Todd Cordell
1. Washington (34-8-3)
The Blackhawks are coming on strong but the Capitals haven't given me a reason to move them down. Braden Holtby is giving the Caps Vezina caliber goaltending and only Dallas has more goals.
2. Chicago Blackhawks (31-13-4)
The Hawks have won 11 in a row and now lead the league's toughest division. Artemis Panarin and and Patrick Kane have piled up the points all season long but now Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa and co. are starting to get in on the action.
3. Dallas Stars (29-12-5)
They've won just three of their last 10 games yet sit 3rd in the league in points and 1st in goals. They're still scary good.
4. Los Angeles Kings (28-13-3)
Only the Capitals have allowed fewer goals and Anze Kopitar, Tyler Toffoli and co. are heating up offensively. Beware of the Kings.
5. Tampa Bay Lightning (24-17-4)
Don't look now but the Bolts have won five in a row and seven of 10. They're five points out of 1st in the division and have a game in hand on the Panthers.
Jason Lewis 1. Washington (34-8-3) - Deep team. Great goaltending. Premier team in the league.
2. Chicago (31-13-4) - Here come the Blackhawks. The additions of Panarin/Anisimov may vault Kane to his best ever season.
3. Dallas (29-12-5) - Is the leaky defense/goaltending starting to rear its' head?
4. Los Angeles (28-13-3) - More hit and miss lately, but still a dominant and scary possession team.
5. Florida (26-14-5) - Still chugging away and getting scoring from so many places.
Peter Tessier 1. Capitals at 34-8-3 and 7-2-1 in last 10. What's not hot on this team?
2. Blackhawks 31-13-4 and 10-0 in last 10. Currently hotter than Caps but not the best, yet.
3. Kings 28-13-3 and 7-2-1 in last 10. Looking to be in contention form and trade with Philly didn't hurt at all
4. Stars 29-12-5 and 3-5-2 in last 10. No longer a shooting star and starting to look like a falling one.
5. Lightning 24-17-4 and 7-2-1 in last 10. Lose Drouin and things look up. Quietly pushing back into last year's form.
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