Was the Chicago Blackhawks impressive start to the season enough to get them the top spot in the NHL Power Rankings? Here, Viktor Stalberg (25) is congratulated by his teammates for scoring a goal against the St. Louis Blues during the third period at the United Center. The Blackhawks beat the Blues 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

If fan reaction and television ratings are a good indicator, then the NHL is back stronger than it has been in years. There were both surprises and upsets in this first week. There were some impressive debuts by young players ( Damien Brunner and Jonathan Huberdeau ), along with great games by some of the league’s old guard. Teemu Selanne, 42, and Jaromir Jagr, 40, both had two goals and two assists over the weekend. Martin Brodeur, 40, picked up a win for the New Jersey Devils on opening day, as well. The competition will be fierce and every game will have a playoff feel, as the teams battle during a lockout-shortened season. Goalies will be put to the test and teams can ill afford to stay in a rut for too long. Here is how I see things, now that we have a few games in the books.

January 23, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Brandon Sutter (16) moves the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Toronto Maple Leafs won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

1. Pittsburgh Penguins- With a lineup featuring Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and James Neal, the Pengiuns are as good a bet as any to win the championship. They beat the Flyers and Rangers on the road, despite 0-10 shooting from Crosby and Malkin. Along with having strong scorers, their defense also begins the season on fire.

2. Chicago Blackhawks- Corey Crawford, something of a question mark at goalie after his playoff showing last season, is off to a great start. As is, Marian Hossa. Getting out of the gate strong is important for Chicago, who have a slew of road games scheduled at the start of the season.

3. St. Louis Blues- Many people’s pick to win the Stanley Cup, the Blues exploded out of the blocks, sending the Redwings reeling in a 6-0 opening night shutout. G Jaroslav Halek can be up and down, so look for Brian Elliot to get plenty of ice time as well, as the Blues may ride the hot hand at times. T.J. Oshie is primed for a breakout season.

4. Boston Bruins- The Bruins are big and fast. Tuukaa Rask should take over nicely for a retired (at least for the moment) Tim Thomas. They have a pretty soft schedule to begin the year, too. Tyler Seguin is expected to have a good year.

5. Los Angeles Kings- Sure, they’re off to a slow start, but there is too much talent on this team to slip too far down the list. G Jonathan Quick needs to step it up, and they’ve suffered some early injuries ( Anze Kopitar and Willie Mitchell ), but the Kings aren’t ready to give up their crown just yet.

6. Minnesota Wild- Newcomers Zach Parise and Ryan Suter have the Wild feeling pretty optimistic about their chances. The youngster, Mikael Granlund, is another player to watch.

7. Tampa Bay Lightning- Steve Stamkos and Martin St.Louis lead a team that many are pegging as a sleeper pick.

8. San Jose Sharks- If Antti Niemi can hold his own, the Sharks could really surprise. Patrick Marleau will again be a force to reckon with.

9. New York Rangers- The Rangers acquired Rick Nash and are considered a real contender as the season begins. They have stumbled out of the gate defensively, but Henrik Lundqvist will keep them in most games. They always start slow, so I wouldn’t panic just yet.

10. Buffalo Sabres- Thomas Vanek began the season like a man possessed, with two goals and three assists vs. the Flyers on Sunday. Ryan Miller is one of my favorite goalies and I look for a big year from him.

March 12 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Kyle Palmieri (51) intercepts a pass to Colorado Avalanche right wing Milan Hejduk (23) during the first period of the game at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

11. Anaheim Ducks- I think this team is better than a lot of people give them credit for. They have a kid named Kyle Palmieri, who can become one of the league’s top new stars, in my opinion. He’s joined by Selanne and Corey Perry on a talented Ducks squad.

12. Philadelphia Flyers- This is a team that should have no problem making the playoffs. They have definitely played poorly thus far, but like most of the teams on here, it’s hard to gage them over just two or three games. If they have a clear weak spot, I’d say it is Ilya Bryzgalov at goalie. He has never impressed me much.

13. Vancouver Canucks- This team is one of the better defensive teams out there, but you wouldn’t know it from their first couple of games. A trade of goalie Roberto Luongo is reported to happen soon, so maybe they can improve themselves a bit.

14. Phoenix Coyotes- This team went to the Western Conference finals last year. They can put up some points and normally boast a stellar defense. Look for goalie Mike Smith to overcome a slow start.

15. New Jersey Devils- Martin Brodeur is still an elite goalie and the team plays excellent defense. The team will get a boost when Adam Henrique returns from thumb surgery.

16. Detroit Redwings- There is no way around it, The Redwings are going to miss Niklas Lidstrom more than they may have even realized. The defense also just took another hit with an injury to Ian White. The bright spot is Swiss forward, Damien “Blade” Brunner, who is already a fan favorite after three games. Zetterberg, Datsyuk, and Franzen still have some gas in the tank too, make no mistake about it.

17. Washington Capitols- Alex Ovechkin is no longer the best player in the league, but Washington needs a big year from him to truly contend. Nicklas Backstrom says he is healthy, and the goalie situation will play itself out as the season progresses.

18. Florida Panthers- Florida is a team to watch in the tightly contested Southeast Division. Jose Theodore is an up and coming goalie, and Jonathan Huberdeau, the third overall pick in 2011, is one of the league’s top prospects.

19. Ottawa Senators- The Senators have the best defensive player in the league in Erik Karlsson and an under-rated goalie in Craig Anderson. They, along with one of the better coaches in the league in Paul MacLean, will enable the Senators to contend in the Northeast Division.

20. Dallas Stars- Jaromir Jagr has paced the team so far and the Stars have also added Ray Whitney and Derek Roy. Now if they can get Jamie Benn signed, we’ll see if they have adequately addressed their offensive concerns.

21. Colorado Avalanche- A good, young team. However, Semyon Varlamov is an unproven goalie and Ryan O’Reilly remains unsigned.

22. Carolina Hurricanes- Jordan Staal and Alexander Semin have become stars and I really like their coach, Kirk Muller. There are questions at goalie and the Hurricanes haven’t made the playoffs since 2009.

23. Edmonton Oilers- You’d think with as many top draft picks as the Oilers have garnered in the last several years, that they would be a cinch for the playoffs. Devan Dubnyk and Justin Schultz might help return the team to prominence.

24. Toronto Maple Leafs- It’s been a long playoff drought for Toronto, but if they can land Roberto Luongo, that would be a big help.

25. Columbus Blue Jackets- New President Of Hockey Operations, John Davidson, has his work cut out for him. Rick Nash is gone to the Big Apple, but maybe young stars Artem Anisimov and Ryan Johansen will provide some punch.

26. Winnepeg Jets- It’s time for Dustin Byfuglien, Ondrej Pavelec, and Evander Kane to show if they can take the Jets to the next level. They are a bad road team that will be under the gun in this shortened season.

27. Calgary Flames- Jarome Iginla is not yet 100%, and workhorse goalie Miikka Kiprusoff will again be used and abused. This team fades a bit more every year, it seems.

28. Nashville Predators- The loss of Ryan Suter is huge and this team will have to really step it up offensively to seriously contend.

Jan 22, 2013; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov (79) celebrates his goal against Florida Panthers with teammate left wing Max Pacioretty (67) during the first period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

29. Montreal Canadiens- Stellar defenseman P.K. Subban remains unsigned. Promising youngster Alex Galchenyuk is up with the big boys, but may not be ready just yet.

30. New York Islanders- The Islanders have one of the league’s poorer defenses, and even at 48 games, this should be a long season for them.

LeBron James and the Miami Heat begin their title defense tonight against the visting Celtics. Photo by Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

The MLB World Series is over and there seems that no end is in sight for the NHL strike. If your favorite NFL team is struggling, you can now turn your attention to the start of the 2012-13 NBA season. Here is how I rank the teams as play begins this week….

1. MIAMI HEAT- The pressure is now off of Lebron James to win an NBA title, and the defending champions have added veteran sharpshooter Ray Allen to the team. Ray will be a happier, more productive player away from Boston and his reputed nemesis, Rajon Rondo. The Heat have earned the right to the top spot to begin the season.

2. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER- Now that James Harden’s contract is no longer a distraction, the Thunder can begin their quest to reclaim the Western Conference title. Newcomer Kevin Martin is a more than capable SG. The Thunder are a young, tenacious team that will certainly challenge for the championship again.

October 25, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash (10) defends during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Valley View Casino Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

3. LOS ANGELES LAKERS- They unloaded the moody, oft-injured Andrew Bynum and added Dwight Howard, Steve Nash, Antawn Jamison, and Jodie Meeks. They greatly improved their roster and will give the Thunder all they can handle in the West.

4. INDIANA PACERS- The Pacers often get overshadowed by their big market rivals in Boston, Miami, and L.A., but they are a young, talented team that is very well-coached . Paul George is on the cusp of becoming a superstar and the team added depth by acquiring D.J. Augustin, Gerald Green, and Ian Mahinmi. The Pacers also shelled out the cash to bring back All-Star center Roy Hibbert and hometown favorite, George Hill.

5. BOSTON CELTICS- Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce still have gas in the tank and the Celtics will have a healthy Jeff Green to start the season. Darko Milicic, Jason Terry, and Ohio State standout Jared Sullinger, will also all contribute.

6. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS- The Clippers certainly have the talent to make a run. However, Grant Hill and Chauncey Billups both begin the season injured. Also, Lamar Odom showed up to training camp overweight and out of shape. If they can get everybody focused and on the court together at the same time, look out !

7. SAN ANTONIO SPURS- The Spurs return virtually the same team as last year. The veteran team is led by the league’s most respected coach and are always a threat.

8. DENVER NUGGETS- The Nuggets may sneak up on some people. They have one of the league’s best point guards in Ty Lawson. They also added Andre Iguodala to an already potent offense.

9. BROOKLYN NETS- Even though the Nets couldn’t land big fish Dwight Howard, they are still a very much improved club. Joe Johnson, Andray Blatche, and Gerald Wallace all help make them a formidable opponent. Deron Williams is an elite PG and a true superstar.

10. PHILADELPHIA 76ers- Everything hinges on Andrew Bynum. It’s still a question just when he will make his 76ers debut, and we all know of his injuries and tantrums while with the Lakers. Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner will handle the backcourt nicely, but they will miss Iguodala and his scoring ability.

11. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES- The Grizzlies also have a scoring gap to fill with the departure of O.J. Mayo. If they can keep everybody healthy for once, they’ll be pretty tough. Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Mike Conley, and Marc Gasol are all supreme talents.

12. NEW YORK KNICKS- The Knicks will play well most nights, but I still don’t think Amare and Carmelo have much chemistry and they have added a bunch of aging players to the squad. Jason Kidd, Rasheed Wallace, Marcus Camby, and Kurt Thomas are all over 38 years old.

13. CHICAGO BULLS- Can they stay in the playoff hunt until Derrick Rose returns at mid-season ? I believe they will, due to good coaching and a fierce defense. Nate Robinson, Kirk Hinrich, and rookie Marcus Teague, will try to hold down the fort until Rose gets back.

14. UTAH JAZZ- The Jazz welcome Mo Williams and Randy Foye to a team with an already talented group of players, led by big men Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap.

15. ATLANTA HAWKS- The loss of Joe Johnson will hurt initially, but I don’t expect them to fall off much. The Hawks are planning for the future by managing their salary cap concerns now. I’m a Lou Williams fan and I expect him to put up good numbers this year.

16. DETROIT PISTONS- Rookie Andre Drummond will help shore up a frontcourt that already boasts Greg Monroe, Jason Maxiell, and Tayshaun Prince. Rodney Stuckey and Brandon Knight are a capable guard tandem.

17. MILWAUKEE BUCKS- The Bucks have a high octane backcourt with Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis. As for up front, I like Ersan Ilyasova, but Samuel Dalembert doesn’t scare anybody. Team defense will be a concern.

Oct 22, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks shooting guard O.J. Mayo (32) dribbles the ball past New Orleans Hornets shooting guard Austin Rivers (25) during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Hornets 87-74. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

18. DALLAS MAVERICKS- I’m not enthused by the offseason moves made by Mark Cuban. Elton Brand and O.J. Mayo have both seen their best days pass them by and Chris Kaman gets hurt every year. Darren Collison is an adequate PG, but was regularly outplayed by George Hill while with the Pacers. The crushing blow to the Mavs was losing Dirk Nowitzki for the first six weeks of the year. They’ll make the playoffs, but not do much else.

19. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS- Defense will be a problem for the Warriors. If Mark Jackson can impose his work ethic on this team and keep Stephen Curry and Andrew Bogut healthy (no small task), this team could surprise.

20. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS- LaMarcus Aldridge is a stud, but the Blazers need more depth inside. Rookie Damian Lillard will supply some spark in the backcourt.

21. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS- I like where this team is headed. Eric Gordon is an awesome talent. Ryan Anderson joins the squad, along with promising rookies, Anthony Davis and Austin Rivers. They’ll improve, but are still a year or two away from contention.

22. PHOENIX SUNS- I like this team’s starting five, but I’m not impressed with their bench. PG Goran Dragic should have a good year and they’ve added the so-far underachieving, Michael Beasley. Marcin Gortat is a big presence in the post and will be backed up by the aging, Jermaine O’Neal.

23. SACRAMENTO KINGS- Isaiah Thomas is an emerging talent. DeMarcus Cousins is a beast if they can keep his emotions under control. Tyreke Evans and Jimmer Fredette need to take it up a notch.

24. TORONTO RAPTORS- Newcomer Kyle Lowry is one of the league’s most under-rated players. DeMar DeRozan and rookie C Jonas Valanciunas should help this team out, too.

25. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS- Kyrie Irving is one of the NBA’s up and coming stars. Anderson Varejao returns from injury, but there is not much else to be excited about here. The selection of Dion Waiters with the fourth overall pick was a head-scratcher.

26. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES- They are behind the eight ball from the start with both Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio out for the first couple of months. Brandon Roy tries to return to form, and if he can, would be a huge addition.

27. WASHINGTON WIZARDS- John Wall will miss the first month, and Nene is having problems with plantar fasciitis, which can be a nagging injury. Should be a long year for the Wizards.

Oct 26, 2012; Orlando, FL, USA; Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin (7) brings the ball to the front court during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIRE

28. HOUSTON ROCKETS- Jeremy Lin tries to justify his $25 million contract, after shooting an abysmal 25 % in the preseason. James Harden joins an otherwise unimpressive roster.

29. ORLANDO MAGIC- This team’s best players are Aaron Afflalo, Glen” Big Baby “ Davis, and Hedo Turkoglu. Not much to get excited about.

30. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has promise. While Byron Mullens has been very impressive in the preseason, the Bobcats should be the doormat of the NBA once again.