NHL Power Rankings: Coyotes and Devils Roll, Western Conference Gets Jammed

New Jersey and Phoenix are tied for the longest winning streak in the league with seven.

It helps the Pacific Division-leading Coyotes, but the Devils buried themselves too far early in the season.

Minnesota and Carolina have a chance to grab the last seed in the West and East, respectively.

Time will tell if they stay around.

Alexander Semin dropped three on Anaheim. He's going to have to keep playing like that to keep his Caps competitive down the stretch.

The Islanders have won five of six. Michael Grabner has been unreal.

Colorado and Atlanta have dropped off at the wrong time. Both teams looked like playoff contenders early in the season.

The Peter Forsberg experiment was a fiasco for the former team, much like Atlanta's Chris Chelios' trial last season.

Taylor Hall looked impressive against Atlanta, but he can't bring the Stanley Cup Playoffs to Edmonton by himself.

30. Edmonton Oilers

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COLUMBUS, OH - FEBRUARY 05: Taylor Hall #4 of the Edmonton Oilers looks on the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on February 5, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Record: 19-32-8 (46 pts)

Edmonton has reeled off three straight after a big win against Dallas.

However, it's too little, too late for the rebuilding Oilers.

29. Ottawa Senators

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TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 19: Craig Anderson #41 and Chris Neil #25 of the Ottawa Senators celebrates shootout win at the Air Canada Centre against the Toronto Maple Leafs February 19, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images)

Record: 19-31-9 (47 pts)

Ottawa only has two wins this month.

They came against the Oilers and Maple Leafs, two teams that will also end their season after 82 games.

Newcomer Craig Anderson did get a shutout against Toronto, however.

28. Colorado Avalanche

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COLUMBUS, OH - FEBRUARY 11: Peter Forsberg #21 of the Colorado Avalanche skates with the puck during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on February 11, 2011 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)

Record: 25-27-7 (57 pts)

The Avalanche are in trouble.

The Peter Forsberg experiment did not work out, and the team will continue to struggle without Matt Duchene.

This team will not make the playoffs this season.

27. Atlanta Thrashers

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TORONTO, CAN - FEBRUARY 7: Zach Bogosian #4 of the Atlanta Thrashers skates with the puck in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 7, 2011 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. The Leafs defeated the Thrashers 5-4. (Photo by Claus And

Record: 25-25-10 (60 pts)

The Thrashers have a top-10 offense (10th in NHL) and power play (eighth) but are sputtering due to poor defensive play.

They only have one win in February.

26. Toronto Maple Leafs

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BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 16: Joey Crabb #46 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates scoring the game-winning goal with his teammates against the Buffalo Sabres at HSBC Arena on February 16, 2011 in Buffalo, New York. Toronto won 2-1. (Photo by Rick Stewart/G

Record: 25-27-7 (57 pts)

A loss to the Senators is brutal.

However, this team has a winning January going and is holding onto playoff hopes by a thread.

25. Florida Panthers

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SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 8: Goaltender Tomas Vokoun #29 of the Florida Panthers stops a shot by the St. Louis Blues on February 8, 2011 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Blues defeated the Panthers 2-1. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

Record: 25-26-7 (57 pts)

Florida is going to go down quietly but has a strong foundation for the future.

24. New York Islanders

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OTTAWA, ON - FEBRUARY 15: Michael Grabner #40 of the New York Islanders celebrates a short-handed goal while Milan Michalek #9 of the Ottawa Senators reacts dejectedly in a game at Scotiabank Place on February 15, 2011 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The Ne

Record: 22-30-7 (51 pts)

The Islanders have won five of their last six.

In that time, they rolled Pittsburgh 9-3 and blanked the Kings 3-0.

It would be huge if the Isles could finish the season on a strong note.

23. New Jersey Devils

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NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 06: Head coach Jacques Lemaire of the New Jersey Devils instructs his players during the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Prudential Center on January 6, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. The Flyers defeated the Devils 4-2. (Ph

Record: 25-30-4 (54 pts)

New Jersey has won seven straight.

Their offense is too talented, however, to be dead last in the league in goals per game (2.1).

22. Buffalo Sabres

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BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 16: Mike Komisarek #8, Dion Phaneuf #3, Tim Brent #37 and Joey Crabb #46 celebrate Crabb's game winning goal behind Ryan Miller #30 of the Buffalo Sabres the Toronto Maple Leafs at HSBC Arena on February 16, 2011 in Buffalo, New Yo

Record: 27-25-6 (60 pts)

Buffalo's late-season playoff push appears to be waning.

The Sabres cannot afford to go through a three-game slump right now.

21. St. Louis Blues

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SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 8: David Backes #42 of the St. Louis Blues skates up ice against the Florida Panthers on February 8, 2011 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Blues defeated the Panthers 2-1. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Record: 27-21-9 (63 pts)

The Blues may have squandered an early-season advantage.

However, they have shown signs of life lately.

The team has won three-straight, including a 9-3 romp against Anaheim.

20. Columbus Blue Jackets

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DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 13: Goaltender Steve Mason #1 of the Columbus Blue Jackets at American Airlines Center on February 13, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Record: 29-23-6 (64 pts)

Columbus has won three of their last four.

They have an outside shot at the playoffs this year.

19. New York Rangers

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NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 17: Brandon Dubinsky #17 of the New York Rangers is congratulated by his teammates for his goal in the third period against the Los Angeles Kings on February 17, 2011 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Kings 4-3 after a sh

Record: 31-26-4 (66 pts)

New York is a playoff-caliber team.

However, a poor performance in February is jeopardizing their chances.

18. Dallas Stars

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 05: Loui Eriksson #21 of the Dallas Stars skates against the Philadelphia Flyers on February 5, 2011 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Stars 3-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Record: 31-22-6 (68 pts)

Dallas has only one win in February.

They are in jeopardy of dropping out of the playoff race.

17. Carolina Hurricanes

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NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 16: Erik Cole #26 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on February 16, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Record: 28-24-8 (64 pts)

The Hurricanes have a serious shot at the playoffs this year.

A win over Philly has to be encouraging for the young club.

16. Anaheim Ducks

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ANAHEIM, CA - FEBRUARY 16: Bobby Ryan #9 and Ryan Getzlaf #15 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrate Getzlaf's first period goal against the Washington Capitals at the Honda Center on February 16, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Record: 32-24-4 (68 pts)

The Ducks will show their true colors down the stretch.

They could either be a Cinderella playoff team or an overachieving team that played more games than everyone all season.

Only time will tell.

15. Minnesota Wild

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 25: Cal Clutterbuck #22 of the Minnesota Wild passes the puck around Niklas Hjalmarsson #4 of the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on January 25, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Record: 31-22-6 (68 pts)

The scrappy Wild are still around.

Running over the Ducks, a Western Conference opponent, and taking Detroit to a shootout has to give some confidence to this team.

14. Montreal Canadiens

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CALGARY, AB - FEBRUARY 20: Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens shows the effects of the cold weather in third period against the Calgary Flames at the 2011 NHL Heritage Classic Game at McMahon Stadium on February 20, 2011 in Calgary, Alberta, Canad

Record: 31-22-7 (69 pts)

Montreal was humiliated at the Heritage Classic.

They have dropped six of their last seven.

This team needs to get it together or could risk losing their playoff spot.

13. Los Angeles Kings

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PHILADELPHIA - FEBRUARY 13: Jonathan Quick #32 of the Los Angeles Kings in action during a game against the Philadelphia Flyers on February 13, 2011 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lou Capozzola/Getty Images)

Record: 32-23-4 (68 pts)

Being blanked by the Islanders is a downer.

However, this team is playing well defensively.

With a plus-21 point differential, this team deserves to be in the playoffs.

12. Chicago Blackhawks

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 20: Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks scores the winning goal during a shootout against Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Pittsburgh Penguins at the United Center on February 20, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeate

Record: 30-23-6 (66 pts)

The Blackhawks have the fifth-best offense and second-best power play in the league.

With a plus-21 point differential, this team deserves to be in the playoffs.

11. Calgary Flames

Andre Ringuette/Getty Images

CALGARY, AB - FEBRUARY 20: Miikka Kiprusoff #34 and Niklas Hagman #10 of the Calgary Flames salute the fans following a 4-0 victory over the Montreal Canadiens in the 2011 NHL Heritage Classic Game at McMahon Stadium on February 20, 2011 in Calgary, Albe

Record: 31-22-8 (70 pts)

Ignited by a 9-1 torching of Colorado, Calgary has won three-straight and is riding high entering playoff time.

The Heritage Classic came at the right time for this club.

10. Washington Capitals

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

ANAHEIM, CA - FEBRUARY 16: (L-R) Alexander Semin #28, Alex Ovechkin #8 and Dave Hannan #23 of the Washington Capitals celebrate Semin's first goal of the game against the Anaheim Ducks in the second period at the Honda Center on February 16, 2011 in Anah

Record: 31-19-10 (72 pts)

The Caps haven't been impressive in January.

They have, however, done enough to stay competitive going into the playoffs.

9. Nashville Predators

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NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 12: Cody Franson #4 of the Nashville Predators congratulates his goalie Pekka Rinne #35 after defeating the Colorado Avalancheon February 12, 2011 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Ge

Record: 31-20-8 (70 pts)

The Predators have suffocating defense; they are second in goals against and PK.

If they can keep their cool down the stretch, this team will weather the maelstrom that is the Western Conference playoff race.

8. Tampa Bay Lightning

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 25: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs 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 Imag

Record: 34-18-7 (75 pts)

The Bolts have dropped three straight.

Stevie Y was greeted with a 6-2 slaughtering when his former employers visited the Ice Palace.

By picking up Eric Brewer, the Lightning are showing that they are serious about patching up their defense and chasing a top seed in the playoffs.

7. San Jose Sharks

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 17: Joe Pavelski #8, Patrick Marleau #12, Dan Boyle #22 and Douglas Murray #3 of the San Jose Sharks talk during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on January 17, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Sharks def

Record: 33-21-6 (72 pts)

The Sharks have a tough road trip coming up.

They will have to play at Detroit, Pittsburgh and Calgary before playing six at home.

6. Boston Bruins

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

UNIONDALE, NY - FEBRUARY 17: Mark Recchi #28 and Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins skate during an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on February 17, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Ima

Record: 33-19-7 (73 pts)

The Bruins are slacking on special teams.

However, with a top-five offense and defense, this team is a bona fide contender.

5. Phoenix Coyotes

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GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 12: (L-R) Keith Yandle #3, Ray Whitney #13, Martin Hanzal #11 and Radim Vrbata #17 of the Phoenix Coyotes stand attended for the National Anthem before the NHL game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Jobing.com Arena on February 12

Record: 32-19-9 (73 pts)

The 'Yotes are red hot.

If they can avoid a major buzz-kill on their current five-game road trip, which started with a 3-2 win in Nashville, this team could win the Pacific.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins

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DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 16: Tyler Kennedy #48 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates his game winning goal in overtime with Kris Letang #58 against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on February 16, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Penguins defeated th

Record: 36-19-5 (77 pts)

No Crosby. No problem.

The Pens continue to roll, relying on their depth.

3. Detroit Red Wings

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BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 11: Todd Bertuzzi #44 of the Detroit Red Wings is congratulated by teammate Pavel Datsyuk #13 after Bertuzzi scored in the second period against the Boston Bruins on February 11, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Pho

Record: 37-16-6 (80 pts)

The Wings have won five in a row, despite playing four of those on the road.

Fans in the Motor City can rest easy this season knowing their team will deliver the playoffs once again.

2. Philadelphia Flyers

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 05: Blair Betts #11 of the Dallas Stars skates against the Philadelphia Flyers on February 5, 2011 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Stars 3-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Record: 39-15-5 (83 pts)

The Flyers went three for four on their recent road trip.

A loss to Carolina, which is making a playoff surge, should not concern the Flyers.

1. Vancouver Canucks

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - FEBRUARY 12: Brothers Daniel Sedin #22 and Henrik Sedin #33 of the Vancouver Canucks talk during a break in in NHL action against the Calgary Flames on February 12, 2011 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo

Record: 38-13-9 (85 pts)

The Canucks lead the league in goals against and power play, are second on offense and fifth in penalty kill.

Hard to find a weakness on this team.