesota has a chance to get back on track.

24. Ottawa Senators

Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images

OTTAWA, ON - DECEMBER 02: Antti Niemi #31 of the San Jose Sharks makes a glove save with Alex Kovalev #27 of the Ottawa Senators swats at the puck in a game at Scotiabank Place on December 2, 2010 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Phillip MacCallum/

Last week: 25

Record: 13-16-2 (28 pts)

The Senators are developing rancor among their fans with their poor play.

A win over New Jersey on Friday was far from impressive, but it might settle the blood pressure of the Ottawa faithful.

25. Edmonton Oilers

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 23: Ryan Whitney #6 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up before the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on November 23, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Oilers 5-0. (Photo by Christian Petersen

Last week: 23

Record: 11-13-5 (27 pts)

When Ryan Whitney, a defenseman without a goal, leads a team in points, fans know that team cannot score.

Thankfully for the Edmonton faithful, rookie phenom Taylor Hall leads the team in goals with 10.

26. Calgary Flames

Dylan Lynch/Getty Images

EDMONTON, AB - NOVEMBER 29: Miikka Kiprusoff #34 of the Calgary Flames lifts his mask during a stoppage against the Minnesota Wild at Scotiabank Saddledome on November 29, 2010 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Flames beat the Wild 3-0. (Photo by Dylan L

Last week: 26

Record: 12-15-3 (27 pts)

The Flames have lost two straight after an impressive win over Tampa.

Calgary will face Columbus and Toronto before a home-and-home with Minnesota next week.

27. Florida Panthers

Greg Fiume/Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 09: Tomas Vokoun #29 of the Florida Panthers is congratulated by teammates after a 3-0 victory over the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center on December 9, 2010 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Last week: 27

Record: 13-15-0 (26 pts)

After winning three straight, including a 3-0 stomping over the Caps, Florida was blanked by Nashville.

The Cats face Carolina and Buffalo, two mediocre teams, in South Florida next week.

28. Toronto Maple Leafs

Greg Fiume/Getty Images

WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 06: Clarke MacArthur #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates with teammates after scoring in the third period against the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center on December 6, 2010 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty

Last week: 28

Record: 11-14-4 (26 pts)

There are three certainties in life: death, taxes and that the Leafs will underachieve.

At least this team makes the Islanders and Devils look good.

29. New Jersey Devils

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 02: Ilya Kovalchuk #17 of the New Jersey Devils skates during a hockey game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Prudential Center on December 2, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Last week: 29

Record: 8-19-2 (18 pts)

While the rest of the Atlantic Division tears up the NHL, the Devils and Islanders look like they belong in the AHL.

For the record: Since signing his blockbuster deal, Ilya Kovalchuk has five goals and is minus-18.

30. New York Islanders

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UNIONDALE, NY - DECEMBER 11: Rick DiPietro #39 of the New York Islanders looks on during a time out late in the game agianst the Atlanta Thrashers on December 11, 2010 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. The Thrashers defeated the Isles 5-4. (Phot

Last week: 30

Record: 5-17-5 (15 pts)

This team has yet to win/earn a point in December...