The Dallas Stars hang on to the top spot in the TSN.ca NHL Power Rankings, ahead of the Los Angeles Kings and Washington Capitals, but there were a couple of big movers in this week's rankings: the Florida Panthers and Anaheim Ducks.
The Panthers have won nine straight and, further bolstered by the return of centre Nick Bjugstad, vault from 16 in pre-Christmas rankings up to seven in the latest update.
Anaheim was one of the biggest disappointments early in the season but, quietly, the Ducks are turning into a shutdown defensive squad and they are 4-0-2 in the past six games, leading to a jump from 24 to 17.
The top-ranked Canadian team, the Montreal Canadiens, move from 10 to eight, due largely to the return of top-line winger Brendan Gallagher. The Winnipeg Jets move up two, to 16, and the Ottawa Senators slide four, to 18.
The Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs are up one spot, to 22 and 24, respectively, while the Vancouver Canucks bump up three spots, to 26 and the Edmonton Oilers slide from 22 to 28.
Other teams falling in this week's rankings include the Boston Bruins, from five to nine, Minnesota Wild, from seven to 11, and New York Rangers, from nine to 13.