Ducks lead latest NHL power rankings

Two weeks ago, the Anaheim Ducks weren't really a 10th-ranked team.

The top of the NHL standings were a jumble and the Ducks, with 33 points, were one point behind a handful of first-place teams.

The Ducks jumped nine places in the latest vote by the USA TODAY Sports NHL power rankings panel on Monday because they are truly acting like a first-place team.

Since Dec. 1, the Ducks are the best team with a seven-game winning streak. It's their second streak of that length this season.

Captain Ryan Getzlaf has led the way with 11 points during the run while defenseman Sami Vatanen had chipped in three goals and Hampus Lindholm has six assists. Frederik Andersen has been in net for every win, recording 180 saves.

The leaders for the individual remain the same, though the MVP race is tight.

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby, out with the mumps but expected to return soon, has seen his MVP lead dwindle to one point – over NHL leading scorer Tyler Seguin of the Dallas Stars.

Crosby dropped from seven first-place votes two weeks ago to two this week. Seven players received first-place votes.