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

1. WASHINGTON CAPITALS [up from 2]
Record: 44-13-8 (96 pts)
Last 10 games: 7-1-2

McPhee did a good job of added grit and experience and defensive help.
2. SAN JOSE SHARKS [down from 1]
Record: 42-14-9 (93 pts)
Last 10 games: 6-4-0

The Olympic experience will make them better in the playoffs.
3. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS [unchanged]
Record: 43-17-5 (91 pts)
Last 10 games: 6-3-1

Goaltending remains a big issue and concern.
4. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS [up from 10]
Record: 40-22-4 (84 pts)
Last 10 games: 6-1-3

Getting hot at the right time again.
5. PHOENIX COYOTES [unchanged]
Record: 39-22-5 (83 pts)
Last 10 games: 6-4-0

Did an excellent job bolstering at the deadline.
6. VANCOUVER CANUCKS [up from 8]
Record: 40-23-2 (82 pts)
Last 10 games: 6-4-0

Surviving the road trip, but Luongo is struggling.
7. NEW JERSEY DEVILS [down from 6]
Record: 38-23-3 (79 pts)
Last 10 games: 3-6-1

At some point Kovalchuk will be a factor.
8. LOS ANGELES KINGS [down from 4]
Record: 38-22-4 (80 pts)
Last 10 games: 6-3-1

Had a tough weekend, but adding Halpern and Modin will help.
9. COLORADO AVALANCHE [down from 7]
Record: 37-22-6 (80 pts)
Last 10 games: 6-4-0

If Mueller can find his game it would be a bonus.
10. BUFFALO SABRES [up from 11]
Record: 35-20-9 (79 pts)
Last 10 games: 3-5-2

Righted the ship on the weekend, Torres is a good addition.
11. DETROIT RED WINGS [up from 14]
Record: 31-22-12 (74 pts)
Last 10 games: 5-3-2

Getting healthy and getting better at the right time.
12. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS [up from 15]
Record: 34-26-4 (72 pts)
Last 10 games: 6-3-1

We think Leighton can do the job in goal.
13. NASHVILLE PREDATORS [down from 12]
Record: 35-25-5 (75 pts)
Last 10 games: 5-4-1

Heat is on from the Wings and Flames.
14. OTTAWA SENATORS [down from 9]
Record: 36-25-5 (77 pts)
Last 10 games: 5-4-1

Need to get the offence going again.
15. CALGARY FLAMES [down from 13]
Record: 32-24-9 (73 pts)
Last 10 games: 5-4-1

Did the Wild loss scare them straight?
16. MONTREAL CANADIENS [up from 17]
Record: 32-29-6 (70 pts)
Last 10 games: 6-4-0

Playing well on the road trip.
17. BOSTON BRUINS [down from 16]
Record: 29-24-11 (69 pts)
Last 10 games: 6-2-2

If Savard is out a while, they are in trouble.
18. ST. LOUIS BLUES [up from 20]
Record: 30-26-9 (69 pts)
Last 10 games: 6-4-0

Have quietly made a playoff charge.
19. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING [up from 22]
Record: 27-26-11 (65 pts)
Last 10 games: 5-5-0

Stamkos has reached the 40-goal plateau.
20. ANAHEIM DUCKS [down from 19]
Record: 30-27-8 (68 pts)
Last 10 games: 5-4-1

Blew a point against the Habs.
21. CAROLINA HURRICANES [up from 27]
Record: 27-31-7 (61 pts)
Last 10 games: 8-2-0

Playing well despite the clearance sale.
22. DALLAS STARS [down from 18]
Record: 28-24-12 (68 pts)
Last 10 games: 4-5-1

Just can't get over the hump.
23. MINNESOTA WILD [down from 21]
Record: 31-28-5 (67 pts)
Last 10 games: 4-5-1

Latendresse has been a huge addition.
24. NEW YORK RANGERS [down from 23]
Record: 29-28-9 (67 pts)
Last 10 games: 4-4-2

Have to be better at home.
25. ATLANTA THRASHERS [down from 24]
Record: 28-26-10 (66 pts)
Last 10 games: 4-4-2

Hanging in the playoff race despite loss of Kovie.
26. FLORIDA PANTHERS [unchanged]
Record: 26-28-10 (62 pts)
Last 10 games: 3-6-1

Looks like playoffs are out of the question again.
27. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS [down from 25]
Record: 25-29-11 (61 pts)
Last 10 games: 4-4-2

Apparently it wasn't the coach's fault after all.
28. NEW YORK ISLANDERS [up from 29]
Record: 26-31-8 (60 pts)
Last 10 games: 3-7-0

Young kids have hit the wall.
29. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS [down from 28]
Record: 20-33-12 (52 pts)
Last 10 games: 3-7-0

It will get worse before it gets better.
30. EDMONTON OILERS [unchanged]
Record: 21-38-6 (48 pts)
Last 10 games: 3-7-0

Just four back of the Leafs, big showdown on Saturday.