papazoid Posted October 18, 2011 Report Posted October 18, 2011 1 (6) Capitals 4-0-0 Remember when everyone was worrying about the Caps' defense and goaltending after the first two games? Stop. The 4-0-0 Caps look just fine. Goalie Tomas Vokoun has rebounded nicely after a ghastly opening night, although Michal Neuvirth's continued absence due to injury may prove troubling. 2 (1) Red Wings 4-0-0 Ho hum, the Red Wings spotted Minnesota a 2-0 lead Saturday, but scored three unanswered goals to win it in overtime and move to 4-0-0 on the season. Detroit has allowed just five goals in those four games. Wow. 3 (3) Flyers 3-0-1 The Flyers dropped an overtime decision to former captain Mike Richards and the L.A. Kings on Saturday, but still boast an impressive 3-0-1 record to start the season. Ilya Bryzgalov has been the goalie of record in all four games for the Flyers. 4 (24) Avalanche 4-1-0 The surprising Avs have won four in a row after a season-opening loss. They are scoring. The goaltending of Semyon Varlamov and Jean-Sebastien Giguere has been solid. Remember how everyone was expecting the Avs to be a lottery pick team in June? Maybe not. 5 (15) Maple Leafs 3-0-0 The Maple Leafs are a glittering 3-0-0 after erasing a two-goal deficit against Calgary on Saturday. Oft-maligned Phil Kessel has five goals. It'll be interesting to see how they respond against higher-caliber opponents (like the Avs on Monday night), but the record is what it is. 6 (27) Islanders 3-1-0 The Islanders have won three in a row after goalie Evgeni Nabokov earned his first NHL win since the 2010 playoffs as the Isles downed the rival New York Rangers 4-2 on Saturday. With balanced scoring and a stingy defense, the Isles are showing early on they're for real. 7 (2) Sabres 3-1-0 After a disappointing loss to Carolina, the Sabres bounced back nicely with a tough 3-2 road win against the Penguins on Saturday. Luke Adam continued his early assault on the Calder Trophy with a goal (his third) and an assist Saturday. The Sabres look good early on. 8 (14) Stars 4-1-0 The Stars continue to surprise with three straight wins. Goalie Kari Lehtonen has been spectacular, leading the league with four wins and a .955 save percentage. There has been a lot of offense from the blue line and nice balance up front. What's not to like in Big D other than wanting a new owner? 9 (5) Penguins 3-1-2 It was a tough week for the Pens. They lost to Washington (in overtime) and Buffalo, and had to endure the embarrassment of Arron Asham's post-fight theatrics. Evgeni Malkin's continued absence is a growing concern, although seeing Sidney Crosby cleared for contact is a hopeful sign. 10 (23) Devils 3-1-0 The surprising Devils bounced back from a 2-0 deficit in Nashville on Saturday to win their third straight. No Martin Brodeur (out with a shoulder injury)? Apparently, no problem, as veteran Johan Hedberg stopped 29 of 31 shots and both Nashville shootout attempts. He also stopped a Sergei Kostitsyn penalty shot. http://espn.go.com/nhl/powerrankings
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