Atlantic Division Power Rankings: Week 1

Atlantic Division Power Rankings: Week 1

1. New York Islanders(2-1-2, 6 pts, 1st in Division Standings): When Mark Streit and Kyle Okposo went down with injuries before the 2010-11 season even had any momentum, it looked like an early funeral for the Isles. Instead, Josh Bailey, Blake Comeau and a resurgent 39 year-old Doug Weight have the Isles atop the division, at least for now. Enjoy it while it lasts, Isles fans, as Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and New Jersey won’t all end up being as bad as they’ve started.

2. Pittsburgh Penguins (3-3-0, 6 pts, 2nd in Division Standings): A couple big wins for the Penguins should have Pittsburgh fans feeling a whole lot more secure than the 1-3 start would have justified. After losing their first three games at the brand new Consol Energy Center, the Pens finally nipped the Isles in OT to properly christen the new building. They also got revenge on the Flyers with a 5-1 drubbing on Saturday. The biggest concern has to be the fact that all three wins have come with backup Brent Johnson between the pipes.

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1. Philadelphia Flyers (2-2-1, 5 pts, 3rd in Division Standings): Really, Philadelphia? This whole goaltender-by-committee thing is getting just a bit ridiculous, and absolutely nightmarish for fantasy owners. After working three different goalies to get to the Cup Finals last year, the Flyers already have a new goalie thrown into the mix. Russian rookie Sergei Bobrovsky took the league by surprise with his opening night heroics against the hated Penguins, and has accounted for the Flyers’ two wins so far.

2. New York Rangers (1-1-1, 3 pts, 4th in Division Standings): A tough overtime loss to Toronto on Friday night was made all the more painful when it was revealed that Marian Gaborik (separated shoulder) and Chris Drury (broken finger) will both miss significant time due to injuries sustained in the tilt. With two more matchups against the Leafs before the end of the month, they’ll have some chances for retribution, but they should be more concerned with the fact that they’re averaging over four goals allowed per game.

3. New Jersey Devils (1-4-1, 3 pts, 5th in Division Standings): Would anyone have guessed that Martin Brodeur would have just one win in his first six starts, aside from some bitter Ranger fans? Almost as troubling as Brodeur’s struggles are the Devils’ troubles on offense, averaging less than two goals per game. Until they get their roster to a point that is both salary-cap compliant and capable of icing four healthy lines of forwards, things won’t get any easier for the banged-up Devils.