Todd Cordell
1. Anaheim Ducks (40-22-9)
They've been as dominant as anyone over the last few months and are loaded from top to bottom. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I don't think there's a team I'd take over them in a playoff series right now.
2. Pittsburgh Penguins (40-24-8)
They haven't put up the sexy numbers Washington has but they've been steamrolling teams for a couple months now and are in the midst of a six-game winning streak. Oh, and they're doing this without one of the best players on the planet in Evgeni Malkin.
3. Washington Capitals (51-15-5)
They took it on the chin against the Penguins a couple days ago but they have the best record in the NHL for a reason. They're excellent.
4. Los Angeles Kings (44-23-5)
They're the best defensive team in hockey and they are more than adequate on the offensive side of things. They're going to be an extremely tough out come playoff time.
5. Chicago Blackhawks (42-24-7)
The Hawks hit a bit of a wall of late but come playoff time I think I'd still take them over their central division foes St. Louis and Dallas.
Jason Lewis 1. Washington (51-15-5) - There has been kind of a let off with them, but how could you not? President's Trophy is likely theirs. Division is theirs. Some of their fancy stats are starting to get troubling, but still No. 1 to me.
2. Los Angeles (44-23-5) - Just got over a run where they handed losses to Chicago, Dallas, Washington, Boston, and New York.
3. St. Louis (42-22-9) - Got to be the favorites for the division the way they are playing right?
4. Pittsburgh (40-24-8) - Have come to life without the services of Evgeni Malkin. Put a hurting on Washington over the weekend which was uber impressive.
5. Anaheim (40-22-9) - A departure from the speed game, and an emphasis on the nasty, physical game, have made the Ducks the ire of opponents and opposing fans alike. Oh, and they are winning games.
Peter Tessier 1. Capitals- what has changed? Nothing they are good.
2. Kings- and as the stretch arrives so do playoff warrior Kings basically the team no one wants to play.
3. Stars- despite Kris Russell dragging guys down the Stars are holding tops in west, but for how long?
4. Blues- I'm never convinced of St Louis in the post season but again they are finishing up strong so get ready.
5. Ducks- a bit foul over the past bit but I have more faith in them than Hawks or Rangers right now.
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