Todd Cordell
1. Anaheim Ducks (42-23-10)
They had a mediocre week but some key players in Ryan Kesler and Sami Vatanen, among others, just returned to the lineup.
2. Pittsburgh Penguins (42-25-8)
They're 8-2-0 in their last 10 and have been the best team in the NHL over the last couple months. They're steamrolling teams, Sidney Crosby is playing at a Hart Trophy level, Kris Letang is playing at a Norris level and they're getting scoring from all four lines.
3. Washington Capitals (54-16-5)
The Capitals are an excellent team but I'm pretty sure they're burning out Braden Holtby before the playoffs to try and get him the wins record.
@Ed_Byrnes via @MannyElk pic.twitter.com/E9fvvQw1Wr
— Jesse Marshall (@jmarshfof) March 21, 2016
4. Los Angeles Kings (45-26-5)
They're the best possession team in the league and no team in the Western Conference has more wins or regulation wins.
5. Dallas Stars (45-22-9)
The Stars have the worst 5 v 5 save percentage in the NHL since February 1st. Tyler Seguin has also missed some time of late. Despite that they sit in a tie for 1st in the Western Conference.
Honorable mention: St. Louis Blues
Peter Tessier 1. Blues. Only team aside from the Penguins who had 8 wins in last 10 games. Fact is they are letting no one pull away from them.
2. Stars. Not quite as hot as the Blues but they've been holding down second place in the league for some time. Can't pull ahead from central rivals though.
3. Capitals. Yes they are way ahead, yes they are on cruise control but they aren't going fall too far in rankings for being cautious and smart.
4. Kings. Despite a loss to the lowly Jets the Kings are not going anywhere yet. Marking time, gathering strength, marking time, gathering strength.
5. Rangers. It's not that they're a better team than Chicago for the season but or ever, but just right now they are. Not sure if that lasts though.
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