Breaking down the NHL’s wild, wild West

Here’s how the Western Conference standings look coming out of the all-star break, with 6 points separating fourth from 12th place. It’s anyone’s guess how they’ll look at the end of the season.

1. Vancouver (71 points)If the Canucks are to hold off the Red Wings and Stars, they must do it without Alex Edler, their most consistent defenseman, who is out for the rest of the regular season following back surgery.

2. Detroit (66)Watch out because the Red Wings get back Pavel Datsyuk and Dan Cleary from injuries on Wednesday with Tomas Holmstrom expected to return this weekend.

3. Dallas (65)With Brad Richards set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season, will the Stars trade their leading scorer? Don#146;t bet on it.

4. Nashville (60)No other coach in the NHL gets the most out of his players than the Predators#146; Barry Trotz.

5. Anaheim (60)The Ducks have actually gained ground without Ryan Getzlaf, who will return from the injury list shortly.

6. Phoenix (59)It#146;s not Dustin Byfuglien, Nicklas Lidstrom or Kris Letang who leads all defensemen in scoring. It#146;s the Coyotes#146; Keith Yandle.

7. Blackhawks (56)With 20 of their last 32 games on the road, a playoff spot is no sure thing for the defending Stanley Cup champs, who need Corey Crawford to keep proving he is the real deal.

8. San Jose (56)The Sharks must survive the month of February, when they play 10 of 13 games on the road.

9. Colorado (56)Peter Forsberg has been practicing with the Avs for a possible comeback, which should have the attention of the rest of the conference.

10. Minnesota (55)Just when you#146;re ready to count out the Wild they come roaring back into the race.

11. Los Angeles (55)The Kings start the month with a 10-game road trip, having been booted out of the Staples Center by the Grammys and NBA all-star game.

12. Calgary (54)Weren#146;t the Flames supposed to be dead and buried? There#146;s nothing like a 10-3-3 run before the all-star break to get a team back in the race.

13. Columbus (51)With just 23 points in their last 29 games, the Blue Jackets need to come out of the break playing well or they#146;re toast.

14. St. Louis (51)The Blues have lost four in a row and hit the break on a 2-8-2 skid. There#146;s just not enough offensive firepower here.

15. Edmonton (38)As the only team out of it in the West, the Oilers at least have another high draft pick to give them hope for the future.