It\u2019s been two weeks since we updated the Rankings \u2013 we had a Christmas break, a coach firing and more mumps issues in the game. Oh ya \u2013 we have a new top dog in the Rankings as well! We could make an argument for the #2 team to remain on top but the sheer talent of the Hawks puts the \u201cpower\u201d in Power Rankings. <\/p>\n
\nNFL Spreads & Matchup Insight<\/h3>\n
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- Today’s NHL Lines<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Today’s NHL Matchups<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- NHL Standings<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- ***2014 NHL BONUSES***<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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So where does you favorite team lay in the bi-weekly edition of the NHL Power Rankings? Let\u2019s take a look.<\/p>\n
1. Chicago Blackhawks<\/strong> 24-10-2 (Two Weeks Ago: 2) – The Hawks take top spot in the Rankings for the first time this season! They are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games overall, 15-3-1 in their last 19 and now lead the league with a +38 goal differential. The offense and defense are working in perfect unison, vaulting them to #2 in the overall NHL standings.<\/p>\n
2. Anaheim Ducks<\/strong> 24-8-6 (Two Weeks Ago: 1) \u2013 The Ducks have alternated wins and losses the last seven games \u2013 last night was a somewhat flat win against the Canucks. Despite leading the NHL in points they have just a +6 goal differential \u2013 not all that great. Still, the Ducks are a solid club and an easy #2 this week.<\/p>\n
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3. Pittsburgh Penguins<\/strong> 22-8-5 (Two Weeks Ago: 3) \u2013 Two more Pens are down with the mumps! But this proved that it simply doesn\u2019t matter. Even without Sid the Kid they remained elite. They enter the week on an uncharacteristic two game losing streak but still leading the East. This team is too stakes to be out of the top 3!<\/p>\n
4. Nashville Predators<\/strong> 23-9-2 (Two Weeks Ago: 6) \u2013 The Preds have gotten back on track going 7-3-0 in their last 10 games and winning 11 of their last 15 overall. The team has allowed a league-low 71 goals on the season and has only lost twice in regulation on home ice. The Preds are a force to be reckoned with in both ends of the rink \u2013 nice to see!<\/p>\n
5. New York Islanders<\/strong> 23-11-1 (Two Weeks Ago: 9) – The Islanders are just 5-4-1 in their last 10 games but the teams around them in the standings haven\u2019t exactly been lighting it up either. They are fourth in the league in goals for but may suffer in goals against with Jaroslav Halak landing on IR.<\/p>\n
6. Tampa Bay Lightning<\/strong> 22-11-4 (Two Weeks Ago: 5) \u2013 The Lightning are just 4-5-1 in their last 10 games but still lead the league in goals with 119 in 37 games. Ben Bishop is back in the fold after being out since December 15 \u2013 he will help the defense immensely.<\/p>\n
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7. Detroit Red Wings<\/strong> 19-8-9 (Two Weeks Ago: 7) \u2013 the Wings are 4-2-4 in their last 10 games \u2013 even when they lose they are getting a point. Jimmy Howard is back healthy which will definitely help, Gustav Nyqvist continues to be the biggest surprise in the game and Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg are doing their parts. So much for the Wings being a team on the decline!<\/p>\n
8. St. Louis Blues<\/strong> 21-11-3 (Two Weeks Ago: 4) – The Blues enter this week on a four game losing streak having gone 5-4-1 in their last 10 games overall. They are still one of the most well balanced teams in the NHL. The goaltending will work itself out making the Blues worthy of a top 10 spot.<\/p>\n
9. Montreal Canadiens<\/strong> 22-11-2 (Two Weeks Ago: 8) \u2013 The Habs have been a bit Jekyll and Hyde the last couple of weeks but when on \u2013 look like the best team in the NHL. Carey Price is on fire and the team has gone 6-4-0 in their last 10 games overall sitting eighth overall in the NHL standings.<\/p>\n
10. New York Rangers<\/strong> 19-10-4 (Two Weeks Ago: 20)<\/p>\n
The Rangers are the hottest team in the NHL \u2013 eight straight wins heading into this week. The defense is finally starting to come around and Rick Nash continues to sizzle. New York is in its rightful place finally \u2013 in the Top 10 in the Power Rankings.<\/p>\n
11. Los Angeles Kings<\/strong> 18-11-7 (Two Weeks Ago: 13)<\/p>\n
The Kings sit in a tie for eleventh place in the overall standings and have gone 4-4-2 in their last 10 games overall. Marion Gaborik and Anze Kopitar are heating up big time \u2013 Jonathan Quick\u2019s average play will figure itself out soon!<\/p>\n
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12. San Jose Sharks<\/strong> 19-12-5 (Two Weeks Ago: 12) \u2013 are 7-2-1 in the last 10 games but lost Saturday to the Kings. Antti Niemi has started to heat up after a slow start and the offense continues to do its part. I am still expecting San Jose to make a huge jump \u2013 it\u2019s just not happening yet!<\/p>\n
13. Winnipeg Jets 19-10-7 (Two Weeks Ago: 15)<\/strong>
\n 14. Toronto Maple 20-13-3 (Two Weeks Ago: 11)<\/strong>
\n 15. Vancouver Canucks 20-11-3 (Two Weeks Ago: 10)<\/strong>
\n 16. Washington Capitals 18-11-6 (Two Weeks Ago: 19)<\/strong>
\n 17. Calgary Flames 19-15-3 (Two Weeks Ago: 14)<\/strong>
\n 18. Florida Panthers 16-9-8 (Two Weeks Ago: 17)<\/strong>
\n 19. Minnesota Wild 16-13-4 (Two Weeks Ago: 16)<\/strong>
\n 20. Dallas Stars 15-14-5 (Two Weeks Ago: 24)<\/strong>
\n 21. Boston Bruins 18-15-3 (Two Weeks Ago: 18)<\/strong>
\n 22. Philadelphia Flyers 14-15-6 (Two Weeks Ago: 25)<\/strong>
\n 23. Ottawa Senators 14-14-7 (Two Weeks Ago: 22)<\/strong>
\n 24. Columbus Blue Jackets 15-16-3 (Two Weeks Ago: 27)<\/strong>
\n 25. Colorado Avalanche 13-14-8 (Two Weeks Ago: 21)<\/strong>
\n 26. Buffalo Sabres 14-19-3 (Two Weeks Ago: 26)<\/strong>
\n 27. Arizona Coyotes 13-18-4 (Two Weeks Ago: 28)<\/strong>
\n 28. New Jersey Devils 12-18-7 (Two Weeks Ago: 23)<\/strong>
\n 29. Carolina Hurricanes 10-21-4 (Two Weeks Ago: 29)<\/strong>
\n 30. Edmonton Oilers 7-22-7 (Two Weeks Ago: 30)<\/strong><\/p>\n