Top 10 : CAPSULES AND RANKINGS

1. Philadelphia (19-12-2)

The NHL’s hottest team, with a 7-0-1 streak. Flyers have given up only 16 goals in that span. All that and Paul Coffey too.

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2. Florida (18-6-7)

Panthers are 1-2 early in a stretch of 13 of 16 on the road. It won’t be easy, but their style makes them a solid road team.

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3. Detroit (17-9-5)

Sergei Fedorov has awakened and Chris Osgood is proving that despite a baby face, he can play goal with the big boys.

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4. Colorado (18-9-4)

Avalanche offense has been inconsistent, which is unusual. An early case of midseason blahs?

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5. Dallas (18-10-3)

Defenseman Richard Matvichuk, who has eight goals in his career, had three in three games.

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6. Pittsburgh (14-14-3)

The Penguins’ 8-0-2 streak ended Sunday, but Jaromir Jagr and Mario Lemieux are worth every penny of admission.

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7. Hartford (14-10-6)

Resolution of the Coffey situation may lift Whaler spirits. Kevin Haller should help a defense that has slipped.

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8. New Jersey (17-11-2)

A 5-1-1 surge has Devils in the middle of the Eastern pack. Right wing John MacLean has four goals in his last four games.

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9. NY Rangers (15-14-5)

Wayne Gretzky led an 8-1-1 run and took a share of the league scoring lead. Brian Noonan has added life to the power play.

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10. Buffalo (15-14-2)

The Sabres sandwiched victories over Montreal and Boston around a loss to the Rangers. Goalie Dominik Hasek is unflappable.

GAME OF THE WEEK

DETROIT at COLORADO

* When--Tonight. Time--6:30. TV--ESPN.

* Storyline--A reprise of last season’s Western Conference finals. Colorado won their first meeting this season, 4-1, on Nov. 13, but the Avalanche this time will be without center Peter Forsberg, who suffered a bruised thigh Saturday. The Avalanche has enough talent to get by without him, but its resolve will be tested. There hasn’t been much determination or life during a 1-3 slump. The Red Wings, by contrast, are hitting stride. Sergei Fedorov has four goals in his last five games and goalie Chris Osgood has given up three goals in his last three games.