Vancouver Canucks (25-25-7, 57 points)
Since a 3-2 overtime win against the Flames on Dec. 29, the Canucks are 6-7-3. That's kept them in the mix, two points behind the Blues and Wild. The future is bright with 20-year-old center Elias Pettersson, who leads NHL rookies with 25 goals, 26 assists and 51 points, but it remains to be seen if the Canucks have enough to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2014-15 season.
Colorado Avalanche (22-22-11, 55 points)
The Avalanche were tied with the Predators for most points in the conference with 39 following a 5-2 win against the Florida Panthers on Dec. 6. They are 5-15-6 since then, including three overtime losses on their recent three-game road trip. They are 1-10 in games decided in overtime.
Chicago Blackhawks (23-24-9, 55 points)
Chicago has catapulted from last in the West with 41 points on Jan. 18 to within four points of the second wild card with seven straight wins. Forward Patrick Kane, who is tied with Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers for second in the NHL with 81 points (33 goals, 48 assists), is leading the way and has had at least one point in 14 consecutive games (31 points; 11 goals, 20 assists), the longest current point streak in the NHL.