Soaring Blackhawks rise to top

Biggest Climb: Nashville Predators (2 from 14), Florida Panthers (11 from 23)

Biggest Drop: Colorado Avalanche (22 from 12), Vancouver Canucks (20 from 10)

A reminder: These rankings are based on many factors, and not one is scientific in nature. They're heavily influenced by recent play, taking into account expectations versus achievement, quality of opponents, injuries, hot or cold streaks, lucky bounces, bad breaks, and my uncannily intuitive gut calls on how each team stacks up against the rest of the Original 30.

Please note that I, unlike most referees, do not have it in for your team (unless you happen to be a fan of the London Knights -- then you might have a case). Also, statistics and records noted are through Sunday, so keep in mind that the heavy slate of action on Monday night doesn't factor into the equation.

Want to send me a comment about the rankings or maybe a cool video clip that cries out to be shared? Scroll to the bottom of this page for my Mailbag. I read 'em all and if you're halfway civil -- or at least clever in your skewering of my decisions -- I'll try to get back to you.

NHL Power Rankings