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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 21, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) skates with the puck during a shootout period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. The Avalanche won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) skates with the puck during a shootout period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. The Avalanche won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

120. <p>The San Jose Sharks are sixth in the Western Conference with 56 points in 48 games, but if they make the playoffs they are likely going to be one-and-done again. Of the 17 teams with at least 52 points entering the All-Star break only the Sharks have a minus goal differential. It is a minus-1, but the Sharks have never had much postseason mettle and if they maintain their playoff status, I feel confident in saying they’ll be out in the first round.</p>. (25-17-6). Previous: 15th. San Jose Sharks. 15. team

(26-16-3). Previous: 13th. Vancouver Canucks. 14. team. 104. <p>The Vancouver Canucks have shown flashes of being a very dangerous opponent when Ryan Miller is at the top of his game and the top line with Daniel and Henrik Sedin and Radim Vrbata are clicking. The penalty kill unit is the second best in the NHL, but I have serious reservations about whether they can hold off the Kings, Avalanche or Stars for a playoff spot if they don’t play with more consistency and urgency down the stretch. The chase for the last two spots in the West will be one of the more captivating stories in the entire league in the second half.</p>

team. 19. <p>The Washington Capitals are tied for the seventh spot in the East with 57 points but entered the All-Star break on a three-game losing streak. As long as workhorse goalie Braden Holtby can hold up between the pipes after playing nearly every night, the Capitals should be a lock to return to the playoffs after missing it last year.</p>. (24-13-9). Previous: 12th. Washington Capitals. 13

70. <p>I think the Boston Bruins could either win the Stanley Cup or lose in the first round of the playoffs. Last year’s President’s Trophy winners are tied with the Capitals for 57 points, a seven-point lead over the Panthers for the last playoff spot and should play their best hockey in the second half. The Bruins had key players out with injury in the first half, including Zdeno Chara and David Krejci and Tuukka Rask got off to a slow start, but when they’re healthy this roster can beat any team in the East. Rookie David Pastrnak could be the x-factor down the stretch.</p>. (25-16-7). Previous: 14th. Boston Bruins. 12. team

team. 107. <p>I have been skeptical of the Winnipeg Jets all season but they continue to prove me and any doubters wrong with each win. The Jets came into the All-Star break on a season-high five game winning streak. One of those wins came against Chicago who they have defeated all three games this season suggesting they can not only hang with the leagues elite but beat them as well. When the lights are brightest in the postseason and the pressure intensifies, will they be able to deliver?</p>. (26-14-8). Previous: 11th. Winnipeg Jets. 11

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