Power rankings: For better or worse

Now that the ice chips have settled following the trade deadline, who really is getting a boost from the new additions and who hasn't been helped at all?

This week's power rankings – which appear each Tuesday – take a look at how each team has either benefited from the moves made prior to or at the deadline or how they are doing in light of not acquiring help.

1.New Jersey Devils (45-20-3, Previous: 1) – Niclas Havelid arrived from Atlanta and has averaged 19:43 in the four games he has played as a Devil. Brendan Shanahan arrived before the trade deadline and has added a modest four goals and 10 points in 21 games. The biggest impact at the deadline was Martin Brodeur's return just prior from a 50-game injury.

2.Detroit Red Wings (46-15-9, Previous: 2) – No deals for the Red Wings because they basically just need to get healthy, stay focused and straighten out their goaltending. Instead of panicking, Detroit G.M. Ken Holland told Chris Osgood to take time to work out his problems on his own. Jonathan Ericsson is finally getting a look-see on defense, but that will end when long-term injuries clear up – as long as no one else gets hurt.

3.San Jose Sharks (45-13-10, Previous: 5) – Travis Moen has stepped into a third-line, penalty-killing role. In addition, he has provided two goals, one a game-winner against his former team in Anaheim on Sunday. Kent Huskins remains injured.

4.Calgary Flames (40-23-6, Previous: 3) – No question Olli Jokinen has fit in quickly, contributing eight goals and 10 points in six games. And defenseman Jordan Leopold is averaging 20:21 in six contests, although he's a minus-4. The strange part: Calgary is only 2-4 since the additions.

5.Pittsburgh Penguins (37-26-8, Previous: 7) – It's hard to argue Chris Kunitz hasn't had the biggest impact as a traded player on a new team. His five goals and 11 points in nine games have been a bit of an offensive surprise, and he has added the grit and energy that was missing in Pittsburgh's lineup for much of the year. Bill Guerin has two goals and eight points in his games, so no one is sneezing at that production either.

6.Boston Bruins (45-17-9, Previous: 6) – Mark Recchi has added three goals while averaging 16:09 in seven games, and his leadership and experience will be key down the stretch, especially during the postseason. Steve Montador has been steady as expected, logging 17:22 on defense and bringing toughness along with experience.

7.Philadelphia Flyers (37-21-10, Previous: 4) – Daniel Carcillo has brought the energy expected from him in addition to 21 penalty minutes. He has provided three assists, too, while averaging 11:28 of ice time in six games.

8.Vancouver Canucks (36-23-9, Previous: 8) – Nothing right at the deadline, but Mats Sundin jumped aboard at midseason. His eight goals and 18 points in 27 games have helped, but his game has been inconsistent. The Canucks can thank Jason LaBarbera for getting them through Roberto Luongo's injury. And they've earned seven of a possible 10 points since the deadline.

9.Washington Capitals (43-22-6, Previous: 10) – No deals at or before the deadline, and we'll see if that was a good decision down the line. All eyes are on goal, and Jose Theodore has been better since the deadline passed, which could signal he's not burdened by uncertainty. Well, better until Monday night.

10.Carolina Hurricanes (36-28-7, Previous: 11) – Erik Cole is back home and the Hurricanes are happy about that. Cole has two goals and eight points in six games while averaging 19:20 of ice time a night. Will it will be enough? This race is going down to the wire.

11.Chicago Blackhawks (37-21-9, Previous: 9) – The Blackhawks are still awaiting Sammy Pahlsson's debut. The former Duck has been battling mononucleosis since late January and only recently started skating with the team. His addition will provide much-needed depth at center and a versatile forward to play in all situations.

12.Columbus Blue Jackets (36-28-6, Previous: 13) – Antoine Vermette has been a nice addition. The versatile forward has scored three goals and six points while logging a whopping 19:32 of ice time in his five games since arriving from Ottawa.

13.Florida Panthers (34-25-10, Previous: 12) – The biggest deal was the one the Panthers did not make, and that was trading potential unrestricted free agent Jay Bouwmeester. Bouwmeester's numbers are modest since his mind has been put at ease: no goals, one assist and a minus-1 in five games since the deadline passed. Florida is 1-2-2 in those games.

14.Buffalo Sabres (34-27-8, Previous: 14) – Dominic Moore hasn't found his way on to the score sheet in his first five games since coming over from the Maple Leafs. He's averaging slightly less time, too, at 15:59, but he's also playing for a better team. Backup goalie Michael Tellqvist has made only one appearance, and it was for less than a period of relief.

15.Montreal Canadiens (36-25-8, Previous: 15) – The two big changes here include Mathieu Schneider's arrival just before the deadline and the coaching change. Schneider's three goals have come on a power play that hasn't lived up to Montreal's standards. He has nine points in 12 games while averaging 21:39 a night. Bob Gainey decided Guy Carbonneau wasn't the man to coach any longer so the G.M. is going to try his luck.

16.Edmonton Oilers (32-27-9, Previous: 16) – It's been a modest start for forward Patrick O'Sullivan – one goal and two points in addition to eight shots in five games. But this move will benefit the team in the long run.

17.Dallas Stars (33-28-8, Previous: 18) – The Stars did the best they could to try and fill needs that wouldn't impact what the team is trying to do moving forward. They obviously weren't expecting miracles from Brendan Morrison – and they're not getting one. His one point (a goal) in six games is about the pace he set while disappointing in Anaheim.

18.Anaheim Ducks (32-31-6, Previous: 17) – A lot of moving pieces here, with four veterans added and three deleted. James Wisniewski (one goal, 16:19, minus-1) and Ryan Whitney (three assists, 22:17, plus-2) are part of a new-look defense. Erik Christensen (two assists, 15:15, minus-3) and Petteri Nokelainen (one goal, 12:55, plus-1) are playing roles up front. These moves feel like they are as much a part of the rebuilding as securing a playoff spot.

19.Minnesota Wild (32-28-8, Previous: 20) – No moves here other than signing top goalie Niklas Backstrom long-term and keeping their fingers crossed that oft-injured forward Marian Gaborik can return at some point to help the cause. The Wild knows how that goes, though. No one is holding their breath. Minnesota is starting to look like a non-playoff team.

20.New York Rangers (36-26-8, Previous: 22) – What has gotten into Sean Avery? Four goals, five points and relative disciplined play while averaging 15:37 of ice time. The better question is how long will it last? Nik Antropov has three goals and five points in six games while defenseman Derek Morris has two assists and is a plus-2 while averaging 17:40 per game. Don't forget John Tortorella behind the bench, too, demanding more accountability from a New York team that is very much on the fence.

21.Nashville Predators (35-30-5, Previous: 19) – No deals here, yet the Preds continue to hang in for a playoff spot. Reinforcements were probably needed, but it just wasn't in the cards, including a return of Alexander Radulov from Russia.

22.Los Angeles Kings (29-30-10, Previous: 21) – The Kings didn't want to make any moves at the trade deadline unless they fit down the line, so they didn't do anything that will help them improve the rest of this season. Their difficult schedule to finish, too, had to convince management to remain patient regardless of how close they were to a playoff spot.

23.Ottawa Senators (28-30-10, Previous: 23) – Getting Mike Comrie and Pascal Leclaire were moves that could help down the line, but clearly the Senators have been playing the role of spoilers for some time.

24.St. Louis Blues (31-29-8, Previous: 20) – A team that was quiet at the deadline realizes better days are still ahead. Andy Murray won't be in the running, but the job he's done to keep this young, injury-riddled team in contention for a playoff spot is of Adams Trophy merit.

25.Atlanta Thrashers (29-35-6, Previous: 27) – Amazing the tack Atlanta has taken, basically doing nothing. The Thrashers decided to keep Ilya Kovalchuk and Kari Lehtonen despite the fact neither has proven he's part of the solution. Then again, maybe G.M. Don Waddell was told not to trade either player. Who knows?

26.Tampa Bay Lightning (23-32-14, Previous: 30) – The Lightning's role at the deadline was to take what was offered for veterans who could help someone else. The fact they parted company only with Mark Recchi is a small surprise. Gary Roberts went unclaimed on waivers, so he has decided to retire. Can you blame him?

27.New York Islanders (24-38-8, Previous: 28) – Nothing to see here. Move along.

28.Toronto Maple Leafs (28-29-13, Previous: 26) – This wasn't as much about acquiring bodies as it was losing them and getting picks, but Martin Gerber (three wins in five starts) has seen his career resurrected, at least for the time being. He helps the Leafs play out the string without the services of No. 1 goalie Vesa Toskala.

29.Colorado Avalanche (31-38-1, Previous: 29) – The Avs did nothing significant at the deadline, which fits right in with the rest of their season. Look for a roster blowup at some point. What the team is waiting for escapes us.

30.Phoenix Coyotes (28-35-6, Previous: 25) – The Coyotes invited a lot of new faces that certainly could be part of the future. They'll see if they can get more consistency out of speedy Matthew Lombardi (one goal, four points in six games). Scottie Upshall is a solid player, and he has contributed three goals thus far. Nigel Dawes hopes to fulfill a role, as does Petr Prucha. And Dmitri Kalinin could see a lot of playing time – he's averaging 20:44 in six games – if he shows he can move the puck.