12 PhoenixSomebody explain how theyrsquore doing it

BuffaloLots of strong, third period, come from behind victories are testament to this team’s grit. Imagine how tough they become when Thomas Vanek kicks it into overdrive. 10. Los AngelesI warned you, at the beginning of the year: If the goaltending situation becomes solid thank you, Jonathan Quick watch out! This team has the firepower, recent goal-scoring woes aside, and has built the back line into something special, so when the offense returns, it spells bad news for the Western Conference’s old guard. 11. AtlantaA hot team, even with using different goaltenders during their recent 6-2-2 run. How great for Don Waddell, one of the true gentlemen in the game. 12 PhoenixSomebody explain how they’re doing it. Maybe Dave Tippett’s that good (Dallas), or was the Great One that bad/mediocre as a coach The fact that Tippett’s doing it with a team that’s under financial duress, pretty offensively impaired, and receives little fan support is downright amazing Way to go, Desert Dogs! 13 ColoradoWell, the "living in a tree" start has ended. With a 2-5-3 slide and a five-game road swing, the clock could be striking midnight on one of the true startling starts in the NHL. 14.

DallasBrad Richards is back on track after a tough-luck, injury-riddled season. If the Stars can get Marty Turco to return to being ‘Turco-licious it is the final year of his contract the Stars could continue to surprise those, like me, who predicted their impending demise. 15. Here’s to a return to health could anyone’s luck be any worse to Pascal LeClaire. 16. Tampa BaySteven Stamkos is the real deal, and Vinny Lecavalier has been starting to return to, well, a semblance of old form. Now, if they can get the goaltending situation to solidify well, that’s been the question over the last several years since their Stanley Cup title year. 17. VancouverRyan Kesler continues to torch the twine, and the Sedin twins have really come on as of late.

With Roberto Luongo in net, this could all start to come together. 18. Their issues in net, without their usual stout tandem of goaltenders, along with a rash of injuries and free-agent departures, has made the descent go much more quickly than anyone imagined. 19. PhiladelphiaYes, they’ve struggled recently, but it was precipitated by a lengthy West Coast road trip. It’s gotta turn around, right A home stand should start to help the recovery now about the current lack of firepower. 20.

NY IslandersYou’ve gotta cheer for this turnaround if for no other reason because they’re currently tied with their NY cohabitants, the salary-bloated (for many years running) NY Rangers. 21. ColumbusI’d consider lower, but hey, I live here and want to keep it that way, thanks. Could Ken Hitchcock be possibly losing the team/clubhouse 22 St. LouisThe Blues are starting to recover from their stumbling start.