AHL Power Index: Baby Pens Rule

The NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins may find wins hard to come by, but their minor-league affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is doing just fine. The Baby Pens open in top spot on this week's AHL Power Index, a ranking of the top 10 teams in the American Hockey League.

Ranking the AHL's top 10 teams.

1.Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (4-0-0):

Boast talented forwards in Michel Ouellet, Tomas Surovy and the up-and-coming Erik Christensen, a skilled defense anchored by promising prospects Ryan Whitney and Noah Welch, and some nice muscle served up by the AHL's all-time penalty minute leader, Dennis Bonvie. Add in a terrific tandem in net with Marc-Andre Fleury and Andy Chiodo, not to mention a solid number three in Dany Sabourin, and the Baby Pens appear to have all the parts.

2.Grand Rapids Griffins: (3-1-0):

Not expected to be as strong this season, the Griffs jumped out of the gates quickly thanks to some dominating play from the league's leading scorer Jiri Hudler. The Czech native has recorded 6 goals and 4 assists in four games. Former Columbus prospect Kent McDonell has chipped in with 7 helpers.

3.Rochester Americans (3-1-0):

Always near the top of the AHL standings and this season should be no exception, especially with skilled forwards in Derek Roy, Jason Pominville and Anthony Stewart. Having the veteran pair of Michael Leighton and Jean-Marc Pelletier in net doesn't hurt either.

4.Peoria Rivermen (4-1-0):

A bit of a surprise early on, the Rivermen are led by possible breakout players Peter Sejna (5g, 3a) and Mike Glumac (2g, 5a). The new affiliate of the St. Louis Blues also sport a stout blueline plus quite possibly the toughest lineup in the American League.

5.Houston Aeros (3-1-0):

Erik Westrum, acquired in the off-season from Phoenix, has recorded 4 goals and 5 assists, pacing the Aeros while veteran forward Kirby Law has chipped in with 7 points (3g, 4a). Former Regina Pat Josh Harding has been strong between the pipes.

6.Syracuse Crunch (2-1-0):

Third team in the top ten from the very tough North Division. Syracuse boasts maybe the top trio in the league in Mark Hartigan, Peter Sarno and Joe Motzko. Also just added former NHLer Andy Delmore to boost a slumping power play, and may get top prospect Pascal Leclaire back between the pipes soon.

7.Philadelphia Phantoms (2-1-0):

Defending Calder Cup champs, the Phantoms have all the ingredients once again. Might lack the depth on the blueline, but having veteran netminder Jamie Storr in net should ease some concerns in that area.

8.Portland Pirates (2-2-0):

Rookie coach Kevin Dineen has some real talent at his disposal, led by tough as nails center Zenon Konopka. The Niagara Falls native has registered 1 goal along with 6 helpers. Prospects Dustin Penner and Tim Brent add some firepower.

9.Bridgeport Sound Tigers (2-1-1):

Have some nice talent led by Justin Papineau (4g, 4a), Rob Collins (3g, 5a) and the gritty Kevin Colley (3g, 2a). The Tigers also appear solid between the pipes with Wade Dubielewicz and vet Chris Madden.

10.Chicago Wolves (1-3-0):

Don't let the losing record fool you. The Wolves are a perennial power in the AHL and this year will be no different. Goaltending was a question mark, though recently-added NHL vet Steve Shields may provide an answer.