from Scott Burnside of ESPN,

Yeah, we know this is an exercise in wishful thinking, but if the players and owners weren't involved in another great stare-off, we'd be in the midst of training camp and the exhibition schedule and these power rankings would be wildly relevant. They still are. Trust us. So read on.

1. Los Angeles

They're the boys with the big prize, and there should be no question about where this list starts. The lockout may actually help with what would have been/will be the omnipresent Stanley Cup hangover for a Kings team that shouldn't see much of a drop-off from last spring's magical run.

2 New York

Adding Rick Nash to an already stellar defensive club, which boasts the defending Vezina Trophy winner in Henrik Lundqvist, suggests the Rangers are ready to the take final step to legitimate Cup-contender status. The lockout is also beneficial for the Rangers as Marian Gaborik continues to rehab from offseason shoulder surgery.

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