The Blues are back on top. And their win Monday night over the Caps solidified it, even if Olaf Kolzig didn't play. ESPN.com couldn't repeat its feat of skipping the middle teams, but once again, after the Devils and Leafs, the pickings get mighty slim.
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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
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2
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45-17-9-0
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No one doubts this team. But in two weeks, they'll have to prove themselves all over again.
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1A. Capitals
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3
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39-22-11-1
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Few know more than five guys on the Caps. Who cares? No-name offense + No-name defense = Big-time winners.
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3. Stars
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5
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40-25-8-4
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Message to fringe teams: Don't even bother qualifying. The way they look now, the Stars will smoke just about anyone in a series.
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4. Wings
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1
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43-22-8-2
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Will Ken Wregget be the No. 1 guy come playoff time? Entire season will depend on the goaltending.
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5. Avalanche
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4
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34-28-11-1
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Smokin' Joe Sakic hitting his stride. If only Peter Forsberg could get hot. Then we'll start talkin' Cup.
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6. Flyers
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7
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38-22-12-2
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More daytime soap than NHL team. Cancer. Pills. Young kids inspiring old guys. It's not in vogue, but start rooting for Lindros, Neilson and the whole bunch.
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7. Devils
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8
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41-24-8-5
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Message to Scott Niedermayer: If you're scared Peter Worrell is gonna beat the crap out of you, just skate away. It's smarter ... and more brave. |
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8. Leafs
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6
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40-25-7-3
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Losing to Atlanta at home? And then Mats Sundin says it happens sometimes? Not to championship teams.
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9. 'Hawks
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24
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28-36-8-2
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Who's playing better? We can't hear you. Speak up. Nothing's on the line, but so what? Hawks are actually fun to watch right now.
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10. Predators
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22
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26-40-7-7
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Not as fun to watch, but just as tough to play. Wins on the road are a real boost to end a tough year.
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11. Kings
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10
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34-29-9-4
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Every time it gets exciting, someone gets hurt. Don't plan on doing much without Ziggy Palfy.
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12. Senators
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9
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35-25-11-2
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It's too easy to criticize the trade of Ron Tugnutt. But what else is there to say? The Penguins thank you.
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13. Panthers
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15
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37-30-5-5
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Pavel Bure may win the Hart Trophy. But the Panthers better get a heart soon, or it could be a short postseason.
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14. Oilers
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19
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27-30-16-8
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Don't count these guys out. But home loss to Calgary could haunt them later on.
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15. Ducks
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16
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30-31-12-2
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Forget about Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne. Goalie Guy Hebert will dictate whether the Ducks make the playoffs. |
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16. Canadiens
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17
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31-33-8-3
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Giving new meaning to "smoke and mirrors." Now, Benoit Brunet is hurt. How do these guys do it? |
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17. Penguins
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20
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30-34-8-6
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See, even less than 100 percent, Jaromir Jagr helps out. Tom Barrasso once brought Pens glory, but a fresh start may be a good thing.
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18. Canucks
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23
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25-33-14-8
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Like a cockroach, these guys just won't die. And they may survive some higher-profile species and make the playoffs. |
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19. Sabres
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12
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29-34-10-3
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Two bold trades and then goaltending goes in the tank? Tough luck. See you next year. |
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20. 'Yotes
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11
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35-29-7-2
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Giving new meaning to "Going in the tank." Phoenix is only three points from No. 8 out West. |
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21. Sharks
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14
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30-34-9-7
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He's been starting a lot of games, but isn't it a little odd that Steve Shields didn't play in Dallas? Wasn't that an important game?
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22. Flames
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18
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29-36-8-5
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Despite win over the Oilers, Flames still have two teams to hurdle just to get to No. 9.
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23. 'Canes
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13
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30-32-10-0
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Only one point last week, plus they face Devils and Blues this week. If Canes can steal one of those, the schedule gets a little easier.
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24. Rangers
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21
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29-34-11-3
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Going 1-4-1 in their last six and blowing a third-period lead vs. the Penguins isn't very encouraging.
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25. Lightning
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27
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17-46-8-7
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Don't dwell on losses. How about wins in Montreal and New Jersey? That's something to build on.
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26. Thrashers
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28
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13-51-6-4
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Anyone complaining about the Bruins being below the Thrashers should ask: Could the Bruins beat Toronto in Toronto?
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27. Bruins
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26
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22-33-17-6
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See above. (Editor's note: Obviously still smarting from Ray's departure.)
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28. Islanders
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25
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21-43-8-1
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Somebody has to be last. Why not the Isles? They're usd to it.
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