Monday: Power Poll

This week's rankings: (Note: number in parentheses denotes last week’s ranking.)

1. Detroit Red Wings (4): In most divisions an 8-1 start would afford some breathing room, but not in the Central.

2. Nashville Predators (2): The Preds remain one of two unbeaten teams in the NHL. This team can win be it shootouts or in regulation.

3. Ottawa Senators (1): One word describes this unbeaten team: solid. Hasek has led this strong corps to a 6-0 start.

4. Vancouver Canucks (3): From top to bottom, this team has produced.

5. Montreal Canadiens (5): These Habs shoot first and ask questions later. Jose Theodore has been stellar in goal.

6. Philadelphia Flyers (17): It’s not that this team has done so much lately as the rest of the league has slipped some. Simone Gagne is poised for a breakout year.

7. Buffalo Sabres (8): Sabres’ learning to win early could pay off down the stretch when this team will be scrapping for a playoff spot.

8. New York Rangers (6): Goalie Weekes is back in net and hoping he can keep his team playing well.

9. Los Angeles Kings (9): Can Kings steal any Hollywood spotlight from the Lakers this year?

10. Toronto Maple Leafs (12): Sundin is still out but the Leafs still win.

11. Dallas Stars (10): Slow start for Pacific Division gives Stars a chance to shine.

12. Minnesota Wild (11): Gaborik is back and put up his first goal of the season vs. the Blackhawks on Sunday.

13. Carolina Hurricanes (14): Canes are having no problem finding the net thanks to plentiful power play opportunities.

14. Tampa Bay Lightning (13): Lightning doing just enough, but should be playing better.

15. New York Islanders (19): Satan, one of this year’s imports, is having a positive effect on this team.

16. Florida Panthers (7): Their play slipped a little last week, but other teams’ slides in the Southeast Division

17. New Jersey Devils (22): A 4-4 start nets this team in the middle of the pack in the Atlantic Division.

18. Calgary Flames (24): Flames’ defense improving after horrible start. Next two weeks could be telling of how good is this team really is.

19. Boston Bruins (18): Team is built to score points but needs to net more than it has to get out of Northeast Division cellar.

20. Colorado Avalanche (21): Avs can’t continue to watch other teams in the Northwest Division step over them.

21. Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (20): Consistent play and having a healthy Giguere in front of the net are critical.

22. Chicago Blackhawks (28): Improving play is a good sign for this overlooked Chicago franchise.

23. San Jose Sharks (16): The Sharks start the season treading water, and that doesn’t help in a competitive Western Conference.

24. Edmonton Oilers (15): Losing the Battle of Alberta to the Flames hurts morale as well as this team’s place in the standings.

25. Atlanta Thrashers (25): Word has gotten out that this team plays dirty. Throw in some costly injuries and we’ve got a highly combustible situation in Georgia.

26. Washington Capitals (23): This team commits too many penalties, leaving goalie Kolzig bombarded by too many shots.

27. Phoenix Coyotes (27): This team needs to learn how to score more often. Perhaps Gretzky should lace ‘em up?

28. St. Louis Blues (29): Team shows no signs of improvement.

29. Pittsburgh Penguins (26): Penguins still searching for their first victory. Mario, Crosby and Co. must be getting frustrated.

30. Columbus Blue Jackets (30): Go Buckeyes!

Detroit Red Wings Pavel Datsyuk (left) and Henrik Zetterberg celebrate Datsyuk's goal Saturday night vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets./Associated Press photo