The NHL season is already in the 2nd half of the season, the league is preparing to close for 2 ½ weeks, to make way for the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. It 'very interesting to see how teams react after the break was complete. This long of a layoff certainly affect the performance of athletes, especially those not participating in the Games. This is also a serious obstacle to the deprivation of the League and I urge you, not reduced to the level of actionthe NHL until the teams have a week full of games under my belt.
Doc is red hot hockey as we collected 12 units last night to go 3-0 and win the game with an average of three goals per game. 'll Take this momentum in the schedule Friday, when we publish our NHL Game of the month of February. This is the only five units of selection that we communicated in February, and the best way to go to break on a positive note.
CarolinaPanthers blew the Ottawa Senators, as the best of the best in the NHL. This team is young, but that did not take into account, as Martin Gerber continues to do the work between the pipes. This team has recently stepped up their offense will be acquired Doug Weight from St. Louis Blues. He will provide veteran leadership to lead them to the top? Only time will tell.
A team that has struggled in recent times is the Philadelphia Flyers. They lost only three matches and lostPeter Forsberg seems to be catching up to them. It must remain within reach with the New York Rangers, returning to Forsberg when they still hope to win the Atlantic Division. The break could have come at a better time for the Flyers.
Following is a list of the top 10 teams in the National Hockey League, after Doc's Power Ranking.
1) Carolina Panthers Everything seems to be in line for the Hurricanes to claim first place in the championship.As I write this, have a cushion of three points and play in a weak division, where they accumulate points against Florida, Washington, Atlanta and Tampa Bay is possible. Assuming good health, Eric is a tough team in the playoffs.
Cool 2) The Ottawa Senators, Sens have a little 'after a blistering start to the season NHL. This team has the composition of a sample, with a strong attack and an experienced goalkeeper who has won big games before. Are still preserved, the pressurewithin the Division of Buffalo and the winner of this race is likely to host the first two rounds of the playoffs. The loser will be only a lap advantage at home.
3) Detroit Red Wings, the wing had separated from the Nashville Predators and seems to have taken control of the plant. This step is wrong, because only two teams make the playoffs. The Wings still need to win matches on their attack, because their rickety Goaltending Manny Legacy network. Continueto allow a bad goal to get through it, and that will keep out of the Stanley Cup finals
4) Dallas Stars, the stars are in control of the Pacific leads with 12 points for the taking over of the king. Marty Turkish goalkeeper has signed a great time and just an extension to remain with the team. The team is looking forward to guests is minimal and is usually how the games will be decided after the playoffs come April. This team is impossible to beat in a shootout in which it emerged victorious in all eight of hischances this season.
5)Buffalo Sabres- The Sabres have quietly kept pace with the Senators despite not being picked up on the national radar. Marty Biron and Ryan Miller are both capable of winning big games in net. With Chris Drury holding down the captaincy, Buffalo could make to the Eastern Conference Finals.
6)New York Rangers- The Rangers have played outstanding hockey despite being picked as one of the worst team in hockey by numerous publications. This team has points in eight of the last ten games correctly and has the best offensive players in the league Jaromir Jagr. Have allowed fewer than three goals per game, which is a formula for success in the month of April.
7) The Nashville Predators-predsa GEC continues to dominate, winning 21 of 27 games in center. This team has to get a good job on Paul Kariya in the off season to strengthen the offensive. Thomas Vokoun has a good season in net, but I do not see this teamPromoting past the 2nd round of the Stanley Cup playoffs
Calgary Flames This team has the composition of a team in the league, but failed to achieve the Northwest Division. Only three points separate four teams, but I feel the flames off the end, because of their design Netmind Miikka Kiprusoff al. That said, Jarome Iginla needs to establish itself as one of the five best players in the league. A surprising move was that they traded away Steve Reinprechtback-up goalie. I do not understand the market, but Darryl Sutter has worked the magic of the past.
9) The Philadelphia Flyers Flyers need to go in the water this week, so they can have a healthy Peter Forsberg is expected to return after the break. You will find a fine game at New York Rangers on Saturday and for this reason the second place in the Atlantic. I do not think that the Rangers really afraid this job flyer and we expect them to make another, for the first position in the backAtlantic.
10) Vancouver Canucks team dominates the General Motors Place This has won 19 of 25 games there. The Canucks have a dominant offense of Markus Naslund, who had just taken on the way back from injury. I expect this team to continue to make the playoffs, but wonder if that will be capable of the Flames in the standings.
This is how I call the top-10 teams rank in a position of strength. There are a lot of time to play the season and is threatening the Olympic GamesMomentum is transferred in any case. Remember to sign-up for the Doc's NHL Game of the month, this Friday, 10 Go in February, 2006. Doc has this game a 75% clip honored this season.
First Stanley Cup Prediction: Dallas vs. Ottawa