There are three new teams in my NHL top five, including a new number one. Streaks are the name of the game right now.

Overall, the NHL has been quiet this week news-wise. The sale of the Predators went final and the first notable trade of the season took place.

Rankings

Top Five

1. New Jersey Devils (16 - 10 - 2) - The Devils added another perfect week to their schedule. They defeated the Caps, Boston and Atlanta to increase their win streak to nine games. Since Martin Brodeur earned his 500^th career win at goalie on Nov. 17, he has been dominant between the pipes reflecting back to the Stanley Cup days of the Devils. The Devils and Brodeur are the hottest team in the NHL, and I don't think that will be changing soon.

2. Detroit Red Wings (20 - 6 - 2) - Detroit beat all three opponents in the last week, including a 4 - 1 win over Montreal and a 5 - 0 shutout against Minnesota, both quality opponents. The Red Wings are on a five game win streak.

3. San Jose Sharks (15 - 8 - 4) - The Sharks have been hot of late having winning four straight, including two over Colorado and a win over Dallas. Evgeni Nabokov has played all 27 games at goalie this year for the Sharks and if he continues to stay hot and healthy, the Sharks cold make a strong push toward the top of the NHL.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins (14 - 12 - 2) - The Penguins were in my bottom five a few weeks back. Since, they have won six of seven and have moved into the eighth and final playoff position in the Eastern Conference. They now sit only four points out of second. Sidney Crosby leads all players right now in All-star votes.

5. Ottawa Senators (18 - 7 - 3) - Early in the week, Ottawa lost two more bringing their losing streak to seven. However, wins over Florida and Dallas keep them just inside the top five.

Bottom Five

26. Calgary Flames (11 - 13 - 5) - The Flames are losers of five of their last six with their two losses this week coming in one overtime game and one shootout. They have been able to keep a handful of games close this year, but have fallen short too many times.

27. Phoenix Coyotes (12 - 15 - 0) - The Coyotes lost three more games this week and only picked up one win. They also have lost five of their last six.

28. New York Islanders (13 - 12 - 2) - The Islanders are fading fast after a really good start to the season. They lost all four games in the last week and have lost eight of 10.

29. Los Angeles Kings (11 - 15 - 2) - The Kings haven't faired well this year. They did pick up a big win over Buffalo this week, but they also lost three more games during the past seven days.

30. Washington Capitals (9 - 17 - 2) - The Caps lost to New Jersey and are the only team without double-digit wins thus far this season. So much for the proclaimed rebuild being over. The Caps are the bottom of the NHL and haven't made plans to change it.

Going once, going twice, sold at $ 193 million

The Predators Holdings LLC officially bought the Predators for $193 million.

The new group of owners immediately went to work as they signed David Legwand, who owns several of Nashville's records, to a six-year extension.

The city of Nashville must still vote on the lease for the Predators' arena. The Nashville Metro Sports Authority and Sports Council still hold the cards to whether or not the Preds could stay in Nashville.

If they turn down the lease, the Predators will likely leave Nashville.

Let the trading (and confusion) begin

The NHL has been known for lots of trades during the regular season. Because there are so many minor league affiliates, its hard to keep track of the trading season, as players move so quickly.

Trades normally kick up around Christmas break and get heavier until the trade deadline in February. Several trades contain some big question marks to what the GM's were thinking.

The first notable trade thus far occurred Thursday. The Boston Bruins acquired goaltender Alex Auld from Phoenix for a player and a draft pick. The confusion for me with this pick was that Boston gave up a fifth round pick and a decent third liner for a back up goaltender to allow their current back-up to go to the minor leagues for conditioning.

The point of having the minor leagues is to develop players. In this point, I can't understand why the Bruins didn't call up a younger goalie or just leave the back up duties to a capable Tuukka Rask.

Local Flavor

The No. 7 Tennessee Ice Vols are on their winter break as players have a recess from playing to allow for taking finals and finishing up the school semester.

The Ice Vols are currently 7 - 5. Their next game will not be until January 11 at Georgia.