*PLUS/MINUS is my weekly Power Rankings Column. The + or – is based on the previous weeks rankings.
PLUS/MINUS
PLUS/MINUS
Patrick Marleau and the Sharks are firing on all cylinders
1) San Jose Sharks {13-3-0} (EVEN)
They went 3-1 in the past week (wins vs. MIN, STL, DAL, loss @ PHO). San Jose was on a 7-game winning streak until the loss at Phoenix last night. They were bound to lose at some point and divisional games have a way of hampering big streaks like that. The bottom line is that the Sharks are playing the best hockey in the league right now. They can blow you out or win the close one. Could you imagine if their PP was better than 24th in the league (14.7%)? LW Ryane Clowe has been on fire with 4G and 2A in their past four games. As long as G Evgeni Nabokov isn't out too long, San Jose will continue their domination.
2) Detroit Red Wings {9-2-2} (+3)
They've only played one game since the last P/M, and they beat the Devils 3-1. Their Power Play is still tops in the league at 30.9% and their PK is a pedestrian 81% (16th in the league). If you're a hockey fan, pray that Detroit and San Jose have no major injuries and meet in the Western Confernce Finals. RW Marian Hossa is fitting in just fine, leading the team with 17 points (8G 9A).
3) New York Rangers {11-5-1} (EVEN)
The Rangers went 1-2-0 in the past week (loss vs. NYI, won vs. TB, loss @ WAS). The Blueshirts looked very lazy against the Isles but rebounded with a very good game against the Lightning. A questionable goal did them in against Washington on Saturday night. The two problems with this team is their power play (ranked 19th in the league @ 16.5%) and that HC Tom Renney needs to stop switching line combinations so much. Their PK is still clicking well at 89.4% (2nd in the league).
4) Montreal Canadiens {8-2-2} (-2)
This past week was a tough one for Les Habitents (0-2 loss @ CLB in a SO and loss 6-3 to TOR). With the way Boston and Buffalo are playing, Montreal can't afford too many slip ups. Their power play (11th in the league @ 19.14%) and penalty kill (13th in the league at 82.4%) can both stand to be improved a bit. With more and more names popping up in trade rumors, it'll be interesting to see what Montreal does now that the Gaborik rumors have cooled down.
5) Boston Bruins {8-3-3} (+3)
The Bruins are the hottest team in the Eastern Conference. The B's have won three in a row and six of their past seven. Tim Thomas is posting a ridiuclous 1.85 GAA and .944 save percentage. Their PP is steadily improving (now at 20.8%, tied for 8th best in the league), but they MUST improve their PK at 77.2% (tied for 25th in the league). Marc Savard is leading the team in assists and points (10A, 16P) and Phil Kessel still leads the team in goals with 7.
5) Boston Bruins {8-3-3} (+3)
The Bruins are the hottest team in the Eastern Conference. The B's have won three in a row and six of their past seven. Tim Thomas is posting a ridiuclous 1.85 GAA and .944 save percentage. Their PP is steadily improving (now at 20.8%, tied for 8th best in the league), but they MUST improve their PK at 77.2% (tied for 25th in the league). Marc Savard is leading the team in assists and points (10A, 16P) and Phil Kessel still leads the team in goals with 7.
6) Buffalo Sabres {8-3-3} (EVEN)
Buffalo had a tough 1-1-1 week. They opened it up by beating a Brodeurless-Devil team and then followed that up with an OT loss to the Thrashers (who they can't seem to beat ever) and a road loss to the red-hot Bruins. Their special teams are doing very well. Buffalo's PP is ranked 6th (20.6%) and their penalty kill is ranked 4th (88.7%). The Sabres have two easy home games this week to get back on track against St. Louis and Columbus.
7) Minnesota Wild {8-4-1} (-3)
A 1-2 week for Minnesota (loss @ SJ, won @ COL, loss @ VAN) wrapped up a four game road trip for them. The Wild had the misfortune of running in to a hot Sharks team and Roberto Luongo playing in top form. Their PK is still tops in the league at 92.5%. C Mikko Koivu is playing the pivot well, registering 13 assists and leading the team with 15 points. G Nicklas Backstrom has started all but one game this season and is posting a 2.19 GAA with a .931 save percentage.
8) Pittsburgh Penguins {8-4-2} (+2)
A 2-0 week could have very easily been an 0-2 week for the Penguins. The bottom line is good teams win close games. Pittsburgh beat the Oilers 5-4 after jumping out to a 5-0 lead and beat the Islanders on a questionable shootout goal on Saturday night. For a team that is known for their offense, Pittsburgh's PK is clicking very well at 88.5% (5th in the league). While Evgeni Malkin (18A, 4G) and Sidney Crosby (13A, 3G) are doing a fantastic job setting up their teammates, both are too good to be passing off as much as they are. They need to start lighting the lamp themselves.
9) Anaheim Ducks {9-7-1} (+4)
The Ducks started off the week a strong 2-0, but finished with two losses. After beating the Kings in a shootout and beating down the Kings, the Stars outplayed the Ducks badly and Panthers G Craig Anderson had a stellar 44 save performance against them. The Ducks have been winning by scoring a lot of goals, but Jean-Sebastian Giguere needs to settle down and get more consistent between the pipes (3.07 GAA, .907 save percentage). Their top 3 point-men are the usual suspects (Getzlaf-19, Perry-18, Selanne-15).
10) Chicago Blackhawks {7-3-3} (+2)
I have to eat my words on the Denis Savard firing. The Blackhawks are 6-1-2 since they hired Joel Quenneville. They are averaging just over 4 goals in their wins under Quenneville and the 3 losses have all been by 1 goal (2 in the shootout). Their special teams are clicking on both ends (7th on the PP at 21.2%, 3rd in the PK at 89.3%). If the Blackhawks can get some quality depth players for G Nikolai Khabibulin, they could be a team that no one wants to play.
11) Vancouver Cancuks {9-6-0} (+7)
Everyone is paying attention to San Jose, Detroit and Anaheim in the West, but look out for the Canucks. They went 3-0 this week (vs. NAS, PHO, MIN) and all three wins were shutouts by Roberto Luongo. If Luongo can get hot for a long stretch like we've seen him do in the past, Vancouver can distance themselves from Calgary, Edmonton and Colorado. A lot of names are floating in and out of Vancouver in trade rumors, so it will be interesting to see what the make up of this team will be in the coming weeks. A little more offense and they could be dominant.
12) Carolina Hurricanes {8-5-2} (-1)
A 2-2 week for Carolina (won @ TOR in OT, lost @ WAS, won vs. OTT, los vs. ATL) keeps them in the division lead, but they will need to play better. Washington is heating up and blowing the game at the end of the 3rd period on Thursday night gave the Caps a huge boost. The Hurricanes are getting a pretty even points distribution throughout the team, but guys like Erik Staal and Sergei Samsonov need to step up and be the scorers they are soon. Carolina has been impressive on the road (5-2-2) but need to improve on their .500 home record (3-3-0).
13) Washington Capitals {7-4-2} (+4)
Now that the Capitals have found some consistency in net, they may be able to get in to the same late-season form that propelled them in to the playoffs last year. Brent Johnson is 2-0-1 in his last three starts, and while HC Bruce Boudreau has said he'll go with the hot goalie, Johnson is clearly the best goalie in DC right now (Theodore just hasn't gotten it done). Alexander Semin continues his dominant play (11G, 10A), but Alexander Ovechkin needs to get back in to a groove.
14) Calgary Flames {8-7-1} (-7)
15) New Jersey Devils {7-5-2} (-6)
Any hockey fan has always known that the Devils go as Martin Brodeur goes. Since Marty went down, the Devils are 1-3 (and had to go to a SO to beat Tampa). Zach Parise has been the only player with a pulse on offense for New Jersey, scoring 11 goals and adding 5 assists. It will be interesting to see if the Devils make a trade for a goaltender (Khabibulin or Roloson perhaps) or if they stand pat with Kevin Weekes. New Jersey plays good enough defense that Weekes will be okay in net and that they should make a trade to help bolster their anemic offense and 28th ranked power play.
Buffalo had a tough 1-1-1 week. They opened it up by beating a Brodeurless-Devil team and then followed that up with an OT loss to the Thrashers (who they can't seem to beat ever) and a road loss to the red-hot Bruins. Their special teams are doing very well. Buffalo's PP is ranked 6th (20.6%) and their penalty kill is ranked 4th (88.7%). The Sabres have two easy home games this week to get back on track against St. Louis and Columbus.
7) Minnesota Wild {8-4-1} (-3)
A 1-2 week for Minnesota (loss @ SJ, won @ COL, loss @ VAN) wrapped up a four game road trip for them. The Wild had the misfortune of running in to a hot Sharks team and Roberto Luongo playing in top form. Their PK is still tops in the league at 92.5%. C Mikko Koivu is playing the pivot well, registering 13 assists and leading the team with 15 points. G Nicklas Backstrom has started all but one game this season and is posting a 2.19 GAA with a .931 save percentage.
8) Pittsburgh Penguins {8-4-2} (+2)
A 2-0 week could have very easily been an 0-2 week for the Penguins. The bottom line is good teams win close games. Pittsburgh beat the Oilers 5-4 after jumping out to a 5-0 lead and beat the Islanders on a questionable shootout goal on Saturday night. For a team that is known for their offense, Pittsburgh's PK is clicking very well at 88.5% (5th in the league). While Evgeni Malkin (18A, 4G) and Sidney Crosby (13A, 3G) are doing a fantastic job setting up their teammates, both are too good to be passing off as much as they are. They need to start lighting the lamp themselves.
9) Anaheim Ducks {9-7-1} (+4)
The Ducks started off the week a strong 2-0, but finished with two losses. After beating the Kings in a shootout and beating down the Kings, the Stars outplayed the Ducks badly and Panthers G Craig Anderson had a stellar 44 save performance against them. The Ducks have been winning by scoring a lot of goals, but Jean-Sebastian Giguere needs to settle down and get more consistent between the pipes (3.07 GAA, .907 save percentage). Their top 3 point-men are the usual suspects (Getzlaf-19, Perry-18, Selanne-15).
10) Chicago Blackhawks {7-3-3} (+2)
I have to eat my words on the Denis Savard firing. The Blackhawks are 6-1-2 since they hired Joel Quenneville. They are averaging just over 4 goals in their wins under Quenneville and the 3 losses have all been by 1 goal (2 in the shootout). Their special teams are clicking on both ends (7th on the PP at 21.2%, 3rd in the PK at 89.3%). If the Blackhawks can get some quality depth players for G Nikolai Khabibulin, they could be a team that no one wants to play.
11) Vancouver Cancuks {9-6-0} (+7)
Everyone is paying attention to San Jose, Detroit and Anaheim in the West, but look out for the Canucks. They went 3-0 this week (vs. NAS, PHO, MIN) and all three wins were shutouts by Roberto Luongo. If Luongo can get hot for a long stretch like we've seen him do in the past, Vancouver can distance themselves from Calgary, Edmonton and Colorado. A lot of names are floating in and out of Vancouver in trade rumors, so it will be interesting to see what the make up of this team will be in the coming weeks. A little more offense and they could be dominant.
12) Carolina Hurricanes {8-5-2} (-1)
A 2-2 week for Carolina (won @ TOR in OT, lost @ WAS, won vs. OTT, los vs. ATL) keeps them in the division lead, but they will need to play better. Washington is heating up and blowing the game at the end of the 3rd period on Thursday night gave the Caps a huge boost. The Hurricanes are getting a pretty even points distribution throughout the team, but guys like Erik Staal and Sergei Samsonov need to step up and be the scorers they are soon. Carolina has been impressive on the road (5-2-2) but need to improve on their .500 home record (3-3-0).
13) Washington Capitals {7-4-2} (+4)
Now that the Capitals have found some consistency in net, they may be able to get in to the same late-season form that propelled them in to the playoffs last year. Brent Johnson is 2-0-1 in his last three starts, and while HC Bruce Boudreau has said he'll go with the hot goalie, Johnson is clearly the best goalie in DC right now (Theodore just hasn't gotten it done). Alexander Semin continues his dominant play (11G, 10A), but Alexander Ovechkin needs to get back in to a groove.
14) Calgary Flames {8-7-1} (-7)
15) New Jersey Devils {7-5-2} (-6)
Any hockey fan has always known that the Devils go as Martin Brodeur goes. Since Marty went down, the Devils are 1-3 (and had to go to a SO to beat Tampa). Zach Parise has been the only player with a pulse on offense for New Jersey, scoring 11 goals and adding 5 assists. It will be interesting to see if the Devils make a trade for a goaltender (Khabibulin or Roloson perhaps) or if they stand pat with Kevin Weekes. New Jersey plays good enough defense that Weekes will be okay in net and that they should make a trade to help bolster their anemic offense and 28th ranked power play.
16) Columbus Blue Jackets {7-6-2} (+7)
When Columbus was playing mediocre (at best) hockey in the beginning of the year, HC Ken Hitchcock said the team was playing better hockey than their record indicated. That better hockey is starting to show. The Blue Jackets went 3-0-1 on the week (won vs. EDM, MON, CAL) and could have easily been 4-0 if they didn't blow the road game to the Islanders in OT. Goalie prospect Steve Mason is 3-0 in his first three NHL starts and looks like he's about to put Frederik Norrena out of the backup job. If Columbus can play more consistent and improve their 29th ranked PP, they might be able to shake the title of the only NHL team to never make the playoffs.
17) Edmonton Oilers {7-6-1} (-2)
The Oilers are 1-2 on the week (lost @ COL and @ PIT, won @ NJ), but are 3-3 on their 7 game road trip (which will end tonight against the Rangers). For a young team, Edmonton is playing well on a season long (and tied for 2nd longest in team history) road trip. LW Ales Hemsky is leading the team in points (15) and assists (10) and is providing a good offensive spark. The rest of the team needs to feed off of that. The Oilers seem to be missing something and their name has also been involved in trade rumors.
When Columbus was playing mediocre (at best) hockey in the beginning of the year, HC Ken Hitchcock said the team was playing better hockey than their record indicated. That better hockey is starting to show. The Blue Jackets went 3-0-1 on the week (won vs. EDM, MON, CAL) and could have easily been 4-0 if they didn't blow the road game to the Islanders in OT. Goalie prospect Steve Mason is 3-0 in his first three NHL starts and looks like he's about to put Frederik Norrena out of the backup job. If Columbus can play more consistent and improve their 29th ranked PP, they might be able to shake the title of the only NHL team to never make the playoffs.
17) Edmonton Oilers {7-6-1} (-2)
The Oilers are 1-2 on the week (lost @ COL and @ PIT, won @ NJ), but are 3-3 on their 7 game road trip (which will end tonight against the Rangers). For a young team, Edmonton is playing well on a season long (and tied for 2nd longest in team history) road trip. LW Ales Hemsky is leading the team in points (15) and assists (10) and is providing a good offensive spark. The rest of the team needs to feed off of that. The Oilers seem to be missing something and their name has also been involved in trade rumors.
18) Toronto Maple Leafs {6-5-4} (-2)
The Maple Leafs finished the week 1-1-1 (OTL vs. Carolina, loss @ Boston) but the one win was a big one. The Leafs broke away from the Canadiens in the 3rd period on Hockey Night in Canada to get a 6-3 win. They lost D Mike Van Ryn in the process thanks to a cheap hit from Tom Kotsopoulis. While their high-energy power play is doing well at 20.8% (8th in the league), but must improve on their league worst penalty kill at 72.6%.
19) Ottawa Senators {6-6-2} (+3)
If the Northeast Division wasn't competitve enough, here come the Senators. They went 2-1 for the week (won vs. WAS, won vs. PHI), but their lone loss came in Martin Gerber's return back to the lineup. He made 23 saves in the 2-1 loss and looked a little rusty. Alex Auld was due for a rest, but Ottawa needs to keep Auld in net while he's hot. Both of their special teams units rank in the Top Ten in the league (PP = 4th @ 21.9%, PK = 8th @ 86.7%).
20) Phoenix Coyotes {7-6-0} (+7)
Phoenix had a big week, going 3-1 (won @ CAL, lost @ VAN, wins vs. FLA & SJ). Their lone loss was 1-0 to a unbeatable Roberto Luongo. They also ended the Sharks seven game winning streak and got their record above .500 for the first time this season. Not a bad week for Wayne Gretzky and co. They are 10th in the league on the penalty kill (84.4%) but need to improve their 26th ranked PP (14.3%). G Ilya Bryzgalov finally seems to be settling in to a groove.
21) Nashville Predators {6-7-1} (-7)
The Preds had a great week last week. Too bad they couldn't build off of it. They went 0-3 on the week and looked miserable in every game. They started off with a 4-0 loss to the Canucks (another Luongo victim), put themselves in such a whole at Calgary that 6 goals couldn't win the game (lost 7-6), and were shutout 1-0 by Peter Budaj (of all people) and the Avs. It doesn't get any easier for Nashville as they continue their road trip with the three California teams to close out the 6 game road trip.
22) Tampa Bay Lightning {5-4-4} (+4)
The Lightning finished off the week at 1-1-1. They lost in a SO to the Devils, then were beaten soundly by the Rangers, and then rebounded with a 2-1 road win in Philly. Vinny Lecavlaier has been good (6G 5A) but needs to produce more and the Tampa needs to stop underachieving on the power play (they are much better PP team than 25th in the league). G Mike Smith has played well, posting a 4-3-3 record with a 2.32 GAA and a .934 save percentage.
23) Atlanta Thrashers {6-7-2} (+6)
The Thrashers are finally beginning to wake up. Coincidentally, it's at the same time as their offense. They are on a 4 game winning streak and are averaging just under 5 goals scored a game in those wins. They are also getting better play in net with Johan Hedberg and Ondrej Pavelec, so Kari Lehtonen's days are numbered in Atlanta. Lehtonen would make a good goalie on a team that has a good defense in front of him (young goalie, Martin Brodeur is getting older, hello Lou Lamoriello). Atlanta needs to improve on their 2nd worst PK (73.1%)
The Maple Leafs finished the week 1-1-1 (OTL vs. Carolina, loss @ Boston) but the one win was a big one. The Leafs broke away from the Canadiens in the 3rd period on Hockey Night in Canada to get a 6-3 win. They lost D Mike Van Ryn in the process thanks to a cheap hit from Tom Kotsopoulis. While their high-energy power play is doing well at 20.8% (8th in the league), but must improve on their league worst penalty kill at 72.6%.
19) Ottawa Senators {6-6-2} (+3)
If the Northeast Division wasn't competitve enough, here come the Senators. They went 2-1 for the week (won vs. WAS, won vs. PHI), but their lone loss came in Martin Gerber's return back to the lineup. He made 23 saves in the 2-1 loss and looked a little rusty. Alex Auld was due for a rest, but Ottawa needs to keep Auld in net while he's hot. Both of their special teams units rank in the Top Ten in the league (PP = 4th @ 21.9%, PK = 8th @ 86.7%).
20) Phoenix Coyotes {7-6-0} (+7)
Phoenix had a big week, going 3-1 (won @ CAL, lost @ VAN, wins vs. FLA & SJ). Their lone loss was 1-0 to a unbeatable Roberto Luongo. They also ended the Sharks seven game winning streak and got their record above .500 for the first time this season. Not a bad week for Wayne Gretzky and co. They are 10th in the league on the penalty kill (84.4%) but need to improve their 26th ranked PP (14.3%). G Ilya Bryzgalov finally seems to be settling in to a groove.
21) Nashville Predators {6-7-1} (-7)
The Preds had a great week last week. Too bad they couldn't build off of it. They went 0-3 on the week and looked miserable in every game. They started off with a 4-0 loss to the Canucks (another Luongo victim), put themselves in such a whole at Calgary that 6 goals couldn't win the game (lost 7-6), and were shutout 1-0 by Peter Budaj (of all people) and the Avs. It doesn't get any easier for Nashville as they continue their road trip with the three California teams to close out the 6 game road trip.
22) Tampa Bay Lightning {5-4-4} (+4)
The Lightning finished off the week at 1-1-1. They lost in a SO to the Devils, then were beaten soundly by the Rangers, and then rebounded with a 2-1 road win in Philly. Vinny Lecavlaier has been good (6G 5A) but needs to produce more and the Tampa needs to stop underachieving on the power play (they are much better PP team than 25th in the league). G Mike Smith has played well, posting a 4-3-3 record with a 2.32 GAA and a .934 save percentage.
23) Atlanta Thrashers {6-7-2} (+6)
The Thrashers are finally beginning to wake up. Coincidentally, it's at the same time as their offense. They are on a 4 game winning streak and are averaging just under 5 goals scored a game in those wins. They are also getting better play in net with Johan Hedberg and Ondrej Pavelec, so Kari Lehtonen's days are numbered in Atlanta. Lehtonen would make a good goalie on a team that has a good defense in front of him (young goalie, Martin Brodeur is getting older, hello Lou Lamoriello). Atlanta needs to improve on their 2nd worst PK (73.1%)
24) Los Angeles Kings {5-6-2} (+4)
The young Kings had just about as good of a week as a Kings fan could hope for this season. They pushed Anaheim to a 1-0 SO loss and beat Florida 3-2 and St. Louis 5-3. No one is expecting hte Kings to make the playoffs this year, but if they can put together a few weeks like this, it will give them something to build off of as the season progresses. Their PK is surprisingly good at 87.9% (6th in the league).
25) Dallas Stars {5-7-2} (-1)
This has been an extremely disappointing season for the Stars so far. This was a team that was expected to finish no worse than a competitive 2nd or 3rd in the Pacific, and could very well finish in 5th if they keep playing like this. You can argue this team got better with their off-season acquisitions, but it all boils down to Marty Turco not playing like his usual regular season-self. He has posted a 3.93 GAA and a ghastly .858 save percentage for a 4-6-2 record thus far. The other problem is their 4th worst PK (76.9%).
26) New York Islanders {4-8-2} (+4)
A decent week for the Isles led to a 2-1-1 week. They came from behind to beat Columbus in OT, took advantage of a flat Rangers team, blew yet another lead to the Thrashers, and lost in the shootout to the Penguins on a questionable goal call. G Joey MacDonald has stepped in given a solid effort in the absence of Rick DiPietro. (4-5-2, .899 save percentage, 3.14 GAA). If the Isles want to do any damage, they need to improve their power play quickly (14.3% - 4th worst in the league).
The young Kings had just about as good of a week as a Kings fan could hope for this season. They pushed Anaheim to a 1-0 SO loss and beat Florida 3-2 and St. Louis 5-3. No one is expecting hte Kings to make the playoffs this year, but if they can put together a few weeks like this, it will give them something to build off of as the season progresses. Their PK is surprisingly good at 87.9% (6th in the league).
25) Dallas Stars {5-7-2} (-1)
This has been an extremely disappointing season for the Stars so far. This was a team that was expected to finish no worse than a competitive 2nd or 3rd in the Pacific, and could very well finish in 5th if they keep playing like this. You can argue this team got better with their off-season acquisitions, but it all boils down to Marty Turco not playing like his usual regular season-self. He has posted a 3.93 GAA and a ghastly .858 save percentage for a 4-6-2 record thus far. The other problem is their 4th worst PK (76.9%).
26) New York Islanders {4-8-2} (+4)
A decent week for the Isles led to a 2-1-1 week. They came from behind to beat Columbus in OT, took advantage of a flat Rangers team, blew yet another lead to the Thrashers, and lost in the shootout to the Penguins on a questionable goal call. G Joey MacDonald has stepped in given a solid effort in the absence of Rick DiPietro. (4-5-2, .899 save percentage, 3.14 GAA). If the Isles want to do any damage, they need to improve their power play quickly (14.3% - 4th worst in the league).
27) Colorado Avalanche {6-8-0} (-7)
The Avs snapped a 5 game losing streak and salvaged a 1-2 week with a 1-0 win over Nasvhille. Other than that, there is nothing positive going on with this team right now. Whatever Tony Granato was doing during the team's five-game winning streak, he needs to go back to doing it. G Peter Budaj is coming off a 1-0 win, but hasn't done much else. It might be time to give Andrew Raycroft a legitimate chance to start between the pipes.
The Avs snapped a 5 game losing streak and salvaged a 1-2 week with a 1-0 win over Nasvhille. Other than that, there is nothing positive going on with this team right now. Whatever Tony Granato was doing during the team's five-game winning streak, he needs to go back to doing it. G Peter Budaj is coming off a 1-0 win, but hasn't done much else. It might be time to give Andrew Raycroft a legitimate chance to start between the pipes.
28) Philadelphia Flyers {4-6-3} (-9)
After Philly made so much progress to get away from a really bad start to the season, they reverted back to old ways and went 0-2 on the week. They were outplayed by Ottawa and just couldn't get anything going against Tampa Bay. The one bright spot on this team is their 3rd ranked power play (24.2%). Where is the Marty Biron that the Flyers had in the playoffs last year?
29) Florida Panthers {5-8-1} (-4)
You know things aren't going well offensively when a defenseman is leading your team in points (Keith Ballard - 2G 8A). Florida managed to break a 6 game winless slump and an 0-2 week with a 3-1 win over the Ducks (thanks to a David Booth hat trick). They finished the road trip at 1-3-1. Their 23rd ranked PK (78.1%) and their dead-last power play 10%) both need to find their touch quickly otherwise this could be a long season in Sunrise, FL. Is it just me, or does backup G Craig Anderson play better as he faces a higher number of shots?
30) St. Louis Blues {5-7-1} (-9)
The Blues team we saw at the beginning of the season looks to be the exception to the rule for St. Louis this year. After opening the year 4-1, they have now dropped 5 in a row (0-4-1). Losing Manny Legace hurt this team bad, but they were beginning to show signs of decay before the Sarah Palin visit. The ONLY bright spot for this team right now is their 2nd ranked power play unit. If they can keep their PP clicking, it will get the rest of the team going soon.
After Philly made so much progress to get away from a really bad start to the season, they reverted back to old ways and went 0-2 on the week. They were outplayed by Ottawa and just couldn't get anything going against Tampa Bay. The one bright spot on this team is their 3rd ranked power play (24.2%). Where is the Marty Biron that the Flyers had in the playoffs last year?
29) Florida Panthers {5-8-1} (-4)
You know things aren't going well offensively when a defenseman is leading your team in points (Keith Ballard - 2G 8A). Florida managed to break a 6 game winless slump and an 0-2 week with a 3-1 win over the Ducks (thanks to a David Booth hat trick). They finished the road trip at 1-3-1. Their 23rd ranked PK (78.1%) and their dead-last power play 10%) both need to find their touch quickly otherwise this could be a long season in Sunrise, FL. Is it just me, or does backup G Craig Anderson play better as he faces a higher number of shots?
30) St. Louis Blues {5-7-1} (-9)
The Blues team we saw at the beginning of the season looks to be the exception to the rule for St. Louis this year. After opening the year 4-1, they have now dropped 5 in a row (0-4-1). Losing Manny Legace hurt this team bad, but they were beginning to show signs of decay before the Sarah Palin visit. The ONLY bright spot for this team right now is their 2nd ranked power play unit. If they can keep their PP clicking, it will get the rest of the team going soon.
BIGGEST GAINER = Vancouver Canucks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Phoenix Coyotes (All a +7)
BIGGEST LOSER = Philadelphia Flyers & St. Louis Blues (Both are a -9)
-14 Teams Moved Up
-13 Teams Moved Down
-3 Remained Even
BIGGEST LOSER = Philadelphia Flyers & St. Louis Blues (Both are a -9)
-14 Teams Moved Up
-13 Teams Moved Down
-3 Remained Even
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