from Kevin Allen of USA TODAY,

With five weeks remaining in the regular season, plenty of unfinished business remains. Here are the top five story lines:

Unsettled West: As of this morning, the Anaheim Ducks, with 76 points, own the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. The Avalanche (75 points), St. Louis Blues (74) and Calgary Flames (73) are within three points.

The San Jose Sharks (79) and Los Angeles Kings (77) are second and third, respectively, in the Pacific Division, and they aren’t safe either. The Central Division’s Minnesota Wild (79) could also be vulnerable, although they shouldn’t be based on talent.

In that group, the Ducks, 6-2-2 in their last 10, may be playing the best. Watch out for the Avalanche, winners of three in a row.

Panthers’ playoff push: The Florida Panthers have gone 12-3-0 since the All-Star break to barge into playoff contention. They are one point out.

more on the Panthers and three more story lines...