NHL's Central Division might be league's best

By Teresa M. Walker

Associated Press

Published: Monday, Feb. 13 2012 4:31 p.m. MST

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Chicago Blackhawks center Marcus Kruger, right, of Sweden, is congratulated by teammate right wing Patrick Kane (88) after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Friday, Feb. 10, 2012.

Tony Avelar, Associated Press

Summary

Detroit has the Western Conference standings posted in the dressing room right where none of the Red Wings can miss the nightly updates.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Detroit has the Western Conference standings posted in the dressing room right where none of the Red Wings can miss the nightly updates.

The way the Central Division teams are playing this season, it's a tote board that changes daily and almost hourly. The standings bear close watching because the team that wins the division may very well wind up as the Western Conference's top seed in the playoffs.

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland says the Central might be the best in the NHL with four of the West's top six teams and four of the league's best 12.

Through Sunday's games, Detroit sits atop the West with 76 points followed closely by St. Louis, Nashville and Chicago at Nos. 4, 5 and 6 separated by 11 points.

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