NHL Power Rankings: Coyotes Jump into Playoff Picture While Blackhawks Heat Up

Dallas has remained the class of the Pacific. They have only lost one game in January.

The Blackhawks and Predators continue to vie for the second spot in the Central.

Chicago has the upper hand with a 6-3 win on Sunday.

The Coyotes are heating up. They refuse to go away in the perplexing Pacific.

The Sharks snapped a six-game losing streak by defeating St. Louis on Saturday (check).

San Jose has too much talent to be in free fall like this.

John Tavares' hat trick helped the Islanders snap a three-game losing streak, but that team continues to sit in the cellar.

Jussi Jokinen has four goals in his last three games, helping the 'Canes, who are one point from the playoff threshold, to get into the postseason picture.

Florida has the fourth best penalty kill in the league and a Top 10 defense. Too bad the Cats can't score...

30. Edmonton Oilers

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SAN JOSE, CA - DECEMBER 21: Jean-Francois Jacques #22 of the Edmonton Oilers is hit by Ryane Clowe #29 of the San Jose Sharks at HP Pavilion on December 21, 2010 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Last week: 29

Record: 14-23-7 (35 pts)

The Oil dropped four on their recent five-game road trip.

However, they were able to beat the slumping Sharks 5-2.

29. New Jersey Devils

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NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 09: Nick Palmieri #32 of the New Jersey Devils throws a check during an NHL hockey game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Prudential Center on January 9, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Last week: 30

Record: 12-29-3 (27 pts)

Two wins over Tampa Bay are surprising.

Losing to the Panthers in Florida immediately after wasn't.

28. New York Islanders

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UNIONDALE, NY - JANUARY 15: Rick DiPietro #39 and John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders celebrate their win over the Buffalo Sabres at the Nassau Coliseum on January 15, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders defeated the Sabres 5-3. (Photo by Br

Last week: 28

Record: 14-22-7 (35 pts)

The Islanders snapped their three-game losing streak when they defeated Buffalo on Saturday.

John Tavares had a hat trick.

Next week, they face the Sabres twice after playing New Jersey and Washington.

Sunday's contest in Buffalo will be on NBC.

27. Ottawa Senators

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UNIONDALE, NY - JANUARY 13: Chris Neil #25 of the Ottawa Senators and Matt Moulson #26 of the New York Islanders wait to faceoff during an NHL hockey game at the Nassau Coliseum on January 13, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty

Last week: 27

Record: 17-23-6 (40 pts)

The Senators, typically a powerful team offensively, have the second worst goals per game average (2.2) in the league.

Their win over the Islanders on Thursday is their only win in January.

26. Columbus Blue Jackets

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COLUMBUS, OH - JANUARY 14: Rick Nash #61 of the Columbus Blue Jackets high fives fans after warming up prior to the start of the game against the Detroit Red Wings on January 14, 2011 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty I

Last week: 26

Record: 21-20-4 (46 pts)

The Jackets only have obtained points in two games in January.

Ironically, both games were against the Wings.

They beat Detroit in a shootout on Friday and lost to them in overtime on Saturday.

25. St. Louis Blues

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 13: B.J. Crombeen #26 (R) of the St. Louis Blues scores at 11:38 of the first period against the Los Angeles Kings and is joined by Patrik Berglund #21 (L) and Alex Pietrangelo #27 (C) at the Staples Center on January 13, 2011 in

Last week: 23

Record: 21-17-6 (48 pts)

The Blues only have one win in January, which came against Los Angeles on Thursday.

On Saturday, they lost to the slumping Sharks and have to play the Kings and Wings next week.

24. San Jose Sharks

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SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 15: Stars of the game Dany Heatley #15 and Jamie McGinn #64 of the San Jose Sharks are being interviewed after they defeated the St. Louis Blues 4-2 in an NHL hockey game at the HP Pavilion on January 15, 2011 in San Jose, Californi

Last week: 20

Record: 22-19-5 (49 pts)

The Sharks got their second win in January against St. Louis on Saturday, snapping a six-game losing streak.

The bad news is they played six of their past eight games at home and spend a significant amount of time in late January and early February on the road.

23. Buffalo Sabres

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UNIONDALE, NY - JANUARY 15: Rick DiPietro #39 of the New York Islanders makes the stop on Thomas Vanek #26 of the Buffalo Sabres at the Nassau Coliseum on January 15, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders defeated the Sabres 5-3. (Photo by Bruce Ben

Last week: 21

Record: 19-20-5 (43 pts)

A loss to the Islanders is tough, especially because they have to play them twice next week.

The Sabres open up the week against Montreal on Versus (Tuesday).

22. Toronto Maple Leafs

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 13: Mike Brown #18 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates with the puck during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on January 13, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Maple Leafs 5-1. (Photo by C

Last week: 22

Record: 18-21-5 (41 pts)

After winning four in a row, the Leafs were routed by the red-hot Coyotes in Glendale (5-1) and lost to Calgary in the shootout.

Their hot start in January may be a farce.

21. Calgary Flames

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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 22: Mikka Kiprusoff #34 of the Calgary Flames during a game against the New York Rangers on November 22, 2010 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Photo by Lou Capozzola/Getty Images)

Last week: 24

Record: 20-20-5 (45 pts)

The flames have earned points in the three games they've played so far on their four-game road trip.

However, those games have come against Carolina, Ottawa and Toronto.

They finish up the trip in Montreal on Monday.

20. Atlanta Thrashers

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 14: Bryan Little #10 of the Atlanta Thrashers defends against Andreas Nodl #15 of the Philadelphia Flyers at Philips Arena on January 14, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Last week: 12

Record: 22-18-7 (51 pts)

The Thrash may be cooling off after their hot start.

Despite having a Top 10 offense (seventh in NHL) and power play (sixth), Atlanta is getting burnt in their own end.

As a result, they've lost four straight.

19. Minnesota Wild

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NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 11: Andrew Brunette #15 of the Minnesota Wild skates through the defense of Kevin Klein #8 and Shane O'Brien #55 of the Nashville Predators on January 11, 2011 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederic

Last week: 14

Record: 22-18-5 (49 pts)

Minnesota owns the eighth best power play in the league.

However, cannot score and snapped a three-game losing streak on Sunday with a 4-0 win over Vancouver.

They start a four-game road trip against Edmonton on Tuesday.

18. Colorado Avalanche

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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 10: Matt Duchene #9 of the Colorado Avalanche controls the puck against the Detroit Red Wings at the Pepsi Center on January 10, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. Duchene earned the number one star as he scored two goals as the Avalanche def

Last week: 19

Record: 23-16-6 (52 pts)

The Avs have the league's fourth best offense and ninth best power play but need to play better defense to compete in the West.

They finish January at home with five straight games in the Pepsi Center.

17. Los Angeles Kings

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Wayne Simmonds #17 of the Los Angeles Kings leaves the ice after an injury as he is helped by Jarret Stoll #28 and Ryan Smyth #94 during the game against the Edmonton Oilers at the Staples Center on January 15, 2011 in Los A

Last week: 15

Record: 24-19-1 (49 pts)

The Kings rocked some aesthetically-pleasing throwbacks against the Oilers on Saturday

They won the contest 5-2.

LA has a Top 10 defense and penalty kill but needs to string together some wins in order to climb their way to the top of the Pacific.

16. Florida Panthers

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BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 23: Dennis Wideman #6 of the Florida Panthers skates against the Buffalo Sabres at HSBC Arena on December 23, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. Florida won 4-3. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Last week: 25

Record: 21-20-2 (44 pts)

The Panthers have the league's 10th best defense and the fourth best penalty kill.

They've also won three straight against Washington, Nashville and New Jersey.

15. Carolina Hurricanes

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TORONTO,ON - DECEMBER 28: Jussi Jokinen #36 of the Carolina Hurricanes congratulates teammate Jeff Skinner #53 on his goal in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 28, 2010 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Claus Anders

Last week: 17

Record: 22-16-6 (50 pts)

The Hurricanes have won three of their last four.

Jussi Jokinen has four goals in his last three games.

Carolina is currently one point outside the playoff picture in the East.

14. Montreal Canadiens

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 12: Carey Price #31 and Hal Gill #75 of the Montreal Canadiens watch the puck hit the post on a shot by Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on January 12, 2011 in Montreal, Quebec

Last week: 10

Record: 25-17-3 (53 pts)

Montreal has been solid on defense and special teams but is only mustering 2.5 goals per game.

However, they have prevailed with an anemic offense.

The Habs have won four of their last five.

13. Anaheim Ducks

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ANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 16: Lubomir Visnovsky (L) #17 and Teemu Selanne #8 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrate Selanne's second goal of the game in the second period against the Edmonton Oilers at the Honda Center on January 16, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (P

Last week: 13

Record: 25-19-4 (54 pts)

Owners of the league's third best power play, the Ducks continue to compete in the Pacific.

However, they were exposed by the Desert Dogs on Saturday. They lost 6-2 in Glendale.

12. New York Rangers

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NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 11: Derek Stepan #21 of the New York Rangers skates against David Desharnais #58 of the Montreal Canadiens on January 11, 2011 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Montreal defeated the Rangers 2-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Get

Last week: 9

Record: 26-18-3 (55 pts)

With stingy D, the Rangers are looking like legitimate contenders in the East.

Too bad they're in the same division as the Flyers and Penguins...

11. Nashville Predators

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TORONTO - NOVEMBER 16: David Legwand #11, J.P. Dumont #71 and Joel Ward #29 of the Nashville Predators celebrate J.P. Dumont's goal during game action against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre November 16, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Last week: 8

Record: 24-15-6 (54 pts)

The Preds have been savage in their own end.

Their defense (second in NHL) and penalty kill (third) has allowed this team to compete in the Central.

Hopefully for the Nashville faithful, their 6-3 loss in Chicago has not devastated this otherwise impressive team.

10. Chicago Blackhawks

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 12: Dave Bolland #36 of the Chicago Blackhawks is congratulated after scoring a goal in the 1st period against the Colorado Avalanche by teammates (L-R) Jonathan Toews #19, Fernando Pisani #15, Duncan Keith #2 and Brent Seabrook #7 a

Last week: 16

Record: 25-18-4 (54 pts)

Tied for second in the Central with Nashville, the Hawks are officially back.

With a Top 10 offense, the league's best power play and an improved defense, the Blackhawks are putting themselves in position to defend their title.

9. Phoenix Coyotes

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 15: A fan of the Phoenix Coyotes holds up a sign during the NHL game against the Anaheim Ducks at Jobing.com Arena on January 15, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Ducks 6-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Im

Last week: 18

Record: 23-13-9 (55 pts)

Don't count these Coyotes out.

Glendale's finest have won four straight.

However, they will be tested by San Jose, Nashville and Los Angeles (twice) next week.

8. Washington Capitals

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WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 16: Matt Hendricks #26 of the Washington Capitals gets his stick caught in the mask of Brian Elliott #30 of the Ottawa Senators at the Verizon Center on January 16, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Last week: 6

Record: 25-14-7 (57 pts)

A commitment to defense (ninth in NHL) has kept these Caps in contention.

Currently, they are tied with Tampa Bay for the Southeast Division lead.

However, their win in Ottawa snapped a recent three-game losing streak.

7. Tampa Bay Lighting

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 09: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates during an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on January 9, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Last week: 5

Record: 26-15-5 (57 pts)

The Lighting need work on defense but are otherwise well-rounded.

They were able to top Washington 3-0, but losses to New Jersey and Carolina hurt.

6. Boston Bruins

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BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 13: Gregory Campbell #11 of the Boston Bruins is congratulated by teammates Zdeno Chara #33 and Patrice Bergeron #37 after Campbell scored an empty net goal in the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers on January 13, 2011 at th

Last week: 11

Record: 24-13-7 (55 pts)

The Bruins are finally playing to their potential.

Their eighth best offense is complimenting their defense (league's best) and a solid penalty kill (sixth).

As a result, they Bruins had a three-game win streak going before losing to Pittsburgh on Saturday.

5. Dallas Stars

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DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 15: Goalie Kari Lehtonen #32 of the Dallas Stars in goal against the Atlanta Thrashers at American Airlines Center on January 15, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Last week: 7

Record: 27-13-5 (59 pts)

The Pacific's finest are playing well defensively (seventh in league) and on the power play (ninth) but need to do a better job killing penalties.

The Stars have only one loss, which came in a shootout to New York, in January.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 12: Chris Kunitz #14 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates his third period goal with team mates (L-R) Alex Goligoski #3, Kris Letang #58 and Jordan Staal #11 during the NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centr

Last week: 4

Record: 28-14-4 (60 pts)

The Penguins still need work on the power play, but have a Top Five offense (fifth), defense (fourth) and penalty kill (first).

They avenged their loss to Boston on Saturday with a 3-2 win on Saturday—reinforcing their perception as an elite team in the East.

3. Philadelphia Flyers

Dave Sandford/Getty Images

BUFFALO NY - JANUARY 11: Jeff Carter #17 of the Philadelphia Flyers keeps his eye on the puck after Ryan Miller #30 of the Buffalo Sabres makes a save during their NHL game at HSBC Arena January 11, 2011 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo By Dave Sandford/Gett

Last week: 2

Record: 29-11-5 (63 pts)

The Flyers remain at the apex of the Atlantic Division due to their second-best offense but need to work on other aspects of their game.

This team has only one loss, to Boston, in January.

2. Detroit Red Wings

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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 10: Brian Rafalski #28 of the Detroit Red Wings controls the puck against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on January 10, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Avalanche defeated the Red Wings 5-4. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty I

Last week: 3

Record: 28-11-6 (62 pts)

The Wings remain atop the competitive Central due to great offense (first in NHL) and a great power play (fourth).

However, they need to play better in their own end.

The Wings travel to Pittsburgh on Tuesday in what should be an epic showdown between two powerhouse teams.

1. Vancouver Canucks

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NEW YORK , NY - JANUARY 13: Henrik Sedin #33 of the Vancouver Canucks skates against the New York Rangers during the game at Madison Square Garden on January 13, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Andy Marlin/Getty Images)

Last week: 1

Record: 29-10-6 (64 pts)

This is the league's best team, hands down.

Third in goals per game, third in goals against, second in power play and fifth in penalty kill—this team can do it all.