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The unlikely run to the playoffs for the New Jersey Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs took a big hit last week, but as long as they remain mathematically in the hunt, fans for both teams will keep their fingers crossed. The Devils, in particular, dropped a second straight game to the Ottawa Senators and were also shut out by the Washington Capitals. New Jersey rebounded with a shutout win over Columbus, but with 10 games remaining, it's looking more and more like close, but no cigar. Here are this week's sportsnet.ca Power Rankings: |
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| TW | LW | Team | Our Take |
| 1 | 1 | 
(47-17-9) |
The Canucks pump 47 shots at Phoenix backup Jason LaBarbera, but manage just one goal in a 3-1 loss. Nevertheless, the Canucks are 8-2-0 in their last 10 and coasting toward the playoffs. |
| 2 | 3 | 
(42-21-10) |
Suddenly goaltending looks like a strength for the Caps. The NHL’s first star of the week, Braden Holtby, was sent to the minors while Michal Neuvirth recorded his fourth shutout of the year against New Jersey. |
| 3 | 6 | 
(44-19-8) |
A shootout win over Dallas clinched a playoff berth for the Flyers who seem to be finding their legs after a bit of a slump. |
| 4 | 5 | 
(42-23-8) |
The Sharks continued their winning ways against the St. Louis Blues, but lost star rookie Logan Couture to a leg injury in the process. |
| 5 | 4 | 
(43-21-8) |
The injury-plagued Wings had their four-game winning streak snapped by the very hungry Nashville Predators. The Wings were missing Pavel Datsyuk and Johan Franzen. |
| 6 | 2 | 
(39-22-10) |
With five losses in their last six games, the once-solid Bruins are springing leaks all over the place. |
| 7 | 7 | 
(41-23-8) |
The good news: Sidney Crosby is back doing drills – and looking very good. The bad news: Another Matt Cooke head shot incident. |
| 8 | 14 | 
(39-24-11) |
The Coyotes dropped a 2-1 decision to Chicago, but are getting closer to securing solid new ownership! Finally, things are looking up in Phoenix. |
| 9 | 16 | 
(38-25-10) |
Blake Geoffrion scored two of his three goals late in the third period and then Martin Erat netted the OT winner, as the Predators ran their winning streak to three with a huge win over Buffalo. |
| 10 | 8 | 
(39-25-8) |
The Blackhawks won for just the second time in six outings, beating Phoenix 2-1, but in the process they lost sniper Patrick Sharp with a leg injury. |
| 11 | 11 | 
(39-22-11) |
With just two wins in their last 10 games, the Lightning are moving in the wrong direction as the regular season winds down. Steven Stamkos is having a tough time finding the net. |
| 12 | 10 | 
(40-26-7) |
Potential Hart and Vezina candidate Carey Price has hit a bump in the road, but backup Alex Auld is there to save the day. |
| 13 | 9 | 
(40-26-6) |
After wining four straight, the Kings drop a pair including an embarrassing 4-0 decision to St. Louis, where they were out-shot 13-2 in the first period and 17-4 in the second. |
| 14 | 13 | 
(38-25-9) |
Brenden Morrow rarely gets the credit he deserves as one of the NHL’s best two-way performers. The Stars will need his leadership if they are to make it back into the top eight in the Western Conference. |
| 15 | 20 | 
(39-30-4) |
A four-goal outburst in the third period gave the Penguins a convincing 5-2 victory over the Penguins for their fourth straight win. John Tortorella has done a great job coaching this team. |
| 16 | 12 | 
(37-27-10) |
Make that 13 straight losses in Anaheim for the Flames who fell behind 3-0 early, came back to take the lead, and then lost in overtime. |
| 17 | 17 | 
(40-27-5) |
Jonas Hiller is getting closer to returning, but in the meantime Dan Ellis and Ray Emery (remember him?) are holding down the fort in net for Anaheim. |
| 18 | 19 | 
(35-28-9) |
A third period meltdown has the Sabres clinging to the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. |
| 19 | 15 | 
(34-34-4) |
Too little, too late? Martin Brodeur recorded his 115th career shutout against Columbus, but back-to-back losses to Washington and Ottawa have likely killed the playoff dream. |
| 20 | 18 | 
(35-30-8) |
The Wild haven’t won since March 8 and have been out-scored 28-9 since then. Sunday’s 8-1 loss to Montreal was downright humiliating. |
| 21 | 22 | 
(32-31-10) |
James Reimer returned to the crease in the Leafs win over Boston after Ron Wilson foolishly sat him out Thursday. |
| 22 | 23 | 
(33-29-10) |
Calder candidate Jeff Skinner scored a goal and added an assist while Islander freshman Michael Grabner was turned back on three breakaways as the Hurricanes edge New York 3-2 in OT. |
| 23 | 21 | 
(33-29-10) |
GM Scott Howson is assured he’ll remain in his job beyond this season, but with two wins in their past 10 it’s looking like the Blue Jackets will miss the playoffs yet again. |
| 24 | 24 | 
(32-31-9) |
Two nights after shutting out the Kings, Jaroslav Halak was chased from the game after allowing three goals on 10 shots against San Jose. |
| 25 | 25 | 
(28-33-12) |
The Islanders have lost just once in regulation in their last 10. Even better, goalie Rick DiPietro returned from six weeks off with a shootout win over Florida. |
| 26 | 26 | 
(30-30-12) |
The Thrashers were on a nice 4-1-1 roll until they ran into the Sabres and were spanked 8-2. |
| 27 | 27 | 
(29-33-10) |
Wonder if the Panthers had any regrets about letting rookie Michael Grabner get away for nothing, as he scored his 30th goal of the season against them Saturday? |
| 28 | 28 | 
(27-36-9) |
Newly extended Craig Anderson has played solidly since being acquired from Colorado. |
| 29 | 29 | 
(23-39-10) |
The Oilers went 0-for-4 in a shootout loss to Colorado. Edmonton’s power play is 1-for-24 in the past five games. |
| 30 | 30 | 
(27-36-8) |
The Avs win for the second time since Jan. 24 with their 3-2 shootout win over Edmonton. It’s goalie Brian Elliott’s first win in seven starts since arriving from Ottawa. |
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