Power Rankings, Week 15: 'Nucks Keep on Rollin'

245

Tyler J. Altemose

This week is more of the same. The Philadelphia Flyers continued to dominate the Eastern Conference while the Vancouver Canucks played on a level above and beyond the rest of the league. 28 other teams fought it out for the top spots. Let's see how they did.

Vancouver Canucks

Current Rank: 1 | Previous Rank: 1 | +/-0

Points acquired in seventeen straight contests. No doubt, this is the best team in the league.

Philadelphia Flyers

Current Rank: 2 | Previous Rank: 3 | +1

I really can't think of any team in the East even close to the level of play of this team.

Dallas Stars

Current Rank: 3 | Previous Rank: 2 | -1

The Stars received some forward depth with the acquisition of former Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner. That'll only make a dangerous team even stronger.

Detroit Red Wings

Current Rank: 4 | Previous Rank: 4 | +/-0

Jimmy Howard's shootout shenanigans provided the Wings with some solid road wins.

New York Rangers

Current Rank: 5 | Previous Rank: 8 | +3

No team in the league compares to these guys on the road right now.

Chicago Blackhawks

Current Rank: 6 | Previous Rank: 13 | +7

Cory Crawford is certainly earning his keep in net. Three straight wins, two of them shutouts. Step aside, Turco.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Current Rank: 7 | Previous Rank: 11 | +4

How is Dwayne Roloson so good all of a sudden?

Boston Bruins

Current Rank: 8 | Previous Rank: 7 | -1

The Bruins recovered nicely and made the best of a long week.

Nashville Predators

Current Rank: 9 | Previous Rank: 14 | +6

Six straight wins. The Preds are rolling, and once again Dave Poulin's name is being tossed around as a possibility for GM of the Year.

Anaheim Ducks

Current Rank: 10 | Previous Rank: 15 | +5

Jonas Hiller had two straight shutouts (three wins) as the Ducks steamrolled the competition this week, 14-4.

Montreal Canadiens

Current Rank: 11 | Previous Rank: 12 | +1

The Canadiens turned a corner this week, returning to their winning ways.

Atlanta Thrashers

Current Rank: 12 | Previous Rank: 10 | -2

They got whooped by the Leafs (THE LEAFS!!!) then lost in overtime to division rivals. Let's move on...

Washington Capitals

Current Rank: 13 | Previous Rank: 5 | -8

It's only a matter of time until the Capitals find themselves in third place in the Southeast.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Current Rank: 14 | Previous Rank: 6 | -8

With the absence of captain Sidney Crosby, the Penguins have been showing a stunning lack of heart and depth.

Phoenix Coyotes

Current Rank: 15 | Previous Rank: 20 | +5

What a difference a year makes. In 2011, the 'Yotes are 5-0-2 and have acquired 12 out of a possible 14 points.

San Jose Sharks

Current Rank: 16 | Previous Rank: 9 | -7

Six straight losses. It's safe to go in the water, these Sharks won't bite.

Los Angeles Kings

Current Rank: 17 | Previous Rank: 16 | -1

A single win against the Blue Jackets doesn't say much, or does it?

Carolina Hurricanes

Current Rank: 18 | Previous Rank: 19 | +1

The 'Canes put together a rare triple win week.

Colorado Avalanche

Current Rank: 19 | Previous Rank: 18 | -1

The Avs continue to struggle to find their footing.

St. Louis Blues

Current Rank: 20 | Previous Rank: 18 | -2

Still no wins in 2011.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Current Rank: 21 | Previous Rank: 28 | +7

Birds and fish are dying by the thousands on a global scale, freak weather phenomena is appearing all over the planet, there is the addition of a 13th zodiac, and the Leafs have won four games in a row. It's time to panic, folks.

Florida Panthers

Current Rank: 22 | Previous Rank: 22 | +/-0

The Panthers got the best of their division rival Capitals in a home and home this week.

Minnesota Wild

Current Rank: 23 | Previous Rank: 21 | -2

The Wild played nicely in the beginning of the week against some competition from the East, but then the Stars and Preds reminded them that they're part of the West with two straight losses.

Buffalo Sabres

Current Rank: 24 | Previous Rank: 26 | +2