After losing to Florida and Tampa Bay, the Blues lose the most ground in the rankings. Can't wait for the e-mails on that one.
It should be noted that the Capitals are riding a 12-game unbeaten streak and have risen to No. 3. ESPN.com has been absolved by the hockey gods of all blame for possibly jinxing them by this mention – as we did with Atlanta in late December.
ESPN.com's secret formula has taken it in and spit it back out. To right any wrongs, click here and give us a few Rank Comments of your own.
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Team
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PVS
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W-L-T-OL
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ESPN.com says
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1. Red Wings
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1
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38-16-6-4
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Money has it the Wings won't make a move before the trading deadline. No need to.
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2. Flyers
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2
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33-18-10-2
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If they can do it without Lindros and LeClair, they can do it without Gagne.
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3. Capitals
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7
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32-19-10-1
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Opposing fans aren't exactly chanting "under-rated" when playing the Caps, although they should.
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4. Avalanche
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9
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40-12-9-2
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No truth to the rumor that GM Pierre Lacroix's personal theme is "Oops, I did it again."
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5. Senators
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3
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35-16-8-2
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"It's a man's game and it's tough, but guys have to answer the call. You can't be turning the other cheek." Wade Redden to the Ottawa Journal, an ESPN.com record for cliches in one quote (3).
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6. Penguins
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6
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32-21-7-2
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Line of the Week: Krzysztof Oliwa-Mario Lemieux-Jaromir Jagr.
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7. Sharks
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5
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34-17-10-0
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Sharks start six-game road trip. Fortunately, Owen Nolan's back after the first two.
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8. Stars
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8
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35-20-5-2
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The Stars bussed to Calgary after Sunday's loss to Edmonton. Ahh, to be a fly on the luggage rack.
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9. Blues
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4
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38-15-7-2
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0-for-the Sunshine State?! How does one of the best teams in the league lose in Florida?
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10. Sabres
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11
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33-23-5-1
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With little over a month left, it's safe to say if Michael Peca did return he wouldn't be much help. Too bad, the Sabres could use him.
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11. Devils
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10
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29-17-12-3
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You know Mike Jefferson's gotta be good when in his NHL debut he took two penalties which resulted in power-play goals and Larry Robinson blamed it on the ref.
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12. Coyotes
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12
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29-19-12-2
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Gretzky & Co. cleaned out the front office. Now the players are waiting for the other shoe to drop.
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13. Oilers
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17
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29-24-9-2
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There is a certain satisfaction in small-market Edmonton beating Big D. It'd be better if A-Rod played for the Stars.
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14. Maple Leafs
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14
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28-22-10-4
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The Leafs are 2-1-0 since pulling out of the Lindros talks.
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15. Canucks
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13
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31-21-5-5
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You know life is tough in Vancouver when Marc Crawford has to split up the Sedin twins.
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16. Hurricanes
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16
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27-24-7-3
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State of affairs in the Eastern Conference: Hurricanes take over No. 8 spots despite a 2-2-0 week.
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17. Blackhawks
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18
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26-29-5-3
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How many people would pay $40 to watch Rob Tallas play the Rangers? Then again, how many people would pay $40 to watch the Rangers?
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18. Bruins
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15
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25-24-6-7
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Sign the apocalypse is upon us: Boston trading with Montreal.
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19. Kings
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19
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27-26-8-1
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Line of the Week, Part II, from the L.A. Times: The Kings are now the Clippers without the young stars.
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20. Predators
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21
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26-28-8-2
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New rule: All playoff teams must have a .500 record. Vacant playoff berths will be filled by Heroes of Hockey.
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21. Rangers
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24
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25-31-4-1
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If the defense played defense and the offense scored more goals, Kirk McLean may prove to be a capable replacement in goal ... and the Rangers wouldn't be 10th in the conference.
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22. Panthers
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23
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17-30-8-8
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There is solace in knowing the Panthers came up on top in the Roberto Luongo trade. Sign in Sunrise: "Kidd for Sale."
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23. Flames
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20
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21-25-11-4
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Which is worse: not making the playoffs or going 0-4-1 vs. Edmonton this season?
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24. Wild
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22
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22-28-8-3
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Now that Blake and Weinrich are off the market, the Wild will reap major benefits from trading Sean O'Donnell.
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25. Blue Jackets
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26
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19-31-7-6
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Trading Steve Heinze won't be a popular move, but it may be necessary.
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26. Canadiens
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25
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20-34-5-4
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The new owner wants to bring back the organist. We like the guy already.
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27. Islanders
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28
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17-37-5-3
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Mariusz Czerkawski to the N.Y. Post on how the Islanders can lure potential unrestricted free agent Jeremy Roenick: "Get him drunk."
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28. Mighty Ducks
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29
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18-33-8-5
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The Ducks keep saying Teemu Selanne is untouchable. Why?
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29. Thrashers
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27
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18-33-9-2
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Can't help but think how'd the Thrashers would be doing if Patrik Stefan was developing as planned.
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30. Lightning
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30
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16-38-6-3
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Coach John Tortorella is looking for a commitment from everyone -- including season ticket holders for next season.
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