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Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

30. Calgary Flames (last week: 25)

It's just too hard to string together any kind of win streak with goaltending as bad as it's been with the Calgary Flames. Karri Ramo, Joni Ortio and Jonas Hiller have all been awful so far, and they all have save percentages under .900.

What happened to Mark Giordano's game too? Some thought he'd contend for the Norris Trophy this season, but he entered Saturdays' blowout loss in San Jose at minus-15 with only seven points in 23 games. It's starting to seem like last year was a fluke in Calgary.

29. Edmonton Oilers (last week: 29)

The Edmonton Oilers got off to a nice start on a long road trip with a shootout win in Pittsburgh on Saturday, and there is talk (via NHL.com) that Connor McDavid is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a broken clavicle. One-time No. 1 pick Nail Yakupov is also out for a while with an ankle injury after a freak collision with a linesman.

It always is something with the Oilers injury-wise. Otherwise, this team is too far down in the West to have any realistic hopes of a major push, especially with McDavid likely still a few weeks away from returning.

28. Colorado Avalanche (last week: 30)

The Colorado Avalanche mostly just continue to tread water in the Central Division. That would be OK in other divisions, but not this one. If Patrick Roy's men are to have any chance at all of making the playoffs, they need to string together a good-sized winning streak soon.

Problem is, the only team they've beaten in the last 10 days is Winnipeg (twice), and they're set to go on the road for a tough Eastern trip. The Avs went 4-3-0 on a long road trip previously but came home and played horribly in a loss to Ottawa. Those are the kinds of games they can't afford to lose any longer.

27. Toronto Maple Leafs (last week: 23)

They've been playing decent hockey at times, led by goalie James Reimer's strong play. But the fact is the Toronto Maple Leafs are still last in the East, and it's starting to seem like they will drop out of sight.

Backup Jonathan Bernier got the start on Saturday night against the Washington Capitals, his first action since Nov. 15, and he allowed four goals in a loss. That produced an odd quote from Bernier afterward, per Adam Proteau of the Maple Leafs' official website: “I’ve got to be better. I can name a lot of guys that have been through [a slump]. Probably one of the best everyone remembers—Patrick Roy—did it in Montreal. A lot of guys are going through this, and you’ve got to find a way on your own to get out of it."

Well, of course, Roy did win a Stanley Cup as a rookie with the Habs, but hey!

26. Carolina Hurricanes (last week: 26)

The Carolina Hurricanes continue to be the epitome of mediocrity, and that's probably being a bit generous.

Their goal differential entering Monday's game against the Rangers: 47-66. Yet they are hanging onto slim playoff hopes thanks to the occasional sterling effort by goalie Cam Ward. His 30-save performance in a 4-1 win over Edmonton last week was one good example.

Eric Staal's name continues to be whispered in trade rumors, but it's just too hard to see some team throwing a lot of young prospects or picks for a potential rental player. Besides, what is the market for a guy who scored just four goals his first 23 games this season?