NHL Power Rankings - End of February 2008

Here are my top ten teams from the NHL as of February 23, 2008.

1. Detroit Red Wings

They may be in a little bit of a slump but they still only have 16 losses and the talent to get it done. The Wings may not go deep into the playoffs but as of right now I have to put them at number one.

2. Dallas Stars

They just beat the Red Wings and have won eight out of their last ten games. Guys like Mike Ribreio and Stephane Robidas have really started to step up and play well. As always, Marty Turco is standing on his head and keeping Dallas in every game.

3. Montreal Canadiens

Any team that can come back from five goals down is a team to be reckoned with. The Habs have the best power play in the league and are 4^th in scoring.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins

Even without Sid the Kid, the Pens have won seven out of ten games. Young guns like Evgeni Malkin have really picked up the pace during Crosby's absence. When Crosby comes back this team should be considered as the best team in the land.

5. Anaheim Ducks

Since Teemu Selanne returned to the lineup, the Ducks are 8-1. The defending Stanley Cup champions have the grit, defense, and goaltending to go all the way again this year.

6. New Jersey Devils

The Devils are 7-1-2 in their last ten and they still have Martin Broduer. Every team starts with goaltending and New Jersey certainly has that going for them.

7. Ottawa Senators

The Sens are still on top of the eastern conference despite going 3-5-2 in their last ten. Ray Emery has been solid in his past few starts and Ottawa may be crawling out of their slump.

8. San Jose Sharks

San Jose has been great on the road but really needs to pick it up at home. They have all the pieces in place for a title run but can they execute? Evgeni Nabokov is fine after taking a shot to the mask and should be good to go for San Jose's stretch run.

9. Minnesota Wild

They Wild are 5-2-3 in their last ten and have an east coast trip coming up. They will face Washington, Florida, and Tampa Bay. If they can reel off a few wins in a row it will definitely put them in a good position to win the Northwest Division. They are currently first in the Northwest.

10. Nashville Predators

The Predators started off the season on a bad note. However, they have picked it up as of late and are in a playoff spot. There is also some speculation that Toronto star Mats Sundin will be shipped to Tennessee. If Nashville can get this deal done, than they are a team to be looked at in the West. They are 3-1-1 in their last five and young star Alexander Radulov has 16 points in the club's last 14 games.