Week 2 Power Poll

A couple things caught my attention this weekend.

First of all Washington remained the lone unbeaten team in the NHL by handing Detroit it's 1st loss of the season 7-1. It's one thing to beat the Wings, it's another to beat them by six goals. It's only October but an impressive win nonetheless.

The second thing that caught by attention was the trade of David Booth from Florida to Vancouver.

Booth had been linked in rumors to the Canucks for a while now & with Dale Tallon making over the roster in South Beach Booth being traded isn't much of a surprise. What is surprising is what the Canucks had to give up to get him.

Vancouver traded Mikael Samuelsson & Marco Sturm, two decent role players at this stage in their career for Booth, Steve Reinprecht & a 3rd round pick.

Not only do the Canucks get the best player in the deal in Booth but they also get a 3rd round pick in 2013. I know Florida is rebuilding but wouldn't it make sense that if you are going to trade one of your better players you get something in return you can build around instead of two role players.

Maybe Dale Tallon knows something I don't.

Here is your Power Poll for Week 2. 

1. Washington    7-0-0  14 points
When you hand the Red Wings their 1st loss by scoring 7 goals, you deserve the top spot.
 
2. Pittsburgh    6-2-2  14 points
Just as Brooks Orpik returns on defense the Penguins lose Zybnek Michalek for 4-6 weeks with a broken finger.

3. Dallas          6-2-0  12 points
Loss to the Kings snaps the Stars five game winning streak.

4. Colorado     6-2-0  12 points
Avs have won all their road games but are winless at home.

5. Los Angeles       5-1-1  11 points
Johnathan Quick (5-0-1, 0.81 GAA, .972 save %) named 1st star of the week.

6. Toronto        5-1-1  11 points
Phil Kessel (8G, 6A) is leading the NHL in scoring.

7. Detroit          5-1-0  10 points
It's only October, that loss to Washington won't phase Detroit.

8. Chicago        4-1-2  10 points
Marian Hossa has a goal in each game since returning to the Blackhawks lineup last Tuesday.

9. Buffalo           5-2-0  10 points
Tyler Ennis listed as week to week with an ankle injury. Ville Leino to play wing in his absence.

10. Vancouver      4-3-1   9 points
Acquiring David Booth from Florida is a steal for GM Mike Gillis.

11. Philadelphia  4-2-1   9 points
Back to back losses has caused Peter Laviolette to juggle his line combinations.

12. Minnesota      3-2-3   9 points
Somehow someway the Wild are finding ways to get points early in the season.

13. Tampa Bay   3-3-2   8 points
Lightning end two 3 game winning streaks last week with wins over the Islanders & Buffalo.

14. Anaheim      4-3-0   8 points
Back to back home losses to Dallas & Phoenix is a reminder to Anaheim how tough the Pacific Division is.

15. Carolina          3-3-2   8 points
Hurricanes end four game road trip going 2-1-1.

16. Edmonton     3-2-2   8 points
The big question for the Oilers is do they keep Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (5G, 2A) or send him back to juniors before the end of the week.

17. St. Louis       4-4-0   8 points
Good news for the Blues, David Perron close to returning from Post-Concussion Syndrome.

18. Florida         4-3-0   8 points
I still don't know what Dale Tallon is thinking

19. Nashville         3-3-1   7 points
Predators begin a much needed three game homestand this Tuesday against San Jose.

20. New Jersey   3-2-1   7 points
Devils start a three game road trip out West on Tuesday that should give us an idea of how good they might be.

21. Phoenix           3-3-1   7 points
Coyotes make a trade acquiring Brock Trotter & a 7th round pick from Montreal for Petteri Nokaleinen & Garrett Stafford.

22. San Jose         3-3-0   6 points
Back to back road wins over New Jersey & Boston should have Sharks moving in the right direction.

23. Boston         3-5-0   6 points
No game until Thursday gives the Bruins time to work on things. Coach Claude Julien thinks his team is almost there.

24. N.Y. Rangers 2-2-2  6 points
Rangers end seven game road trip tonight in Winnipeg before heading home for opener against Toronto on Thursday.

25. N.Y. Islanders 3-3-0   6 points
John Tavares (6G, 4A) has 10 points in his last four games.

26. Ottawa           3-5-0   6 points
Daniel Alfredsson to miss game against Carolina with a hip flexor ailment.

27. Calgary          2-4-1   5 points
Rumor has it that The Flames may be the next team to make a deal.

28. Winnipeg         2-4-1   5 points
Still the Thrashers in cooler uniforms.

29. Montreal         1-4-2   4 points
Something needs to change & soon for the Canadiens before it's too late.

30. Columbus     0-7-1   1 points
If this was a video game the Blue Jackets would have already hit the reset button on the season.