NHL Power Rankings: Flyers, Canucks Lead Eastern, Western Conferences

Due to the All-Star break-shortened weekend, I have decided to take a different approach to my power rankings.

This week, I will weigh overall performance more heavily and give an early estimate of who's who in the world of hockey.

New Jersey, for example, will drop even though they were on a four-game winning streak before losing to Detroit. I don't think a strong January is going to vault this team into the playoffs.

This week I will primarily focus on each team's shot at the playoffs and if they'll be around in the long run.

Enjoy.

30. New Jersey Devils

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NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 20: Brian Rolston #12 of the New Jersey Devils takes a break during warmups before an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Prudential Center on January 20, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty

Last week: 21

Record: 16-30-3 (35 pts)

The Devils organization has taken a giant leap backwards.

Last year's Atlantic Division winners have sat in the league cellar all season long.

The franchise must have a serious makeover in order to generate interest again in a saturated hockey market.

29. New York Islanders

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UNIONDALE, NY - JANUARY 15: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders celebrates his hattrick goal against the Buffalo Sabres at the Nassau Coliseum on January 15, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Last week: 23

Record: 15-27-7 (37 pts)

The once-proud Islanders have work to do.

This team really could use a new venue or risk becoming a thing of the past.

John Tavares shows a lot of promise, and there are good young players in the Islanders' possession, but it may be too little too late if something else isn't done to keep this franchise on the Island.

28. Edmonton Oilers

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DETROIT - NOVEMBER 11: Jordan Eberle #14 of the Edmonton Oilers and teammate Taylor Hall #4 prepare for a face-off against the Detroit Red Wings during their NHL game at Joe Louis Arena on November 11, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Sandford/

Last week: 30

Record: 15-26-8 (38 pts)

Of the teams that have struggled this year, the Oilers show the most promise for the future.

Their loyal fans continue to pack Rexall Place, an arena that was erected in 1974, knowing that Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Linus Omark are all primed to be superstars in the NHL one day.

27. Columbus Blue Jackets

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RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 29: Rick Nash #61 of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Team Staal arrives at the NHL All-Star red carpet part of 2011 NHL All-Star Weekend on January 29, 2011 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Last week: 27

Record: 23-21-5 (51 pts)

There is a serious question of when this franchise will win its first Stanley Cup Playoff game.

Recent play suggests this team is not ready to compete in a difficult division, and they'll be lucky to sneak into the postseason this year.

26. Ottawa Senators

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 20: Daniel Alfredsson #11 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Philadelphia Flyers on January 20, 2011 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Last week: 29

Record: 17-25-8 (42 pts)

The Senators are getting torched on a regular basis.

They have a league-worst minus-52 plus/minus rating.

With more talent, this team was able to get away with lackluster play in its own end. Now, it needs to change its mentality.

25. Toronto Maple Leafs

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 25: Dion Phaneuf #3 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning at St. Pete Times Forum on January 25, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning defeated the Leafs 2-0. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Last week: 26

Record: 19-25-5 (43 pts)

The Maple Leafs are a rare team in sports.

Fans pack the arena, passionately supporting their team, and the team cannot respond.

They have enough talent to compete in the NHL; they just have little chemistry and few homegrown superstars.

This is a team any hockey fan outside of Ottawa and Montreal wants to succeed because of the die-hard fan base.

24. Calgary Flames

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DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 23: Right wing Jarome Iginla #12 of the Calgary Flames bleeds after a fight against Jamie Benn #14 of the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center on December 23, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Last week: 18

Record: 24-21-6 (54 pts)

Like the Devils, the Flames need a major overhaul.

This team is spending a lot of money on quick-fix moves that have not panned out.

Again, it's hard to see a team with such passionate fans struggle like this.

23. Florida Panthers

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Michael Frolik #67 of the Florida Panthers warms up before the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on December 4, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Panthers defeated the Coyotes 2-1 in an overtime shoot out.

Last week: 24

Record: 22-22-5 (49 pts)

The Panthers stick to a formula that works for them.

They are even in plus/minus due to stingy defense.

However, they will need to get more talent in Miami before this team can seriously contend in the Southeast.

Fortunately, they have ex-Blackhawk architect Dave Tallon as GM.

22. Atlanta Thrashers

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 16: Evander Kane #9 and Zach Bogosian #4 of the Atlanta Thrashers celebrate after Kane's goal against the Carolina Hurricanes at Philips Arena on December 16, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Last week: 25

Record: 24-19-9 (57 pts)

Atlanta and Columbus are the only two franchises that have not won a playoff game.

Early in the season, the Thrash looked like serious players in the East but are waning in the second half.

Odds are they will be on the outside of the playoff picture looking in this season.

There's a talented young core in Atlanta, and the team isn't spending much.

This means they have cap room when players like Evander Kane, Alexander Burmistrov, Zach Bogosian and Dustin Byfuglien demand a raise.

21. Buffalo Sabres

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UNIONDALE, NY - JANUARY 23: Ryan Miller #30 of the Buffalo Sabres pauses during his game against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on January 23, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Last week: 20

Record: 23-21-5 (51 pts)

Buffalo needed a serious second-half surge to make the playoffs this season.

This year, they probably will not make it.

Lesson learned: After winning the division, the team needed to spend in the offseason in order to defend their title.

20. St. Louis Blues

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ST. LOUIS, MO - JANUARY 20: David Backes #42 of the St. Louis Blues celebrates his goal against the Detroit Red Wings with teammate Brad Boyes #22 at the Scottrade Center on January 20, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Red Wings beat the Blues 4-3 in ove

Last week: 28

Record: 22-20-7 (51 pts)

Time will come when the Blues become a perennial playoff team again.

There's a lot of talent in St. Louis, and early in the year it looked like they were going to compete in the Central.

However, this young team has struggled after a hot start, and if they make it into the playoffs, it will be as a very late seed.

19. Minnesota Wild

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BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 06: Mikko Koivu #9 of the Minnesota Wild is congratulated by teammates Cal Clutterbuck #22 and Brent Burns #8 after Koivu scored the empty net goal against the Boston Bruins on January 6, 2010 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusett

Last week: 15

Record: 25-19-5 (55 pts)

The Wild have a chance to make the playoffs this year, but it's going to be a close race to the finish in the West.

Mikko Koivu and Brent Burns have been phenomenal this season, and Martin Havlat got a late nod to join the All-Star game.

Things are getting better in St. Paul.

18. Phoenix Coyotes

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 18: Shane Doan #19 of the Phoenix Coyotes during the NHL game against the Nashville Predators at Jobing.com Arena on January 18, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Predators defeated the Coyotes 5-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Get

Last week: 16

Record: 25-17-9 (59 pts)

It's hard to tell if the Coyotes are for real or a flash in the pan.

Coach Dave Tippett is doing what he can to make his team competitive night in and night out, but I expect the Sharks and Kings to step it up in the second half and Phoenix and Anaheim to be passed in the Pacific.

17. Carolina Hurricanes

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RALEIGH, NC - MAY 26: Eric Staal #12 of the Carolina Hurricanes reacts after scoring a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins with Sergei Samsonov #14, Erik Cole #26, and Dennis Seidenberg #4 during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Championship Round of

Last week: 17

Record: 25-19-5 (56 pts)

With Atlanta reeling and the last few seeds in the East ripe for the picking, the 'Canes could sneak into the postseason as a late seed.

This team is far from its prime, but younger players like Jeff Skinner, Jamie McBain and Brandon Sutter show promise for the future.

Over the All-Star weekend, fans in Raleigh displayed that they are ready to get behind the Hurricanes if they perform on the ice.

16. Anaheim Ducks

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MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 22: Cam Fowler #4 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrates his first period goal with teammates Bobby Ryan #9 and Corey Perry #10 during the NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on January 22, 2011 in Montreal, Que

Last week: 11

Record: 28-20-4 (60 pts)

Like the Coyotes, it's hard to tell if the Ducks are a farce or a bona fide team in the West.

I expect Los Angeles and San Jose to pass them down the stretch.

It's hard to see a team with a minus-six point differential outplaying two teams in the black—San Jose is plus-one and the Kings are plus-19—in crunch time.

15. Los Angeles Kings

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 26: (L-R)Drew Doughty #8, Ryan Smyth #94, Kyle Clifford #13 and Alec Martinez #53 and goaltender Jonathan Quick #32 of the Los Angeles Kings celebrate after defeating the San Jose Sharks 3-2 in shootout overtime at Staples Cente

Last week: 22

Record: 27-22-1 (55 pts)

The Kings don't look great in the standings, but their plus-19 point differential and solid play lately indicate this team will be around for the playoffs.

Time will tell if this team can kick it into high gear down the stretch.

If they get favorable seeding, this team could really make a run in the playoffs this year.

14. Colorado Avalanche

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RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 29: Keven Shattenkirk #8 and Matt Duchene #9 of the Colorado Avalanche during the Honda NHL SuperSkills competition part of 2011 NHL All-Star Weekend at the RBC Center on January 29, 2011 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Harry

Last week: 19

Record: 25-19-6 (56 pts)

Colorado has played better in its own end lately and will probably make a second-straight postseason appearance this year.

However, a team that shows defensive weakness, as the Avalanche have, will have trouble getting out of the first round.

13. San Jose Sharks

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 20: Logan Couture #39 of the San Jose Sharks celebrates after scoring against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period in NHL action on January 20, 2011 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty

Last week: 14

Record: 25-19-6 (56 pts)

The Sharks are beginning to look like themselves again.

Barring another collapse like they had earlier in the month, San Jose can expect to pass Anaheim and Phoenix in the Pacific.

I expect this squad to finish the year off with a full head of steam going into the playoffs.

12. Montreal Canadiens

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MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 12: Hal Gill #75 gets down to block a shot in front of Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens during the NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Bell Centre on January 12, 2011 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Pengu

Last week: 12

Record: 27-18-5 (59 pts)

The Canadiens aren't where they were early in the season, and Boston will probably take the division.

However, this team will definitely be a threat in the postseason. They'll most likely get good seeding, and their defense will carry them a long way.

11. Chicago Blackhawks

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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: 9

Record: 26-20-4 (56 pts)

The Hawks are probably not going to defend their division title, but that doesn't mean they won't be able to defend their title.

People appear to have written them off, but this team should be around for the long haul.

They still have superstars Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith and have a plus-18 point differential with 32 games left to play in the season.

10. Nashville Predators

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NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 15: Jerred Smithson #25, Colin Wilson #33, and Ryan Suter #20 of the Nashville Predators congratulate teammate Shea Weber #6 on scoring a game tying goal against the Chicago Blackhawks on January 15, 2011 at the Bridgestone Arena

Last week: 8

Record: 27-17-6 (60 pts)

Write the Predators off at your own peril.

This team is generating interest in Nashville with their play.

They will battle with the Hawks for second place in the Central, but if they can snag a five or six seed, expect them to get out of the first round this season.

9. New York Rangers

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UNIONDALE, NY - OCTOBER 11: (L-R) Brandon Dubinsky #24 and Ryan Callahan #17 of the New York Rangers celebrate a power play goal by Michael Del Zotto (not shown) at 8:28 of the second period against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on October

Last week: 13

Record: 29-20-3 (61 pts)

The Rangers will not win their division—either Philadelphia or Pittsburgh will—but this is a bona fide playoff team.

After seeing mediocre hockey for the past few years, hockey aficionados in New York have reason to get excited about this team.

8. Dallas Stars

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 05: (L-R) Loui Eriksson #21, Mike Ribeiro #63, Brad Richards #91, Stephane Robidas #3 and Brenden Morrow #10 of the Dallas Stars celebrate Ribeiros' 1st period goal against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on January 5, 20

Last week: 6

Record: 30-15-5 (65 pts)

At the halfway point, I was expecting this team to take a step back as Atlanta has, but instead, the Stars continue to chug along.

The gap in the Pacific will probably close, but this team is capable of holding on.

The true test will come in the playoffs when the young Stars are likely to be paired with a more veteran team.

7. Washington Capitals

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TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 22: Alex Ovechkin #8 and Nicklas Backstrom #19 of the Washington Capitals celebrates goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during game action at the Air Canada Centre January 22, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelima

Last week: 10

Record: 27-15-9 (63 pts)

The Caps and Bolts will duke it out down the stretch.

Washington has the advantage of being there before, but they have not seen a test like the Lightning will give them since they've turned around the franchise in the Bruce Boudreau era.

6. Tampa Bay Lightning

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 25: Steven Stamkos #91 and Martin St. Louis #26 of the Tampa Bay Lightning look on against the Toronto Maple Leafs at St. Pete Times Forum on January 25, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Last week: 7

Record: 31-15-5 (67 pts)

Tampa needs to play better defense. They are the only team in the top 10 without a double-digit point differential (they are even), but this year's team is for real.

Expect the Bolts to vie for a division title and win.

Their true test will be if they can weather the storm they will face in the playoffs.

5. Boston Bruins

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BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 11: Tim Thomas #30 of the Boston Bruins celebrates the win with teammates Blake Wheeler #26 and Dennis Seidenberg #44 after the game against the Ottawa Senators on January 11, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruin

Last week: 4

Record: 28-15-7 (63 pts)

The Bruins should hold down their division and be a formidable opponent in the playoffs.

This team is finally playing to their potential after spending the first half in the shadows.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 01: Evgeni Malkin #71, Sidney Crosby #87 and Brooks Orpik #44 of the Pittsburgh Penguins look on during opening ceremonies before the start of the 2011 NHL Bridgestone Winter Classic against the Washington Capitals at Heinz Field

Last week: 2

Record: 31-15-5 (67 pts)

The Penguins and Flyers will battle for the Atlantic title, and one of the Pennsylvania teams could likely represent the East in the Finals.

With the Steelers in the Super Bowl, Pittsburgh could be in for another dual-title year.

Odds are the Pirates won't make it three however.

3. Detroit Red Wings

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DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 22: Nicklas Lidstrom #5 of the Detroit Red Wings defends in a game against the Chicago Black Hawks on January 22, 2011 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The Hawks defeated the Wings 4-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Ima

Last week: 5

Record: 30-13-6 (66 pts)

There are three things you can count on in life:

Death, taxes and a competitive hockey team in Detroit.

This year, however, the team will be tested in the West on their quest for another Stanley Cup.

2. Vancouver Canucks

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 26: Lee Sweatt #57 of the Vancouver Canucks is congratulated by Daniel Sedin #22 and Manny Malhotra #27 after scoring his first goal in the NHL against the Nashville Predators during the third period in NHL action on January 26

Last week: 3

Record: 31-10-9 (71 pts)

This team should bring home the President's Trophy this year.

The Northwest is weak, Colorado is probably a late seed at best and the Canucks are running all over their opponents.

However, they will need to prove they can get past the second round this year. Odds are they'll see Chicago again in the playoffs.

1. Philadelphia Flyers

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 25: Danny Briere #48 and Jeff Carter #17 of the Philadelphia Flyers celebrate a goal during an NHL hockey game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Wells Fargo Center on January 25, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo

Last week: 1

Record: 33-12-5 (71 pts)

The Flyers have the edge on the Penguins in the Atlantic, but the NHL community knows both teams will vie for what will likely be the top seed in the East.

Even more exciting: there's a good chance the Flyers will face the Rangers and/or Penguins in the playoffs.