2) Boston Bruins - After setting the league on fire in the final two months of 2011 with a record of 21-3-1, the Bruins cooled off in January. However, the league leading goal differential of +69 is simply staggering.
3) Detroit Red Wings - Aside from the 7-2 shellacking from the Canadiens in their pre all-star finale, the Wings have done nothing but impress all season. The pinnacle win for the Wings this year, their 3-1 victory over the Blues last week in maybe the most physical and intense game of the season (minus Canucks/Bruins of course). Just when you think they are finally old and soft, they bully the heaviest team in the NHL.
4) Vancouver Canucks - The emergence of Cody Hodgson, in a January in which he crept into the Calder race, means this team may not have to sell high on one of their assets. Instead, picking up a gritty forward or some sandpaper on defence for the Sedin protection program, may be all the Canucks need to get over the hump.
5) Pittsburgh Penguins - A seven game win streak going into the All-star break, led by Hart frontrunner, Evgeni Malkin, propelled the Pens back into the thick of the playoff hunt. That will need to continue in you-know-who's absence.
6) Philadelphia Flyers - The Flyers will look to avoid being swept for the second straight season by the Thrashers/Jets franchise when they host Winnipeg tonight. If the Flyers can get healthy, they can go toe to toe with any team in the league. But that's a big if.
7) San Jose Sharks - Under the radar all season, the Sharks are starting to catch the scent in the water. Maybe it's their year, when its finally not really expected of them. Surely however, they'll have to improve on their 27th ranked penalty kill, a problem in which they should target via deadline deal.
9) St. Louis Blues - With the second best record in the West, the Blues had no skaters represent the team at the All-Star game, with Brian Elliot the only participant. But that's just not their style. Under Hitch, the Blues define team concept and will go as far as their All-Star snub captain, David Backes, will take them.
10) Chicago Blackhawks - The Blackhawks stumbled into the All-Star break, dropping two straight to the Predators. However, before the weekend began, the Hawks quietly acquired a very valuable asset in Brendan Morrison, giving up next to nothing in the process. This deal could prove to be the deadline steal.
Middle of the Pack
11) Los Angeles Kings - Figuring to be one of the more aggressive teams at the deadline, the Kings may be better off holding. I don't see them contending in the deep waters of the Western Conference playoffs this season. Wait til next year Dean, because Ales Hemsky won't get you there.
12) Washington Capitals - Don't look now, but the Caps are third in the East. The Southeast division and home ice in the first round is now there's to lose and despite a tough year thus far, Ovechkin is the sleeping giant you don't want to wake.
13) Ottawa Senators - No matter what happens from here on in, Paul MacLean deserves to get the hardware in Vegas. After an exciting first half for the Sens and a great All-Star weekend, in which the fans and organization gave Daniel Alfredsson the greatest thanks, this season should already be considered a success.
14) Anaheim Ducks - The team no one will want to play in the second half of the season, that is, if they don't firesale. The Ducks are red hot, earning 17 points in their last ten games. If Ryan Getzlaf starts playing like Ryan Getzlaf, this team could push for a playoff spot.
15) Toronto Maple Leafs - Brian Burke has less than 24 hours to pull off his annual January blockbuster. Clock's ticking.
16) New Jersey Devils - Marty Brodeur is "leaning towards" coming back for his 19th season for the Devils. Good news or bad?
17) Florida Panthers - After a strong start, the Panthers are certainly slipping. The next few weeks will go a long way in determining whether the Panthers are buyers or sellers at the deadline as they play within the division for the first four games out of the break.
18) Tampa Bay Lightning - The Lighning won four straight before the All-Star break, but lost six straight previous. The season may be too far gone, but I expect the Lightning to do nothing but ascend the list in the next few months.
19) Minnesota Wild - Despite a horrendous month of January, the Wild clawed back into a playoff position with back to back wins going into the break. Their relevance down the stretch will depend entirely on the health of Mikko Koivu, currently sidelined with a bum shoulder.
20) Colorado Avalanche - Like the Wild, the Avs will need their best player, Matt Duchene, to return from injury as soon as possible, if they hope to nab a playoff birth. They are currently sitting a point out of eighth and after tonight's game in Edmonton, a four game homestand holds crucial points.
Basement
21) Dallas Stars - Jamie Benn got some well-deserved national attention this weekend. Not because he narrowly avoided the last pick embarrassment, but with his pinpoint shooting accuracy.
22) Calgary Flames - For another year, the Flames are buyers that should be sellers.
23) Phoenix Coyotes - Likely no playoffs and a league worst attendance surely won't silence relocation rumblings.
24) Winnipeg Jets - With a suspected off-ice incident sidelining Kane for the foreseeable future, his reputation and a potential playoff push for the Jets, both take a gigantic hit.
25) Montreal Canadiens - The rout of the Wings on the last game before the break allowed Habs fans to forget what has been a disastrous season, for one night, at least.
26) New York Islanders - Too bad John Tavares' talents are hidden on the Island.
27) Carolina Hurricanes - Signing Tim Gleason to a $16 million dollar extension doesn't excatly scream seller.
28) Buffalo Sabres - Four months ago, I wouldn't have believed Derek Roy had the potential to be sold at the deadline.
29) Edmonton Oilers - Another February yard sale in Edmonton will only welcome more young talent to the organization.
30) Columbus Blue Jackets - Out with Nash, in with Nail.
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