The Red Wings and Rangers hang on to the top two spots in this week's THN.com NHL Power Rankings. However, hot on their heels are the increasingly dangerous New Jersey Devils, winners of nine of their past 13 games and challengers of the Penguins and Flyers for second spot in the Atlantic Division.
The Devils are being led in scoring (22 goals) and shootout goals (eight) by star winger Ilya Kovalchuk, but veteran Patrik Elias has been a big driver of their success as well, leading the team in assists (33), points (51) and power play goals (seven). They're actually getting contributions from unlikely sources in all areas: rookie Adam Henrique is New Jersey's biggest shorthanded threat with four goals, while David Clarkson (who is tied with Zach Parise for second in scoring with 20 goals) is tied with Kovalchuk for second on the team in power play goals (six).
The Devils' hot play will be tested immediately this week, as they take on the Rangers and St. Louis Blues before finishing off against the Panthers. Can they make another jump of six spots in the rankings? Doubtful, but check back next Monday to see.
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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