For fans, All-Star weekend means watching the world's best players "compete" in a series of league-sanctioned events to grow the game. For players and coaches, the break provides a barometer of where a team lies heading into the stretch run of the season, and this year, it's as close as ever.

Remarkably, 12 of the 14 NHL clubs outside the playoff picture are within seven points of a spot, the outliers being the lowly Coyotes and Avalanche, who at this point have a snowballs chance in hell of making it.

Here's a look at the ground the outsiders will have to make up once festivities in Los Angeles conclude:

Eastern Conference (cut-line: 56 points)

The Islanders have surged up the standings since Doug Weight took over behind the bench, moving from last place into striking distance with games in hand.

Elsewhere, the Panthers and Lightning - both heavily expected to make the playoffs this season - have some work to do, while the Red Wings' 25-year playoff streak is in jeopardy, but remains salvageable.

Western Conference (cut-line: 53 points)

Save for the last two entries, the West is even closer than the East.

While the 16 teams slotted in postseason positions may feel comfortable right now, remember, the two teams - the Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks - that reached the Stanley Cup Final last season, sat near the basement of their respective conferences last season at the midway point.

So as riveting as the skills competition and All-Star Game will be, try not to wear yourself out folks, because the regular season's final push is going to be a wild ride.

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