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CAPSULES AND RANKING

Team (Record): Comment

1. New Jersey (44-21-13): Can’t get much better than three shutout wins in a row.

2. Philadelphia (44-23-12): Flyers lose to Rangers, stay behind Devils.

3. Dallas (47-24-8): Losing to Ducks is no shame, but tie with Kings shows flaws.

4. Colorado (48-22-9): Sloppy in loss to Sharks, but Roy returns to beat Phoenix.

5. Detroit (37-24-17): Red Wings scored nine in last five games but gave up only seven.

6. Pittsburgh (37-33-8): Francis-Lemieux-Jagr line reunited, 3-0-1 streak follows.

7. Buffalo (39-28-12): Even Dominik Hasek’s return can’t end Sabres’ late slump.

8. Ducks (34-33-13): Impressive 11-3-7 surge clinches their first playoff berth.

9. Phoenix (37-36-7): Coyotes 9-4-3 since March 2, could still have home ice.

10. Edmonton (36-35-8): Young Oilers clinch first playoff spot after four misses.

11. N.Y. Rangers (37-33-10): Rally against Flyers shows they’re not dead yet.

12. Florida (33-28-19): Panthers on 0-4-2 skid. They had a slow finish last season too.

13. Chicago (32-34-13): Blackhawks strengthen hold on West playoff spot with 2-1-1 run.

14. St. Louis (33-35-11): Brett Hull (groin strain) returns Wednesday, none too soon.

15. Hartford (31-37-11): Clutch wins over Montreal, Buffalo keep playoff hopes alive.

16. Montreal (30-35-14): Boos at home anger players. They deserve them at 17-17-6.

17. Ottawa (28-36-15): Losses to Penguins, Flyers knock Senators out of top eight in East.

18. Calgary (32-38-9): Flames burning out of playoff picture with 0-3-1 streak.

19. Vancouver (33-40-7): Canucks’ 4-1-3 run is too little and much too late.

20. Tampa Bay (30-39-9): Lightning has Devils, Penguins, Rangers and Whalers left. Ouch.

21. N.Y. Islanders (29-38-12): They’re on the brink of elimination with 0-3-1 slide.

22. Washington (30-40-9): Choking earlier than usual, going 0-4 and shut out twice.

23. Toronto (29-42-8): Maple Leafs get good goaltending and lift from kids but too late.

24. Kings (26-42-11): Let the kids play so everyone knows what’s in Storr.

25. San Jose (26-45-8): Sharks giving Bruins competition in the Joe Thornton sweepstakes.

26. Boston (25-44-9): Bruins help their odds of winning the Thornton lottery.

GAME OF THE WEEK

NEW JERSEY at PHILADELPHIA

* When--Sunday. Time--4 p.m. TV--None.

* Storyline--This could determine who is top-seeded in the Eastern Conference, because the Devils and Flyers have been alternating in the top spot the last few weeks. Devil goaltender Martin Brodeur has recorded three consecutive shutouts and is challenging Buffalo’s Dominik Hasek for the Vezina (best goalie). New Jersey’s goals-against average of 2.16 is the NHL’s best. The Flyers have recorded back-to-back 100-point seasons for the first time since 1985-86 and 1986-87. Left wing John LeClair is tied for second in the NHL with 49 goals.