The Dallas Stars have taken over top spot in the TSN.ca NHL Power Rankings, pulling ahead of the Carey Price-less Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals.
Complementing the Stars' high-octane offence with solid goaltending, thanks to newcomer Antti Niemi, has made the Stars even better than expected (and this comes from someone who ranked the Stars fifth in the preseason).
Some teams that started slowly have started climbing the ladder again. The Pittsburgh Penguins are up, from 20 to nine, Boston Bruins from 22 to 12, and Vancouver Canucks from 21 to 13.
Falling this week, Tampa Bay Lightning slide from nine to 14, the San Jose Sharks fall from 10 to 17 and the Detroit Red Wings drop from 14 to 19.
Among other Canadian teams, the Winnipeg Jets drop three spot, to 10, the Ottawa Senators fall one place, to 20, and the Edmonton Oilers lose a couple of spots, down to 25.
The Calgary Flames are still seeking an answer in goal and sit at 28 while they look, and the one-win Toronto Maple Leafs hang at 29.
Good news for the Maple Leafs -- they get to host the Stars Monday night!