By Adrian Dater

After a couple weeks away, the Power Rankings are back. The time after the NHL All-Star break is commonly referred to by hockey insiders as when the "big boy" hockey is played. The pace picks up, and there is a tangible uptick in the sense of urgency around NHL dressing rooms.

More than one Hall of Fame player I've talked to over the years has essentially put it this way: "The good teams don't really start playing until after the break."

A DISCLAIMER (of sorts): These rankings are based not just on each team's record, but an empirically tested formula that includes a) realistic near-term future expectations; b) consensus talent level and payroll considerations and; c) whatever the Magic 8-Ball I've had since I was seven years old tells me will happen. One more thing: Rest assured that I don't have it in for your team. OK, so I once hated the Philadelphia Flyers with a passion bordering on the psychotic, but that was 30-something years ago and Dave Schultz has long since retired. I welcome your emails to the link attached to my name above, and I always respond -- even to the ones that start with "Dear Idiot."

With that sentiment in mind, let's move on with our new rankings:

1. Detroit Red Wings (35-17-2) ? If they lose some games they shouldn?t during the next couple of weeks (like Monday against Phoenix), it?ll probably be because goalie Jimmy Howard is still sidelined with a broken right index finger. But for now, my index finger is still held high for these Wings as No. 1. Howard will get a nice rest and come back fresher. His injury could be a blessing. That?s my story and I?m sticking to it. Besides, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg will dial up the meter to help cover for Howard?s absence. Last week: 2-1-1

2. Nashville Predators (32-17-4) ? They?re 12-2-2 against teams in the tough Central Division (Columbus, notwithstanding, of course). ?Coach (Barry Trotz) does a great job preparing us for these games,? goalie Pekka Rinne told The Tennessean. ?We start to get ready in the meeting room and then we get ready mentally.? Look for the Preds to get a good scorer at the trade deadline. With their defense, goaltending and team concept, that could be all that?s needed for their first Cup. Last week: 3-2-0

3. New York Rangers (33-12-5) ? The West has one really bad team (Columbus), one fairly bad team (Edmonton), and the rest are at least very respectable. The East has four, maybe five, pretty bad teams. That helps explain why the Rangers? record is so good, but let?s agree on one thing: these Blueshirts are a nice, solid team -- the best in the East according to these here rankings. But they?re not the best team in the league. Last week: 3-0-1

4. Vancouver Canucks (32-15-5) ? They get a bit bored in the Northwest Division where they lack a rival that keeps them looking over their shoulder, so off-nights can happen as a result. But the Canucks are right on schedule for a top-four Western finish, and don?t count them out for a run at another conference flag. Last week: 3-0-1

5. Boston Bruins (33-16-2) ? Some complacency seems to have crept in lately (only five wins in their last 11 games). But at least Tim Thomas got out of his hotel room in Washington this last time around and shut down the Caps to keep Boston well within range of the Rangers for the conference crown. Look for the Bruins to get a veteran forward at the deadline. Someone to fill a Mark Recchi-type role is needed. Last week: 2-3-0

6. St. Louis Blues (30-14-7) ? It?s beginning to be a bit disconcerting that they are still having trouble scoring goals. With a puck-possession style and a stable of young, quick forwards, there should be more illumination of red lamps by the Blues? sticks. Ten other Western teams have scored more goals than St. Louis (126). Of course, no team in the West has allowed fewer (105). Last week: 1-1-1

7. San Jose Sharks (29-15-6) ? They?ve been treading water all season it seems. When are they going to reel off eight wins in a row, like they?re capable of doing? Yet, their record is still real good. There have been trade rumors , but coach Todd McLellan had this to say on the subject to the San Jose Mercury News: ?(GM) Doug (Wilson) and I talk every day. Then you go home and somebody mentions a rumor to you and we haven?t spent any time talking about those players or wanting to move them. Ninety-five percent of it is fabricated or created for hype.? Last week: 2-1-0

8. New Jersey Devils (30-19-3) ? They have very quietly gotten back into the conversation again at 7-2-1 in their last 10 and Zach Parise en fuego with goals in each of their last four. It?s hard to believe he could be an unrestricted free agent this summer. If he?s available July 1, those beep-beep-beeps you?ll hear will be the money truck backing up for this guy. Last week: 4-0-0

9. Pittsburgh Penguins (30-19-4) ? Injuries continue to plague this formerly charmed team (valuable role player Tyler Kennedy was the latest to go down, at New Jersey on Sunday), but they nonetheless have won eight of 10. And Sidney Crosby is skating again. Hope remains alive. Last week: 3-2-0