NHL Power Rankings: Colorado Heats Up and Philadelphia Continues to Roll

Nicklas Lidstrom hit another career milestone. He recorded his first career hat trick against St. Louis on Wednesday... at age 40.

The young Avs have won six and show no signs of slowing down. They defeated the defensively-savvy Canadiens in Denver to cap the streak.

Newly-acquired Tomas Fleischmann is a major reason for that. He had a hat trick against Chicago on Wednesday.

The Capitals won in Ottawa to snap their eight-game losing streak and reclaim their spot atop the Southeast Division.

The Kings are back. They rolled Central-division stalwarts Detroit and Nashville last week.

The Hurricanes are far from 2006 form, but they've won four-straight and might have something going.

Drew Stafford was able to produce a trick against the Bruins, but the Sabres have a long way to go before they can catch them in the division.

1. Philadelphia Flyers

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 16: Matt Carle #25 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Wells Fargo Center on October 16, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Last week: 2

Record: 22-7-5 (49 pts)

Despite having pedestrian special teams -- 17th in NHL on powerplay, 12th on penalty kill -- the Flyers are riding a five-game win streak due to efficient offense (second in NHL) and stingy D (third).

During the streak, which started with a 4-1 win in Toronto, Philly snuffed Pittsburgh's 12-game win streak and the Rangers' three-game streak while outscoring their opponents 20-8.

Next week they have a full schedule. Florida, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Detroit will all get a chance to end the streak.

2. Colorado Avalanche

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 15: Tomas Fleischmann #14 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates his third goal of the game, all scored in the 3rd period against the Chicago Blackhawks, with teammate John Mihchael Liles at the United Center on December 15, 2010 in C

Last week: 14

Record: 19-10-4 (42 pts)

Colorado has won six-straight after acquiring Tomas Fleischmann. The former Washington forward had a hat trick against Chicago on Wednesday.

The team still isn't playing defense, but behind the NHL's best offense, the Avs can keep the streak alive. Their next three games are played in Denver.

3. Dallas Stars

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RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 29: Loui Eriksson #21 of the Dallas Stars skates against the Carolina Hurricanes 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: 8

Record: 20-10-3 (43 pts)

After being smirched in Glendale (5-2), Dallas has rebounded by splitting a home-and-home with San Jose and defeating Columbus and Detroit on the road.

The Stars remain in Texas next week. They have contests against Montreal, Calgary, and a rematch against Phoenix.

4. Detroit Red Wings

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DETROIT,MI - DECEMBER 10: Nicklas Lidstrom #5 of the Detroit Red Wings skates during the game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Joe Louis Arena on December 10, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The Wings defeated the Canadiens 4-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen

Last week: 3

Record: 20-8-4 (44 pts)

The Wings remain on top of the Central despite struggling lately.

Los Angeles humiliated 5-0 on national television. Since then Detroit has dropped two of three, consisting of losses in Chicago and against in Dallas.

The silver lining: Nicklas Lidstrom recorded his first hat trick against St. Louis in a 5-2 win.

If this trend continues the Wings will be bypassed by the surging Predators.

5. Pittsburgh Penguins

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 16: Ben Lovejoy #6 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on October 16, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Last week: 1

Record: 21-10-2

After having their 12-game win streak snapped by their crosstown rivals the Pens have dropped two-straight.

Fortunately for the Pittsburgh faithful, the Pens get the 'Yotes and Cats at home before traveling to Washington on Thursday.

6. Vancouver Canucks

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - DECEMBER 15: Ryan Kesler #17 of the Vancouver Canucks skates with the puck during NHL action on December 15, 2010 against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)

Last week: 6

Record: 18-8-4 (40 pts)

The Canucks are the most balanced team in the league. They are among the top-10 in offense (fourth), defense (seventh), powerplay (second), and penalty kill (fifth).

Ryan Kesler joined last week's hat trick club. His came on Wednesday against Columbus.

They've won three-straight against mediocre competition -- Edmonton, Columbus, and Toronto -- but will be able to prove themselves next week with games in St. Louis and Detroit.

7. Atlanta Thrashers

Last week: 11

Record: 18-11-5 (41 pts)

The Thrashers dropped two divisional games in Tampa Bay and Carolina, but are winning consistently and are nipping at the heals of the struggling Capitals.

Games against St. Louis, Boston, and a rematch with the Bolts next week can be a booster for the new-look Thrashers or expose the the team as a fraud.

8. New York Rangers

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UNIONDALE, NY - DECEMBER 02: Dan Girardi #5 and Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers defend against Michael Grabner #40 of the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on December 2, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Ima

Last week: 4

Record: 20-14-1 (41 pts)

The Rangers had their three-game win streak snapped by the rival Flyers in Philly on Saturday, but continues to be one of the NHL's hottest teams.

The Blueshirts have contests against the lowly Islanders and Devils sandwiched by games against Tampa Bay next week.

Whether or not this team can win in Florida will serve as a barometer for where this team is at.

9. Los Angeles Kings

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 07: Ryan Smythe #94 of the Los Angeles Kings gets tripped up in his game against the Detroit Red Wings at the Staples Center on January 7, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Last week: 18

Record: 18-12-1 (37 pts)

The Kings proved themselves on the road this week when they faced four of five of the teams in the Central Division.

They crushed the Wings 5-0 on Versus and rolled the Preds 6-1 in Tennessee.

However, they also lost contests in St. Louis (6-4) and Chicago (3-2).

10. Nashville Predators

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DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 08: Anders Lindback #39 of the Nashville Predators tends net against the Detroit Red Wings at the Joe Louis Arena on December 8, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The Predators defeated the Red Wings 3-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Im

Last week: 13

Record: 17-9-6 (40 pts)

The Preds shutout their opponents twice during their six-game win streak.

Goaltender Anders Lindback has dovetailed well with the team. He's won six of eight since replacing Pekka Rinne.

Then they were abased by Los Angeles 6-1 in Nashville...

11. Montreal Canadiens

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MONTREAL, CANADA - DECEMBER 16: Nathan Horton #18 of the Boston Bruins screens Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on December 16, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)

Last week: 5

Record: 19-12-2 (40 pts)

The Habs' stifling defense has been cracked. They've dropped four of five while being outscored 16-12 during that stretched.

However, they were able to defeat their rival Bruins 4-3 on home ice to remain at the pinnacle of their division.

12. Tampa Bay Lightning

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - DECEMBER 11: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates with Martin St Louis #26, Ryan Malone #6 and Teddy Purcell #16 after scoring against the Vancouver Canucks in overtime to win 5-4 during NHL action on December 11, 2

Last week: 10

Record: 18-10-4 (40 pts)

The Bolts play well on offense (eighth in NHL) and special teams -- third-best powerplay, seventh-best penalty kill -- but are struggling on defense (third-worst).

Despite their putrid defense Tampa Bay has won three-straight and are in position to take advantage of the reeling Capitals.

13. Washington Capitals

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BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 18: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates with teammates Karl Alzner #27 and Matt Bradley #10 after Alzner scored a goal in the third period as Tim Thomas #30 of the Boston Bruins sits in his net on December 18, 201

Last week: 9

Record: 19-12-4 (42 pts)

The Caps saved face with their comeback win against Ottawa.

However, Washington has only won two of their ten games this month and need to pick it up or else risk being routed in the Winter Classic.

They get a warm-up on Thursday when they face the Penguins in the nation's capital.

14. Chicago Blackhawks

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 17: Corey Crawford #50 of the Chicago Blackhawks makes a save against Tomas Holmstrom #96 of the Detroit Red Wings as teammates (L-R) Brian Campbell #51, John Scott #32 and Jonathan Toews #19 defend at the United Center on December

Last week: 12

Record:18-14-3 (39 pts)

The Blackhawks' savage powerplay (the NHL's finest) and sixth-best offense is making up for their rudderless defense.

After dropping two against the hot Avalanche, the Hawks snuffed the sweltering Wings and Kings.

15. San Jose Sharks

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DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 16: Defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic #44 of the San Jose Sharks is checked by Adam Burish #16 of the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center on December 16, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Last week: 17

Record: 17-11-5 (39 pts)

Recently the Sharks have become accustomed to staring down upon the Pacific Division; however, they've got their work cut out for them.

Last week they avenged a shootout loss in the Bay Area to Dallas with a win in the Lone Star state.

They are on the right track and look like they'll make the Pacific a three-team race.

16. Boston Bruins

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BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 18: Tim Thomas #30 of the Boston Bruins is congratulated by teammates David Krejci #46 and Blake Wheeler #26 after the game against the Washington Captials on December 18, 2010 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins d

Last week: 7

Record: 17-10-4 (38 pts)

The Bruins have the league's best defense and the third-best penalty kill, but still are unable to top the Habs in the Northeast Division.

Boston dropped three in a row before defeating Washington on Saturday.

17. St. Louis Blues

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NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 24: David Backes #42, Andy McDonald #10, and Brad Boyes #22 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: 19

Record: 15-11-5 (35 pts)

The Blues are struggling to replicate their early season success. They've dropped three of four.

However, they were able to defeat the Kings 6-4 in St. Louis.

18. Carolina Hurricanes

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 16: Erik Cole #26 and Chad LaRose #59 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrate towards goaltender Cam Ward #30 after their 3-2 win in a shootout against the Atlanta Thrashers at Philips Arena on December 16, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Last week: 21

Record: 15-12-4 (34 pts)

The Hurricanes have a tough hill to climb in the Southeast, but they've won four-straight and Cam Ward continues to show that he's one of the league's finest netminders.

Carolina cannot lean on Ward throughout the rest of the season, however. Impressive rookies Jeff Skinner and Jamie McBain need play well every night in order for this team to kick it into the next gear.

19. Phoenix Coyotes

Last week: 15

Record: 15-9-7 (37 pts)

After romping the Pacific-leading Stars 5-2, Phoenix lost to the Devils and the Rangers before defeating the Islanders in a shootout.

The 'Yotes are slowly dropping out of the picture in the Pacific, but if Kyle Turris continues to score goals like he did against the Islanders (see video) the Coyotes may be able to climb back.

20. Anaheim Ducks

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UNIONDALE, NY - DECEMBER 16: Corey Perry #10 of the Anaheim Ducks skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on December 16, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Last week: 16

Record: 17-15-4 (38 pts)

The Ducks are one of the league's most inconsistent teams.

They won three in a row before dropping contests against the Islanders and 'Canes.

Anaheim needs to play more consistently in order to be relevant in the Pacific.

21. Columbus Blue Jackets

Last week: 20

Record: 16-13-3 (35 pts)

The Blue Jackets have dropped four in a row and are steamed about a disallowed goal in their latest loss (see video).

Good news for the Columbus faithful: the Jackets are reportedly pursing Blueshirt superstar Michael Del Zotto.

22. Ottawa Senators

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OTTAWA, ON - DECEMBER 19: Brian Elliott #30 of the Ottawa Senators makes a save while teammate Matt Carkner #39 tries to defend against Brooks Laich #21 of the Washington Capitals in a game at Scotiabank Place on December 19, 2010 in Ottawa, Canada. (Ph

Last week: 24

Record: 14-17-4 (32 pts)

After defeating the Wild in St. Paul the Sens dropped two to Colorado and Washington.

Taking the Avs to OT in Denver is impressive, but Ottawa will have to defeat Nashville or Pittsburgh next week to get any attention.

23. Minnesota Wild

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 09: Mikko Koivu #9 of the Minnesota Wild passes the puck during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on December 9, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Wild defeated the Coyotes 3-2. (Photo by Christian Peters

Last week: 23

Record: 14-13-4 (32 pts)

The Wild have the league's fifth-best powerplay, but struggle in every other dimension of the game.

Minnesota was defeated by multiple goals in Anaheim and against Ottawa before defeating Calgary in Alberta.

24. Calgary Flames

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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 09: Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings is checkedclosely by Curtis Glencross #20 and Rene Bourque #17 of the Calgary Flames at the Staples Center on December 9, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty

Last week: 26

Record: 14-16-3 (31 pts)

The Flames toppled Columbus and Toronto before losing to Minnesota last week.

They'll have a chance to avenge their loss Monday in St. Paul.

25. Buffalo Sabres

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BUFFALO, NY - NOVEMBER 03: Drew Stafford #21 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the Boston Bruins 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: 22

Record: 13-16-4 (30 pts)

Just when it looks like the Sabres are going in the right direction they take two steps back.

Drew Stafford's trick against Boston was impressive, but this team needs a solid effort every night in order to get back into the playoff race.

26. Edmonton Oilers

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TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 2: Tomas Kaberle #15 of the Toronto Maple Leafs watches as Jordan Eberle #14 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates his goal during game action at the Air Canada Centre December 2, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimag

Last week: 25

Record: 12-14-5 (29 pts)

The Oilers are probably the best of the rebuilding teams, but that only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades...

They were 3-3 in their latest homestand.

27. Florida Panthers

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WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 09: Michael Frolik #67 of the Florida Panthers celebrates with teammates after scoring in the second period against the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center on December 9, 2010 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty

Last week: 27

Record: 14-16-0 (28 pts)

The Cats are the only team with a positive goal differential in the bottom third of the league.

They shutout Washington and routed Buffalo last week.

However, they're still far from respectability in the Southeast.

28. Toronto Maple Leafs

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PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 08: Mikhail Grabovski #84 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Consol Energy Center on December 8, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Penguins defeated the Maple Leafs 5-2. (Photo by Justin K. Al

Last week: 28

Record: 12-16-4 (28 pts)

This team started the week off well with wins over Canadian rivals Montreal and Edmonton before being routed by Calgary and Vancouver.

Next they have Atlanta before facing the Devils, 'Canes, and Blue Jackets.

29. New Jersey Devils

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NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 15: Goalie Martin Brodeur #30 of the New Jersey Devils is congratulated by Devils Tim Sestito #14 after a shutout win in a hockey game against the Phoenix Coyotes at the Prudential Center on December 15, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey.

Last week: 29

Record: 9-21-2 (20 pts)

The Devils got their first win of the month, a 3-0 win over Phoenix.

This team should be better than this...

30. New York Islanders

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UNIONDALE, NY - DECEMBER 18: Nathan Lawson #52 of the New York Islanders makes a save against the Phoenix Coyotes during their game on December 18, 2010 at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Last week: 30

Record: 6-18-6 (18 pts)

Like the Devils, the Islanders got their first win of the season this week, a 3-2 effort against Anaheim.

They almost made it two in a row with against Phoenix, but fell victim to Kyle Turris' spectacular shootout goal.