Pacific Division Update: March 11th 2012

Place/Team	Games Played	WINS	LOSSES	OTL	Points	ROW	GF	GA	DIFF	HOME	AWAY	S/O	L10	Streak
1. Dallas Stars	69	38	26	5	81	32	185	183	+2	20-12-3	18-14-2	6-4	9-0-1	WON 5
2. Phoenix Coyotes	69	34	25	10	78	29	178	173	+5	18-12-5	16-13-5	5-7	5-4-1	WON 1
3. San Jose Sharks	67	33	25	9	75	27	184	173	+11	19-11-3	14-14-6	6-5	2-6-2	LOST 1
4. Los Angeles Kings	68	31	25	12	74	27	151	150	+1	17-13-4	14-12-8	4-7	4-5-1	LOST 2
5. Anaheim Ducks	69	29	30	10	68	26	171	193	-22	18-14-2	11-16-8	3-6	4-6-0	LOST 2

This week has brought about more changes in the divisional standings. Dallas has managed to slide past Phoenix and San Jose to lead the division. The division lead is going to prove crucial as the 3rd seed is far better than the current 7th and 8th. Dallas is looking for separation as the others play catch up. San Jose has an advantage seeing as they have 2 games in hand on most of the division. Very few points separate the NHL's closest division.

15 Points

Canadian Swing - The Dallas Stars had a huge Canadian road trip were they claimed a much needed 6 points which has propelled them into 3rd in the Western Conference. 

Sweet Spot - The Stars are 9-0-1 in their last ten games and are currently on a 5 game winning streak. They are getting hot at the right time of year.

Take a Bow -  Since The All-star Break the Stars top line of Loui Eriksson, Mike Ribeiro and Michael Ryder have been on fire. 45 points combined over 17 games for the top trio.

Mike Ribeiro

Ouch! - After an excellent February the Coyotes have picked up only 3 points in 6 games in February for a record of 1-4-1. 

Familiar Faces - 5 divisional games for Phoenix in the final month of the season. 3 versus San Jose ( the first of which the Coyotes won 3 - 0 on Saturday), 1 against Dallas as well as 1 against Anaheim.

Fending Off the Sharks -  Mike Smith posted a 42 save shutout against San Jose on Saturday. Great time for your goalie to be red hot.

Struggling - The Sharks are struggling as of late for a team on the bubble. They are 2-6-2 in their last 10 and that is simply not good enough. They need a big month, one that includes 8 divisional games.

Happy Birthday! - San Jose F Michal Handzus turned 34 today!

Leading the Way - Sharks captain Joe Thornton has 10 points over his last ten games which is what the Sharks need more of as the season is nearing the end.

Joe Pavelski

The New Guy - Jeff Carter has only managed to record points in 2 of his 7 games with the Los Angeles Kings. Although he ha 4 Pts and 0 +/-  with the club, they need more production from him.

.500 - Los Angeles is failing to play .500 hockey over the last couple of weeks and that will not get them into the playoffs.

Goals Against - Los Angeles has let in 13 goals in 4 games in the month of March. For a team that prides its self on defensive play to win games, this is surprising.

So Close - Anaheim Ducks F Teemu Selanne is sitting at 1,398 career regular season points.

Slipping Away - Almost as fast as they caught up, the Ducks are seeing themselves fall out of the playoff picture.

Divisional Games - Los Angeles vs Anaheim Friday March 16th


What to Watch:

1)Teemu Selanee - Should get the 2 points pretty soon
2)Stars top line - they are on fire
3)Mike Smith - Playing at the greatest level of his game right now
4)The Dallas Stars - they are playing amazing hockey