Welcome to another edition of the Hockeybuzz hotstove.
In this one we'll be sharing our power rankings for the top-5 teams in the NHL.
Todd Cordell 1. Nashville Predators (29-9-4)
It took a while, but for the first time the Preds are No. 1 in my power rankings. Playing in the best division in hockey they continue to find ways to win on a consistent basis, and currently sit atop the NHL in points. They're also tied for 1st in wins with 29, and are the only team in the NHL with less than 10 regulation losses.
2. Chicago Blackhawks (28-13-2)
They're 3rd in the NHL in wins, 3rd in the NHL in score-adjusted Fenwick and have the best goal differential at plus-39. They're only 6-4-0 in their last 10, but they are once again one of the league's best teams and seem poised for another deep playoff run.
3. New York Islanders (29-13-1)
Tied for 1st in the NHL in wins and they are 1st in score-adjusted Fenwick. Everything is clicking for them right now, and that should continue as long as they stay healthy.
4. Anaheim Ducks (27-10-6)
They're not dominating teams on a nightly basis, but they continue to find ways to win close games and they sit 2nd in the NHL as a result. As long as they have Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and co. that probably won't change.
5. Pittsburgh Penguins (26-10-6)
They've dealt with as many injuries as anyone, yet they're just one point back of the Islanders for 1st in the East. They also own a conference-best plus-29 goal differential, and are one of the better possession teams in the NHL.
Honorable mention: Tampa Bay. Despite consecutive losses they're 7-3-0 in their last 10 and are just a point out of 1st in the East.
Tim Chiasson 1. Nashville Predators (29-9-4)
They just keep piling up the wins. What a great turnaround this team has had in only one season. They've won four games in a row and if they stay healthy there's no reason they can't give everyone trouble come playoff time too.
2. Chicago Blackhawks (28-13-2)
They lost to Colorado and Edmonton with alternating wins over Minnesota twice in their last four games. Still probably the best team in the league but it's hard to put them above Nashville with a rough stretch like that. These are, after all, weekly power rankings.
3. Pittsburgh Penguins (26-10-6)
The Penguins have gone through injuries, trades, slumps by stars, you name it. They're still second in the East, with a game in hand, after two straight wins. They are the best team in the Eastern Conference until otherwise noted.
4. Anaheim Ducks (27-10-6)
Just keep winning, just keep winning. The Ducks have an awful goal differential and I'm pretty confident if they can't sort that out Chicago - and maybe St Louis - will catch and pass them in the standings. For now, though, they're in second place in the league. If Ryan Getzlaf doesn't win the Messier Award this year it will be a criminal result.
5. New York Islanders (29-13-1)
How great of a job has Garth Snow done in New York? It wasn't that long ago everyone was calling him a buffoon - clearly not the case anymore. The moves he's made have made this team more than relevant in the East. Right now they've won three straight and sit in first place.
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