Here we go. We're a mere two days and a few hours away from the NHL trading deadline. This will tell how bad the winners want to win, who is selling, and who is trying their best to make a playoff run. It's always a fun time and I'm looking forward to it.

This isn't for sure, but I'm planning on blogging throughout the day during the deadline with updates on rumors, completed trades, etc. Be sure to check in with us throughout the day for the latest news and headlines.

1. New Jersey Devils (5) – I had these thoughts before Martin Brodeur came back and now they have been proven true. New Jersey is the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. They held on and did well without the best goalie in the league, and now they are even better. He is healthy, rested and ready to go. Look out everybody.

2. Detroit Red Wings (3) – Despite getting blown out 8-0 at Nashville on Saturday, Detroit won two out of three games this past week including a game against San Jose, whom they are competing with for the top spot in the West. They need to solve their goaltending situation at the trade deadline, and if they do that I think they will be the team to beat in the West.

3. Boston Bruins (2) – Boston is holding on to the top spot in the East but they need to step up their game if they want to hold off New Jersey. Things that won’t help them hold on to the top spot: letting in a game winning goal from 80 feet out. I still am fully against Tim Thomas being the starter for Team USA in the Olympics next year, but that isn’t for sure.

4. San Jose Sharks (1) – San Jose split the week winning two out of four games, but losing to Detroit hurts. I don’t foresee them doing anything major at the trade deadline, but you never know. They have been known to add a piece or two for the playoff push, although it has never really worked out.

5. Washington Capitals (4) – Washington is currently tied in the East with New Jersey so if things continue with the way they are going, I see Washington finishing third in the East again. There have been a few rumors of them acquiring Bill Guerin before the deadline from the Islanders, but it’s been two days since Guerin didn’t dress on Saturday and no news, so again, who knows.

6. Calgary Flames (7) – Calgary and Chicago have been neck and neck this season in the rankings but Calgary makes the jump this week since they went 2-1 last week. Rumors are rampant that Calgary is going after Olli Jokinen but I’m hoping he lands on the other team he is rumored to be going to. Then again, these rumors I read are rarely true.

7. Chicago Blackhawks (6) – Chicago should be a buyer this week as the push for the playoffs heats up. They have a nice core but they should be looking to add at least another piece to the puzzle to ensure they survive the first round.

8. Philadelphia Flyers (8) – The Flyers have continued their steady play in the past week as they hold on to a playoff spot in the East. They had to make a few moves last week to make room for the return of Danny Briere. Assuming he can stay healthy and bring some more scoring and leadership to the Flyers, they should be fine in terms of making the playoffs.

9. Montreal Canadiens (14) – What a difference a week makes. The team went from free falling to winning all three games last week and looking like the team everyone thought they would be. I suppose this is what happens when you get solid goaltending and good play all around.

10. Florida Panthers (9) – Florida split their schedule last week but had an embarrassing loss on Saturday to New Jersey. They rebounded nicely yesterday to pick up a win which showed me that they are a real team. It’s usually a good sign when a team can come back the next day after a severe beating and get two points. I think at this point they would be crazy to trade Jay Bouwmeester unless they get some kind of amazing deal.

11. Vancouver Canucks (10) – Vancouver’s winning streak ended last week but they still won two out of three to continue their solid play. They are another team that should be buying at the deadline in hopes of making a deep playoff run. Although I don’t think the Canucks are a “great” team, you can never fully rule out a team with such a good goalie. If he gets hot in the playoffs, look out.
12. Nashville Predators (NR) – I had to do a double take this weekend when I flipped stations and saw Nashville winning 5-0 with several minutes remaining in the first period against Detroit. How does that happen? One thing is for sure, I’m very happy I picked Pekka Rinne up on my fantasy team, even though the playoffs are a long shot right now. (for me, not Nashville)

13. Pittsburgh Penguins (NR) – The Penguins finally made the leap from 10th to 8th with a victory over Dallas yesterday. It’s still a tight race so they are by no means a lock. I’m sure the execs in the NHL office are praying for a first round match-up between Pittsburgh and Washington.

14. NY Rangers (15) – The Rangers move up a spot, but mostly because Buffalo slipped so far this week. They fired their coach in a move that I disagree with, but they appear to be playing different hockey with John Tortorella now. Then again, are they? They blew a 1-0 lead in the third period against Florida that resulted in a 2-1 regulation loss. Those kinds of games are killers this time of year.

15. Buffalo Sabres (11) – The Sabres are picking the worst time to not show up in games. There is absolutely no excuse to lose a game to the Islanders, let alone get shutout. It will be very interesting to see what they do at the deadline. They are expecting Thomas Vanek back this Wednesday so that will be an addition in itself, and Ryan Miller should be back sooner rather than later.