A cluster-f in the West

Just a random note on something that'll no doubt be fun to watch the rest of this NHL season...

Five (yes, 5) teams are tied for the final three playoff spots in the Western Conference. The Dallas Stars, the Minnesota Wild, the Edmonton Oilers, the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Phoenix Coyotes all have 53 points. The Vancuver Canucks, in 11th place, have 52 points.

take a look

If I had to pick right now, I'd say the Canucks are cooked. Five straigt losses, inconsistent play, and the subpar netminding of Roberto Luongo since his return are going to be the anchor that helps them sink deeper into the Western Conference Standings...so they're out.

I'd also cast off the Columbus Blue Jackets. I just don't see them making a significant push, and treading water won't do enough to last in this race.

The Dallas Stars are in. They are hot right now (4 straight wins) and a playoff tested, Avery-less team backed up by Marty Turco is always a safe bet. Two spots left...

The Minnesota Wild are also in. Fantastic (even if it's incredibly boring) defensive hockey and one of the best goalies in the game today are a pair that will have the Wild playing postseason hockey. One more spot to go...

Figuring out this last spot is tough, but I'm going to with the Edmonton Oilers (remind you, these picks are based largely on what I've seen so far, and what's going on at this moment). Phoenix just seems too young. They're fourth (out of 5) in their division, and the home stretch of their shedule is pretty brutal.

There is still a lot of hockey to be played though. 32 or so games left for the majority of teams, and this race is as tight as can be.

Who do you have coming out of this cluster-f?