NHL Teams Most Likely to Catch Fire After the All-Star Break

Following the end of the NHL All-Star break, teams will be jockeying for playoff positions over the remainder of the regular-season schedule. Teams on the postseason bubble, like the Pittsburgh Penguins, hope to catch fire down the stretch if they're to clinch a berth. 

It's not just teams fighting for a playoff berth that could get hot after the break, though. Teams already high in the standings, like the St. Louis Blues, could also significantly improve in the coming weeks.

The following slideshow lists the NHL teams most likely to catch fire after the All-Star break, listing the reasons why and the key players to watch. You can express your views on this subject in the comments section below. 

Carolina Hurricanes

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The Carolina Hurricanes have moved into playoff range in the Eastern Conference.

Record at the All-Star break: After 51 games, the Carolina Hurricanes have a record of 23-20-8 and 54 points. They're currently 10th in the Eastern Conference standings. 

Why they'll get hot: The Hurricanes surged in January, collecting points in 10 of 13 games, including seven victories. They lead the league in faceoff win percentage and give up the fewest shots per game. The Hurricanes are also among the best teams in puck possession and penalty killing. 

Key players: With the playoffs just around the corner, pending free agents like Eric Staal and Cam Ward might be off the market by the Feb. 29 trade deadline. Resurgent left wing Jeff Skinner has boosted Carolina's offense. Justin Faulk has come into his own as a top-two defenseman. Young players like Elias Lindholm, Victor Rask, Noah Hanifin and Brett Pesce are playing bigger roles this season.

Colorado Avalanche

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The Colorado Avalanche overcame a slow start to climb into playoff contention by January.

Record at the All-Star break: After 52 games, the Colorado Avalanche have a record of 27-22-3 and 57 points. They hold the first wild-card berth in the Western Conference. 

Why they'll get hot: After stumbling through October, the Avalanche righted the ship in November and climbed into a playoff berth by the All-Star break. Eighteen of their 27 victories came in December and January. Their offense (fifth-best in the league) and improved goaltending compensate for their less-than-stellar defensive numbers.

Players to watch: Forwards Matt Duchene and Nathan MacKinnon continue to lead the Avs offense. Since early December, goaltender Semyon Varlamov has raised his game. Offseason acquisition Carl Soderberg is providing invaluable depth at center. Defenseman Erik Johnson's return from injury provides a big boost to the blue line. 

Minnesota Wild

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After a midseason slump, the Minnesota Wild could be ready for a hot streak.

Record at the All-Star break: After 49 games, the Minnesota Wild have a record of 23-17-9 and 55 points. They are eighth in the Western Conference, just outside the playoff picture.

Why they'll get hot: Despite an anemic offense and a recent slump, the Wild are among the league's best defensive teams. Over the last two seasons, they overcame midseason struggles to reach the playoffs. It would be foolish to assume they can't do it again. General manager Chuck Fletcher tends to swing deals at this time of year to bolster his club's performance. 

Key players: The Wild have a solid goaltender in Devan Dubnyk, who saved their bacon last season. Led by Ryan Suter and Jared Spurgeon, they also have a deep blue line. Fletcher could draw upon that to acquire a scoring forward. A nagging knee injury is hampering left wing Zach Parise, so the Wild will need more production from forwards Thomas Vanek, Mikael Granlund and Charlie Coyle. 

New Jersey Devils

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The New Jersey Devils could be poised for a late-season surge in the Eastern Conference standings.

Record at the All-Star break: After 50 games, the New Jersey Devils have a record of 25-20-5 and 55 points. They are ninth in the Eastern Conference, just outside the playoff picture. 

Why they could get hot: Perched so close to a playoff berth, general manager Ray Shero could boost the Devils' scoring by the Feb. 29 trade deadline. The stellar goaltending of Cory Schneider and a solid blue-line corps has the Devils among this season's best defensive clubs. 

Key players: Schneider's been outstanding between the pipes and should remain so for the rest of the season. Veterans Mike Cammalleri, Kyle Palmieri and Lee Stempniak have been pleasant offensive surprises this season. Adam Larsson has established himself as a top-two defenseman. 

Nashville Predators

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Bolstering their offense should help the Nashville Predators claw their way higher in the Western Conference standings.

Record at the All-Star break: After 50 games, the Nashville Predators have a record of 24-18-8 and 56 points. They hold the last wild-card berth in the Western Conference. 

Why they'll get hot: The Predators' struggling offense should improve. The addition of center Ryan Johansen in a trade earlier this month with the Columbus Blue Jackets is paying dividends. General manager David Poile could shop for more scoring punch before the Feb. 29 trade deadline. 

Key players: In addition to Johansen, the Predators still have capable scoring forwards in Filip Forsberg, James Neal and Mike Ribeiro. Their defense, anchored by Roman Josi and Shea Weber, is among the league's best. Starting goalie Pekka Rinne has struggled this season, which could open the door for backup Carter Hutton.

Anaheim Ducks

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After a lousy start to this season, the Anaheim Ducks are flying close to a playoff spot.

Record at the All-Star break: After 47 games, the Anaheim Ducks have a record of 22-18-7 and 51 points. They are fourth in the Pacific Division and 10th in the Western Conference standings. 

Why they'll get hot: The Ducks overcame a horrible start, climbing to within striking distance of a playoff berth in a weak Pacific Division. They're among the top defensive teams and rank among the best in faceoff win percentage and puck possession. While offense remains a concern, management could draw upon the team's blue-line depth as trade bait to land a scoring forward.

Key players: The defensive corps, led by young defensemen Sami Vatanen and Hampus Lindholm, carried the Ducks back from the brink. John Gibson finally seems comfortable as an NHL goalie. Veteran forwards Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf still carry the Ducks offense. Left wing David Perron, a recent trade acquisition, seems to be fitting in well. 

St. Louis Blues

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A healthier roster should give the St. Louis Blues a significant boost down the stretch.

Record at the All-Star break: After 52 games, the St. Louis Blues have a record of 28-16-8 and 64 points. They sit third in the Central Division and in the Western Conference standings. 

Why they'll get hot: The Blues' injury-depleted roster is getting healthier. The offense will get a significant lift from the return of sidelined left wing Jaden Schwartz. Forwards Paul Stastny and Patrik Berglund also recently returned to action. Their goaltending ranks among this season's top 10. After several disappointing seasons, the current core knows this could be its last chance for a championship run.

Key players: Schwartz could rejoin superstar right wing Vladimir Tarasenko on the Blues' top line. Center and team captain David Backes is motivated to finally lead this club to the Stanley Cup Finals. Sidelined starting goalie Jake Allen is also expected to return following the All-Star break. Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk's been mentioned in trade rumors, but management could retain him for the playoffs.

Pittsburgh Penguins

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A recent coaching change has improved the Pittsburgh Penguins' performance.

Record at the All-Star break: After 48 games the Pittsburgh Penguins have a record of 24-17-7 and 55 points. They hold the final wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. 

Why they'll get hot: Since Mike Sullivan took over as head coach on Dec. 12, the Penguins have steadily improved. They earned points in all but two of 11 games in January. Recent trade acquisitions, defenseman Trevor Daley and left wing Carl Hagelin, boosted their talent depth. Sidney Crosby (19 points in 15 games) and Phil Kessel (10 points in January) regained their offensive grooves.

Key players: The improvements in Crosby and Kessel are crucial. The Penguins can also count on their most consistent scorer, Evgeni Malkin. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury is on pace for a career-best season. When healthy, defenseman Kris Letang's played at an All-Star level. With their best players up to speed, the Penguins should be on the rise down the stretch. 

Team and players stats via NHL.com.