Although the playoff races remain too close to call, there was a hope of at least some definition. But then the Oilers go out and tie the Avalanche atop the Northwest Division and screw it up. But because Colorado has more wins, the Avs would win the division if the playoffs began today, and the Oilers would be bumped down to the No. 7 slot. Get it? If not, look out below for all the answers.

Western Conference		Eastern Conference
1. St. Louis vs. 8. San Jose The skinny: The way these two teams are playing, the Blues would systematically dismantle the Sharks. Even if Steve Shields plays great and Owen Nolan scores, St. Louis will win with its depth.		1. New Jersey vs. 8. Montreal The skinny: Montreal is more M.A.S.H. than hockey club, but New Jersey all of a sudden looks vulnerable, especially with the timing of coach Robbie Ftorek's dismissal. If the Devils shake their funk, it'll be lights out.
2. Dallas vs. 7. Phoenix The skinny: The whole Ed Belfour thing is a mess, but the Stars keep winning, so there's little to convince that Phoenix, even with Keith Tkachuk, could win four off these guys.		2. Toronto vs. 7. Pittsburgh The skinny: With Jaromir Jagr back, this series could be the best one in the East. Curtis Joseph would need to play great, and someone outside of Mats Sundin and Steve Thomas would have to score a clutch goal.
3. Colorado vs. 6. Edmonton The skinny: Northwest Division rivals. This would be fast and fun. The Oilers would need Mike Grier to help match up physically with the Avs, but his return is in doubt.		3. Washington vs. 6. Ottawa The skinny: Both teams play good two-way hockey. The Caps just do it better and have a better goaltender in Olaf Kolzig.
4. Detroit vs. 5. L.A. Kings The skinny: Two talented teams, but the Red Wings are just too deep. Goaltending and Zigmund Palffy's health are two question marks for the Kings.		4. Philadelphia vs. 5. Florida The skinny: Without Eric Lindros, this series will be more even than it should be. Flyers GM Bob Clarke thanks his lucky stars he has Keith Primeau. If Florida gets great goaltending from Mike Vernon or Trevor Kidd, they could win this one.

UPS AND DOWNS

On the rise: The Stars are unbeaten in their last five, and it seems no adversity is too overwhelming for these guys. It may be a bold statement, but Mike Modano may be the best player in the NHL over the last 40 games. If you don't already respect the Capitals, you better start. If Modano is the best player the last 40 games, then Washington has been the best team. And despite a loss in St. Louis on Monday, the Caps believe in themselves. Plus, they have great team chemistry. On the fall: If the Coyotes were a publicly traded stock, the exchange would consider a temporary halt in trading. In keeping with the investment theme, no one should expect a return on the $60 million the Rangers sunk into their roster. Blowing consecutive third-period leads with the season on the line should be the final knockout blow to a staggeringly disappointing season. Nearby, the Devils aren't doing so well, either. Their best defenseman on the power play can't play the rest of the season, and now they have a new coach. Oh, and the team isn't winning.

Weekend Faceoff
Anaheim at Vancouver,
Friday, 10 p.m. ET
Almost every game has meaning out West, mainly because only two teams really don't have a chance. Both the Ducks and Canucks sit on the fringe right now, so a loss could be devastating. Both clubs are playing well but are coming off losses.

Phoenix at San Jose,
Friday, 10:30 p.m. ET
Suddenly, Phoenix is No. 7. The hope is that Keith Tkachuk can find his groove in a hurry. Or at least in time to save the season. Missing the playoffs would qualify as one of the bigger bombs in league history. This team began the season 16-6-3.

New Jersey at Toronto,
Saturday, 7 p.m. ET
Both teams remain the top two seeded teams in the East, but their play of late doesn't reflect it. The Maple Leafs have lost to both Atlanta and the Islanders in the past week, while the Devils have won just twice in six games. The thought of being overtaken in the standings was once thought foolish. It now looks likely.

Phoenix at Anaheim,
Sunday, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
No matter what happens in the games leading up to this one, desperation is the best way to describe this Sunday night tilt. Pressure will be greater on Anaheim because it's a home game, but if Phoenix loses Friday in San Jose, look for major playoff intensity.