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I usually put this together a couple times a year just to see where everyone sits in the standings. An awful lot can change, and injuries and the Olympics will be a big factor down the stretch, but at least we can look back and see where we were at the one-third mark (or so).

Based on projected point totals, here are the 16 current playoff teams and where they'd slot in:

Eastern Conference

(1) New Jersey vs. (8) Four teams tied

There's a huge logjam at the bottom of the East right now that includes the Habs, Rangers, Lightning and Flyers, all of which are on pace for just 82 points. That'd be by far the weakest team postlockout to make the playoffs. The Devils, meanwhile, have been very impressive even without Paul Martin.

(2) Washington vs. (7) Ottawa

The Capitals are hardly a surprise for being at the top of the heap and are on pace to finish 13 points higher than any other club in the Southeast (which remains weak). And the Sens have managed to stay just a little bit above the dog pile — but not much.

(3) Buffalo vs. (6) Atlanta

A hot rivalry heats up? (No, not so much.) Two teams I think few picked to be in playoff positioning but which are excelling due to great goaltending more than anything. Will it last?

(4) Pittsburgh vs. (5) Boston

The Penguins like that 4-5 slot, don't they? And it's always a tough, tough matchup. Winning the Atlantic won't be as tough as it has been unless the Rangers or Flyers get it together, but you don't want to fall into this spot against a team like the Bruins in Round 1.

Western Conference

(1) Chicago vs. (8) Dallas

The Blackhawks have been the class of the NHL so far, on pace for 116 points despite missing Marian Hossa and with Cristobal Huet in net. The Stars, meanwhile, are probably in for a big fight for that final spot given Detroit, Vancouver and Columbus are all right below them.

(2) San Jose vs. (7) Colorado

Just like the Capitals, the Sharks are expected to be here, beating up on a lower seed (in theory, anyway). The Avs keep hanging around after their incredible start, but like Dallas, will have some big time challengers in the teams just below them.

(3) Calgary vs. (6) Nashville/Phoenix

Talk about a couple interesting matchups. The Flames have impressed me, mainly due to the play of Miikka Kiprusoff and Jay Bouwmeester, and I think they'll win the Northwest handily. The Preds and Coyotes, meanwhile, are the feel-good stories so far — it'd be nice to see either of those low-salaried teams find some success despite the odds.

(4) Los Angeles vs. (5) Phoenix/Nashville

The Kings are way better than I thought they'd be; at this point, I think Terry Murray deserves some legitimate consideration as coach of the year. Whereas they couldn't score to save their lives at even strength last season, L.A. is now a dangerous offensive team even with Alex Frolov coming up lame. They've allowed more goals than any other team in playoff position, however, and that's a big worry over the next couple months.

How many of these teams do you think hang onto their spots?