Power rankings: New No. 1 team, MVP

The Chicago Blackhawks head into the Winter Classic this week with the power rankings lead.

USA TODAY Sports' NHL panel gave them six first-place votes to move the Blackhawks ahead of the Anaheim Ducks, the leader two weeks ago. The Ducks received five first-place votes.

When the vote was taken Monday morning, the Blackhawks were tied with the Ducks for most wins in the league (24 each) and had the league's best goal differential (plus 38).

After rallying to beat the Nashville Predators, Chicago is two points back of Anaheim with a game in hand.

The Blackhawks don't play again until they face the Capitals outdoors at Nationals Park in Washington. The Capitals are tied for 15th in the power rankings.

The player rankings also had a change with Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby dropping out of first place in the MVP vote, even though he received four first-place votes. Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin took his place.

Crosby was out with the mumps during the vote two weeks ago and had one goal in five games after his return before he scored again on Monday night. Seguin had five points in five games in that stretch.

Seven MVP candidates received first-place votes.

The top goaltender, defenseman and rookie remain unchanged.

PHOTOS: NHL player power rankings