The Dallas Stars have once again vaulted from the edge of playoff contention to a comfortable third place, thanks to a 3-1 win at Edmonton on Wednesday night. Dallas' 89 points return them the slim Pacific Division lead, ahead of Los Angeles and San Jose, both with 88 points, and both occupying the last two playoff slots in the West, with Phoenix right behind them at 87 points.
The bad news for the Stars is they have the toughest road left - after the win over the Oilers, Dallas has all of its games remaining against playoff teams, including a two-game stretch vs. San Jose that could decide the Pacific, as well as Vancouver, Nashville and top seeded St. Louis.
For more on the Dallas Stars, check out Defending Big D and SB Nation's NHL page.
