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NHL Power Rankings: Central division trio, Ducks vie for No. 1 ranking

By Patrick Schmidt

Jan 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) and center Jonathan Toews (19) celebrate after both players scored goal in the shootout against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Blackhawks won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) and center Jonathan Toews (19) celebrate after both players scored goal in the shootout against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Blackhawks won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 14, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen (19) celebrates a goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at Nationwide Arena. Montreal beat Columbus 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen (19) celebrates a goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at Nationwide Arena. Montreal beat Columbus 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports /

98. <p>I thought the Minnesota Wild would be one of the top six teams in the Western Conference this season after a nice showing in the playoffs last year. The Wild beat the Colorado Avalanche in a thrilling seven-game series in the first round upset and played the Chicago Blackhawks tough for six games, but that team hasn’t been present this year. Minnesota is in last place in the Central, 12th place in the conference and seven points out of the eighth and last playoff spot.</p>. (20-20-6). Previous: 25th. Minnesota Wild. 25. team

(20-22-3). Previous: 24th. Columbus Blue Jackets. 24. team. 113. <p>Similar to the Wild, I thought the Columbus Blue Jackets would take one of the last two or three playoff spots in the Eastern Conference, but injuries and inconsistent play has this team in 13th place in the conference. With 43 points the Jackets are one of the biggest disappointments, but we’ve seen how good they can be when Sergei Bobrovsky is healthy and at the top of his game. Unfortunately for Columbus, it just hasn’t been as often as they needed this year.</p>

team. 68. <p>The Philadelphia Flyers are another playoff team from last year that won’t be in this year’s postseason. The Flyers have the league’s leading scorer in Jakub Voracek and Hart Trophy finalist Claude Giroux but not much else has gone right for this team that sits in 12th place in the conference with 45 points, 12 points out of the eight spot.</p>. (19-22-7). Previous: 23rd. Philadelphia Flyers. 23

22. team. 116. <p>The Toronto Maple Leafs were once leading the NHL in goals scored per game, but then they went 3-14 into the All-Star Break and saw head coach Randy Carlyle fired. Toronto has just one win in their last 10 games and are staring at a long and painful second half without much in the way of positives other than watching All-Star Phil Kessel and leading goal scorer, James van Riemsdyk.</p>. (22-23-3). Previous: 21st. Toronto Maple Leafs

Previous: 22nd. Ottawa Senators. 21. team. 91. <p>For the second straight year it looks like the Ottawa Senators will be on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs. With 47 points the Senators are 10 points out of the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, but 25-year-old Mike Hoffman has been a bright spot along with Erik Karlsson and Bobby Ryan. The team has some parts to build around, but it won’t result in a postseason berth this year.</p>. (19-18-9)

Next: Fighting for Playoff Berth

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