Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals have won 10 games in a row. Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals have won 10 games in a row. (Luis M. Alvarez/Associated Press)

Each week, Hockey Night in Canada's Scott Morrison breaks down the balance of power in the National Hockey League.

1. SAN JOSE SHARKS [unchanged]
Record: 36-10-9 (81 pts)
Last 10 games: 8-0-2

The big line may be the best in the game right now.
2. WASHINGTON CAPITALS [unchanged]
Record: 37-12-6 (80 pts)
Last 10 games: 10-0-0

They are firing on all cylinders.
3. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS [unchanged]
Record: 37-14-4 (78 pts)
Last 10 games: 6-4-0

Folks are wondering about the goaltending again.
4. VANCOUVER CANUCKS [unchanged]
Record: 34-18-2 (70 pts)
Last 10 games: 7-2-1

The road trip from hell is underway.
5. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS [up from 10]
Record: 34-21-1 (69 pts)
Last 10 games: 6-4-0

Need to add some depth up front.
6. LOS ANGELES KINGS [up from 11]
Record: 33-19-3 (69 pts)
Last 10 games: 8-2-0

Just had a terrific road trip.
7. PHOENIX COYOTES [up from 13]
Record: 33-18-5 (71 pts)
Last 10 games: 7-3-0

These guys are for real.
8. BUFFALO SABRES [down from 7]
Record: 32-14-7 (71 pts)
Last 10 games: 4-3-3

Bounced back after brutal road trip.
9. OTTAWA SENATORS [unchanged]
Record: 31-21-4 (66 pts)
Last 10 games: 9-1-0

Elliott has been gold in goal.
10. NEW JERSEY DEVILS [down from 8]
Record: 35-17-2 (72 pts)
Last 10 games: 3-6-1

Loss of Elias has hurt them.
11. COLORADO AVALANCHE [down from 5]
Record: 30-18-6 (66 pts)
Last 10 games: 6-4-0

Need to bounce back against Columbus.
12. NASHVILLE PREDATORS [unchanged]
Record: 30-21-3 (63 pts)
Last 10 games: 4-6-0

Finally ended their free fall on the weekend.
13. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS [down from 10]
Record: 27-23-3 (57 pts)
Last 10 games: 6-4-0

Still not quite playing their game.
14. FLORIDA PANTHERS [up from 24]
Record: 24-22-9 (57 pts)
Last 10 games: 6-2-2

Return of Booth will be a big boost.
15. DETROIT RED WINGS [down from 14]
Record: 26-19-10 (62 pts)
Last 10 games: 3-3-4

They're healthy, now they have to win.
16. CALGARY FLAMES [up from 17]
Record: 27-20-8 (62 pts)
Last 10 games: 1-6-3

Hagman, Stajan and White will help.
17. ANAHEIM DUCKS [down from 15]
Record: 25-23-7 (57 pts)
Last 10 games: 6-4-0

Can they wake up Blake?
18. MINNESOTA WILD [up from 19]
Record: 27-24-4 (58 pts)
Last 10 games: 5-4-1

Have to put a streak together.
19. DALLAS STARS [up from 21]
Record: 24-20-11 (59 pts)
Last 10 games: 5-5-0

They need to put a streak together as well.
20. NEW YORK RANGERS [unchanged]
Record: 25-24-7 (57 pts)
Last 10 games: 3-7-0

Gaborik is their offence.
21. ATLANTA THRASHERS [up from 28]
Record: 24-22-8 (56 pts)
Last 10 games: 5-3-2

They're close to a playoff spot with Kovalchuk.
22. ST. LOUIS BLUES [unchanged]
Record: 24-22-9 (57 pts)
Last 10 games: 5-3-2

Home record is killing them.
23. MONTREAL CANADIENS [down from 16]
Record: 25-25-6 (56 pts)
Last 10 games: 3-4-3

Loss of Cammalleri is a killer.
24. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING [up from 25]
Record: 22-21-11 (55 pts)
Last 10 games: 5-4-1

It appears new ownership is in sight.
25. BOSTON BRUINS [down from 23]
Record: 23-21-9 (55 pts)
Last 10 games: 1-7-2

Right now, they have two Top 8 picks – the Leafs and their own.
26. CAROLINA HURRICANES [up from 27]
Record: 19-28-7 (45 pts)
Last 10 games: 6-4-0

Have managed to pass the Leafs.
27. NEW YORK ISLANDERS [down from 18]
Record: 23-25-8 (54 pts)
Last 10 games: 4-6-0

The kids are hitting the wall.
28. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS [down from 26]
Record: 22-26-9 (53 pts)
Last 10 games: 4-6-0

Mason just can't find his game.
29. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS [unchanged]
Record: 17-28-11 (45 pts)
Last 10 games: 2-6-2

They have the building blocks but still a long-term project.
30. EDMONTON OILERS [unchanged]
Record: 16-31-6 (38 pts)
Last 10 games: 0-9-1

On the verge of rewriting the club record book.