NHL Power Rankings: Week 1

Mike Brophy's Power Rankings: September 28, 2009

TW	LW	Team	Our Take
1	-		Two long seasons could make the Penguins vulnerable this year, but when you have two of the three best forwards in the NHL, you can never be taken lightly.
2	-		We offer the Red Wings the same respect as the Penguins given their long string of excellence, but wonder if a little slide isn’t in the offing based on their long seasons.
3	-		The addition of Chris Pronger on defence and Ray Emery in net gives the Flyers added depth and experience they'll need to push the Pens.
4	-		There is every reason to believe the Sharks will once again be a dominant team in the regular season, but it’s the same old question: are they a playoff team?
5	-		Losing in the second round left a bitter taste in the Caps’ mouths and they feel they have some unfinished business to look after this season.
6	-		Look for a big year from goaltender Roberto Luongo who needs to prove he has the talent to lead a team to great heights.
7	-		For the Bruins to repeat last year’s stunning success, they’ll need to get a lot out of Patrice Bergeron to make up for the loss of Phil Kessel.
8	-		The Blackhawks catapulted from 88 points two years ago to 104 last season, but will soon find it’s tougher to take the next step when you join the league’s elite teams.
9	-		The Ducks will feel the sting of losing defensemen Chris Pronger and Francois Beauchemin, but they still have the best line in the league with Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan.
10	-		This team should be a better defensive team under Brent Sutter, which should be enough to get them out of the first round of the playoffs.
11	-		This is a team with a lot of strength up front and in net, but lacking anything resembling a marquee defenceman.
12	-		The ‘Canes played superbly under Paul Maurice last season, but have a history of taking a step back after taking a step forward.
13	-		How far the Stars go will depend on how quickly Brendan Morrow bounces back from a serious broken leg and whether or not Marty Turco can get back to being a goalie that gives his team a chance to win.
14	-		Don’t laugh; the Bolts have a wealth of talent up front and with the addition of Mattias Ohlund and Victor Hedman, the defence isn’t too bad.
15	-		Steve Mason took the NHL by storm last season so it will be interesting to see if he is able to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump.
16	-		If the Canadiens get decent goaltending out of Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak, they should get back to the playoffs.
17	-		The Blues made a marked improvement last season and now have Paul Kariya back and healthy so they should at least be able to maintain the pace.
18	-		You don’t chuck 50 goals out the window and not expect it to have an impact, but if Alexei Kovalev plays to his potential, the loss of Dany Heatley will be more palatable.
19	-		The defence has been bolstered and they are going to be more of a physical team than they were a year ago, but if the goaltending fails, so does everything else.
20	-		Ownership has been patient in allowing GM Dean Lombardi to construct this team, but the playoffs are an absolute must this season.
21	-		Pat Quinn has his hands full with this bunch, but he has demonstrated in the past he can influence players to reach new heights.
22	-		Outside of goaltender Ryan Miller, the Sabres lack star power but they have depth and are well coached by Lindy Ruff. If they stay healthy, they will be in most games.
23	-		A little concerned about Marian Gaborik’s health, but if he is able to play most of the games at a high level and Henrik Lundqvist comes through, the Rangers will challenge for a playoff spot.
24	-		Peter DeBoer has a fine future ahead of him, but he’ll have to endure his team’s financial woes as well as the fact he doesn’t have legitimate first-liners before he tastes success.
25	-		Goalie Niklas Backstrom gives this team a chance to win most nights so much will depend on the impact rookie coach Todd Richards has on this young team and how motivated newcomer Martin Havlat is to prove the Blackhawks were wrong to dump him.
26	-		The Preds are the league’s hardest working team year after year, but in the end it always amounts to very little.
27	-		One playoff berth in nine years; no wonder this franchise is hanging by a thread.
28	-		New coach Dave Tippett has his work cut out for him, but he does have a wealth of young talent to work with.
29	-		Top pick John Tavares has been on a treadmill the past few years, but he’ll have a short season and lots of time off after this season ends for the Islanders April 11.
30	-		The Avs are the frontrunners for the Taylor Hall sweepstakes as the first pick in the 2010 NHL entry draft.