It’s hard to believe that it’s already Week 10 in these power rankings as the shortened NHL season continues to move at a rapid pace. With less than two weeks remaining before the April 3rd trade deadline, many of the weaker teams in the NHL will be selling off assets in order to build for a brighter tomorrow. These fire sales around the league should create an even bigger gap between the elite and the feeble teams of the NHL. Heading into week 10, the best team’s remain near the top of the rankings, but team’s like Columbus could be playing themselves from sellers to buyers as we begin to hit the home stretch.

Check back every Monday for updated NHL power rankings!

30. Florida Panthers (9-18-6)

Last Week’s Ranking: 30

This Week’s Schedule: @Toronto, Buffalo, New Jersey

Breakdown: Even though the Florida Panthers were able to earn 2 victories on their road trip, the Panthers still remain at the bottom of the NHL standings after losing 6 of their last 8 games. Although the Panthers have been unable to get wins, their team has done a fine job of keeping opponents scoring low – allowing only 2.20 goals per game over their last 5 games played. However, Panthers’ fans can take solace in the fact that their young goaltender Jacob Markstrom has stopped 111 of his last 114 shots faced.

29. Colorado Avalanche (11-16-4)

Last Week’s Ranking: 26

This Week’s Schedule: @Calgary, @Vancouver, Nashville

Breakdown: The Colorado Avalanche are now in a battle with the Panthers for the 1st overall pick after losing 6 of their last 7 games. The Avalanche have done an atrocious job of keeping opponents off of the scoreboard lately – allowing 4.43 goals per game over their last 7 games played. On offense, Captain Gabriel Landeskog has been doing his best to keep the team afloat – scoring 4 points (3G 1A) over his last 4 games.

28. Tampa Bay Lightning (13-18-1)

Last Week’s Ranking: 28

This Week’s Schedule: Buffalo, New Jersey

Breakdown: The Tampa Bay Lighting are in turmoil after firing their Head Coach Guy Boucher and losing 4 of their last 6 games. Even though the Lightning have a formidable offense, the team’s powerplay has been struggling – going 1 for their last 20 when on the man advantage. In an otherwise forgettable season, forward Martin St. Louis continues to be brilliant – earning at least 1 point in 10 of his last 12 games played.

27. Calgary Flames (12-14-4)

Last Week’s Ranking: 20

This Week’s Schedule: @Chicago, Colorado, Columbus

Breakdown: As the trade deadline approaches, the Calgary Flames are starting to look like sellers after losing 4 of their last 7 games. Even though they have been unable to capture victories, the Flames’ powerplay has been looking excellent lately – going 6 for 17 over their last 6 games played. On offense, forward Alex Tanguay has been a reliable scorer – earning at least 1 point in 7 of his last 8 games.

26. San Jose Sharks (13-11-6)

Last Week’s Ranking: 24

This Week’s Schedule: @Anaheim, Anaheim, Detroit, Phoenix

Breakdown: The San Jose Sharks still remain a threat to make the playoffs even after losing 5 of their last 7 games. However, the Sharks have been benefiting from an improved powerplay which has been converting 29% of their chances over their last 6 games played. Forward Ryan Clowe, who has been nursing a shoulder injury, has still yet to record a goal this season in the 25 games that he has competed in.

25. Philadelphia Flyers (13-16-2)

Last Week’s Ranking: 25

This Week’s Schedule: NY Rangers, NY Islanders, Boston, Washington

Breakdown: The Philadelphia Flyers are running out of time to figure things out after losing 4 of their last 6 games. The Flyers once potent offense has absolutely vanished in recent games – scoring only 10 goals over their last 6 games played. After being one of the hottest players in the game for a long stretch, forward Jakub Voracek has only been able to tally 3 points in his last 6 games.

24. Edmonton Oilers (11-12-7)

Last Week’s Ranking: 21

This Week’s Schedule: @Nashville, @St. Louis, Columbus, Vancouver

Breakdown: Even though they are most likely not heading to the playoffs, the Edmonton Oilers have been improving – recording a point in 5 of their last 6 games, including 3 victories. Despite being shutout on Saturday, the Oilers’ offense has been clicking lately – scoring 3.00 goals per game over their last 6 games played. On offense, forward Taylor Hall has been scored 7 points (2G 5A) in his last 6 games.

23. Nashville Predators (13-13-6)

Last Week’s Ranking: 29

This Week’s Schedule: Edmonton, Phoenix, @Colorado

Breakdown: Even though they have only won 3 of their last 7 games, the Nashville Predators made their way back to .500 this week with back-to-back wins over the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets. On special teams, the Predators’ penalty killing unit has struggled – allowing a power play goal to be scored in 5 straight games. In net, goaltender Pekka Rinne has started to show signs of weakness while allowing 12 goals over his last 4 starts and stopping only 85 of 97 shots faced.

22. Buffalo Sabres (13-15-4)

Last Week’s Ranking: 27

This Week’s Schedule: @Tampa Bay, @Florida, Washington, Boston

Breakdown: The Buffalo Sabres have climbed out of the gutter after winning 4 of their last 7 games, including 2 wins over the Montreal Canadiens. One of the reasons for the Sabres’ recent succes has been their improved powerplay which has scored a goal in 4 straight games. On offense, forward Cody Hodgson is starting to heat up while scoring 6 points (2G 4A) over his last 4 games played.

21. Phoenix Coyotes (13-14-4)

Last Week’s Ranking: 16

This Week’s Schedule: Detroit, @Minnesota, @Nashville, @San Jose

Breakdown: The Phoenix Coyotes are beginning to lose sight of the playoffs after losing 5 of their last 7 games. In recent games the Coyotes’ offense has absolutely disappeared – scoring only 0.60 goals per game over their last 5 games, including being shutout 3 times. Even though he still holds the team scoring lead, forward Mikkel Boedker has only scored 1 point over his last 5 games played.

20. New York Rangers (15-13-3)

Last Week’s Ranking: 17

This Week’s Schedule: @Philadelphia, @Ottawa, @Montreal

Breakdown: The New York Rangers have lost 5 of their last 7 games, including 3 losses to teams from the feeble Southeast Division. The Rangers’ offense continues to underachieve – scoring only 1.43 goals per game over their last 7 game played. Luckily for the Rangers, goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has been spectacular recently – winning 2 of his last 4 starts while allowing only 7 goals to be scored.

19. New York Islanders (14-15-3)

Last Week’s Ranking: 12

This Week’s Schedule: @Washington, @Philadelphia, @Pittsburgh

Breakdown: The New York Islanders have found themselves very close to a playoff position after winning 3 of their last 6 games. Aside from their shutout victory of the Florida Panthers on Sunday, the Islanders have struggled to keep opponent’s scoring low – allowing 3.40 goals per game over their last 5 games played. On offense, forward Matt Moulson has been a very reliable scorer – earning at least 1 point in 7 of his last 8 games.

18. Carolina Hurricanes (15-13-2)

Last Week’s Ranking: 13

This Week’s Schedule: Winnipeg, @Toronto, @Winnipeg

Breakdown: The Carolina Hurricanes have lost their firm grasp on the Southeast Division after losing 5 of their last 7 games. Over their last 6 games, the Hurricanes offense has looked suspect – scoring only 1.67 goals per game on average. Forward Jiri Tlusty has done little to help aid the Hurricanes’ offense – scoring only 1 point over his last 6 games.

17. New Jersey Devils (15-11-6)

Last Week’s Ranking: 23

This Week’s Schedule: @Ottawa, @Tampa Bay, @Florida

Breakdown: The New Jersey Devils look like they may be able to hold on to a playoff spot after winning 4 of their last 7 games. The Devils have been getting victories through their solid defense and veteran goaltending which has allowed only 1.83 goals per game over their last 6 games played. With Ilya Kovalchuk set to miss a few weeks, forward Patrik Elias will have to carry an even bigger load on offense. Elias has recorded a point in each of his last 2 games.

16. Washington Capitals (15-16-1)

Last Week’s Ranking: 22

This Week’s Schedule: NY Islanders, @Buffalo, @Philadelphia

Breakdown: The Washington Capitals have fought their way back into the playoff picture after winning 4 of their last 6 games. The Capitals have been winning through fantastic defense and goaltending which has allowed opponents to score a meager 1.60 goals per game over their last 5 games played. In net, goaltender Braden Holtby has won 4 of his last 5 starts while allowing only 8 goals to be scored.

15. Dallas Stars (15-13-3)

Last Week’s Ranking: 18

This Week’s Schedule: Minnesota, Minnesota, Los Angeles

Breakdown: The Dallas Stars have won 3 of their last 6 games, including a shutout victory against the Los Angeles Kings. Although they have been able to win a few games, the Stars’ powerplay has been struggling – converting only 1 of their last 19 opportunities. In net, goaltender Kari Lehtonen has been reliable – allowing only 9 goals over his last 4 starts and recording 1 shutout.

14. Toronto Maple Leafs (17-12-3)

Last Week’s Ranking: 15

This Week’s Schedule: @Boston, Florida, Carolina, @Ottawa

Breakdown: After losing 5 straight, the Toronto Maple Leafs have stabilized – winning 2 of their last 3 games. One of the main reasons for the Maple Leafs’ recent woes has been their inability to keep opponents off of the scoreboard – allowing 3.29 goals per game over their last 7 games played. Luckily for the Leafs, forward Nazem Kadri has been on a scoring tear – compiling 9 points (3G 6A) over his last 4 games.

13. Vancouver Canucks (17-9-6)

Last Week’s Ranking: 19

This Week’s Schedule: Columbus, Colorado, @Edmonton

Breakdown: The Vancouver Canucks have reclaimed the Northwest Division after winning 5 of their last 7 games. In recent games, the Canucks have done an excellent job of keeping opponent’s scoring low – allowing only 2.17 goals per game over their past 6 games played. In net, goaltender Cory Schneider has looked fantastic while winning his last 4 starts, allowing only 5 total goals to get past him.

12. St. Louis Blues (17-12-2)

Last Week’s Ranking: 9

This Week’s Schedule: Edmonton, Los Angeles

Breakdown: The St. Louis Blues look to be heading towards the playoffs after winning 4 of their last 6 games. The Blues have relied heavily on their defense and goaltending in recent games – allowing opponents to score only 9 total goals over their last 6 games played. On offense, forward David Perron is still trying to recapture his scoring touch – only earning 1 point in his last 5 games.

11. Winnipeg Jets (17-14-2)

Last Week’s Ranking: 10

This Week’s Schedule: @Carolina, @Pittsburgh, Carolina

Breakdown: The Winnipeg Jets remain atop the Southeast Division after winning 5 of their last 8 games. With the Washington Capitals in hot pursuit, the Jets will have to fix their ailing offense that has only been able to score 8 goals over their last 5 games played. In net, goaltender Ondrej Pavelec has been starting to struggling – allowing 14 goals over his last 5 starts.

10. Los Angeles Kings (17-12-2)

Last Week’s Ranking: 8

This Week’s Schedule: @Chicago, @St. Louis, @Minnesota, @Dallas

Breakdown: The Los Angeles Kings remain a powerful team in the Western Conference even after losing 3 of their last 6 games. The Kings have been earning victories through solid goaltending and defense – allowing only 1.40 goals per game over their last 5 games played. In net, backup goaltender Jonathan Bernier has been playing very consistent hockey while allowing only 8 goals over his last 5 appearances.

9. Ottawa Senators (17-9-6)

Last Week’s Ranking: 14

This Week’s Schedule: New Jersey, NY Rangers, Toronto

Breakdown: The Ottawa Senators have a firm grasp on their playoff spot after winning 4 of their last 6 games, with their only losses coming at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins. Surprisingly, the Senators have been lighting the lamp often in recent games – scoring 3.67 goals per game over their past 6 games played. Defenseman Sergei Gonchar has been an offensive powerhouse recently while recording at least 1 point in 10 straight games.

8. Detroit Red Wings (16-11-5)

Last Week’s Ranking: 11

This Week’s Schedule: @Phoenix, @San Jose, Chicago

Breakdown: The Detroit Red Wings have won 4 of their last 6 games, including 2 impressive wins over the Anaheim Ducks. The Red Wings’ offense has benefited from a consistent powerplay recently – scoring at least 1 powerplay goal in 7 straight games. On offense, forward Pavel Datsyuk has scored 6 points (1G 5A) in his last 4 games played.

7. Columbus Blue Jackets (13-13-6)

Last Week’s Ranking: 6

This Week’s Schedule: @Vancouver, @Edmonton, @Calgary, Anaheim

Breakdown: I took some heat for putting the Blue Jackets so high on last week’s rankings, but they continue to surprise the hockey world – now with only 1 loss in regulation in their last 13 games played. The key to the Blue Jackets’ streak has been their incredible goaltending and responsible defense that has held opponents to only 1.78 goals per game over their last 9 games. While Sergei Bobrovsky has clearly been the story in Columbus, players like Artem Anisimov – who has scored a goal in his past 2 games played – are finally starting to help his effort.

6. Boston Bruins (20-7-3)

Last Week’s Ranking: 5

This Week’s Schedule: Toronto, Montreal, @Philadelphia, @Buffalo

Breakdown: The Boston Bruins have hit their first rough patch of the season, losing 4 of their last 7 games played. The main reason for the Bruins’ recent struggles has been their inability to put the puck in the net – scoring only 2.00 goals per game over their last 5 games played. On offense, forward Tyler Seguin has hit a snag, only scoring 1 point over his last 5 games.

5. Minnesota Wild (18-10-2)

Last Week’s Ranking: 6

This Week’s Schedule: @Dallas, Phoenix, @Dallas, Los Angeles

Breakdown: The Minnesota Wild have found themselves in a good playoff position after winning 7 of their last 8 games. The Wild have been able to succeed through their powerplay which has converted 30% of their chances over their past 7 games played. On offense, Captain Mikko Koivu has been been playing fantastic hockey – scoring 6 points (3G 3A) over his last 5 games.

4. Anaheim Ducks (22-5-4)

Last Week’s Ranking: 3

This Week’s Schedule: San Jose, @San Jose, @Chicago, @Columbus

Breakdown: The Anaheim Ducks have won 4 of their last 7 games, but suffered back-to-back losses at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings. The once mighty Ducks offense has begun to slow down in recent games – scoring 2 goals or less in 5 of their last 7 games played. One player who hasn’t been too affected by the recent scoring drought is forward Ryan Getzlaf who has been able to tally 5 points (2G 3A) in his last 4 games.

3. Montreal Canadiens (20-6-5)

Last Week’s Ranking: 4

This Week’s Schedule: @Pittsburgh, @Boston, NY Rangers

Breakdown: The Montreal Canadiens have won 6 of their last 8 games, with their only 2 losses coming against the Buffalo Sabres. The Canadiens have ridden their defense and goaltending in recent games – allowing opponents to score only 2.17 goals per game over their last 6 games. On offense, forward Max Pacioretty has scored 3 points (1G 2) in his last 3 games.

2. Chicago Blackhawks (24-3-3)

Last Week’s Ranking: 2

This Week’s Schedule: Los Angeles, Calgary, Anaheim, @Detroit

Breakdown: After having their amazing streak snapped, the Chicago Blackhawks remain one of the best teams in the Western Conference and have won 3 of 4 games since their streak ended. The Blackhawks’ offense has been blowing people out of the water lately – scoring 4.40 goals per game over their last 5 games played. Patrick Kane continues dazzle opponents and light up the score sheet – compiling 11 points (4G 7A) in his last 5 games.

1. Pittsburgh Penguins (25-8-0)

Last Week’s Ranking: 1

This Week’s Schedule: Montreal, Winnipeg, NY Islanders

Breakdown: The Pittsburgh Penguins remain the class of the NHL after winning their 12th straight game on Sunday. While offense was the key to the early stages of the Penguins’ winning streak, defense has now taken over as the team’s bread and butter. Over their last 8 games, the Penguins have allowed opponents to score only 9 total goals. On offense, Sidney Crosby seems destined to win this year’s Hart Trophy – scoring 6 points (2G 4A) over his last 4 games played.

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