Collegiate Times

1. SAN JOSE SHARKS 13-3-1

The Sharks boast the NHL's best record at home (9-0-1). The "Shark Tank," as fans call it, has been a dead zone for opposing teams. Under the new coaching regime, the Sharks offense is reaching its potential, with the most goals in the league. The defense has stepped up with offseason acquisitions of Rob Blake and Dan Boyle, providing leadership and guidance for the Sharks' fairly young defense. Most importantly, San Jose has shown character in being able to come back in games in which it trails, something absent the last few years.

2.  DETROIT RED WINGS 9-2-3

The defending Stanley Cup Champs find themselves at number two in the power rankings. Marian Hossa has been exactly what they expected, netting eight goals and adding 11 assists in just 14 games. Detroit is still playing as advertised, with a tough defense led by Niklas Lidstrom and Brian Rafalski. Goalie Chris Osgood has split time at backup with Ty Conklin, and neither has put up stellar numbers, making it difficult on Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, the Wings' offensive juggernauts. Both carry the Wings' offense again this year, although Datsyuk has only put in four goals. With right-winger Johan Franzen coming off injury, Detroit is going to start spreading the wealth.

3. NEW YORK RANGERS 11-5-2

After 18 games played, no one would think that youngster Nikolai Zherdev would lead the team in points, but that is just the case with five goals and nine assists. Markus Naslund, a big free-agent signee, has been doing his part with five goals and eight assists. With the exception of a hat trick last week, center Chris Drury has been struggling. Scott Gomez has had problems with finding the net, only scoring three goals thus far. Drury and Gomez are key to the team's success. They have to improve, but with a goalie such as Henrik Lundqvist and his 1.99 goals against average, the Rangers will be in every game.

4. MONTREAL CANADIENS 9-2-2

Left-wing Alex Tanguay leads the team in points with 15, followed by defenseman Andrei Markov with 14. Montreal is fourth in the league in the goals per game category with 3.46. With the combination of that offense and goalie Carey Price, the Canadiens are a very dangerous team. Price has a 2.34 GAA and .925 save percentage, keeping games close. The problem the Canadiens have is on defense. With the exception of Markov, not many defensemen are contributing. Roman Hamrlik has five points, but the rest have three or fewer. The offense will not be able to carry the team the whole season. The defense must get involved if Montreal expects to win the tough Northeast division.

5. BOSTON BRUINS 8-3-3

Boston has been a formidable opponent and the record shows that. On average, the Bruins get outshot every game, but goalie Tim Thomas has been exceptional, boasting a 1.85 GAA and two shutouts. For the offense, Marc Savard is the unquestioned leader with 16 points. The next best offenseman has nine. Savard is also second in penalty minutes, putting added pressure on the penalty kill unit. With Savard being off the ice constantly, more players have to step up if the Bruins are to legitimately challenge Montreal.

6. BUFFALO SABRES 8-3-3

Buffalo has one of the best penalty kill units in the game, which helps it cover its mistakes. Along with that, goalie Ryan Miller has a GAA just over two. Buffalo is a team that just gets it done and they score when they have to. Their records at home and away are virtually identical, making them a team to bet on every night.

7. WASHINGTON CAPITALS 8-4-2

It's been a breakout year for Alexander Semin so far, who's leading the league in points with 22. Alex Ovechkin has been an assist man this year, with seven helpers and only three goals. It's safe to say an Alex is going to score every night the Caps play.

8. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS 7-3-3

Captain Jonathan Toews has been having a tough time lately, with only one goal in 13 games played. Patrick Kane has picked up the slack, however, leading the team with 18 points. The problem for Chicago is goaltending. Nikolai Khabibulin has started seven games and Cristobal Huet has started six. Rumors are swirling that Khabibulin could be traded at any time, but with a 7-3-3 record, it doesn't look as if it's much of a distraction.