NHL Power Rankings: Canucks, Red Wings and Flyers Vie for the Top Spot

The 2011 season has been dominated by the Canucks, Wings and Flyers.

The Atlantic Division is going to be tough. The Rangers would be divisional contenders anywhere else in the NHL.

The Sharks, Blues and Avalanche have to get out of their slumps, or they will disappear in the shadows.

Nashville has been tough defensively and looks like it is outplaying the Blues and Blackhawks in the Central.

The Wild won four straight, but were blanked by Dallas on Sunday.

The Stars are still the class of the Pacific. The Ducks are sticking around. Time will tell if anyone will catch Dallas in that underachieving division.

The Leafs dropped nine on Atlanta in Georgia. Toronto is currently 3-1 in January and may be starting a second-half surge.

30. New Jersey Devils

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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: 11-29-2 (24 pts)

After dropping four straight contests, the Devils doubled up Tampa Bay in Newark.

They play next week in Florida with rematches with the Bolts and Cats.

29. Edmonton Oilers

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 7: Daniel Sedin #22 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrates after scoring his second goal of the game against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period at Rogers Arena January 7, 2011 in Vancouver, BC, Canada. (Photo by Rich La

Last week: 29

Record: 13-20-7 (33 pts)

The Oil only has one win in January... against the lowly Islanders.

They started their five-game road trip with a 6-1 loss in Vancouver.

28. New York Islanders

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UNIONDALE, NY - DECEMBER 26: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders skates against the Montreal Canadiens at the Nassau Coliseum on December 26, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders defeated the Canadiens 4-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Ima

Last week: 26

Record: 13-21-6 (32 pts)

The Islanders have played better special teams lately, but they still struggle on even strength.

The Isles went 2-2 on their most recent road trip but finished poorly in Chicago, where they were blanked 5-0.

27. Ottawa Senators

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OTTAWA, ON - DECEMBER 13: Daniel Alfredsson #11 of the Ottawa Senators celebrates his goal with teammates Jarkko Ruutu #73;Chris Phillips #4 and Mike Fisher #12 while Chris Thornburn #27 of the Atlanta Thrashers skates away dejectedly in a game at Scotia

Last week: 28

Record: 16-20-6 (38 pts)

The Senators have yet to win in January.

After an embarrassing loss to Toronto (5-1), they lost to Chicago in a shootout and dropped a contest against Tampa Bay.

26. Columbus Blue Jackets

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 04: Rick Nash #61 of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Shane Doan #19 of the Phoenix Coyotes talk with referee Dan O'Rourke during the NHL game at Jobing.com Arena on January 4, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Blue

Last week: 19

Record: 20-19-3 (43 pts)

The Blue Jackets have not played a game in Columbus since New Year's.

They also have accrued zero points in January.

25. Florida Panthers

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 20: Marty Reasoner #19 of the Florida Panthers skates during a hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 20, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Last week: 23

Record: 18-20-2 (38 pts)

After winning two against the Rangers and Hurricanes, the Cats dropped three straight.

Unfortunately for South Floridians, all three games were against divisional opponents.

Next week they start a six-game streak against Washington.

24. Calgary Flames

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ANAHEIM, CA - DECEMBER 10: Curtis Glencross #20 of the Calgary Flames looks on prior to the start of the game against the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center on December 10, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Last week: 22

Record: 18-20-4 (40 pts)

The Flames started out the year by topping their Albertan rivals 2-1, but they have dropped the last three contests.

Next week, they start a four-game road trip by visiting Carolina.

23. St. Louis Blues

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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: 12

Record: 20-14-6 (46 pts)

The Blues ended 2010 on a five-game win streak.

Then they started the new year with three straight losses.

22. Toronto Maple Leafs

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TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 6: Nikolai Kulemin #41, Mikhail Grabovski #84 and Francois Beauchemin #22 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrate Mikhail Grabovski goal against the St. Louis Blues during game action at the Air Canada Centre January 6, 2011 in Toro

Last week: 27

Record: 16-20-4 (36 pts)

The Leafs have started the new year out right.

They are 3-1 in 2011.

They dropped nine on Atlanta in their last contest.

Leafs enthusiasts may have a reason to believe in this team.

21. Buffalo Sabres

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SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 6: Jamie McGinn #64 of the San Jose Sharks battles for the puck with Andrej Sekera #44 of the Buffalo Sabres in front of goalie Ryan Miller #30 during an NHL hockey game at the HP Pavilion on January 6, 2011 in San Jose, Californi

Last week: 25

Record: 18-18-5 (41 pts)

Buffalo has played well lately.

They have wins over Boston and San Jose and only one loss (a 4-3 overtime decision against Colorado) in the last four games.

On Tuesday, they get Philly on Versus.

20. San Jose Sharks

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SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 08: Goalie Pekka Rinne #35 and Francis Bouillon #51 of the Nashville Predators stop Logan Couture #39 of the San Jose Sharks at HP Pavilion on January 8, 2011 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Last week: 8

Record: 21-17-5 (47 pts)

The Sharks are in a slump.

In their recent four-game losing streak, they've only scored four goals and been blanked twice despite having the league's third-best power play.

19. Colorado Avalanche

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 10: Milan Hejduk #23 of the Colorado Avalanche against the Atlanta Thrashers at Philips Arena on December 10, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Last week: 15

Record: 21-15-6 (48 pts)

The Avalanche have dropped three of four, including losses to the Coyotes and the Islanders.

Their only win came against Buffalo in OT.

18. Phoenix Coyotes

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DENVER - JANUARY 06: Goalie Jason LaBarbera #1 of the Phoenix Coyotes looks on during a break in the action against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on January 6, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. LaBarbera had 34 saves as the Coyotes defeated the Aval

Last week: 24

Record: 19-13-9 (47 pts)

The 'Yotes have points in every game they've played in the new year.

A large part of that has been the play of backup goaltender Jason LaBarbera, who has only given up one goal in his last two starts.

17. Carolina Hurricanes

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NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 05: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on January 5, 2011 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Hurricanes 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty I

Last week: 21

Record: 20-15-6 (46 pts)

The 'Canes have won two divisional games in their last two contests.

Additionally, Carolina has earned points in every game it has played in the new year.

Jeff Skinner currently leads all rookies with 31 points.

16. Chicago Blackhawks

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 09: Patrick Sharp #10 of the Chicago Blackhawks is congratulated by teammates after scoring his 25th goal of the season against the New York Islanders at the United Center on January 9, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan D

Last week: 18

Record: 23-18-3 (49 pts)

The Hawks are playing well on offense (seventh in NHL) and on the power play (second), but are getting torched on the penalty kill (29th).

Chicago starts next week with Colorado before facing Nashville in an home-and-home next weekend.

15. Los Angeles Kings

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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 30: Ryan Smyth #91 of the Los Angeles Kings is greeted by teammates on the bench after scoring a first period goal against the Philadelphia Flyers at Staples Center on December 30, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Flyers

Last week: 14

Record: 23-17-1 (47 pts)

The Kings have a top 10 offense and defense, but have yet to distinguish themselves in the Pacific.

They have only one win in their last seven games.

14. Minnesota Wild

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 8: Nick Schultz #55 of the Minnesota Wild prevents Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins from gaining control of the puck in front of goaltender Jose Theodore #60 of the Minnesota Wild on January 8, 2011 at CONSOL Energy C

Last week: 20

Record: 21-16-5 (47 pts)

The Wild won four in a row before being shut out by Dallas on Sunday.

During that streak, Minnesota topped Boston and blanked Pittsburgh.

13. Anaheim Ducks

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ANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 02: Goaltender Jonas Hiller #1 of the Anaheim Ducks skates on the ice after being named the game's number one star afer the Ducks defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 at Honda Center on January 2, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo

Last week: 13

Record: 23-18-4 (50 pts)

In five games at the Pond, the Ducks are 4-1 and have advanced to second in the Pacific.

The team blanked Columbus and San Jose in the last two contests.

They get one more in The OC against St. Louis on Wednesday.

12. Atlanta Thrashers

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MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 2: Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens gets down to stop the puck on a shot by Bryan Little #10 of the Atlanta Thrashers during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on January 2, 2011 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Ri

Last week: 11

Record: 22-16-7 (49 pts)

The Thrash were embarrassed by Toronto 9-3 on Friday.

However, they have points in three of their last four games, including an OT win in Montreal.

11. Boston Bruins

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SUNRISE, FL - DECEMBER 27: Patrice Bergeron #37 of the Boston Bruins stretches prior to the game against the Florida Panthers on December 27, 2010 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Bruins defeated the Panthers 3-2 in a shoot-out. (Photo

Last week: 10

Record: 21-12-7 (49 pts)

The Bruins have the league's best defense and are relatively well-rounded.

On Saturday, they lost to Montreal in OT.

Currently both teams sit atop the Northeast Division.

10. Montreal Canadiens

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 8: Members of the Montreal Canadiens celebrate after defeating the Boston Bruins in overtime in the NHL game at the Bell Centre on January 8, 2011 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Canadiens defeated the Bruins 3-2 in overtime.

Last week: 17

Record: 23-16-3 (49 pts)

The Habs and Bruins are tied for first place in the division.

Both teams appear ready to vie for the top spot during the entire second half of the season.

9. New York Rangers

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NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 05: Henrik Lundqvist #30 and Mats Zuccarello #36 of the New York Rangers celebrate their 2-1 overtime win over the Carolina Hurricanes at Madison Square Garden on January 5, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Ima

Last week: 9

Record: 25-15-3 (53 pts)

The Rangers are going to have trouble moving up in the Atlantic with the way Philly and Pittsburgh are playing, but this team looks like a legitimate playoff contender.

They've won their last three, including wins over red-hot Dallas and St. Louis on the road.

8. Nashville Predators

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NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 02: Shea Weber #6 of the Nashville Predators congratulates teammate Patric Hornqvist #27 on scoring a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets on January 2, 2011 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick

Last week: 16

Record: 22-13-6 (50 pts)

As a result of solid defense (third in NHL) and a stifling penalty kill (fifth), the Preds have climbed up the ranks and are currently second in the Central Division.

Nashville is riding a five-game win streak and has only given up five goals in four games in January.

7. Dallas Stars

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 05: Stephane Robidas #3 of the Dallas Stars hugs teammate Kari Lehtonen #32 after a win over the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on January 5, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Stars defeated the Blackhawks 4-2. (Photo by Jonath

Last week: 7

Record: 25-13-5 (55 pts)

After a rough finish to December, the Stars have shined in the new year.

Dallas has points in their last four contests and blanked the Wild on Sunday.

6. Washington Capitals

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WASHINGTON - JANUARY 08: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals brings the puck up the ice against the Florida Panthers at the Verizon Center on January 8, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Last week: 4

Record: 24-12-6 (54 pts)

The Capitals appear to have stabilized after some turbulence due to solid defense.

The team has the third-best penalty kill and allows only 2.5 goals per game (7th).

5. Tampa Bay Lightning

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 05: Mike Lundin #39 of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Jordan Staal #11 of the Pittsburgh Penguins battle for a puck on January 5, 2011 at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Last week: 5

Record: 25-13-5 (55 pts)

The Bolts are a top 10 team in offense (eighth), power play (fifth) and penalty kill (sixth), but are struggling on defense (25th).

This team is riding high (first in the Southeast Division), but was exposed in Pittsburgh, 8-1, on Wednesday.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 05: Mark Letestu #10 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates his second period goal with teammates against the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 5, 2011 at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/G

Last week: 6

Record: 26-13-4 (56 pts)

The Penguins have the league's second-best defense and best penalty kill as well.

They are also producing on even strength as the fifth-best offense, but need to step up their power play (19th).

An 8-1 win over Tampa was impressive, but they were also blanked by Minnesota 4-0 this week.

3. Detroit Red Wings

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DETROIT - NOVEMBER 08: Brain Rafalski #28 of the Detroit Red Wings defends against Zach Parise #9 of the New Jersey Devils on November 8, 2008 at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Last week: 3

Record: 27-10-5 (59 pts)

The Wings are virtually unstoppable on offense (second in NHL) and are clicking on the power play (fourth).

However, they need to play better on defense in order to remain atop the Central Division.

2. Philadelphia Flyers

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NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 06: Danny Briere #48 of the Philadelphia Flyers scores at 2:48 of the third period against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on January 6, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. The Flyers defeated the Devils 4-2. (Photo by Bruce B

Last week: 2

Record: 26-10-5 (57 pts)

The Flyers drew an easy schedule in January. They got New Jersey twice last week.

However, they were able to top Detroit and have to face the Bruins and Rangers next week.

1. Vancouver Canucks

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 5: Ryan Kesler #17 of the Vancouver Canucks is congratulated by Keith Ballard #4 after scoring against the Calgary Flames during the first period in NHL action on January 05, 2011 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC, Canada. (Pho

Last week: 1

Record: 27-8-6 (60 pts)

The Canucks are in the top five in all four major categories.

They have the best offense and power play and are fourth in defense and penalty kill.

Detroit got them in a shootout on Saturday, but this team is playing the best hockey in the NHL.

On Friday, Ryan Kesler had a hat trick against Edmonton.