Predicting Which NHL Teams on the Bubble Will Make the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs

As the calendar turns to February, time is becoming a crucial factor for NHL teams on the playoff bubble. Most have fewer than 35 games left on their respective schedules to clinch a berth.

Various factors will determine which of these teams reach the postseason. Some are lacking offensive punch. Some require defensive or goaltending depth. Roster health, player performance and team morale also play key roles.

Here's a look at the 10 current NHL playoff bubble teams, predicting, in order of least to most likely, which ones stand the best chance of clinching a berth.

10. Toronto Maple Leafs

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Record: 51 games played, 22 wins, 25 losses, four overtime losses, 48 points. 12th in the Eastern Conference.

Analysis: The Toronto Maple Leafs are once again like an 18-wheeler going over a cliff. They managed only one victory in January. Their offense is sputtering, their goalies are struggling and their defense ranks among this season's worst. A coaching change earlier in January did nothing to improve them.

Prediction: Stick a fork in the Leafs, they're done. Their January swoon puts them 12 points out of contention. Barring a miracle, they will miss the playoffs for the ninth time in 10 seasons.

9. Ottawa Senators

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Record: 48 games played, 20 wins, 19 losses, nine overtime losses, 49 points. 11th in the Eastern Conference.

Analysis: The Ottawa Senators have a good goalie in Craig Anderson and a decent scoring punch led by Bobby Ryan and Erik Karlsson. Despite the improvement of their defense under new head coach Dave Cameron, they're still among the worst defensive clubs. The Senators won only five of 12 games in January.

Prediction: The Senators have considerable ground to gain (11 points) in order to reach the playoffs. They're simply too far back to have a realistic shot of clinching a berth.

8. Philadelphia Flyers

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Record: 51 games played, 22 wins, 22 losses, seven overtime losses, 51 points. 10th in the Eastern Conference.

Analysis: Led by Jakub Voracek and Claude Giroux, the Philadelphia Flyers possess a lethal first-line scoring punch. Their defensive play and goaltending needs improvement, however, as starting goalie Steve Mason has been hampered by injuries. Of the teams on this list, the Flyers possess the worst penalty kill.

Prediction: Without a healthy Mason and a boost to their defense, the Flyers face a daunting challenge to gain ground in the playoff race. They're sitting nine points back, which is a nearly insurmountable deficit at this point in the season.

7. Florida Panthers

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Record: 47 games played, 21 wins, 16 losses, 10 overtime losses, 52 points. Ninth in the Eastern Conference.

Analysis: The Florida Panthers possess a superb starting goalie in Roberto Luongo. Rookie defenseman Aaron Ekblad is a welcome addition to their defense. The Panthers are the lowest-scoring team on this list. Only three players (Nick Bjugstad, Jimmy Hayes and Brad Boyes) have reached double digits in goals. Their power play is among this season's worst.

Prediction: Without an offensive boost, the Panthers won't clinch a playoff berth. They're sitting eight points out of contention. The clubs they're trying to catch (Washington Capitals, New York Rangers and Boston Bruins) have more offensive depth and experience.

6. Minnesota Wild

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Record: 48 games played, 22 wins, 20 losses, six overtime losses, 50 points. 12th in the Western Conference.

Analysis: After acquiring goaltender Devan Dubnyk in early January, the Minnesota Wild snapped a skid which saw them win only twice in 14 games. They won four of their last six games in January and are now seven points out of playoff contention. Their power play remains among the league's worst.

Prediction: With their goaltending apparently stabilized, the Wild have a chance to gain ground in the standings. They need veteran forwards Thomas Vanek and Mikko Koivu, who were disappointing in the first half of the season, to step it up offensively down the stretch.

5. Colorado Avalanche

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Record: 50 games played, 21 wins, 18 losses, 11 overtime losses, 53 points. 11th in the Western Conference.

Analysis: The Colorado Avalanche are the worst defensive team on this list. That weakness was exposed this season by goalie Semyon Varlamov's nagging groin injuries. With top defenseman Erik Johnson sidelined by a knee injury, their defensive game could worsen. Their offensive production is down compared to last season. 

Prediction: Despite their issues, the Avalanche remain in playoff contention. However, if these issues are left unaddressed, they could fall out of the Western Conference playoff chase. Management must do something to bolster their defense.

4. Dallas Stars

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Record: 49 games played, 23 wins, 19 losses, seven overtime losses, 53 points. 10th in the Western Conference.

Analysis: The Dallas Stars have a couple of glaring roster needs to address. They have the worst goals-against average on this list. Their offensive production drops significantly beyond first-line stars Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn. They could also use an experienced top-four defenseman.

Prediction: While the Stars are within striking distance of a playoff berth, they must address at least one of their notable roster issues to have a decent shot. Otherwise, they risk falling out of contention down the stretch. 

3. Vancouver Canucks

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Record: 47 games played, 27 wins, 17 losses, three overtime losses, 57 points. Seventh in the Western Conference.

Analysis: The Vancouver Canucks currently hold a playoff berth, but there's room for improvement. The Province's Jim Jamieson writes that they need to bolster their grit, blue-line scoring and power play. They played .500 hockey through January. Losing Kevin Bieksa to a hand injury could be a serious blow to their defense.

Prediction: The Canucks have a tenuous grip on a playoff berth in the Western Conference. Unless they address their weaknesses soon, they could slide out of contention. 

2. Calgary Flames

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Record: 50 games played, 27 wins, 20 losses, three overtime losses, 57 points. Eighth in the Western Conference.

Analysis: The rebuilding Calgary Flames have defied the odds and remain in playoff contention. Young stars Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan help power the offense, while the blue line is anchored by Norris Trophy contender Mark Giordano. Their power play and penalty killing need improvement. Starting goalie Jonas Hiller has been inconsistent this season.

Prediction: The Flames hold the last wild-card berth in the Western Conference. If they can improve their special team play and Hiller overcomes his inconsistency, the Flames could clinch a playoff spot.

1. Los Angeles Kings

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Record: 49 games played, 21 wins, 16 losses, 12 overtime losses, 54 points. Ninth in the Western Conference.

Analysis: The defending Stanley Cup champions are struggling to clinch a playoff berth. With Slava Voynov suspended indefinitely, the Kings could use another top-four defenseman. Their penalty kill is among the league's worst. Goaltenders Jonathan Quick and Martin Jones have been average this season.

Prediction: The Kings should make it. They have overcome midseason struggles before to land a playoff spot. Given their talent and championship experience, don't count them out this season. However, they must improve their penalty kill and Quick must step up his play. 

Player and team stats (as of Jan. 31) via NHL.com.