NHL Power Rankings: Ducks top the list

Week 9 NHL Power Rankings:

30. Florida Panthers: With only seven wins on the season and the inability to find consistent play in goal, this club is destined for the #1 overall pick in the 2013 draft.

29. Buffalo Sabres: The Sabres sit dead last in the Northeast Division. An offseason predicated on modeling themselves after the hated Bruins has gotten them nowhere. They have begun to call one another out in the media. Writing is on the wall.

28. Washington Capitals: The Caps have fallen from an elite status to the basement of the East. They have seen a glaring drop off from Alex Ovechkin and struggle mightily to defeat any team that is half way decent. Look for major changes in D.C.

27. Colorado Avalanche: The Avs have been stuck in a rut and cannot find their way out. They had high hopes of competing in the playoffs this season. Losing nine of its last twelve games has dropped them to rock bottom in the West.

26. Philadelphia Flyers: The Flyers have disappointed on many levels this season. Their star players have not produced up to expectations, an over paid goaltender showcases erratic play on an nightly basis, and their lack of heart has earned them last place in the Atlantic.

25. Nashville Predators: Unfortunately for Nashville, playing in the same division as the Blackhawks may be enough to write them off. Nashville has been unable to find any sort of consistency or chemistry within its play. A team historically known for great defense and goaltending has failed to come close to the prior success had.

24. Tampa Bay Lightning: The Bolts have played through their fair share of problems this season, often stringing numerous losses together. Having Steven Stamkos on their side will automatically keep them in contention, as the Southeast crown will likely be up for grabs all year.

23. Dallas Stars: The Stars have been beaten up on badly of late. They have little depth in their lineup and really don’t have a top defensemen. The Stars top six forwards are surely respectable, though a supporting cast is severely missing. Dallas could become sellers really quick if they don’t snap out of it.

22. Calgary Flames: The Flames have been slowly showing signs of turning their season around. Calgary is more than capable of putting a playoff run together. With a favorable few games ahead and several offensive talents skating about, the playoffs aren’t out of the question just yet.

21. Edmonton Oilers: The Oilers have fluctuated all season. They are beginning to catch stride and are unbeaten in regulation in their last four. However it is too early to jump to any sort of conclusion with this team. Edmonton is young, inexperienced, and needs to prove it can beat the best in the West in order to make the top 8.

20. New York Rangers: The Rangers still have yet to get things going. With half the season now gone by the wayside, New York seems like it will miss the playoffs. They have shown no reason for critics alike to think other wise. After being whacked by the Pens this past weekend why should anyone get their hopes up?

19. Phoenix Coyotes: The Yotes certainly have the size, strength, and veteran presence in its lineup needed to make a playoff run. They have always been overlooked and seem to thrive in the underdog role. With time running out, Phoenix needs to kick things up a gear and will look to ride goaltender Mike Smith.

18.New York Islanders: The Isles are a true feel good story. This was a team that everyone wrote off pre-season. Pushing doubters aside, John Tavares has blossomed into an elite caliber NHL player and now has his team knocking on the playoff door.

17. New Jersey Devils: The Devs have been on an untimely slide. With Martin Brodeur sidelined due to injury, staying a float in the East has been difficult. Though look for New Jersey to make a run when Marty returns. The Devils have the grit and toughness to emulate the success they had one year ago.

16. Columbus Blue Jackets: The Jackets have been quietly stringing together an impressive run. The have elevated themselves out of the cellar and into the heat of the Western race. Columbus has nothing to lose and a team like this is extremely dangerous. A little bit of confidence can go a long way.

15. San Jose Sharks: It has been some roller coaster ride of a season for the Sharks. The domination SJ displays at home has been their saving grace. Though a dismal road record has forced the Sharks into a dogfight for their playoff lives. It’s not to late for Patrick Marleu to get it going again.

14. Toronto Maple Leafs: The Leafs aren’t wowing anyone with their play but have been a consistently solid club for much of the year, doing whatever it takes to stay in the playoff picture. They have cooled of considerably and desperately need to get things turned around if they are to avoid a devastating collapse.

13. Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks have struggled to develop any real identity. They have not been the powerhouse team we have grown accustom to seeing over the years. The Canuck offense has shown great unpredictability and the streaking Wild has forced Vancouver up against the wall. The vast experience throughout their lineup needs to be utilized.

12. Carolina Hurricanes: Playing without Cam Ward has been stressing. The Canes have found a way to keep the show rolling though. They are neck and neck with the Jets and will rely heavily on their offensive players down the stretch.

11. Winnipeg Jets: The Jets are finally beginning to click as a franchise. They have the perfect mix of size, strength, speed, and coaching. Winnipeg has moved into first in the Southeast. Showing their ability to defeat upper echelon teams, the Jets look to be buyers at the deadline.

10. Detroit Red Wings: Hockeytown has resurrected itself from the dead in recent weeks. The Wings are turning in inspired play when they need it the most. This veteran savvy club is showing resiliency on a nightly basis and should never be written off.

9. Ottawa Senators: What the Sens have been able to accomplish so far would be the story of the year if the Blackhawks had not mounted a legendary winning streak. They are depleted throughout their lineup but refuse to go away. Jason Spezza, Eric Karlsson, Milan Michalek, and Craig Anderson have all missed substantial time.

8. Los Angeles Kings: The defending champs have begun to find their stride. They have faired well playing within their division and at home. Their downfalls on the road have been the main difference between this year and last. If the Kings can find their road legs look for them to be a force.

7. St. Louis Blues: The best goaltending tandem in the NHL one year ago has seen a drastic set back in their play. So much so, a rookie has assumed the duties in the Blues net. Clutch goal scoring has ignited this Blues team and things are falling into place at the right time.

6. Minnesota Wild: The Wild are lurking and could soon crack the top five in the rankings. Minnesota’s offense is loaded, but it has been their defensive play that has lead them atop the Northwest. They are a dynamic group that finds ways to win. Led my Mikko Koivu, the Wild are a bruising club, making them a tough matchup.

5. Boston Bruins: The B’s have been one of the most consistent teams all year long. Like everyone else, the Bruins have hit a rough patch. They are battling injury and fatigue. Only one year removed from a Cup victory, look for the Claude Julien coached Bruins to regain the killer instinct.

4. Montreal Canadiens: The Habs have been spectacular all season. Their lineup is deep and they receive scoring from all over. Carey Price anchors them with his rock solid goaltending. Playing in a loaded Northeast Division look for the Habs to be tested greatly down the stretch.

3. Pittsburgh Penguins: The Pens have showcased the NHL’s top offense. Sidney Crosby has been dazzling and few teams have shown the ability to slow this juggernaut down. Wiping out Eastern Conference contending Boston twice in one week seems to be a huge step for the Penguins. Losing Kris Letang could be difficult to overcome.

2. Chicago Blackhawks: The Blackhawks have been by far the most impressive team for the duration. They are loaded with elite stars and will likely be there at the very end. They have shown vulnerability in playing bigger, more imposing teams. A two-headed monster in goal makes them a nightmare to oppose.

1. Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks top the list for one simple reason; their hunger to win.  They have been equally as good as Chicago. They too possess a star-studded roster and have smartly locked up Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry long term. The Ducks are physically overwhelming due to their immensely imposing size. They roll four lines and have several men who can score the puck with regularity. Haven beaten the Hawks already, this looks to be a train that will not be slowed down.