NHL TOP 30 RANKS

Top 10

1) Washington Capitals - The Caps are undefeated with a perfect seven wins through the first three weeks of the season. After the drama of Nuevirth starting in the opener, Vokoun has been everything the Caps had hoped for and more.

2) Pittsburgh Penguins - Despite being riddled with injuries, the Pens continue to post W's. The James Neal for Alex Goligoski trade with the Stars is paying massive dividends for the Pens while they await the returns of Malkin and that guy, Sid.

3) Detroit Red Wings - The Wings were embarrassed by the Caps 7-1 in a battle for top spot in the GGSB Top 30. Even worse, a followup loss to Columbus.

4) Los Angeles Kings - Jonathan Quick has three consecutive shutouts for the Kings. So the night off against New Jersey is a mystery.

5) Dallas Stars - The Stars are a perfect 4-0 at home this season, but few fans have been there to witness their stellar start.

6) Buffalo Sabres - Brad Boyes played his 500th consecutive NHL game last night. Only 19 other NHL'ers have accomplished that feat. The Sabres are giving up less than two goals a game; A stat in which their early season success can be attributed to.

7) Chicago Blackhawks - A strong week for the 'Hawks, taking 7 of 8 points. A mark of a great team, the Blackhawks have a very balanced scoring attack with five players with 6 points or more.

8) Colorado Avalanche - The Avs are 6-0 on the road this season, but have yet to win at home (0-2).

9) Philadelphia Flyers - Jaromir Jagr hit the turbo button last night, blowing through the Leaf D like he was shot out of a cannon to score his first NHL goal in three years. Two salutes and an assist from Jagr was all the Flyers needed to knock off the Leafs Monday night.

10) Toronto Maple Leafs - Jake Gardiner remind anyone of Duncan Keith? Although a few players, especially Gardiner, have shined for the Leafs in the early going, they will become a very easy team to play against unless they find some secondary scoring.

Middle of the Pack

11) Vancouver Canucks - The rich get richer. David Booth is just another weapon for the Canucks deadly offensive arsenal. But they won't be "Louing"" after Roberto gives up 3 on 14 shots last night in Edmonton.

12) Florida Panthers - Scottie Upshall, in 8 games after signing a four year, $14 million dollar deal, has one goal and is a minus three for the Panthers.

13) New York Rangers - Things never seem to get any easier for Coach John Tortorella. His post game Q&A lasted all of 16 seconds as he refused to answer questions after a 2-0 loss to the Oilers. Finally home to the peace and quiet of Manhattan.

14) Anaheim Ducks - Despite having arguably the best PP lineup on paper in Perry, Getzlaf, Ryan, Selanne and Viznovsky; the Ducks are scoring at a 9.5% clip, 25th in the NHL.

15) Minnesota Wild - We're still not Wild about them but a decent start for rookie coach, Mike Yeo. 

16) Edmonton Oilers - With all the focus on Nugent-Hopkins and his young line mates up front, the biggest star for the Oil has been Nikolai Khabibulin. Khabby is turning back the clock for Edmonton. He led the league in GAA with a sparkling 0.72, heading into last night's game where he stopped 35 of 37 shots to deny the Canucks.
 
17) New Jersey Devils - As of Tuesday, the Devils ranked 29th in the league in Goals For at 1.83 per game, currently on pace to best last season's dismal effort of 2.08 per game.

18) St. Louis Blues - Nobody expected Brian Elliot to start a goaltending controversy in St Louis, but a 3-0 record has Halak's starting job in doubt.

19) Tampa Bay Lightning - Mathieu Garon settles down the back end as Guy Boucher gets them buying in to what made the Lightning good last year.

20) Carolina Hurricanes - The Canes are stalled as long as their best player and captain Eric Staal is struggling.

Basement

21) San Jose Sharks - Lone bright spot for the Sharks so far this season was Jumbo Joe playing is 1000th game and tallying his 700th career assist. Time for rest of the Sharks to share the spotlight.

22) Phoenix Coyotes - Shane Doan's under-the-radar excellence continues with his 300th goal last night.

23) New York Islanders - After an optimistic start for the young Islanders, the "old" Islanders have returned.

24) Nashville Predators - Stop me if you've heard this one before; Predators looking for more offense.

25) Boston Bruins - Tyler Seguin seems to be the only Bruin who has completely re-hydrated from their Cup hangover.

26) Ottawa Senators - Three in a row for the likeable underdogs. Jason Spezza has been a pleasant surprise, second in the league in scoring and showing great leadership. Milan Michalek is chipping in as well, fourth in league goal scoring.

27) Calgray Flames - Coach Brent Sutter taking a positive approach while GM Jay Feaster works tirelessly over the phones.

28) Winnipeg Jets - When will Winnipeg's "Maverick", Evander Kane, take flight?

29) Montreal Canadiens - The losses and injuries piling up for Les Glorieux with Jacques Martin in the crossfire of Montreal's worst start since WWII.

30) Columbus Blue Jackets - Finally off the schneid with a win against Detroit. Congrats Columbus, exhale Scott Howson.