It's a good bet that the race for a playoff berth will have more definition by week's end. Out West, it seems every game has major implications. If the Avs win a few this week, they could wrap up the Northwest Division and put the heat on the Oilers. But they play Wednesday, and don't expect the Oilers to hand Colorado anything. And, where has the rivalry gone when it comes to the Canadiens and Bruins?

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Boston at Montreal, 7:30 p.m. ET Wednesday -- This game -- at this time of year -- used to mean everything. It's one of the most storied rivalries in hockey history with the Canadiens usually winning out, much like the Yankees have over the Red Sox. But the game almost always pitted Cup contenders against each other. No more. As gritty as the Habs have played down the stretch, they look to be out of gas -- and players -- for a playoff run. And in Boston, it's an absolute mess. They traded Ray Bourque, and rumors continue to swirl that coach Pat Burns might get the Ax. Boy, how things have changed.

New Jersey at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m. ET Tuesday
With the trades and recent coaching changes, it's time for the Devils to heat up if they want to avoid another postseason disappointment. But it won't be easy in Pittsburgh -- that is, if Jaromir Jagr is healthy enough to play.

Without Jagr, the Penguins are little more than a middle-of-the-road team. With him -- and some hot goaltending -- Pittsburgh can beat anyone.

For the Devils, the most controversial move made by new coach Larry Robinson was to break up the Jason Arnott-Petr Sykora-Patrik Elias line. Thus far, the Devils are 1-1 in the new regime, and it remains to be seen whether shaking up one of the league's most successful lines is the right move.

Vancouver at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. ET Wednesday
If the season were 85 games, instead of 82, the Canucks would probably be a lock for the playoffs. But coach Marc Crawford's club may not have enough time to make up the necessary points to qualify. However, an absolute drubbing of Anaheim and a road win in Edmonton give the Canucks more than a ray of hope.

One of the major reasons for the recent resurgence has been the play of goalie Felix Potvin. Potvin, who came to Vancouver in a controversial trade with the Islanders, seems to finally be regaining his All-Star form. In the two wins over the weekend, he only allowed three goals and stopped 43 of 46 shots.

The Detroit game is the second of a four-game road trip. If the Canucks can upset the mighty Red Wings, the final two games are in Nashville and Chicago. It's conceivable Vancouver could win all four. The team may have to.

Edmonton at Colorado, 9 p.m. ET Wednesday
This game could be big. Or, it could be huge. The degree of importance depends on the games played early in the week. Winning the Northwest is vital because it means not having to play Dallas, St. Louis or Detroit in the first round.

Joe Sakic has been sensational for Colorado, but the Avs are hoping Peter Forsberg and Dave Andreychuk start contributing more because balance should be a strength for Colorado, yet it hasn't of late.

Because it's a road game, the Oilers will come out and try to get an early lead. That will put presure on Colorado, and if they press, Edmonton can capitalize in transition off turnovers. Goalie Tommy Salo will be tested, and any soft goals could be a killer.

Brian A. Shactman is the NHL Editor for ESPN.com.