NHL Power Rankings: How the Philadelphia Flyers and Each Team Can Win the Cup

The best time of year for hockey fans is almost here: the Stanley Cup playoffs.

We've followed our teams all season, wishing and hoping that this could be their year. Since the beginning of this year, we've religiously watched highlights, followed stats, injury and trade updates to see which teams have the best chances, and which teams will be our team's biggest foe in the playoffs.

Now the time is almost here. The playoffs aren't set just yet, with spots still to be clinched in both conferences.

However, we have a pretty good picture of which teams will be there. So who has the best chance of winning the Cup this year?

Statistically, the Canucks have dominated the West and the Flyers have dominated the East. However, teams like the San Jose Sharks and Pittsburgh Penguins have shown signs that they won't go down without a fight.

Here's a ranking of which team has the best chance at the Cup this year and what their biggest strength will be on the way there.

16. Buffalo Sabres: Ryan Miller

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BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 20: Ryan Miller #30 of the Buffalo Sabres makes a save against the Nashville Predators at HSBC Arena on March 20, 2011 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Last year, Ryan Miller proved his poise under pressure playing for Team USA in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. He led his team then to win a piece of silver metal; perhaps he can do the same this year.

The odds seem against the Sabres this year, with such tough competition in the East just to get on to the next round.

However, the Montreal Canadiens proved last year how much difference an excellent goaltender can make, Miller might be able to do the same this year.

If he can recover for the playoffs, that is.

15. New York Rangers: Henrik Lundqvist

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NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 24: Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers looks at the crowd as he puts his mask on prior to the game against the Ottawa Senators at Madison Square Garden on March 24, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Christopher Pasatieri/Gett

You'll encounter a pattern on this list: Many will include goaltenders as the key to their team's success.

Perhaps the biggest example of what a goaltender means to his team is Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers. As The Sporting News points out, statistics can prove that Lundqvist has been the key to the Rangers' success.

He may go into the playoffs really fatigued, though, in which case, the Rangers will see their Cup chances diminish significantly.

King Henrik has started 21 consecutive games as of last night and likely won't see a break for the rest of the season with safety net Marty Biron injured.

Last night, Lundqvist appeared to be in pain after blocking a shot from the Sabres' Chris Butler in an unpadded area. Lundqvist is not expected to miss any time. That is not surprising, considering that the Rangers have fallen into the eighth spot in the East following a loss last night to the Sabres.

In order to remain contenders for the Cup, the Rangers will need Lundqvist in net instead of putting their chances in the hands of the inexperienced Chad Johnson, whose only played in five NHL games.

14. Nashville Predators: Shea Weber and the Art of Surprise

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NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 26: Joel Ward #29 and Shea Weber #6 of the Nashville Predators congratulate teammate David Legwand #11 on scoring an open net goal against the Dallas Stars on March 26, 2011 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo

Early in the season, it looked like the Nashville Predators wouldn't make the playoffs this year. They have made the playoffs every year since 2003, except the 2008-09 season. It appears that they will make it again this season.

However, the Predators don't have the best track record in the playoffs. They haven't made it out of the first round ever.

Shea Weber, the captain as well as best offensive and defensive talent on the team, could help them. Weber is tied for the team lead with 46 points so far.

Another factor in the Preds favor is the fact that teams may underestimate them. They could swoop in and be the Montreal Canadiens of the West this year...although that would be harder to accomplish in the Western Conference.

13. Montreal Canadiens: Carey Price

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MONTREAL, CANADA - MARCH 29: Members of the Montreal Canadiens celebrate their 3-1 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on March 29, 2011 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)

The Canadiens were the shocker of last year's playoffs, upsetting both the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins en route to the Eastern Conference Finals.

There were questions regarding goaltender Carey Price coming into this season.

However, he seems to have proved critics wrong. He has been one of the top goaltenders in the league this year.

Last year, Price went 13-20-5. This year so far, he has gone 35-28-6. Price's save percentage last season was .912 and he averaged 2.77 goals against. This year, his numbers have improved with a .921 save percentage and 2.41 GAA.

Price doesn't have great numbers in the playoffs, with save percentages under .900 and GAA over three goals.  However, he's matured a lot in the past season. He could transfer his success this season into the playoffs.

12. Tampa Bay: Combination of the Old and the New

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 22: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates with Vincent Lecavalier #4 and Martin St. Louis #26 after Stamkos' goal against Atlanta Thrasher at Philips Arena on October 22, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C.

Vinny Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis both played central roles on the Tampa Bay Lightning 2004 Stanley Cup Championship team.

This season, St. Louis has been one of the top players, along with linemate Steven Stamkos. They are number one and two on the team leaders in points this year, respectively. Lecavalier is No. 4 and has seen a resurgence in scoring now that he seems to finally be healthy.

If the playoffs began today, the Lightning would face the Penguins in the first round. It seems like a dangerous matchup for the Lightning; however, it is dangerous for the Penguins as well.

The Bolts have played well against the Pens all season. If last night's game is any indication of the impending playoff series, it will be a tough and close matchup.

Most of the Lightning are young and don't have much experience in the playoffs. However, with the help of St. Louis and Lecavalier's past Cup experience, as well as veteran goaltender Dwayne Roloson in net.

11. Chicago Blackhawks: Corey Crawford

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CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 23: Chris Campoli #14 and Corey Crawford #50 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrate their win over the Florida Panthers at the United Center on March 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Panthers 4-0. (Photo by Bruc

The Chicago Blackhawks are on the verge of not making the playoffs, currently in the eighth spot. Not if rookie goaltender Corey Crawford has anything to say about it, though.

Crawford has been one of the best aspects of the Blackhawks game this year and will be a leading candidate for the Calder Trophy as the Rookie of the Year.

Crawford has great numbers this year. He is 30-16-5 with a 918 save percentage and averaging 2.28 goals against.

That compared to the Cup winning goaltender last year, Antti Niemi, who went 26-7-4 last year, with a .912 save percentage and 2.25 GAA. Niemi did that with an arguably better defense, along with help from Dustin Byfuglien in front of him.

Can the Blackhawks repeat this year? The odds seem against them, but if they can, it will be from excellent goaltending.

10. Los Angeles Kings: Defense

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 26: (L-R) Anze Kopitar #11, Drew Doughty #8 and Jack Johnson #3 of the Los Angeles Kings celebrate Doughty's second period goal against the Colorado Avalanche at Staples Center on February 26, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. T

With Anze Kopitar out for the rest of the season, the defense is the best hope for the Kings going into the playoffs.

They have solid defense behind young stars Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson.

They are ranked fifth in the league in goals against average, averaging only 2.36 goals per game. They are fourth in the league on the penalty kill with an 85.9 percentage.

Their goaltending in Jonathan Quick has been good too. Quick is fourth in the league in goals against average at 2.19 and a save percentage of .919.

Losing Kopitar for the rest of the season was a huge blow, but with the Kings defense and goaltending, they may be all right.

9. Phoenix Coyotes: Defense

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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 03: Ed Jovanovski #55 of the Phoenix Coyotes skates back to the bench after scoring his third goal of the night against the Nashville Predators during the third period of the NHL game at Jobing.com Arena on November 3, 2010 in Gle

The key to the Phoenix Coyotes' success has been their defense.

With veteran Ed Jovanovski backing them up, the Coyotes were great. Unfortunately, the Coyotes lost Jovanovski on February 17 to an orbital bone injury.

They added in Rotislav Klsla from Columbus at the trade deadline to bolster their defense in Jovanovski's place. They have also had Keith Yandle, their All-Star representative, play well. David Schlemko has been able to step up as well.

The Coyotes learned that Jovanovski has been cleared for contact this weekend and could return to the lineup for the final couple games.

This would be fantastic for Phoenix going into the playoffs.

8. Anaheim Ducks: Forwards

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NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 24: Bobby Ryan #9 and Ryan Getzlaf #15 of the Anaheim Ducks congratulate teammate Corey Perry #10 after scoring a goal against the Nashville Predators on March 24, 2011 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Fr

The Anaheim Ducks are dangerous because of their top forwards: Ryan Getzlaf, Teemu Selanne, Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan.

Perry has been on fire as of late, even overtaking Tampa's Steven Stamkos for the lead in the race for the "Rocket" Richard Trophy. Ryan is in the top 10 of that list, too, in the eighth spot.

Getzlaf is fifth in league leaders in assists, and Selanne is eighth.

All four of them are within the top 20 in points—Ryan at 19, Getzlaf at 15, Selanne at nine and Perry at four.

If these four forwards can continue this success into the playoffs, the Ducks will be tough to beat. Good thing so many of the other teams are strong on defense.

7. Washington Capitals: A Combination of Everything

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 22: John Carlson #74 of the Washington Capitals skates during an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 22, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

One of the biggest strengths of the Capitals is that they seem to have an abundance of reserve players who can step up when called upon.

One of the best players on the Capitals this year, I think, has been rookie John Carlson. With injuries to top defensemen Tom Poti and Mike Green, Carlson has stepped up to play a big role on the blue line.

They have also benefited from trade additions with Dennis Wideman on defense, although he is currently week-to-week with an injury, and Jason Arnott and Marco Sturm bringing a badly needed veteran presence on offense.

One of the best things Arnott brings to the table is forming a good relationship with Alexander Semin. Semin has struggled in the playoffs in the past. Perhaps with the help of his center, he can break that streak this year.

6. Boston Bruins: Tim Thomas

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BOSTON, MA - MARCH 24: Tim Thomas #30 of the Boston Bruins stops a shot in the second period against the Montreal Canadiens on March 24, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Tim Thomas has been outstanding this year. He is most definitely the leading candidate for the Vezina this year, the best goaltender of the year.

Looking at the NHL league leader board, Thomas is atop two of the most important goaltender stats: save percentage and goals against average.

Thomas boasts a .939 save percentage and a phenomenal 1.98 goals against average. No other goaltender in the league is under two.

Thomas is also second in shutouts, behind New York's Henrik Lundqvist, with nine.

Teams, beware of the Bruins in the playoffs.

5. San Jose Sharks: Antti Niemi

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GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 26: Goaltender Antti Niemi #31 of the San Jose Sharks in action during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on March 26, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Sharks defeated the Coyotes 4-1. (Photo by Christian Pe

Niemi helped the Chicago Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup last year. Now, he has the chance to do the same with the Sharks.

Niemi is 31-17-6 this season with a 2.46 goals against average. He has improved his save percentage this year, at .917, up from .912 last year.

In the playoffs last year, Niemi was 16-6, with a .910 save percentage and 2.63 GAA.

The Sharks hope he can post even better numbers for them this year in the playoffs. That, combined with resurgence in their top line's production, could make the Sharks a serious contender.

4. Detroit Red Wings: Experienced Veterans

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GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 05: Nicklas Lidstrom #5 and Mike Modano #90 of the Detroit Red Wings talk during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on March 5, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Red Wings 5-4 in an overtim

Year after year, the Detroit Red Wings are contenders for the Stanley Cup. The last time the Red Wings did not make the playoffs was over 20 years ago, in 1989.

In 19 straight playoff appearances, the Red Wings went to six Stanley Cup Finals and won four of them.

The Red Wings still have many of the players that helped them win their Cups in the past: Pavel Datsyuk, Kris Draper, Henrik Zetterberg and the best defenseman in the game, Nicklas Lidstrom.

With their core cast of characters, the Red Wings are always in contention for the Cup.

3. Pittsburgh Penguins: Marc-Andre Fleury

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PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 27: Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Pittsburgh Penguins makes a save against the Florida Panthers at Consol Energy Center on March 27, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Marc-Andre Fleury has been truly amazing at times for the Pittsburgh Penguins this season. Without him in net, the Penguins may have fallen apart after losing Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

He has been named the team MVP for the Penguins this year, and no one was a better candidate.

Fleury is 34-19-5 this year. His save percentage and goals against average have improved from last year, at .918 and 2.32 respectively.

He really keeps the Penguins in the games. Take last night versus Tampa, for example. The way Tampa played, they should have won by a wide margin. However, Fleury made some amazing saves and kept it within one.

Of course, Fleury can't do it alone. The other aspects of the Pens game will seriously need to step up to be successful in the playoffs.

2. Vancouver Canucks: Top Line

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GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 08: (L-R) Daniel Sedin #22, Ryan Kesler #17 and Henrik Sedin #33 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrate after Henrik Sedin scored a second period goal against the Phoenix Coyotes during the NHL game at Jobing.com Arena on March 8, 2011 i

The Sedin twins and Ryan Kesler.

Linemates have intense chemistry. So do twins. Therefore, the chemistry between linemates the Sedin twins is unmatched. Throw in Ryan Kesler, and it's easy to see why the Canucks are the top team in the NHL.

The Canucks have scored a total of 246 goals this season. Their top line has accounted for 95 of those goals, or almost 40 percent of their goals scored. That is incredible.

They are the top three leaders in points on the Canucks. Daniel has a league-leading 98 points, Henrik, 91 points, and Kesler, 68 points.

The Sedins have taken turns leading the league in points, Henrik last year and Daniel this year. Looks like it will be Kesler's turn next season.

1. Philadelphia Flyers: Depth at Forward

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 03: Jeff Carter #17 and Mike Richards #18 of the Philadelphia Flyers talk during a break in action in an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators at the Wells Fargo Center on February 3, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvan

Every single one of the Flyers lines produces. Their top four team leaders in points play on three different lines.

Other teams don't get a rest no matter which line is on the ice.

Philadelphia is third in the league in most goals scored, behind Vancouver and Detroit, at 240. They are tied with Chicago for third most per game at 3.12.

They'll need to be able to score goals, since almost every Eastern Conference team has very strong goaltending.

Their line depth, as well as experience from last year's playoffs, gives them a good shot at the Cup this year.