Teams #5 and #6
#6 – San Jose Sharks
Last Ranking: NR
Record: 30-18-8, 68 points
While missing the best beard in the NHL for the rest of the season, the Sharks are fighting for their playoff lives. Still, the team is lacking consistency. They win a few in a row and follow the streak by losing consecutive games. Wins on the road in Columbus and Carolina are worthy to note, but the Sharks struggle against current playoff teams. Can they make a run to April? They will need to beat some really good teams in order to do that. Including the Nashville Predator, whom they face twice.
#5 – St. Louis Blues
Last Ranking: #4
Record: 34-21-3, 71 points
The Blues could be the best team in the Western Conference, but lack consistency from game to game. While they are 6-4-0 in their last 10 games, the goal differential is surprising. In their six wins, the Blues outscored their opponents 21-5, including two shutouts. Those teams? Ottawa, Colorado, Montreal, Buffalo, Colorado again, and the Winnepeg Jets. However, in their four losses (against Arizona, Boston, Minnesota, and Pittsburgh) they are being outscored 18-5.