NHL Power Rankings: Lundqvist, Rangers bounce back before All-Star break

Tarik El-Bashir assesses the top teams in the National Hockey League this week (Jan. 27). Records are through Thursday’s games.

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1 (3 last week): New York Rangers; 31-12-4

Bounced back from last week's 4-1 setback to surging Pittsburgh with impressive wins over Boston and Winnipeg, and enter the all-star break with a two-point lead on the Eastern Conference. Henrik Lundqvist's shutout of the Jets was fifth of the season, 40th of his career and lowered Rangers goals against to 1.98 (second-best).

Christopher Pasatieri / Getty Images

2 (2 last week): Detroit Red Wings; 33-16-1

On Monday, the Wings extended their franchise winning record on home ice 17th in a row. On Wednesday, they blew a chance to ascend to the top spot in the rankings with an ugly 7-2 loss in Montreal. They're a confounding 13-14-0 away from Joe Louis Arena.

Richard Wolowicz / Getty Images

3 (1 last week): Boston Bruins; 31-14-2

Since beating Florida on the road 11 days ago, they've have gone an un-Bruin-like 2-2-1 after dropping a 5-3 decision to injury and suspension depleted Washington on Tuesday. One of the NHL's best defensive teams, the B's have allowed 19 goals the past four games, including five in a single contest three times.

Tom Mihalek / AP

4 (4 last week): St. Louis Blues; 29-13-7

After opening 2012 with a 8-0-1 record, Coach ken Hitchcock and Co. entered the all-star break on their first losing streak in a month after falling in Detroit and on home ice to Pittsburgh (in a shootout). Despite scoring 2.51 goals per game (20th), the Blues lead the league in goals against (1.96) thanks to goalies Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott.

Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images

5 (6 last week): Vancouver Canucks; 30-15-4

Opened six-game homestand with losses to Anaheim and Los Angeles, but rebounded with one-goal wins over San Jose and Edmonton to enter the all-star break with a commanding 11-point lead on Minnesota in the Northwest Division. Since returning from a knee injury four games ago, winger David Booth has three goals and an assist.

Rich Lam / Getty Images

6 (9 last week): Nashville Predators; 30-16-4

Despite owning the league's lowest payroll, the Preds continue to roll, winning 12 of their past 14 games, including four straight, to move solidly into playoff position. In his past five starts, goalie Pekka Rinne is 5-0-0 with a 1.00 goals against and .966 save percentage while playing behind all-star defensemen Shea Weber and Ryan Suter.

Frederick Breedon / Getty Images

7 (10 last week): Philadelphia Flyers; 29-14-5

Bounced back from last week's humbling 4-1 loss on home ice with wins at New Jersey and Florida and a wild shootout loss to Boston. Injuries, though, have become a huge concern. James van Riemsdyk and Danny Briere have concussions and Jaromir Jagr aggravated a groin strain.

Joel Auerbach / Getty Images

8 (5 last week): Chicago Blackhawks; 29-15-6

Entered the all-star break skidding after back-to-back losses to Nashville. After going 10-2-1 in December, the 'Hawks are 5-5-2 so far this month. Captain Jonathan Toews missed Tuesday's contest- and the All-Star Game - with a wrist/hand injury. The league's second-leading goal scorer could return Tuesday in Vancouver.

Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

9 (not ranked): Pittsburgh Penguins; 28-17-4

Since opening 2012 with four straight losses, Evgeni Malkin has put the Pens on his back and carried them to seven straight wins - and back within striking distance of the Flyers and Rangers in the tough Atlantic Division. Malkin, the league's leading scorer with 58 points, has nine goals and four assists during the winning streak.

Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

10 (8 last week): San Jose Sharks; 27-14-6

After starting the new year 6-0-1, they've cooled considerably, going 2-3-1. They managed to preserve a two-point lead on Los Angeles in the Pacific Division. February, however, could prove pivotal with a season-long nine game road trip looming. The Sharks could also use more production from Joe Thornton, who has three points in the past eight games.

Mike Ridewood / Getty Images

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