NHL Power Rankings: Pittsburgh Penguins On The Rise

March 19, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Matt Niskanen (2) celebrates after scoring a goal the Washington Capitals during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

With all of the hype surrounding the fast start for The Chicago Blackhawks, and the under appreciated Anaheim Ducks stellar play, The Pittsburgh Penguins have quietly put together a great season.

They are on a 1o game win streak of their own, and find themselves at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. Sydney Crosby has an NHL best 50 points this season, and his supporting cast is coming up big too. Chris Kunitz leads the team in goals with 18 (2nd in NHL), and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has a 91% save percentage and leads the NHL with 16 wins.

The Blackhawks might still top our NHL Power Rankings, but Pittsburgh is makinsg the case to become the top dog if Chicago slips. While they still lead the NHL in wins and points, the Pittsburgh Penguins are closing in fast.

NHL Power Rankings:

1) Chicago Blackhawks   Last Week 1 (-)

2) Pittsburgh Penguins   Last Week 3 (+1)

3) Anaheim Ducks   Last Week 2 (-1)

4) Montreal Canadians   Last Week 4 (-)

5) Boston Bruins   Last Week 5 (-)

6) Los Angeles Kings   Last Week 6 (-)

7) Ottawa Senators   Last Week 7 (-)

8) St. Louis Blues   Last Week 10 (+2)

9) Minnesota Wild   Last Week (NR)

10) Vancouver Canucks   Last Week 9 (-1)

How they voted:

Rich Gray from The Control Room  

1) Chicago Blackhawks

2) Pittsburgh Penguins

10) Columbus Blue Jackets

John Ackeren from The John Ackeren Show

1) Chicago Blackhawks

2) Pittsburgh Penguins

3) Anaheim Ducks

4) Montreal Canadians

5) Boston Bruins

6) Los Angeles Kings

7) Minnesota Wild

8) Winnipeg Jets

9) Ottawa Senators

10) St. Louis Blues

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