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Canwest News Service
1. Chicago
The Blackhawks are on a major roll — and that was before they finally got Marian Hossa back from the injury list. BTW, what goaltending concerns?
2. San Jose
The Sharks made eight changes from last season but they're right where most everyone expected them to be at the quarter pole.
3. Washington
Don't discount the Caps' supporting cast after the way they kept winning when Ovechkin was sidelined.
4. Pittsburgh
The Stanley Cup champions show they have depth and keep plugging along after injuries to Malkin and a host of D-men.
5. New Jersey
New/old coach Jacques Lemaire has the Devs playing even better defensively, but they're more than Zach Parise and an old goalie.
6. Calgary
The Flames have been consistently good all season and their defensive game is starting to come around.
7. Colorado
Goaltender Craig Anderson's stats no longer look like Superman. After a great October, other teams are figuring him — and the Avs — out.
8. Nashville
A team with no fans, no money and The Associated Pressparently — no goals, the Preds somehow manage to stay more than competitive.
9. Los Angeles
It all seems to be happening at once for the youthful Kings, led by their big centre from Slovenia (Anze Kopitar) and stud D-man Drew Doughty.
10. Boston
The Bruins have still been able to win without Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas, points-producing centre Marc Savard and power forward Milan Lucic.
11. Dallas
Fewer injuries and a red-hot Brad Richards gives the Stars plenty to Crow about, though they're in the very tough Pacific Division.
12. Philadelphia
The Flyers' power play is still leading the league, but cracks are beginning to show in the Ray Emery experiment.
13. N.Y. Rangers
GM Glenn Sather is (finally) looking like a genius again with his risky long-term signing of Marian Gaborik.
14. Ottawa
Injuries are hammering the Sens, so they need more out of core players such as Spezza and some goals from Cheechoo.
15. Columbus — Hitch's crew is hanging in, despite a horrific start by sophomore goalie Steve Mason, who we think will eventually return to last year's form.
16. Buffalo — The way goaltender Ryan Miller is playing this season it may not matter that the Sabres can't score many goals.
17. Phoenix — They've cooled off after a surprising and terrific start, but the question is whether the Desert Dogs can cling to a playoff position.
18. Detroit — This isn't the position the Red Wings usually find themselves in, but it's tough to replace four starting forwards.
19. Atlanta — Kovalchuk came back early from a broken bone in his foot and the Thrashers are back leading the league in scoring.
20. Vancouver — The Canucks have been schizophrenic this season, but they know it's time to crank it up if they have playoff plans.
21. Tampa Bay — The Bolts had a long way to come this season and they have to be thrilled with the play of sophomore forward Steven Stamkos.
22. Montreal — The injuries have been devastating and so, it could be argued, have the off-season signings. Scott Gomez: $8 million and two goals.
23. New York Islanders — John Tavares is the real deal and the play of Dwayne Roloson has allowed the Isles to flirt with competitiveness.
24. Florida — The Panthers are building with youth and a goalie, but it's tough to have success when your fans are more concerned with SPF than save %.
25. Edmonton — Questionable summer signings and underperforming vets add up to a huge headache for new coach Pat Quinn and his injury-ravaged Oilers.
26. St. Louis — It's never a good sign when a sophomore defenceman is leading the team in scoring. Kariya, Boyes four goals each — ouch.
27. Anaheim — It's been better lately, but the Ducks haven't been getting it done defensively and can't score enough to make up for it.
28. Minnesota — Injuries galore to key players for a team that doesn't have much depth. It's going to be a long season for the Wild.
29. Toronto — Leafs are 29th! Leafs are 29th! Who knows, this could be an upward trend, with the way Phil Kessel has played so far.
30. Carolina — It's a disaster of massive proportions for the Canes, who lost 15 straight in a recent skid. How can Paul Maurice keep his job (again)?
