1.) Washington Capitals (44-11-4)
Another week, another reason why the Capitals have been the best hockey team this season. In their last five games, they have managed to defeat divisional rivals in the Devils and Islanders. Ovechkin has been dominant in the month of February, scoring 11 goals in 11 games. If the captain can maintain this level of play, the Capitals are going to be the team to beat come playoff time.
2.) Dallas Stars (38-18-6)
They currently lead the most difficult division in the NHL, and maybe in sports. However, their lead is fading, as they have fallen short in four out of their last five games. They allowed six or more goals in three of those four losses, which is sure to raise eyebrows in regard to a Stars defense that was a question mark heading into the season.
3.) Chicago Blackhawks (38-20-5)
The Blackhawks have been having a mediocre February thus far. They have their chance to end the month off right, with a home game against the Capitals. A victory over the top ranked team could see them soar even higher in these rankings.
4.) St. Louis Blues (35-19-9)
The Blues have been slowly gaining on the Stars and Blackhawks in February, thanks in large part to their five game winning streak. Brian Elliott was having a dominant February, but his injury could have some major effects on these rankings.
5.) Florida Panthers (35-18-7)
They took advantage of their schedule last week and dispatched of Winnipeg and Arizona. Their last two games of February are against Columbus and Minnesota, which are another couple of winnable games.
6.) New York Rangers (35-20-6)
The Rangers have been doing their best to catch the Capitals in the Metropolitan Division, winning three of their last four games. Henrik Lundqvist has been at his best in February, with a 1.79 GAA and .933 SV%
7.) New York Islanders (33-19-7)
The Islanders are flying up these rankings thanks to a three game winning streak that has put them only three points behind the Rangers. Jaroslav Halak has only let in two goals in those three games, and continues to be one of the more underrated goaltenders in the NHL.
8.) Los Angeles Kings (36-20-4)
The Kings have managed to dispose of the lowly Calgary and Edmonton, but they have to face the Anaheim Ducks on February 28th. The winner of that game could enter March as the leader in the Pacific Division.
9.) Tampa Bay Lightning (34-22-4)
The Tampa Bay offense is flying high again, cracking into the top 10 after a prolonged drought in the beginning of the season.
10.) Anaheim Ducks (32-19-8)
If there is one team right now you do not want to play against, it's the Ducks. Their mad, big and have won their last six games. Ryan Kesler has reemerged this month, and has six points in his last five games played. Their upcoming game against the Kings may be the biggest game in the season so far.
11.) Boston Bruins (33-22-6)
They crushed the Penguins 5-1, but showed their inconsistency when they lost to Columbus only two days before.
12.) Nashville Predators (30-21-11)
They have done a good job of keep up with a rough Central Division, winning their last three games.
13.) Detroit Red Wings (30-20-11)
Detroit is tumbling down these rankings, losing four of their last five games.
14.) San Jose Sharks (32-21-6)
Their 6-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues showed that they can score against anybody.
15.) Pittsurgh Penguins (30-21-8)
The longest streak the inconsistent Penguins have had in February was a two game winning streak back on February 8th.
16.) Colorado Avalanche (32-27-4)
The team has won five out of their last seven, and look like a team on the rise.
17.) New Jersey Devils (30-25-7)
The Devils have only one win in their last five games, and are definitely missing the production of Michael Cammalleri
18.) Philadelphia Flyers (27-22-11)
The loss of Claude Giroux and Steve Mason in the line up really put the Flyers at a disadvantage right now.
19.) Minnesota Wild (27-24-10)
The Wild are back to their losing ways after an impressive four game winning streak was snapped.
20.) Carolina Hurricanes (28-24-10)
The Hurricanes loss to the Maple Leafs show just how inconsistent the team has been when faced by opposition they should beat.
21.) Ottawa Senators (29-27-6)
The Senators are fighting to just stay relevant in the Atlantic Division, winning four out of their last five.
22.) Montreal Canadiens (29-27-5)
There is no news on when Carey Price will return, which could easily spell doom for the Canadiens.
23.) Vancouver Canucks (24-24-12)
The Canucks disappointing season continues to roll on, as they are ten points behind third place San Jose Sharks for a sure playoff spot.
24.) Arizona Coyotes (27-28-6)
After losing their last four games, they get farther and farther away from a potential playoff spot.
25.) Columbus Blue Jackets (25-29-8)
For the first time this season, the Blue Jackets are able to avoid the bottom five of these rankings. They have won six out of their 11 February games and appear to be heading in the right direction.
26.) Winnipeg Jets (26-30-4)
The Jets continue to fall behind thanks to the losing streaks like the four game one they just broke.
27.) Calgary Flames (26-30-4)
If I had to choose a most disappointing team for the season, it would have to be the Flames. After winning a playoff series the season before, they are sixth in the wide open Pacific Division.
28.) Buffalo Sabres (24-30-7)
After losing three out of their last four, the Sabres are giving the Maple Leafs a run for worst team in the Atlantic Division.
29.) Toronto Maple Leafs (21-28-10)
Jonathan Bernier earned just his seventh victory of the season Thursday against the Hurricanes. That is ridiculous considering we are 60 games into the season.
30.) Edmonton Oilers (22-34-6)
Its hard to believe, but the Oilers have 40 losses in only 62 games. With one win in their last ten games, those 40 losses are only going to get worse from here on out.