This week's comments:

Don't get me wrong. I'm a typical Red Wings fan (down to my utter loathing of former goalie Chris Osgood), and I'm just as thrilled about Hasek, Hull, and Robitaille, but how can any real hockey fan not be excited by the upstart Islanders? Ozzie's earning the respect I never gave him in Hockeytown.

Eric Cross
Three Rivers, Mich.

Umm...Guys, Montreal is ranked #1. Six more signs of the apocalypse to go.

Andy McDonald
Grand Rapids, Mich.

Enough about the Leafs "D," giving up 23 shots per game is an improvement on last year. I know it's early, but let's start looking at Cujo's dreadful save percentage. It's time for Curtis to at least resemble the $11 million he's asking!!

Paul Koskinen
Niagara Falls, Ontario

Are you all out of your bleeping minds?! The Red Wings lose five spots because -- forget they're 4-1 -- they're not "obliterating" everyone?! What is this, Miami Hurricane football? Greatness, yes greatness, is the ability to win tough games, and winning in overtime is just darn tough. They've done it twice in five games! Now if you want to let a few other teams taste first place in the rankings once or twice, that's fine, but to drop the Wings five spots this week isn't ridiculous, as ridiculous people around the world are insulted at the garrulousness of your audacity. Nuts, you're all nuts!!

Will Lion
Washington, D.C.

Soooo sorry the Red Wings haven't been destroying everyone. Give the guys a break. On any given day, anyone can win. I'm not worried about you guys putting them down to sixth. Next week you will have them back at No. 1 where they belong. I won't blame you for this little mishap. It's okay, everyone makes mistakes.

Dave
West Bloomfield, Mich.

A 4-0 pasting of the Cup champs and you put the Canucks below the BJ's? Are you on glue? At least Terry Frei knows what he's talking about.

Joe
Vancouver, British Columbia

Please, let me be heard! Would someone tell the Penguins that Ted Nolan and Barry Melrose are out there! Rick Kehoe is not the solution. He will act as another Mario stickdoll. Jagr anyone? But hey, at least the Devils are literally where they should be.

Tibor Cincala
Pittsburgh

The Wild jumping from 28 to 2 in two weeks? Is that jump a Power Rankings record? I don't envy all the angry letters you will get for this one, but I must say I actually enjoyed the Power Rankings this week. Thanks.

Jason Bjork
Minneapolis

I started reading the Power Rankings from the bottom, as usual, looking for the Minnesota Wild. I ended up getting all the way to No. 2 before I found them. Who knew??? I guess I'll have to start reading from the top from now on. Go Wild!!!

Jeremy Graybill
Westminster, Colo.

Shouldn't the Sharks be higher ranked than the Avalanche? San Jose has two wins, no losses, and two overtime points. Also, who does Mike Rathje think he is -- Jason Giambi of the Sharks? Just sign already or Jeff Jillson will be taking your spot on a more permanent basis.

Jason A.
Rohnert Park, Calif.

Kudos to the Canadiens, the Wild, the Islanders, the Oilers and the Canucks for their impressive starts. With the exception of the Islanders, these teams show that hard work and dedication can put a winning product on the ice without breaking the bank. The Islanders have shown how to spend money and make it show up on the standings (cough, Rangers, cough). Once my beloved Flyers start playing the way these non-contenders are playing, pray that you've already met them on the schedule. As for the hated Devils. At 29? Right on, that's giving the Devils their due! I would have put them 30th. I've been saying it all preseason. The Devils will implode and there will be no trade day miracle or late-season coaching change to save them.

Kyle Kelley
Beverly Hills, Calif.

Couldn't wait to slam the Caps could you? You try playing great hockey with two home games in the first 11 and your best offensive and defensive players out. Bottom line, do you really think they'll be 17th at the end of the season? Get real!

Ian Dodgson
Chula Vista, Calif.

OK, eighth isn't bad spot for the Sharks, but come on! I know Colorado is the defending champs, but the only reason that they are ahead of the Sharks and the Flyers is their name. They should be ranked ninth right now, with Philly eighth and Sharks seventh. Let them earn their spot, not have it brought to them on a silver platter because of what they did last year.

Austin
San Francisco

Yeeee ha!!!! Just when I start to believe you guys about the usefulness of a dart board when determining the weekly rankings we get this... this work of ART! Ranking teams based on their records? Undefeated teams at the top of the rankings? Makes sense to me, but I have a sneaking suspicion that someone is furiously banging away on their computers in Pittsburgh and Dallas calling for your heads. I know that it is impossible for these small market teams to keep it up, but praise the lord for your sensibility on this one, I have a new screen saver!!!

Brad Holmes
Calgary, Alberta

Webmaster note: Mr. Wilkinson is currently lying on the floor in a state of shock after seeing his Islanders at No. 3 this week. Mr. Wilkinson will submit his comments when he comes to.

Kevin Wilkinson
St. Bonaventure, N.Y.