NHL: THE TIMES’ RANKINGS / Top To BOTTOM

Team (Record): Comment

1. New Jersey (40-17-9): Beasts of the East on 9-1-4 run.

2. Dallas (39-16-10): Depth tested by injuries.

3. Pittsburgh (34-19-14): Barrasso’s return a plus.

4. Philadelphia (35-20-10): Beat Detroit, but too late.

5. Colorado (34-19-16): Merely 5-6 since Olympic break.

6. St. Louis (36-24-8): McLennan holding the fort.

7. Detroit (35-19-13): Osgood not so good in 1-4 slide.

8. Montreal (32-25-9): Solid defense in 3-0-2 streak.

9. Kings (31-24-11): Played big to win four of six.

10. Buffalo (27-23-15): Hasek allows six goals in last five.

11. Washington (30-25-11): Bondra scores six in last five.

12. Boston (29-24-13): Allison, Samsonov boost offense.

13. Ottawa (27-29-10): Four-game win streak ends.

14. Phoenix (26-29-12): Not enough character.

15. Edmonton (26-31-10): Franchise saved. Season too?

16. Carolina (26-32-7): March madness in 5-2 push.

17. Chicago (25-30-11): Picked on pitiful Panthers.

18. San Jose (27-32-7): Still in playoff fight.

19. Toronto (24-34-8): Potvin key to 3-1 surge.

20. N.Y. Rangers (21-29-17): Running out of time.

21. N.Y. Islanders (22-34-9): No miracles for Milbury.

22. Calgary (20-34-13): Can’t score in 1-4-1 slide.

23. Ducks (20-36-9): One win in eight not enough.

24. Vancouver (20-36-11): A week left for Trader Mike.

25. Tampa Bay (14-43-9): Every dog has its day.

26. Florida (18-35-12): Embarrassing 0-10-1 streak.

GAME OF THE WEEK

DALLAS AT KINGS

* When--Today. * Time--7:30 p.m. * TV--Fox Sports West.

* Story line--Decimated because of injuries, including Mike Modano’s season-ending separated shoulder, the Stars are clinging to their Central Division lead. Joe Nieuwendyk has seven goals in his last five games and 31 overall, his best production since 1993-94. Dallas’ team goals-against average, 2.00, is second in the NHL. The Kings, 14-4-3 since Jan. 12, are proving they’re for real. When they use their size to wear opponents down and beat them to rebounds, they’re formidable. Goaltender Stephane Fiset is proving he belongs among the NHL’s best at his position, playing with assurance in compiling a .916 save percentage.