NHL Power Rankings: Flyers Top Red Wings, Canucks Ascend and Capitals Recover

Philly went into Detroit and came out on top Sunday.

Across the state, Pittsburgh was dropped by the red-hot Caps. Washington has won three straight and is back in the race for the Southeast Division title.

The Lightning are going to be tough to beat, however. They're playing better defense, have reduced their goal differential to minus-one and have added veteran goaltender Dwayne Roloson (Islanders).

Chicago is reeling. The Hawks have dropped three straight and fallen into the middle of the pack in the Central.

The Sharks, who were swept by the Blackhawks in the Western Conference Finals last season, continue to move up the food chain. They are three points away from the Stars in the Pacific.

Anaheim has won three straight and remains in contention in the Pacific despite its futile defense. The Ducks have a minus-10 goal differential.

New Jersey beat Atlanta to finish off the year but has already started a losing streak in January.

30. New Jersey Devils

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 31: Jamie Langenbrunner #15 of the New Jersey Devils looks on during a timeout against of the Atlanta Thrashers with teammates Patrik Elias #26 and Jason Arnott #25 at the Prudential Center on December 31, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey

Last week: 30

Record: 10-26-2 (22 pts)

The Devils have started off January with a loss...

They get Minnesota on Versus Tuesday in one of the few winnable games on their schedule.

However, calling that game winnable is relative. This team is bad.

29. Edmonton Oilers

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 23: Ales Hemsky #83 of the Edmonton Oilers centers the puck during 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

Last week: 28

Record: 12-18-7 (31 pts)

The Oil have lost six straight.

Luckily they face the Islanders next week.

28. Ottawa Senators

Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images

OTTAWA, ON - NOVEMBER 27: Phil Kessel #81 of the Toronto Maple Leafs waits for a pass from teammate Clarke MacArthur #16 while he battles for the puck in the corner with Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators during a game at Scotiabank Place on Novemb

Last week: 23

Record: 16-19-5 (37 pts)

The Senators have been outscored 12-4 in their last three contests since beating Pittsburgh.

They were embarrassed at home 5-1 by the pedestrian Maple Leafs to start the New Year.

27. Toronto Maple Leafs

Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images

OTTAWA, ON - NOVEMBER 27: Toronto Maple Leafs fan Lee Leroux attends the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place on November 27, 2010 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)

Last week: 29

Record: 14-19-4 (32 pts)

The Leafs started the New Year off right by routing the rival Sens in Ottawa on Saturday.

Maybe they are going to turn it around in the second half of the season.

Maybe.

26. New York Islanders

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

UNIONDALE, NY - DECEMBER 29: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders takes a break during the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Nassau Coliseum on December 29, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Last week: 25

Record: 11-19-6 (28 pts)

Their 7-2 flop in MSG aside, the Islanders have been playing good hockey.

In their last four games, they've beaten Montreal, Pittsburgh and Detroit.

They do, however, have to play with better discipline.

25. Buffalo Sabres

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 11: Jason Pominville #29 of the Buffalo Sabres fights with Matt Cooke #24 of the Pittsburgh Penguins at HSBC Arena on December 11, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. Pittsburgh won 5-2. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Last week: 27

Record: 16-18-4 (36 pts)

The Sabres were able to top the division-rival Bruins in a shootout and bested the Oilers 4-2 in Edmonton but are coming off losses to Florida and Calgary.

Next week they have to face Colorado and San Jose on the road before finishing with the Coyotes in Glendale on Saturday.

24. Phoenix Coyotes

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 29: Ray Whitney #13, Keith Yandle #3, Shane Doan #19 and Lee Stempniak #22 of the Phoenix Coyotes celebrate after Doan scored a second period power play goal against the Los Angeles Kings during the NHL game at Jobing.com Arena on

Last week: 20

Record: 17-13-8 (42 pts)

The Coyotes are 1-3 in their last four games even though Shane Doan has netted five goals in those contests.

While the Pacific looks up for grabs, the 'Yotes have quite a hill to climb in order to contend for their division.

23. Florida Panthers

Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

SUNRISE, FL - DECEMBER 31: Goaltender Tomas Vokoun #29 of the Florida Panthers stops a third period shot by the Montreal Canadiens on December 31, 2010 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Canadiens defeated he Panthers 3-2 in overtime. (Ph

Last week: 24

Record: 17-17-2 (36 pts)

The Cats took their O6 competition to overtime twice and blanked the Rangers last week.

The Bruins bested them in the shootout and the Habs beat them in OT, but this feline team is squeaking points out of games against superior competition.

22. Calgary Flames

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

ANAHEIM, CA - DECEMBER 10: Tim Jackman #15 of the Calgary Flames skates against the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center on December 10, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Last week: 26

Record: 18-18-3 (39 pts)

Despite all the disarray around them, the Flames have strung together four in a row, including wins over Dallas and Colorado.

Next week they start with the Islanders but will be challenged by Vancouver and Detroit.

21. Carolina Hurricanes

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 29: Tuomo Ruutu #15 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: 18-15-4 (40 pts)

The 'Canes have won three in a row, but their wins have come against the lowly Leafs, Senators and Devils.

Next week they get Florida twice, the Rangers and the Thrashers.

20. Minnesota Wild

Harry How/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 11: Mikko Koivu #9 of the Minnesota Wild takes a shot against the Los Angeles Kings during the game at the Staples Center on December 11, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Last week: 18

Record: 18-15-5 (41 pts)

The Wild showed offensive prowess against San Jose (5-3) and Phoenix (6-5 OT) but struggled to find the back of the net against Nashville (lost 4-1).

Next week they get New Jersey on Versus (Tues.) before traveling to Boston and Pittsburgh.

19. Columbus Blue Jackets

Frederick Breedon/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 02: Shea Weber #6 of the Nashville Predators skates against Kristian Huselius #20 of the Columbus Blue Jackets on January 2, 2011 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

Last week: 21

Record: 20-16-3 (43 pts)

The Jackets continue to hang around in the Central.

They strung three together before losing to the Preds in Tennessee.

Next week they finish up their road trip with Phoenix, Anaheim and Los Angeles.

18. Chicago Blackhawks

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 19: Members of the Chicago Blackhawks including Patrick Sharp #10, Duncan Keith #2 and Niklas Hjalmarsson #4 celebrate a win over the Los Angeles Kings at the United Center on December 19, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks d

Last week: 9

Record: 20-17-3 (43 pts)

Despite having the fifth-best offense and second-best power play in the league, the 'Hawks have become lost in the mix due to poor defense.

They could turn it around with a nationally-televised game on Monday against the Kings in LA.

17. Montreal Canadiens

Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

SUNRISE, FL - DECEMBER 31: James Wisniewski #20 of the Montreal Canadiens scores the winning goal in overtime against the Florida Panthers on December 31, 2010 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Canadiens defeated he Panthers 3-2 in overt

Last week: 14

Record: 21-16-3 (45 pts)

A yin to the Avalanche's yang, the Canadiens continue to sputter due to poor offense (24th in NHL) but have the third-best defense and league's most-proficient penalty kill (87.8 percent).

The Habs have lost four of five and have to face Pittsburgh and Boston next week.

16. Nashville Predators

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - DECEMBER 01: Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators comes up with the puck during third period action against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Nationwide Arena on December 1, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. The Predators defeated the Blue Jacke

Last week: 17

Record: 19-13-6 (44 pts)

After a tough stretch in which the Preds dropped five straight from December 18 to December 28, they got back on track with wins over Minnesota and Columbus.

Pekka Rinne has been impeccable since taking over for Anders Lindback on December 23.

15. Colorado Avalanche

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - DECEMBER 27: Matt Duchene #9 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates his third period goal with Milan Hejduk #23, John-Michael Liles #4 and Kevin Shattenkirk #8 in front of the fans against the Detroit Red Wings at the Pepsi Center on December 27,

Last week: 13

Record: 20-14-5 (45 pts)

Poor defense keeps the Avs from joining the NHL elite.

They've lost five of their last six by a combined score of 20-11.

14. Los Angeles Kings

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 29: Anze Kopitar #11 and Dustin Brown #23 of the Los Angeles Kings celebrate after Marco Sturm (not pictured) scored a first period goal against the Phoenix Coyotes during the NHL game at Jobing.com Arena on December 29, 2010 in G

Last week: 10

Record: 22-15-1 (45 pts)

Despite their stingy defense (fourth in NHL) and solid penalty kill (eighth), the Kings are unable to win due to an anemic offense.

As a result they are fourth in their division and the third-best team in California.

They've got a big matchup in the Staples Center on Monday when the Blackhawks come to town.

13. Anaheim Ducks

Victor Decolongon/Getty Images

ANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 02: Goaltender Jonas Hiller #1 of the Anaheim Ducks makes a save in the second period during the NHL game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Honda Center on January 2, 2011 in Anaheim, California. The Ducks defeated the Blackhawks 2-

Last week: 19

Record: 21-17-4 (46 pts)

They're rather enigmatic, but the Ducks remain in the playoff picture after knocking off the Flyers and Hawks last week to start a six-game home stand.

Next to visit the Pond: Nashville, Columbus, San Jose and St. Louis.

12. St. Louis Blues

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

ST LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 09: Matt D'Agostini #36 of the St. Louis Blues skates against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Scottrade Center on December 9, 2010 in St Louis, Missouri. The Blues defeated The Blue Jackets 4-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Ima

Last week: 15

Record: 20-13-5 (45 pts)

The Blues had won five straight before losing to Dallas to finish off a five-game home stand.

The Central is a tight race this year, at least for all teams except Detroit, and the Blues can remain in the playoff picture if they continue to win.

11. Atlanta Thrashers

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 2: Dustin Byfuglien #33 of the Atlanta Thrashers celebrates his overtime goal with team mates during the NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on January 2, 2011 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Thrashers

Last week: 12

Record: 21-15-6 (48 pts)

The Thrash started the New Year off right by defeating the reeling Habs in OT but have lost five of their last seven.

Atlanta needs to take advantage of favorable matchups against Florida, Toronto and Carolina next week to get back on track.

10. Boston Bruins

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

BUFFALO, NY - NOVEMBER 03: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins skates 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: 16

Record: 20-11-6 (46 pts)

The defensive Bruins have found some unexpected scoring since being blanked by Anaheim on December 20.

However, six goals were not enough to beat Buffalo and a road trip that started with three wins now consists of losses to the Thrashers and Sabres.

They finish up the trip on Monday with a contest in Toronto.

9. New York Rangers

Lou Capozzola/Getty Images

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 29: Brian Boyle #22 of the New York Rangers celebrates a goal against the New Jersey Devils on December 29, 2010 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The Rangers won 3-1. (Photo by Lou Capozzola/Getty Images)

Last week: 11

Record: 22-15-3 (47 pts)

The Blueshirts ran into some trouble in Florida.

They lost to the Lightning in OT and were blanked by the pitiful Cats.

Next week they get the 'Canes, Stars and Blues.

8. San Jose Sharks

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 30: Antti Niemi #31 of the San Jose Sharks is congratulated by teammates Jamal Mayers #10 and Tommy Wingels #57 after a win over the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on December 30, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Sharks defea

Last week: 8

Record: 21-13-5 (47 pts)

San Jose's power play has been productive (third in NHL), but they need to work on the other aspects of their game if they are going to catch Dallas.

The Sharks avenged Monday's loss to the Kings (4-0) with a 1-0 win in LA.

Next week they get Vancouver, Buffalo and Nashville in the Tank.

7. Dallas Stars

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 16: Left wing Brenden Morrow #10 of the Dallas Stars skates the puck past Justin Braun #61 of the San Jose Sharks at American Airlines Center on December 16, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Last week: 7

Record: 23-13-4 (50 pts)

The Stars remain atop the Pacific, but the Sharks, Ducks and Kings are not far away.

Dallas appears to be slipping. The Stars were rolled by Detroit and Vancouver before defeating St. Louis in Sunday.

Next week they start with the Blackhawks and Rangers before facing Minnesota on Sunday.

6. Pittsburgh Penguins

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 01: The Washington Capitals celebrate their 3-1 victory as the Pittsburgh Penguins leave the ice during the 2011 NHL Bridgestone Winter Classic at Heinz Field on January 1, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau

Last week: 1

Record: 25-12-3 (53 pts)

Pittsburgh has more wins than any other team in the league, but they are not coming lately.

On New Year's they were topped by the rival Capitals and the Penguins have lost three of their last four.

The culprit: a slumping power play that is converting at a 16.5-percent rate (21st in NHL).

5. Tampa Bay Lightning

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 23: Dwayne Roloson #30 of the New York Islanders looks on against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on December 23, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Last week: 3

Record: 23-11-5 (51 pts)

The Bolts nipped the Rangers 19 seconds into overtime in order to remain on pace with the Caps.

Their 26th-ranked defense needs work, but otherwise they are top 10 in offense (seventh), power play (fourth) and penalty kill (sixth).

The team has won four of its last five and should continue to roll with veteran goaltender Dwayne Roloson in net.

The Bolts will be tested. They play the next four games on the road.

4. Washington Capitals

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 01: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates their 3-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2011 NHL Bridgestone Winter Classic at Heinz Field on January 1, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ja

Last week: 6

Record: 23-12-5 (51 pts)

The Capitals and Lightning are neck and neck as they vie for the Southeastern Division title.

The Caps get the nod this week because of their stellar performance in the Winter Classic and as a result of their three-game win streak.

The two division rivals face off Tuesday.

3. Detroit Red Wings

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

UNIONDALE, NY - JANUARY 12: Henrik Zetterberg #40 of the Detroit Red Wings looks on during the game against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on January 12, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Last week: 4

Record: 24-10-5 (53 pts)

Losses to the Flyers and Islanders hurt, but the Wings remain among the league's elite.

The Wings have the league's best offense and a dangerous power play (fifth) but need to work on defense and penalty kill.

Next week they depart on a five-game road trip.

First up is Edmonton. A loss to the rudderless Oilers could be devastating for this team.

2. Philadelphia Flyers

Claus Andersen/Getty Images

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 2: Mike Richards #18 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates up ice with the puck in a game against the Detroit Red Wings on January 2, 2011 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The Flyers defeated the Wings 3-2. (Photo by Claus A

Last week: 2

Record: 24-10-5 (53 pts)

By going into Detroit and taking a game from the Wings, the Flyers have established themselves as Pennsylvania's best team.

They are currently in a four-way points tie with the Wings, Canucks and Penguins.

However, the Flyers are going to have to work on their special teams if they are going to remain among the league's best.

1. Vancouver Canucks

Claus Andersen/Getty Images

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 22: Todd Bertuzzi #44 of the Detroit Red Wings turns in front of Roberto Luongo #1 of the Vancouver Canucks in a game on December 22, 2010 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The Wings defeated the Canucks 5-4 in overtime.

Last week: 5

Record: 24-8-5 (53 pts)

Owners of the league's best goal differential (plus-35) the Canucks are among the league's top 10 in goals per game (second), goals against (sixth), power play (first) and penalty kill (seventh).

The Canucks have won nine of their last 10.

Their last loss came against the Red Wings in overtime.

They are currently the ne plus ultra of the NHL, but Philly and Detroit are close behind.