With the New Jersey Devils recent resurgence, the SB Nation NHL power rankings have been a two-horse race between our three local teams. And this week it's more of the same, with the New York Rangers leapfrogging the Devils to stick their noses back in front.
New York Rangers: Yes, the Rangers did get an immense win over the Ottawa Senators last night, but their playoff chances are still in bad shape. Good news is on the horizon though. Marian Gaborik is having better days, and seems poised to make a return sooner rather than later. Every core kid on the team (Artem Anisimov, Wojtek Wolski, Matts Zuccarello and Derek Stepan) had a great game against Ottawa. Henrik Lundqvistplayed great too, andn he's going to have to be top-flight for a long stretch here with Martin Biron out with a broken collarbone. Still, the Rangers got a win they needed, and moved into seventh place in both the East (thanks to a Hurricanes loss) and in the power rankings.
New Jersey Devils: While the Rangers playoff hopes are in question because of losses the Devils playoff hopes are in question because of wins. The Devils, who at one point were the worst team in hockey, have launched through the Eastern Conference standings and are now a mere nine points out of eighth place. Eighth place also happens to be where the Ilya Kovalchuk (talk about a resurgence) lead Devils are sitting in the power rankings.
New York Islanders: It's been a rough week for the Islanders, and unfortunately, it has nothing to do with their wins and losses. Although they do come in 14th place this week. Trevor Gillies was suspended for 10 games Friday after hit brim behind was administered to Cal Clutterbuck. But, with all the negatives surrounding the Islanders, they are starting to win some games. They are 5-3-2 in their last 10, and have played good hockey without Rick DiPietro (thanks to former Rangers Al Montoya). In the end, this season is a wash for the Islanders. With all the injuries and with all the youth, this year will go a long was in helping them get better down the road.