ESPN.com users sound off on Power Rankings of Oct. 15:

The most amazing thing about the Tampa Bay Lightning this year is not that they are 2-0-0-0, but the fact that they look like they are 2-0-0-0. I am not saying I have already bought playoff tickets, but at least I no longer roll my eyes at the mere mention of their name.

Sam Boyd
Orlando, Fla.

Your comment on the Lightning was music to my ears (do you detect the bitterness?).

Brian D. Stillings
Clearwater, Fla.

After three games, John LeClair is on pace to score as many goals as Columbus, Phoenix and Ottawa. And he's also on pace to score at least one power-play goal a game. Not to mention that the Flyers have had two hat tricks in two straight games. Now if only Chex Mix (Cechmanek) could play in the nets with a real style.

Doug Campbell
Philadelphia

I feel that in their first week of play (which, mind you, consisted of three West Coast games), the Red Wings proved a very strong case in their attempted defense of the Stanley Cup. Rookie Henrik Zetterberg seems to be comfortable with his linemates, starting goaltender Curtis Joseph is settling in with his new position and backup goaltender Manny Legace appears to have returned to form after a questionable year. The Red Wings possess as strong a team, if not stronger, than their 2001-2002 ensemble. They've gotten younger and faster, yet still retain the veteran experience and leadership needed to guide them to another Stanley Cup.

John McKay
Fenton, Mich.

Thank you! Somebody else finally realized the Devils are still one of the top teams in the league. Almost every season preview I read had the Devils in the middle of the pack and the Rangers at the top. I am so happy people realized the Devils are still one of the top teams to beat and the Rangers can not be considered a top team until they make the playoffs (five years and counting). The Devils have the complete package to win the East and possibly the entire thing. A great defense and the best goalie in the league win it all!

Rob Komorowski
Kearny, N.J.

I believe you have da Wild ranked waaaay too low ya know. How high should they be ranked ?? Heck I dunno, but just keep yer eye on them there guys, you'll see.

Earl Fitzmerlson
Minneapolis

In response to the "no-name" goalie line found on the Stars' early season predictions, someone was right on the money. "Eddie Bel-who?"

Michael Sweeney
Flower Mound, Texas

OK, the Caps scored a fluke goal off Dunham's back, but Karlis Skrastins scored an unassisted goal during a 5-on-3 power play for the Islanders. And I know the Preds are 0-2-0-1, but they could just as easily have six points as they do one. They've lost all three games by a grand total of three goals and led or been tied in each one.

Ed Rivers
Louisville, Ky.

Wow. A long-time puck fan here, and I am completely speechless. It is kinda nice to see some hockey being played during the games. Pssst. Hey, Mario! Here is your 15 games of fame, and do it now before the refs' free trial period for contact lenses runs out!!

Pat Sampson
Industry, Pa.

Let's be serious: Without obstruction, the Canadiens have the lost their only trump card in preventing odd-man rushes and neutral zone breakdowns. Theodore's good, but he's never had to stand up to the barrage of quality shots he's now faced with. This is a hard-nosed, scrappy team forced to play nice. Not their game. They'll be lucky to win 30.

Ryan Gordon
Minneapolis

What is it with you people and assuming injuries permanently doom St. Louis teams? The Rams lose their whole O-line and MVP QB, and you act like they will never be good again in our lifetime. The Blues lose their No. 1 tender to an ankle sprain, and you rank them 27th and suggest Dafoe. (?!) What do you suggest we do with him once Johnny comes back? How many overpaid backups do we need, exactly? You'll have them ranked in the top 10 again in two weeks.

Kyle Joecken
Cleveland, Ohio

I agree with the Kings at No. 8, even though they are undefeated and the No. 1 team's loss came at their hand. I guess this isn't college football, but what the heck does "waxing poetic" mean and who talks like that?

Thanks,
Chris Thorne
Burbank, Calif.

Rank and File Gurus,
It's a tough job, but someone has to do it! I actually agree with your current rankings, other than having the Devils at No. 2. I think after Tuesday's shutout of the Oil, the Stars deserve the No. 2 spot, but you had already submitted your rankings by then. In fact, I think the balance the Stars now have on both sides of the puck make them a contender for No. 1, but they must defeat the mighty Wings to do that. We'll talk again Nov. 4.

Sean Thornton,
The Quiet Man
Richardson, Texas

Where is your darling pick to win the Stanley Cup? No less than seven ESPN expert prognosticators chose the San Jose Sharks. They are No. 21 at the very first week of the season. What loyalty! What courage of conviction! What do you do during the summer, root for the Philadelphia Phillies?

Dale Rosenberger
Ridgefield, Conn.

Yeah, so I'm biased, but after watching the Thrashers/Panthers game at Phillips Arena on Saturday night, I'll concede that the Thrashers' defense is the worst in the league. But honestly, the power play squad is incredible, and the offense as a whole is very solid with the additions of Kozlov and McEachern, who are both racking up points early this year, along with Kovalchuk and Heatley's usual offensive flair. Doesn't this merit a bit better than last place??

Jake Lowery
Atlanta