Taking a look at the best and worst of the NHL

Who are the best teams in the NHL?
Here’s my Elite Eight.
1) Boston – I’ve been impressed with the way the Bruins have forged ahead this season, for the most part smothering any talk of a Stanley Cup Hangover. This is as professional team as there is around the league right now.
2) New York Rangers – Not the most talented team in the league, but management and the coaching staff has molded a “team” in every aspect imaginable. And they have a heckuva of a goaltender in Henrik Lundqvist.
3) Vancouver – The Canucks will need to do a little something at the trade deadline, add a little more depth, but the core of this team is outstanding. And, give them credit, no signs of a big hangover, either, just like the Bruins.
4) Detroit – The Red Wings have the slight edge over St. Louis and Chicago because of goalie Jimmy Howard, who has been outstanding.
5) Chicago – The Blackhawks have a slight edge over St. Louis because of the skill up front. Jonathan Toews is an MVP candidate.
6) St. Louis – Ken Hitchcock is coach of the year hands down, in big bold letters. How he’s turned around the Blues is amazing.
7) Philadelphia – This team will have serious goaltending issues with Ilya Bryzgalov looking so erratic in net. This could turn out to be a terrible free agent signing.
8) San Jose – What a weird schedule the Sharks have had this season. It seems they play maybe two games per week and are consistently in the background. They will play a lot of games in Feb./March/April, which could tax the Sharks heading into the playoffs.
BOTTOM FIVE
26) New York Islanders – They never seem to lose to the Red Wings, though, do they?
27) Anaheim – The Ducks have been better lately but it’s too late. Right?
28) Edmonton – Looking at a top 5 draft pick again. When are the Oilers ever going to mature and excel all at one time?
29) Tampa Bay – Steve Yzerman must be going nuts. The Lightning are looking nothing like last season’s Final Four team.
30) Columbus – Terrible, as usual.