More photos » Gene J. Puskar - AP

5 months ago: New York Rangers Marian Gaborik, second from left, celebrates his third period goal with teammates Vinny Prospal (20), Brandon Dubinsky, center, and Matt Filroy, right, during a NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh Friday, Oct. 2, 2009. The Penguins won 3-2. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

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SB Nation's NHL Power Rankings, Week 1: Capitals Claim Top Spot
Every Tuesday, SB Nation will present our weekly NHL Power Rankings as voted on by the writers for SB Nation Hockey. Powered by Alex Ovechkin the Washington Capitals have leaped into the top spot in our first official week of power rankings, despite impressive outings by Pittsburgh and Philadelphia over the weekend as well.

Wild Chat with Michael Russo | StarTribune.com
Make sure you're able to participate in the chat! I'll post a recap after.

Marian Gaborik paying quick dividends for New York Rangers
No one disputes Marian Gaborik's skill. It's his health that always seems to be the main topic when it comes to the sublimely skilled Slovak forward.

In fifth season, Koivu stands at center stage
In his native Finland, it's Mikko who's now the big deal. He is followed by paparazzi and graces the cover of Finland's version of EA Sports' "NHL 10" video game. Not only did Koivu lead the Wild in scoring last season, he had more points (67) than any Finnish NHLer.

Bouchard at center has its awkward moments
Todd Richards continues to give Pierre-Marc Bouchard every opportunity to seize the No. 2 center spot, but as the Wild coach showed during Saturday's season-opening 2-1 loss at Columbus, he won't delay giving Bouchard a seat on the bench either.

Hitchcock likes Burns for the Olympics
Choosing Canada's Olympic roster will fall largely onto the shoulders of executive director Steve Yzerman and head coach Mike Babcock, but if Ken Hitchcock was picking the team, it sounds like Brent Burns would be Vancouver-bound come February.