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Page 2's Power Poll dares to rate the teams that are currently wielding the most power in the entire sports universe.
Each week, our poll will rank the 10 teams at the top of the power heap -- and the five teams that have lost the most power in the past week. And, by the way, Page 2 uses its own definition for a "team" -- any group of two or more bonded together for the common purpose.
Our Momentum Meter also predicts the direction these teams will be heading in future weeks (see the bottom of the page for a full explanation).
If you've got anything to say about our Top 10 or our Bottom 5, click here to comment -- or forever hold your peace.
TEAM
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PAGE 2 SAYS
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MO' METER
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| 1. Los Angeles Lakers |
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Still waiting for some real competition.
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| 2. Legend of Michael Schumacher |
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In a backup car, he won Spanish Grand Prix from start to finish for his third victory out of four Formula One races this season (and 16th of last 25 races overall), putting him 21 points ahead of the nearest rival. He could clinch record-tying fifth F1 title by June. |
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| 3. Boston Red Sox |
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When Derek Lowe pitches the first Red Sox no-hitter at Fenway in nearly 37 years, the ghosts might be starting to like the Beantowners. |
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| 4. Detroit Red Wings |
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After finally brushing aside those pesky Canucks with four straight victories, the Wings can rest those old bodies for a few days. |
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| 5. Dallas Mavericks |
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NBA's highest-scoring team of the postseason (112.7 points per game) sweeps Timberwolves and gets ready for a shootout with Sacramento next.
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| 6. Ottawa Senators |
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While they showed the Senators proved they had more than enough grit to beat the Broad Street Bullies, goalie Patrick Lalime (0.38 goals-against average, .985 save percentage) really stuck it to the doubters by allowing just two goals in five games. |
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| 7. Los Angeles Dodgers |
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Riding the great pitching of starters Kazuhisa Ishii, Odalis Perez, Andy Ashby and Omar Daal and closer Eric Gagne, they've got the best record in the National League after a three-game winning streak and wins in eight of last 10. Who needs Kevin Brown (who's due back any day)? |
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| 8. Memphis Grizzlies |
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Though we suspect owner Michael Heisley has naked photos of Jerry West, we can't deny the fact this pathetic franchise finally made a good hire for the front office. |
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| 9. San Jose Sharks |
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This deep, talented team designed for postseason eliminated feisty Coyotes with workmanlike precision even without much production from stars Owen Nolan and Teemu Selanne. |
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| 10. Arsenal |
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The Gunners won 11 straight English Premier League games and can clinch the title with a win or draw at Manchester United on May 8. |
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| ALSO RECEIVING VOTES: Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, Carolina Hurricanes, Boston Celtics, New Jersey Nets, Sacramento Kings, Real Madrid, Cael Sanderson, rookie NASCAR drivers, "The Scorpion King," Ashanti
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TEAM
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PAGE 2 SAYS
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MO' METER
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| 5. Kansas City Royals |
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Hard to tell if fired manager Tony Muser or the Royals will be better off. |
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| 4. New Jersey Devils |
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This one-time power discovered it couldn't ride through playoffs on aura alone. |
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| 3. Philadelphia sports |
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Flyers can't score, 76ers can't shoot, Phillies can't pitch and now the Eagles are breaking down in minicamp. If it weren't for WUSA's Charge, Philly'd have no hope.
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| 2. NHL |
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Once again, thuggery gets more attention than any of the good, intense, hard-hitting playoff hockey. Hard to say what's worse, the inconsistent and inadequate discipline from league or the lack of respect for each other by many players.
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| 1. Milwaukee Brewers |
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They've lost six in a row and have the majors' worst record (7-18), are you sure you want this job, Jerry Royster? |
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| ALSO RECEIVING VOTES: Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers, Vancouver Canucks
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| Mo' Meter explained: |
 No mo'; holding |
 Climbing the charts |
 Peaked; all downhill |
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