Western Conference
Six teams — the Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames — have all but secure postseason passes. The Flames should give the Wild a strong run for the Northwest title and the third seed.

Barring a miraculous run by the St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks or Columbus Blue Jackets, the battle for the final two playoff spots should boil down to the Vancouver Canucks, Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators and Phoenix Coyotes.

Canucks
Vancouver G.M. Dave Nonis resisted the urge to gut his team for Brad Richards and instead held on to gritty forward Ryan Kesler. The Canucks will rely on defense and strong goaltending by Roberto Luongo to get in, but they don't have the depth to compete with Detroit or Dallas.
Prediction: In

Avalanche
The Avs reached into their past by adding center Peter Forsberg and defenseman Adam Foote, along with defenseman Ruslan Salei. Losing right winger Marek Svatos (knee) for the rest of the season hurts, and the team needs Ryan Smyth to return after being out with a concussion. But the Avs are deep enough to make the cut.
Prediction: In

Predators
Nashville picked up forwards Brandon Bochenski and Jan Hlavac and is within striking distance of the Canucks and Avs. But unless Chris Mason or Dan Ellis gets incredibly hot in goal, there's not enough talent for the Preds to crack the eighth spot.
Prediction: Out

Coyotes
Phoenix has made major strides under coach Wayne Gretzky and is headed in the right direction with rookie centers Peter Mueller and Martin Hanzal. But the Coyotes aren't as talented as the Avalanche or Canucks.
Prediction: Out

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