Power Rankings - Feb. 18
The Dallas Stars have only one loss in their past 10 games. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Mike Brophy
2008-02-19 14:14:16
It’s almost here: trade deadline day.
We will see over the next few days which teams will identify themselves as buyers, with an eye toward this year’s playoffs, and which will be sellers, hoping to improve themselves for next year and beyond.
In the meantime, here is this week’s THN Power Rankings:
|
RK.
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TEAM
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LW
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OVERALL
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L10
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THE SCOOP
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1
|
 |
1
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42-15-5
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4-5-1
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Let’s call it the February blahs, but the Red Wings looked decidedly regular in losing six in a row before winning big against Colorado. The victory came with a big price, though. Superstar defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom is out, with what the team is calling an injured knee. |
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2
|
 |
2
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37-21-5
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9-1-0
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The streaking Stars scored a huge 1-0 win over the Red Wings; a massive confidence booster should the two teams hook up in the Western Conference playoffs. |
|
3
|
 |
10
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34-21-5
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6-2-2
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Guess who’s leading all NHL goalies in wins? Ageless Martin Brodeur had 32 wins through Monday night, the 12th consecutive season he has recorded 30-plus wins. |
|
4
|
 |
3
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34-20-5
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4-5-1
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This slide the Sens are going through is the real deal. Despite adding veterans Cory Stillman and Mike Commodore, Ottawa has lost three in a row and Montreal has pulled even in the standings. |
|
5
|
 |
4
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34-21-4
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7-2-1
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The Wild’s last four wins all came in overtime or the shootout. Marian Gaborik, who has finally achieved star status, scored the winner against Nashville Sunday with 4.4 seconds remaining in overtime. |
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6
|
 |
6
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33-23-7
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6-3-1
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The Ducks are clearly a better team with Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer back, but it has to be concerning they have allowed more goals than they have scored. Don’t be surprised if GM Brian Burke swings a deal for more offense. |
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7
|
 |
5
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33-21-5
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6-3-1
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A year ago the Penguins couldn’t give away Ryan Malone. Now he has become a consistent performer and has three two-point games in his last five outings. |
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8
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 |
9
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32-19-9
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5-4-1
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Veteran Alexei Kovalev continues to be one of the feel-good stories of the season with two goals and five points in his last three games. |
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9
|
 |
11
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31-23-7
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6-2-2
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When the Predators cleaned house last year, Jason Arnott probably wondered why he was left behind. Now he is a big part of one of the best reclamation projects in league history. |
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10
|
 |
14
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30-24-7
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6-3-1
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After taking a five-day break from action, the Rangers returned with back-to-back wins and are once again looking like a team capable of making noise in the Eastern Conference. |
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11
|
 |
8
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31-20-8
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4-5-1
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The Sharks built a 2-0 lead against the Islanders in Long Island Monday, but lost 3-2. They remain one of the NHL’s most puzzling teams; ninth overall, but not looking like a real Stanley Cup threat. |
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12
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 |
7
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30-24-5
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2-8-0
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With just two wins in their past 10 games and word Peter Forsberg will not be rejoining them, the Flyers are in desperate need of good news. Expect GM Paul Holmgren to be busy at the trade deadline. |
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13
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 |
12
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29-22-8
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5-5-0
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This is why we love Jarome Iginla. With 31 seconds remaining in what winds up being a 4-2 loss to Anaheim, Iginla engages in a fight with Travis Moen. It sends both the Ducks and his teammates a message – he means business. |
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14
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 |
16
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29-22-8
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4-3-3
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The Canucks are going through a win one, lose one phase. They proved they can outscore – and stand up physically – in a 4-2 win over Edmonton Saturday. |
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15
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 |
17
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28-23-8
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6-2-2
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It wasn’t too long ago the Sabres were at the bottom of The Hockey News’ Power Rankings. Now, with six wins in 10 games, the Sabres are coming out of hibernation. |
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16
|
 |
21
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30-28-4
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6-4-0
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The Hurricanes have won three of their past five games; the only two losses coming to the New Jersey Devils. With captain Rod Brind’Amour reportedly out for the season, expect GM Jim Rutherford to trade for some more offense. |
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17
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 |
13
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30-25-5
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4-5-1
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Good news for the Avs; Joe Sakic and Paul Stastny are close to returning to action. After a 4-0 loss to Detroit Monday, they can’t get back quick enough. |
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18
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 |
15
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29-23-6
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5-4-1
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Three losses in four games leave the Bruins clinging to the last playoff spot in the East. |
|
19
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 |
19
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31-25-4
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4-4-2
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Daniel Carcillo is not only leading the Coyotes in physical play, he can actually play the game, too. |
|
20
|
 |
22
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29-28-4
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6-3-1
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It is looking more and more like the Thrashers will trade Marian Hossa, but they want players in return so they can continue their charge toward the playoffs. |
|
21
|
 |
27
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27-22-9
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5-3-2
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After losing a tough one to Nashville, the Blues rebound with a 5-1 whipping of the Blue Jackets to keep their playoff hopes alive. |
|
22
|
 |
28
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28-25-7
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4-5-1
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Just when it looked like the Islanders were done like dinner, they record four straight wins. So what does GM Garth Snow do now – aim for the playoffs or begin rebuilding for next season? |
|
23
|
 |
18
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28-26-6
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5-4-1
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Mike Green continues to lead all NHL defensemen with 15 goals, but has just one marker in his past 14 games. |
|
24
|
 |
23
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27-28-6
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5-4-1
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All eyes are on Olli Jokinen to see where he’ll land at the trade deadline. |
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25
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 |
20
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27-25-9
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2-5-3
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Although the Blue Jackets still have a mathematical chance at the playoffs, expect rookie GM Scott Howson to start dealing veterans for picks and prospects. |
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26
|
 |
26
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27-25-6
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4-4-2
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Rookie Dustin Byfuglien has three goals in three games – part of the reason why this franchise has such a bright future. |
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27
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 |
25
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27-28-5
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5-5-0
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The foundation for a good team is here, but injuries have conspired to ruin the Oilers’ season. |
|
28
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 |
24
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24-27-9
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4-5-1
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Interim GM Cliff Fletcher continues to chat with rival GMs as he sets the table for the team’s next fulltime GM. |
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29
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 |
30
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25-28-6
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5-4-1
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Jay Feaster has a tough decision to make. If he can’t sign defenseman Dan Boyle to an extension, he’ll probably have to trade him. |
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30
|
 |
29
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25-34-3
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5-5-0
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Defenseman Rob Blake says he won’t waive his no-trade clause, which puts GM Dean Lombardi in an uncomfortable position. |
The Hockey News ranks the teams 1-30 on Mondays. Changes in rankings reflect each team’s play from the previous seven days.
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jim Settle (Posted 2008-02-25 15:06:27)
Not only are hab fans hilalarious but it seems this list is always trying to balance a team from the east with a team from the west. Its clear that four of the top five teams hail from the west. Det, Dal, Ana, and Calg. Look for one of these four to win it all come June.
Mavid (Posted 2008-02-22 11:31:11)
Its not a matter of THN being after the Habs, it is a matter of being neutral when deciding rankings. Try reading some of the other posts, I am not the only one that has pointed this out...and some are not even Habs fans...it has very little to do with being a fan, and more about just being fair.
To be a top team you need to win games period. I would worry more about an elite team who cannot beat teams that are way below them, then I would about losing the odd game to a team that was higher..but I guess that's just me a habs fan....
bob sanders (Posted 2008-02-22 06:41:09)
Mavid, honestly, enough witht he conspiracy theory, you wanted facts, you got them and you still write it off as THN being after your beloved Canadiens. They can't beat the top teams, therefore they aren't a top team, at least for now...it has everything to do with you being a fan, you are so wrong it's funny.
Mavid (Posted 2008-02-22 06:37:21)
That is nice that you got all those interesting stats..but the power rankings are about the games the team played the last week, not about how their pp has been or pk or all that other stuff you very nicely supplied. And in the case of THN the same rules do not apply to the same teams..for example in the last week Montreal (the week covering the rankings) they played 4 games, losing one, and then winning three in a row..the Sens however, in the same week play three games, and lose 2. In the rankings the sens move down only one spot, and Montreal only moves up one spot.Had that been Montreal losing 2 of 3 they would more than likely be in 11th. It is pretty clear that some teams in the span of a week need to do very little to move way up, while others (Montreal in particular) get very little for alot of hard work, and some great games played. Every other power ranking that I have seen has them in the top 5 were they deserve to be...its pretty obvious what goes on here..
Tim (Posted 2008-02-21 20:08:46)
Mavid, as well, their record against NJ is 1-1.which evens out.I think brophy puts them ahead of MTL because of their record the last 10 games.The wild is hotter in a much tougher conference.the Ducks, whether we like it or not are the defending champs and until MTL plays them later next month cant rank them higher than the Ducks.Ill give you the penguins, dont know ehy theyre ranked higher than MTL, theyre 2-1 against them ( before tonights game )and should be ahead of at least them.Dont label me as a HAB hater, im a hockey fan first and foremost
Tim (Posted 2008-02-21 19:41:20)
Hey Mavid, here are my valid points including tuesdays comeback they are a top 10 team, not higher and very simple answer as to why... 5-5 play ranks 20th / PK ranks 20th / record against teams ahead of them ( detroit/ dallas / ottawa ) 1-6 ( 1 win against ottawa without alfredson/heatley/neil).they were also dominated in 5 of those games.Im from montreal and not a habs fan and am rooting for them.theyve greatly improved from last year but stats dont lie.its a team that relies on the PP too much.sit back and enjoy the last 20 games and lets see what happens.they can finish as low as 8th if they go on a slide.the key is injuries and they have not had 1( yet)
Mavid (Posted 2008-02-21 19:05:10)
My comments regarding where the Habs were placed did not include the comeback game on Tuesday either..
Jonathan (Posted 2008-02-21 15:07:06)
In reply to Ben:
I think that the rankings had Montreal too low, and this was before Montreal had the improbably come back.
Frank (Posted 2008-02-21 13:48:22)
I bleed red, white and blue. For all you people who couldn't get the
MTL-NYR game on Tues. 02/19/08, go out, beg, borrow or steal lol,
but get a copy of it. You've never seen anything like it [for that matter,
neither have I, in 52 years of watching the Habs] and make sure the
soundtrack is OK ! The only thing that came close was a MTL-BOS
( ahem! ) playoff game in the 70's. The Bruins were heavily favored to
win the Cup. Habs were losing 5-2 with a minute or so gone in the
3rd period... and then BANG ! " THE MOUTH " made a bad line change,
and 'Les Habs' popped in 5 to win 7-5 and go on to win the cup ! Aaah
those were the days !!! Tonite Mtl 4 Pit 2
Salut
Frank
Frank Paré (Posted 2008-02-21 13:13:18)
Ryan Roberts : Hey my friend, if you bleed blue and white, specially
this, you should technically be exanguinated and clinically DEAD.
Lose blood over Chicago, there's an upcoming team.
Salut
Frank
Ben (Posted 2008-02-21 10:17:01)
Good news for the Dallas Stars: Detroit is losing, Lidstrom is out and if Dallas keeps on winning the have a shot to catch up with detroit.
Derek (Posted 2008-02-20 20:49:19)
Can you believe this one: Some fans are still convinced the Leafs will actually slide into 8th place and then are very supportive they'll go the distance. These are the few that say they bleed blue. Can you believe these fans. They know Leafs; not Hockey....they're also called in hockey circles "diehard badwagon" fans. Support change....build a team.....every Sens game is great to watch and attend because fans are understanding what it takes to build a contender. Good luck to Fletcher and to all the fLeaf ans who are realistic give it 2-3 years and you have a Leafs team you haven't seen in over 40 years!
Ben (Posted 2008-02-20 16:47:04)
The reason why the habs are not ranked in the top 5 is because the power rankings did not count the 5-0 comeback against New York. The rankings came out on monday when the game was played on tuesday. I was stilled suprised because Montreal is rite up in there with Ottawa and New Jersey
Ben (Posted 2008-02-20 16:04:25)
I never said Buffalo was better than Detroit! all i meant was the Red Wings should have been ranked lower due to the past weeks record. THATS WHAT POWER RANKINGS ARE! THE PAST WEEKS (10 GAMES) RECORD! why don't you try to learn what power rankings are Bob Sanders!buffalo is not a better team they just had a better record which mean they should move up in the rankings and Detroit should move down a few spots.
Ryan Roberts (Posted 2008-02-20 15:09:07)
I bleed blue and white. Toronto is ranked correctly, but seriously Brophy give some respect to Montreal. How they are not ranked in the top 5 is beyond me.
Mavid (Posted 2008-02-20 13:09:35)
We do understand how the rankings work, it is clearly stated that the rankings are based on how the team played that week period. It says nothing about factoring in how the team has played all year. Also if you check other power rankings (and there are many) Montreal is in the top 5 of all of them. Not all of these people are wrong, and it has nothing to do with being Habs fans, their record and were they are in the standings speaks for itself. "Habs fans are hilarious" is that the best you can come up with, try having some valid points to explain why you think they are not deserving of higher ranking.
Holy Moly (Posted 2008-02-20 13:04:41)
hahah hab fans are absolutey terrible....im glad that if my ottawa senators can only get up for one game...its to absolutely TUNE the canadiens on Hockey Day in Canada...your whining is ridiculous and your embarrassing your team
Bob Sanders (Posted 2008-02-20 12:43:59)
Power Rankings are how the team has done all year, with some more weight put on the past week...if you suggest Buffalo should be No. 1 over Detroit, you're nuts. C'mon people, I'd still rather face anyone but the Wings and would rather face Montreal than any team ahead of them...except maybe New Jersey and Pittsburgh...maybe. Try understanding what power rankings are first.
Ben (Posted 2008-02-20 12:38:29)
i never knew 9-1-0 was worse than 4-5-1. Everybody knows Dallas deserves no.1.
Ben (Posted 2008-02-20 12:31:56)
And to make things worse for the struggling Flyers, Peter Forsberg will not be rejoining them. Now is the time for Washington, Buffalo and the Islanders to gain points in the standings and push for a playoff spot.
Ben (Posted 2008-02-20 11:19:16)
Seriosly Buffalo had a better record than Detroit. get real. Detroit had a terrible week they should be ninth in the power rankings. Dallas should have been an obvious no.1. GO SABRES!
Tim (Posted 2008-02-20 06:57:51)
habs fans are hilarious.
Luc St-Pierre (Posted 2008-02-20 00:39:56)
Come on!!!
The Habs only lost 19 times...
They should be in the top five.
The hockey news told us in the beginning of the season that they would not be in the playoff...
Sorry but I guess they will make it :-)
Dave (Posted 2008-02-19 23:02:19)
I agree with Maxime, the rankings should be about the last ten games played. The Stars are 9-1 in their last ten including beating the Red Wings yet they are ranked 2nd. It is not a coincidence that the Stars 9-1 performance in the last ten coincides with the return of Jere Lehtinen to the lineup from injury. Should start to get real interesting when Zubov returns. Go Stars!
Jonathan (Posted 2008-02-19 22:51:45)
Hope Brophy watched the game tonight. I think a team on a hot streak like them, and one that can clearly handle adversity (see coming back from being down 5-0) deserves to be up higher than other "powerhouses" like Detroit and Ottawa who are in mini-slumps and having goaltending issues.
The Hockey News continues to underrate Montreal, but I say bring it on as they will be proven wrong over and over again.
Bobette (Posted 2008-02-19 22:25:31)
Considering the hockey news is leaf-biased, I guess it's understandable that the habs are ranked so low.
Seriously though, I'm writing this after the 5-0 comeback...this team is for real. Wake up Leafie. The Habs are for real.
Mavid (Posted 2008-02-19 21:18:44)
It has nothing to do with being a Habs fan...its just wrong, period. We are not saying that we should be in first or anything, but we should be in the top five, just like all the other power rankings have us...it makes no sense that the hockey news has us as low as 8th.
Souf (Posted 2008-02-19 20:15:42)
Ok I'm not even trying to hide the fact that being born and raised in Montreal, I have the CH tatooed on my heart, but this is just ridiculous. Placing us 8th, after a solid week & behind some teams that had a terrible week (I'm looking at you Detroit & Ottawa) is simply insulting. Get real.!
Mavid (Posted 2008-02-19 19:31:19)
Amen George Amen!!!!!!!!!
Georges Drouin (Posted 2008-02-19 18:59:39)
Mr. Brophy
you have a hard time dealing with Montreal's excellent season. Ranking Montreal 8th or further despite their excellent results demonstrates yours, among others, difficulty in dealing with an excellent team.
As a native Montrealer i can assure you that you fail to take into consideration numerous success factors that explain Montreal's success:
1. down the middle strength from Gainey through the coaching staff led by Guy Carbonneau. Don't EVER underestimate how Montreal has won 24 cups.
2. Team chemistry. From Kovalex through Koivu to all the young kids, excellent goaltending and strong defense.
3. Team speed and execution that rivals many other excellent skating teams such as Detroit and the Rangers.
4. Team toughness, standing up to teams that try to intimidate the Habs, the likes of Philly and the Rangers.
5. And don't ever underestimate the tradition that draws success to the Canadiens as in '93 and '86.
You simply demonstrate what many are having trouble dealing with, i.e. Montreal becoming a contending team in the strongest sense of the word. You aren't alone however, numerous so called experts have, and continue to have, difficulty in recognizing talent and success.
The Habs have lost the second lowest numbers of games this season. they have the best road record in the Eastern conf. Their power-play illustrates clearly what the 'flying frenchmen' exemplified for so many years, despite the fact that those who are flying are Europeans. No matter. They have not lost more than 3 games in a row, very resilient, when you consider the number of games Detroit, Anaheim and Ottawa have lost in a row and in some cases more than once. 6 to 8 I believe. And now they are winning at home.
Wake up Mr. Brophy and get real. A little respect. 8th in power rankings means you don't get the picture. Open your eyes. We in Montreal have a feel for the Habs and what happens when they get on a roll and when things align themselves in such a way that we feel success is inevitable.
All this doesn't mean we'll win the Cup. We all know that smaller fast teams have difficulty when it comes down to going beyond the conf semis. It takes a little more size, or so it seemed for Buffalo, Ottawa and the like but, ask yourself, do the other teams have Dryden or a Roy in the waiting to overachieve. I don't believe so.
So this is why we believe in the Habs this year, perhaps as we did in '93 and '86. Young talented players, strong defense, extraordinary goaltending and veterans ready to step it up.
In conclusion, you should show a little more respect and rank the Habs where they've earned to be, in the top 5. Remember this for the next time. Don't hold back, it only takes a couple of clicks of your mouse.
Respectfully yours, Georges Drouin
Jonathan (Posted 2008-02-19 18:33:03)
Although I'm not a Habs fan, I still agree that they should be ranked alot higher. And Dallas definitely deserves 1st more than Detroit.
Bob Sanders (Posted 2008-02-19 17:12:50)
To you two Montreal fans...I'm playing the world's smallest violin just for you.
Danny Giampaolo (Posted 2008-02-19 16:20:12)
Detroit shouldn't even be in the top five
Mavid (Posted 2008-02-19 15:18:41)
You would think so Maxime, but not the case here with the Hockey News, it might have something to do with the fact that they placed us 13th and we are now tied for first...makes them look a little silly...so this somehow justify's that rediculus placing...
Maxime Giroux (Posted 2008-02-19 15:15:53)
Ok...Detroit loses 6...they stay up 1st...Habs win 3 in a row, pulling up there with Ottawa, and they go up from 9th to 8th...i thought this thing was based on how the teams played in the last 7 days...not a general overview of their season...
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