This week's comments:

Without Jason Allison, the Bruins are 2-0! Admittedly, the wins weren't so impressive coming at the expense of the Ducks and Thrashers. However, I just got done watching the B's put a whooping on the mighty Capitals. Gil and Co. put a hurting on Mr. Jagr and his friends. If they aren't higher next week after a road trip through Minnesota and LA then there is something wrong with the staff making the rankings.

Seth Bouchard
Taunton, Mass.

It's good to see the Boston Bruins in the top 10 of the rankings, but how long will this last?! Billy Guerin gets a three-game suspension after his heroics, Kyle McLaren decides to strain his pectoral muscle in a fight, and Mikko hurts his shoulder. Wait a minute ... they beat the vaunted Washington Capitals, INCLUDING Jagr. Could this be?!?!?! Could the ceremony on October 4th reminded the Spoked B faithful of how to play as a team?! I'm calling it now ... Raymond Bourque will UN-RETIRE for one more trip through the playoffs, complete with him raising the Cup to the sheer joy and adoration of the Boston hockey faithful!!!

Scott Marshall
North Brookfield, Mass.

Why do you always rate the Oilers so low in the standings? They are off to a better start than lots of the teams above them. Their first game, they played a near-perfect defensive game, ran into a hot goaltender, and lost because of an unlucky bounce. They then dominate Phoenix in every way, 6-2. This after everybody predicts they are going down the tubes. Then you rank half the league above them, including teams like New Jersey, who have great expectations, but were blown out in their game, 6-1. Give the Oilers some credit finally.

David Pelican
Regina, Saskatchewan

It's funny how people are discounting a team that has the most proven depth in the league and that came within one win of being a NHL dynasty last year, even while sleepwalking. Even my man Barry Melrose has left the party. But MARK MY WORDS and SAVE THIS MESSAGE, when all the dust is settled this Devils team will be raising the Cup once again. You will all believe in June 2002 (even Melrose).

Sammy
North Brunswick, N.J.

Your reason for dropping the Avalanche from the No. 1 spot smacks of the same dumb logic as the coaches' poll for college football, which omitted Colorado from top 25 consideration while leaving K-State in at No. 21. Lack of credibility guys.

Eric Heiferling
Aurora, Colo.

Is it really fair to put the Red Wings above the Avs? The Avs have played only one game, and they looked good, especially considering they don't have Forsberg or Foote. Putting the Red Wings up so high means they can only fall, and falls are dangerous for senior citizens. They could break a hip or something.

Sarah
Salt Lake City, Utah

Dartboard or not, this is the most accurate rating I've seen out of you guys in years. Does it take a little while for the pharmaceutical effects to hit each season or what?

Kevin Koffenberger
Cockeysville, Md.

I was excited to see the first Power Rankings of the season. I clicked on the link and immediately scrolled to the bottom to see how far down the Islanders were. Much to my surprise, I didn't see them. I scrolled up, past the once-proud Hawks, no fisherman to be found. I went further up, passing the maligned crosstown rivals, the Rangers, yet still no Islanders. I finally came to see them, nestled snugly at No. 14, but more importantly, in the top half of the rankings!

I'm not sure how much longer this will last, but I am giddy with delight, at least for a few days. With the addition of a veteran goalie, a high scoring center, and a proven leader, I hope that they only go up, perhaps even cracking into the top five. Then again, maybe not. Their payroll is bigger, but still not big enough to include the payoff to you guys for a sweet Power Ranking spot.

Seth Kwitko
Forest Hills, N.Y.

Finally, the Islanders are ranked in the top 15 and not somewhere in the high 20s. I promised myself I wouldn't get emotional. 1994 was a fluke - 1940 for ever!

Adam Shapiro
North Merrick, N.Y.

Do my eyes deceive me? Have you actually figured out the Islanders are good enough to be ranked in top 16? Well ... they are. Let's go Islanders. Oh and you know what? Rangers.... heh, heh, heh, you still suck.

Craig Ringel
Massapequa Park, N.Y.

For those of us scoring at home....
Johnson...tie
Brathwaite...tie
Turek....TOO FREAKING MANY SOFT GOALS IN THE PLAYOFFS!?!?!?!?!?!? Helllo captain five-hole...

Stan
Springfield, Mo.

Are you kidding me??? You put the 2-0 Isles and 2-0 Flames at number 14th and 15th, respectively!! You put them behind the 0-1 Devils! Do you actually know how bad the Devils lost the other night?? Yet, you stick them 8th overall on your power poll even though they lost so bad that they pulled Marty Brodeur. Chris Osgood lets in 3 goals in two games, and yet the Isles miraculous start deserves 14th place. And what's the deal with putting the Flyers at No. 3?? They haven't played all that bad, but you would honestly say that the Flyers have played better so far this season than the 27 other teams behind them?! Ugh, I guess you guys are really trying to get back in hockey mode, huh?

Brad Ketcham
Toms River, N.J.

Are you guys insane!?! The Thrashers, Wild, and Blue Jackets ahead of the Blackhawks? I don't know what you are smoking, but it must be strong. The Hawks are vastly improved and have a chance to be a strong sleeper team all year. The Wild and Thrashers will be lucky to win 25 games.

Aaron
Champaign, Ill.

Uh, usually when a team in the 18th place beats a team in the 15th place, the 18th placed team goes up and (usually) over the 15th placed team. Now how do you figure to put the Rangers on 18th and the Sabres above them after beating them? Your rankings suck, it's like you got something against New York teams. In all the other rankings for other sports the rankings are so unfair for N.Y. teams. However, I like them and I will keep reading them. Thank you

Adolfo Enciso
White Plains, N.Y.

Cool, it has begun.

Jan Suhonen
Bangkok, Thailand