NHL Power Rankings: Week 27

1. (1) Capitals-They are running away with the Eastern Conference and overall title. Nothing is going to slow them down right now. It is going to take some heroic playoff performances to knock them off come playoff time.
2. (5) Coyotes-The Sharks may lead the division but the Coyotes have been consistently better recently despite the Sharks recent run.
3. (4) Sharks-They appeared to be trending downwards until they simply exploded this week. Another week of great play and they can pass the Coyotes and seal up the Pacific division.
4. (2) Canucks-They are not playing as strong recently but when Luongo turns it on come playoff time they are a team to watch.
5. (10) Sabres-While the second seed in the Eastern Conference seemed unlikely as much as two weeks ago they are certainly in the mix for it now.
6. (3) Blackhawks-They are not as dominant as they were in mid-season but I still feel this team will be a huge threat down the stretch and into the playoffs.
7. (6) Penguins-The phenomenal play of Crosby and the Pens go hand in hand right now.
8. (8) Predators- The Predators are red hot and could probably be ranked even higher. They are certainly a team to watch this week.
9. (11). Devils-For some reason I just do not trust this team enough to rank them higher.
10. (12) Red Wings-It seems odd that a team pushing for the fifth spot in the West could be ranked so high. However, this team has all the veteran experience it needs and is playing some outstanding hockey right now.
11. (16) Senators-I wasn't sure this team knew the NHL season had picked up again. Maybe the message just got through.
12. (7) Kings-They are not playing very well recently. The only reason they are not lower is the mediocre play of several teams right now.
13. (19) Bruins-I thought this team was buried just a few weeks ago, especially after that half-hearted rematch with the Pens. They are probably one and done in the playoffs but they could suprise us.
14. (9) Avalanche-They have fallen so far. Once a top 5 team and now a team in danger of missing the playoffs if this play continues.
15. (14) Canadians-Playing simply horrifically right now. Their record is the only thing keepin them afloat.
16. (13) Flames-First they are red hot and then they are ice cold. Which one is it? They seem to be too inconsistent to pose any real threat if they make the playoffs.
17. (20) Blues-They look to be done but we have seen more remarkable runs.
18. (22) Ducks-Their hopes looked slim last week and look dire this week.
19. (15) Flyers-They are just terrible right now.
20. (24) Thrashers-They seem to scrounge up points when need be but this week will be a huge one for their playoff hopes.
21. (21) Stars-They are playing better a little too late.
22. (17) Rangers-They are still in the hunt for a playoff spot but they will had to soldier on without Avery.
23. (28) Islanders-They, like the stars, may be playing better a little too late.
24. (27) Blue Jackets-They get shalacked one night and then dominate the next. Their two wins over Chicago are promising though.
25. (18) Wild-Inconsistent play seems to be a widespread theme this year.
26. (25) Hurricanes-Running the table is probably not enough at this point.
27. (23) Lightning-A 7-1 loss to Buffalo is not very promising for the future.
28. (26) Panthers-They have won two of seven and are now reeling.
29. (29) Maple Leafs-I don't care that they have played better recently. The Kessel trade is looking worse and worse by the day.
30. (30) Oilers-It is not good when you are 14 points behind the second worst team in the NHL