With almost 20% of the NHL season underway, we begin to see which teams are for real and which ones have fallen behind the pack, AKA the pretenders. The Philadelphia Flyers have shown the NHL and fans alike that their cup run last year was no fluke. The Washington Capitals are looking as strong as ever and are actually playing some defense and incorporating some solid goaltending. The Maple Leafs and Islanders have crashed down to Earth after their fast starts and have combined to lose 18 in a row. The Penguins are struggling to find some consistency with their goaltending and power play unit, which could be their demise. One bright side for the New Jersey Devils is that they aren’t last in the NHL in points anymore! Stamkos, Crosby, and Ovechkin lead the NHL in points, what a shocker, right? What is a shocker, though, is that Tim Thomas remains the best goalie in the NHL, statistically, after being unseated as the starting goalie last year.

1. Philadelphia Flyers

This team is simply on fire. They’re 9-0-1 in their last 10 games and rank 2nd in goals per game, 2nd in goals against, 8th on the power play, 6th in the penalty kill, and 1st in scoring differential.

2. Washington Capitals

They’re 8-1-1 in their last 10 and rank first in goals per game. Will anyone challenge them for the division?

3. Detroit Red Wings

This team is playing solid hockey and ranks in the top 10 in goals, goals against, and penalty kill. Big game against the Blues tomorrow night.

4. LA Kings

This team sure has come a long way from a couple of seasons ago. Jonathan Quick is a big reason for their success as they lead arguably the best division at this time.

5. Vancouver Canucks

They’re 8-1-1 in their last 10 and still have yet to lose at home in regulation.

6. Montreal Canadiens

They’re winning with their defense as they’re 2nd in penalty killing and 3rd in goals allowed.

7. St Louis Blues

They have slowed down a bit as they have lost four in a row and have a date with Detroit tomorrow.

8. Boston Bruins

This team is solid - #1 in goals against and #2 in penalty kill. In their six losses, they scored nine goals.

9. Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks have been a nice surprise as they have five players with 15 or more points. The defense needs to improve, as Jonas Hiller is facing far too many shots.

10. New York Rangers

They’ve won three in a row as Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan are nice surprises. Marian Gaborik is now back from injury.

On the bubble: San Jose, Colorado, Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Columbus, Nashville