Top 10 : CAPSULES AND RANKINGS

*

2. New York (20-15-5)

Its 13-2-1 run includes an ugly loss to Ottawa, but goalie Mike Richter is unbeaten in 13 games and Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier and Brian Leetch are thriving.

*

3. Colorado (22-10-5)

Peter Forsberg's leg injury will keep him out until after the All-Star break, the latest update says, and that's cause for concern.

*

4. Dallas (22-13-3)

How is it that three of the Stars' 13 losses are against San Jose? Colorado was a goal better on Sunday, and the Rangers were a goal better Monday.

*

5. Pittsburgh (19-15-4)

Penguins once had the worst record in the league, but a 10-2-1 run has them closing in on first place. A 2-0 shutout of Buffalo was key. Much depends on rookie goalie Patrick Lalime.

*

6. New Jersey (20-12-3)

A seven-game unbeaten streak was broken by the Islanders, 4-1, the day after Christmas. "Too much turkey," Coach Jacques Lemaire said, but the Devils have still lost only once in nine games.

*

7. Detroit (20-12-6)

Sergei Fedorov scored five goals against Washington. Will it be time for the Fedorov detractors to be quiet soon?

*

8. Florida (20-9-9)

The Panthers are winless in their last three and in a 3-5-2 slump that includes a loss to Ottawa. Goalie John Vanbiesbrouck hasn't had his characteristic sharpness and was pulled in some recent losses.

*

9. Buffalo (19-15-3)

Goaltender Dominik Hasek was spectacular in a 0-0 tie against New Jersey last week and beat Hartford, 5-1, before losing to Pittsburgh, 2-0.

*

10. Phoenix (17-17-4)

Its big climb in the standings is worth noting. Coyotes have won seven of nine to reach .500 and beat Detroit, 5-3, Monday.

GAME OF THE WEEK

PHILADELPHIA at COLORADO

* When: Saturday. Time: 6 p.m. PST. TV: ESPN2.

* Storyline: If the high-flying Flyers avoid stumbling against Vancouver tonight or San Jose on Thursday, they'll take a 15-game unbeaten streak into their game against the defending Stanley Cup champions. This is the first game of a triple-whammy for the Avalanche, whose next two after this matchup will be on the road against the Rangers and New Jersey Devils.