Detroit and the Rangers remain the class of the NHL in this week's THN.com Power Rankings. And a team that many expect to fall out of the playoff race virtually every year – the Phoenix Coyotes – are storming up the chart.
Winners of six of their past seven, the Coyotes are on a roll thanks to the goaltending of Mike Smith (who has allowed only eight goals in those wins), and the offense of Ray Whitney (eight points in his past five games) and Radim Vrbata (seven points in his past five). They've clawed their way to eighth spot in the Western Conference, but are just two points ahead of Calgary and Colorado and three ahead of Dallas and would be in a better position were it not for their sub-standard shootout record (2-5).
Of their remaining games this month, they've only got one against a team (Edmonton) clearly out of the playoff race, meaning they'll need to be just as solid to stay in the race. Can they give Coyotes fans one more thrill in what could be their last season before relocating? We'll have more of an indication next Monday and every Monday when the new Power Rankings are posted.
The Hockey News ranks the teams 1-30 each Monday based on a combination of last week’s play and a squad’s overall outlook.
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