Todd Cordell
1. Washington Capitals (49-13-4)
The Ducks are really pushing for that top spot but the Capitals haven't done anything to lose it. They're No. 1 on my list for the 406th time in a row.
2. Anaheim Ducks (37-19-9)
The Ducks are 18-1-2 in their last 21 and haven't dropped a game in regulation in a month. The Caps' record demands top spot but I'm not sure there's a team I'd take over Anaheim in a playoff series.
3. Chicago Blackhawks (41-21-5)
They have the NHL's leading point getter and Corey Crawford is quietly having a Vezina-caliber season. That's a good recipe for success.
4. Tampa Bay Lightning (39-23-4)
The Bolts are 9-1-0 in their last 10 and now sit atop the Atlantic Division. I don't think they're going to give that spot up, either.
5. Los Angeles Kings (39-22-4)
No team gets a larger portion of 5 v 5 shot attempts than the Kings. No team gets a larger portion of 5 v 5 scoring chances than the Kings. Hard to imagine why they win so many games.
Honorable mention: Pittsburgh. They've been dominant at 5 v 5 since hiring Mike Sullivan. They're for real.
Peter Tessier 1- Capitals. What's changing with them? Absolutely nothing as they go 7-3-0 in the last 10 games. Tops in East and the league.
2- Blackhawks. They are 5-4-1 in last 10 yet are still rocking the +31 goal differential. That matters and puts them above..
3-Stars. They are slipping as injuries hit the back end. 3-5-2 has them second overall but not for long and goal differential slipping.
4-Blues. At 7-3-0 in last 10 games the Blues refuse to go away. Up a bit but never down to far. Goal differential should keep fans cautious though.
5- Ducks. Quaaaaack, they're back! Ducks are 9-0-1 in last 10 and are pushing right back to where many though they would be before the season started, at or near the top.