In this edition of the hotstove we share our picks for the top-5 teams in hockey.
Todd Cordell
1. Dallas Stars (20-5-2)
The Stars lead the league in goals per game, lead the league in points and have lost just one of their last 10 games in regulation.
2. Washington Capitals (18-5-2)
The Caps have one regulation loss in their last 10 and are tied with Dallas for the fewest in the league. Everything is clicking for the Caps right now.
3. Los Angeles Kings (16-8-1)
Since losing their first three games of the season the Kings have won 16 of 22 games. They're also the league's best possession team.
4. Montreal Canadiens (19-6-3)
The Habs have cooled off a little bit but they've been without Carey Price for much of the season and are still 2nd in the league in wins and points.
5. Detroit Red Wings (15-8-4)
The Red Wings are the hottest team in hockey having won seven of 10 and picked up at least a point in 10 straight.
Pavel Datsyuk's return helped stabilize their lineup, Mike Green is playing like Mike Green and they are trending upwards in the possession game.
James Tanner 1. Dallas Stars 2. Los Angeles Kings 3. Montreal Canadiens 4. Washington Capitals 5. New York Islanders
Recent posts: Can the Canadiens stay on top of the East without Price?