1/19 Power Rankings Roundup: Western Canada swing vaults Preds up in rankings

The Nashville Predators, 29-17-3, swept a 3 game road trip against Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary last week and moved into the pack of the elite teams in most power rankings. The Predators got good goaltending and much improved special teams on the road trip, and took over sole possession of 4th place in the Western Conference.

Follow after the jump where Nashville averages out at 6th, as high as 3rd, and once again the Chicago Blackhawks are considered the league's top squad...

Things couldn't have gone better on a three-game swing through Western Canada. They knocked off the Canucks, Oilers and Flames while limiting them to five goals. The sweep gave them 15 road wins, just one fewer than they had all of last season. They can top that with four of their next five away, including tough matches against the Yotes, Avs and Wings. Their chances look better with Jason Arnott scheduled to return this week after missing the Canadian trip

Wes Goldstein from CBSSports.com puts the Predators in 6th, up 3:

No surprise that Barry Trotz was given a contract extension last week to remain as the only coach this franchise has known.

TSN.ca still refuse to give the Preds a top 10 spot, putting them up 3 to 13th:

A sweep through Western Canada, along with the return of C Jason Arnott from injury, gives the Preds a move up this week. The defensive game has been strong as the Predators have won seven of nine, allowing 18 goals in those nine games.

Robert Picarello from FoxSports.com has Nashville in 6th, up 4:

For the second week in a row, Patric Hornqvist was clutch for Nashville. The 23-year-old winger posted three points in three games in Week 16, including two of his team's three game-winning goals.

The Hockey News' Ryan Dixon places the Predators way up in 3rd, up 7 spots:

Sophomore Patric Hornqvist has been hot for a month, with 13 goals and 19 points over his last 16 games.

The Sporting News' Craig Custance moves Nashville up 4 to 6th:

If Nashville can only keep one goalie beyond this season, it's a no-brainer: Pekka Rinne should be the priority.

ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun moves the Preds up six spots to 5th:

A sweep in Western Canada last week as the Preds keep shocking the world.