Top 10

CAPSULES AND RANKING

Team (Record): 1. Florida (8-1-4)

Comment: Panthers had to lose sometime but they’re still the class of the league defensively and in net.

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Team (Record): 2. Colorado (8-4-3)

Comment: A 4-0-2 streak that included shut outs of Washington and Buffalo demonstrated Avalanche depth and commitment.

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Team (Record): 3. Chicago (8-5-2)

Comment: Blackhawks’ power play woke up and may be dangerous.

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Team (Record): 4. Detroit (8-5-2)

Comment: Red Wings have a 6-0-2 streak; Sergei Fedorov showed up with blond streaks in his hair.

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Team (Record): 5. Vancouver (7-5-0)

Comment: The big guns--Pavel Bure, Alexander Mogilny and Trevor Linden--have come alive to help the Canucks win four in a row.

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Team (Record): 6. Dallas (9-4-0)

Comment: Stars are fading since a 6-0-0 start, but they’re holding tight defensively.

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Team (Record): 7. NY Rangers (6-7-3)

Comment: A 4-1-1 streak is fueled by Wayne Gretzky’s brilliance. Rookie Daniel Goneau continues to impress.

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Team (Record): 8. Buffalo (6-6-1)

Comment: Coach Ted Nolan is getting a lot out of a little and is winning his power struggle with John Muckler, the Sabres’ general manager.

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Team (Record): 9. San Jose (6-6-3)

Comment: The Shark tank is home sweet home again after an overtime victory over Montreal sustains a 3-1-1 surge.

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Team (Record): 10. Philadelphia (7-8-0)

Comment: Joel Otto scores his first goal and Trent Klatt has three in two games. If Eric Lindros ever comes back, watch out.

GAME OF THE WEEK

PITTSBURGH at FLORIDA

* When--Saturday.

* Time--4:30.

* TV--None.

* Storyline--A rematch of last spring’s Eastern Conference finals, won in six games by Florida. Although the Penguins have struggled, this should be a classic matchup of Pittsburgh’s powerful offense against Florida’s stifling defense. With six goals in his last four games, Pittsburgh right wing Jaromir Jagr has been on a tear. This game will be the Penguins’ third in four nights, and those results could determine whether they get back into the playoff race.