THE TIMES’ RANKING : CAPSULES AND RANKINGS

1. Florida (16-3-6)

Panthers’ latest unbeaten streak is 5-0-1. Sunday’s 4-2 victory over Detroit kept them unbeaten against the West (6-0-2).

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2. Colorado (16-6-4)

Avalanche bounced back from a clunker against the Rangers to beat New Jersey at its own game, 2-1, and are 13-2-3 since Oct. 23.

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3. Dallas (16-8-1)

Big D stands for defense--the Stars haven’t given up more than three goals in their last 12. If Joe Nieuwendyk wakes up, watch out.

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4. Detroit (14-9-3)

The Shanahan-Yzerman-McCarty line had 29 points in six games before being blanked Sunday by Florida. Power play is improving.

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5. Buffalo (13-11-1)

Sabres have won five of six, mostly against weak teams. But those are worth two points too. The NHL’s biggest overachievers.

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6. Hartford (11-7-5)

The Whalers’ rule in the Northeast will be tested without goalie Sean Burke, who dislocated his right thumb Saturday.

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7. Wash. (13-11-1)

Jim Carey shut out Montreal to keep the Capitals above .500. They’re 6-3-1 in last 10.

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8. Phila. (14-12-1)

Flyers also 6-3-1 in their last 10. Eric Lindros back after a groin injury, has two assists in four games.

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9. St. Louis (13-12-0)

Grant Fuhr keeps the Blues in every game. Rookie scoring leader Jim Campbell (11 goals, 21 points) continues to shine.

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10. Mighty Ducks (8-14-4)

A 4-1-1 surge is worth noticing. They’re tighter defensively but must stay that way to crash the playoff picture.

GAME OF THE WEEK

DALLAS at FLORIDA

When--Sunday. Time--3 p.m. TV--None.

Storyline--Dallas rookie center Jamie Langenbrunner has eight goals and 13 points and is proving he can play with the big boys. Mike Modano leads the Stars with nine goals and is among the NHL leaders with a plus-14 plus/minus rating. The Stars’ defense is excellent, but they’re not boring offensively. Florida has withstood injuries to winger Johan Garpenlov and center Rob Niedermayer and a three-game suspension of defenseman Ed Jovanovski. Radek Dvorak has played well since moving from wing to center to replace Niedermayer on the top line. The Panthers’ 1.91 goals-against average is the NHL’s best.