How about the race this year for the playoffs? It is going down to the wire. Especially in the west; you have to try to figure out what is going on with the Kings and Sharks.

I really don't understand how the Sharks are only in eight place right now. A team with their talent should be controlling their own fate. Joe Thorton really has to lead his team right now. For some reason, the Sharks are having trouble putting their consistency trouble behind them. Their goaltending continues to have problems. Nitty has to get back to his Hawks days.

Kings

In LA, I thought the addition of Carter would put them in the clear for the playoffs. But the Kings' offensive problems seems to continue. Sutter somehow has to put this team in another dimension. There is no excuse for a team that has Kopitar, Richards, and Carter and now Brown and Williams, I am totally confused as to why this team has the issues they do.

In Calgary, the Flames continue to be up and down. The only thing that is consistent is their inconsistency. And of course injuries, and more injuries, which really tells me Kipper is going to have to be at his best.

The Avs have to be one of the most exciting young teams in the league. They refuse to give up. Rookie forward Landeskog has all the makings of a gifted young forward for many years to come. Ryan O'Reilly leads this team in scoring; he is also a great young forward. The Avs are young and could be a force before the end of the season.

The Coyotes have been struggling, and losing Hanzal for any length of time would not be good. But you have to marvel about how Smith has saved his career this season. He has to be the story this year. If he can continue to do so, he might be able to hold them in the playoffs. The Coyotes must continue to score. Doan will have to lead this team to the playoff drive.

Fan Poll

Which team do you pick to fade for the playoff hunt?