Power Rankings deadline shuffle

Now that we've all had a chance to catch our breath after that whirlwind trade deadline day...Wow, was that exciting or what? Who knew we'd learn so much about Keith Aulie or Brian Lee? All those hours to fill on TV were ably filled by the talking heads, but unfortunately not much talk centered around, you know, trades. Just too many teams thought they were buyers. Too much demand and not enough supply, and you've got one big case of inflation, and so it was on Monday.

My favorite part of the day, by far: the B-roll on TSN of Brian Burke and Dave Nonis getting into an SUV and heading to the Maple Leafs' offices, with Nonis' shirt untucked. If only the cameras could have caught them going into the drive-through for a double-double and Timbits at Tim Hortons -- now that would have been great TV.

Anyway, we're back to focusing on the games and the standings again, so here are our post-trade-deadline Power Rankings. Say hello to your new No. 1 team.

A DISCLAIMER (of sorts): These rankings are based not just on each team's record, but an empirically tested formula that includes a) realistic near-term future expectations; b) consensus talent level and payroll considerations and; c) whatever the Magic 8-Ball I've had since I was seven years old tells me will happen. One more thing: Rest assured that I don't have it in for your team. OK, so I once hated the Philadelphia Flyers with a passion bordering on the psychotic, but that was 30-something years ago and Dave Schultz has long since retired. I welcome your emails to the link attached to my name above, and I always respond -- even to the ones that start with "Dear Idiot."

All stats and records through games of Monday, Feb. 27

NHL Power Rankings