The Capitals have come all the way back. They're tied with Florida in the Southeast Division and have creeped into the top three in the ESPN.com Power Rankings. But things won't be so rosy in Washington if Sergei Gonchar is out for too long. Other movers and shakers are Colorado and Calgary, while Boston hits rock bottom with more losses -- both in the standings and with the imminent departure of Ray Bourque.
Team
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PVS
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W-L-T-RT
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ESPN.com says
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1. Blues
|
1
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42-16-7-0
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If you still don't respect these guys, wait until Pierre Turgeon comes back.
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2. Wings
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3
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39-20-7-1
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Wings beat a formidable opponent -- on the road. When Sergei Fedorov wants to be good, he's great.
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3. Capitals
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6
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34-21-11-1
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Losing Gonchar hurts, but Olaf Kolzig truly has been the team's saving grace.
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4. Stars
|
5
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36-24-6-3
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Despite Detroit loss, Stars in great spot: Getting healthy and with Blues, Wings rolling ... getting stealthy.
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5. Devils
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4
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38-21-8-5
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Vladimir Malakhov is good and will help the power play, but is he what the Devils needed? |
6. Leafs
|
7
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35-23-7-3
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Leafs would be wise to follow Dallas' lead by adding veterans. Get someone like Shayne Corson, who's experienced and tough.
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7. Senators
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8
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32-22-11-2
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Sens have no one near the leading scorers list, yet they have eight guys with 10 or more goals. Good balance.
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8. Flyers
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2
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34-20-11-2
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Too bad Byron Dafoe is hurt. Imagine getting Dafoe and Ray Bourque in the same deal?
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9. Flames
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14
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28-30-8-5
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All hot streaks must end, but a playoff team gets started on another one right away. Can you believe people were giving up on Jarome Iginla at 22?
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10. Kings
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12
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31-26-8-3
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Next four are at home, so Kings control their own destiny.
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11. Avalanche
|
18
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30-27-10-1
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Somehow, it already feels like the Avs have caught the Oilers. This is the time of year when Patrick Roy shines.
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12. Oilers
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9
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25-26-15-8
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From the new rules department: Gotta at least be over .500 to stay in top 10 two weeks in a row.
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13. 'Yotes
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11
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33-25-7-1
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Suddenly, Pacific title seems less likely. Jeremy Roenick would have liked a better fate against old mates Sunday in Chicago.
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14. Panthers
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10
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35-26-5-5
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Perhaps, they're better than No. 14, but a win in Washington on Tuesday would make that a no-brainer.
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15. Ducks
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15
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28-29-10-1
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Paul Kariya's back on skates, but the Ducks remain on thin ice. Missing playoffs would be a disaster. |
16. Rangers
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16
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27-29-10-3
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Rangers have three in four nights out West. Winning two of three would send a message to everyone that this is a playoff team.
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17. 'Canes
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21
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28-29-9-0
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It may sound strange, but 'Canes are in a great spot right now: Sitting at No. 9 with four straight at home.
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18. Canadiens
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20
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27-31-7-3
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Malakhov's gone. Will there be more moves, or will the Habs try 'til the end to make the postseason?
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19. Sharks
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13
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27-32-8-7
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The game-in-hand issue isn't one anymore. But now that the games are made up, Sharks sit five below .500.
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20. Canucks
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23
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23-30-12-6
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It's been a good run, but next four on the road against Dallas, St. Louis, Phoenix and L.A.
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21. Penguins
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19
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27-30-8-6
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Repeat: No Jagr. No wins. No chance.
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22. 'Hawks
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25
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24-34-7-2
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More like buzzards than 'Hawks; this team is more active when their chances are dead.
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23. Islanders
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28
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19-39-8-1
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Mariusz Czerkawski can no longer be called over-rated. He's already at a career high with 54 points.
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24. Sabres
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17
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26-31-10-2
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With Mike Peca out and Dominik Hasek playing like, well, a normal goalie, the Sabres are dull. ... and done for the year. |
25. Predators
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22
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22-38-6-6
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Heart-break hotel: Preds have lost five straight, all by one goal.
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26. Lightning
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24
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15-42-7-6
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With a 3.49 GAA, no wonder goalie Dan Cloutier is taking to fisticuffs. He's not a bad fighter, either, but there isn't a market for goalie goons.
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27. Thrashers
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27
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12-46-6-4
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Looking for positives? There'll be two new teams next year, so the Thrashers can plan on beating them. Ouch.
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28. Bruins
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26
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19-29-17-4
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How bad can it be? When one of the most beloved players in team history wants out because there's no hope. That's pretty bad.
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