We have reached the midpoint of the season and there have certainly been some memorable performances at the team and player level. Though there have been a few surprises, the usual suspects have risen to the top of the standings and the leaderboards.

There is still as much parity in the NHL as there is in any other professional sports league. The competitive balance among the 30 clubs ensures that every single game can swing in either direction. The surging Columbus Blue Jackets are a testament that anyone can get on a roll and look like a contender.

The balance of the NHL may keep almost every team viable as the playoff picture gets clear, there are four teams that have separated themselves from the rest of the pack who appear to be the most viable contenders for the Stanley Cup this summer. Here are some key games this weekend that could be previews of some postseason matchups.

5. Carolina Hurricanes at Tampa Bay Lightning, Saturday

After spending a small fortune in the off-season, Tampa Bay has sputtered to a level slightly below mediocrity this year. Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis are still among the league leaders in scoring, but Tampa Bay can’t keep the puck out of their own net. Carolina, with Eric Staal, Jordan Staal and Alexander Semin; have taken the Southeast Division by storm, leaving the Lightning in their wake. This game is the third of five head-to-head meetings. Tampa Bay has won the first two and will need a few more wins to get back into playoff contention.

4. New Jersey Devils at Philadelphia Flyers, Friday

The Flyers laid an egg Wednesday night when they needed a win. The Philly faithful will not let the Flyers play the same way Friday night without being heard. Ilya Bryzgalov has been erratic of late after a terrific start. Claude Giroux has cooled off after catching fire the last few weeks. After digging themselves out of a huge hole, the Flyers can’t seem to turn the corner this season and get ahead in the win column. The Devils have held strong despite missing Martin Brodeur. The Devils had struggled over the last 10 games, though they have won their last two.

3. San Jose Sharks at Los Angeles Kings, Saturday

After starting the season in opposite directions, the Sharks and Kings have switched roles. The Sharks have been toothless over the past month while the Kings are looking like the defending Stanley Cup champions. Patrick Marleau started the season on a record setting goal pace with two goals in four-consecutive games to start the season. Since then he has found the net five times in the following 21 games. Jeff Carter and Dustin Brown are leading the Kings out of their hangover as Los Angeles has won seven of their last 10.

2. Detroit Red Wings at Vancouver Canucks, Saturday

Who knows which team will show up on either side of the ice. When they are at their best, both Detroit and Vancouver can skate circles around almost every other team in the NHL. Unfortunately, each club lacks the consistency to compete at the level of Chicago and Anaheim this season. With all of the talent on the Canucks and Red Wings, this game could be a great matchup.
 

1. Boston Bruins at Pittsburgh Penguins, Sunday

After the crazy way the Bruins and Penguins finished Tuesday night, this game is absolutely must-see-TV. Boston had kept Pittsburgh off the score sheet for 55 minutes before the Penguins rallied with three quick goals to snatch the victory. Brandon Sutter wore the hero’s cape, scoring twice, including the game winner with just over two minutes left in the game.