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Northwest Division Watch (February 25)

Martin Havlat, Mark Giordano

Minnesota Wild Martin Havlat, right, from the Czech Republic, is checked into the boards by Calgary Flames’ Mark Giordano during second-period NHL hockey game action in Calgary, Alberta, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff McIntosh)

AP

Every week, we’ll provide updates for each division. The biggest contenders and/or closest races will receive the greatest amount of attention.

Note: I’ll keep commentary to the teams who are in the most pressing situations, so nothing on the Canucks, Avalanche or Oilers.

Bold = playoff contender; Italics = likely lottery fodder.

Northwest Division outlook (February 25 -March 3)

1. Vancouver Canucks (39-14-9 for 87 pts; 62 Games Played)

Current streak: One win

Week ahead: Three home games - vs. Boston (Saturday), vs. Columbus (Tuesday) and Nashville (Thursday).

2. Minnesota Wild (32-23-6 for 70 pts; 61 GP)

Current streak: One loss.

Week ahead: @ Anaheim (Fri), home vs. Chicago (Mon), @ Islanders (Wed) and @ Rangers (Thu).

Thoughts: The Wild face two huge games, one against the Ducks tonight and the other versus the Blackhawks on Monday. They would do well for themselves if they can win both, especially in overtime.

3. Calgary Flames (31-23-8 for 70 pts; 62 GP)

Current Streak: One loss.

Week ahead: Home vs. San Jose (Fri), home vs. St. Louis (Sun), @ St. Louis (Tues) and @ Chicago (Wed).

Thoughts: This week looks like a serious challenge and opportunity for the Flames. the toughest test comes tonight against the red-hot Sharks. The most important game comes against their bubble mates the Blackhawks, while a home-and-home with the downtrodden but occasionally dangerous Blues serves as the meat to this week’s sandwich of games.

4. Colorado Avalanche (26-28-7 for 59 pts; 61 GP)

Current streak: One loss.

Week ahead: Three away games - vs. Los Angeles (Sat), Anaheim (Sun) and San Jose (Tues)

5. Edmonton Oilers (20-33-8 for 48 pts; 61 GP)

Current streak: One win.

Week ahead: Four home games - vs. St. Louis (Fri), Boston (Sun), Nashville (Tues) and Columbus (Thurs).