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Western Conference The Top 4 in the Western Conference are putting together play-off runs that would make the Eastern Conference leaders drool. The Blues continue to ride the league's hottest goalie to stay atop the division. The Red Wings face an uphill battle to catch the Blues, while the Bourque acquisition is looking better and better for Colorado. Who are we forgetting ... that's right, the defending Stanley Cup Champs. Turek's Syndrome St. Louis Blues 78GP, 49W, 18L, 0OTL, 11T, 109 PTS If a hot goalie is the key to happiness in the playoffs, then color the Blues tickled pink. Roman Turek, 7-1-3 in March, posted a miserly 1.34 GAA and .940 save percentage. And if the Detroit Red Wings don't have enough problems trying to catch the West-leading Blues, St. Louis finishes its season against Calgary and Chicago (twice). (return to top) Go figure Dallas Stars 77GP, 43W, 26L, 5OTL, 8T, 99 PTS The defending Cup champs have 99 points with five games to play - and not a chance of winning the Conference. Like all the rest of the West leaders, the Stars understand that the way to approach the playoffs is to win games, and they have gone 7-2-1 in their past 10. Mike Modano has had the hot hand, posting a 25% shooting average, good for 12P (8G, 11A) in the month of March. (return to top) All Bourqued-up for the playoffs Colorado Avalanche 78GP, 38W, 29L, 1OTL, 11T, 88 PTS Since acquiring D Raymond Bourque, Colorado has gone 8-2-1, with their key addition adding 12P (7G, 5A) to the equation. And they may still need all the help they can get. Of the Western leaders, Colorado is the only one facing a challenge for a top tournament berth. After 78 games, the Edmonton Oilers were just four points behind Colorado, with games left against San Jose, the Avs, Vancouver, and Calgary. (return to top) Go figure, Part II Detroit Red Wings 79GP, 47W, 22L, 2TL, 10T, 106 PTS What kind of world is it where a team can put up 106-plus points - and finish FOURTH?. The Wings have a mathematical chance of catching St. Louis, but somebody with more points than Tampa Bay and the New York Islanders combined will finish fourth. If they are going to catch the Blues, they will have to beat Montreal (fighting for their playoff lives), Washington (the team that will win the East), and Colorado (who may have to win the last game of the season to stay in the Top 4).
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