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ESPN's Barry Melrose offers a viewer's guide to a Thursday filled with big games across the NHL.

The Flyers now have all the pieces while the Avalanche is missing a big one right now.

The Rangers and Flyers each need to overcome injuries, while mental strain will be greater than the physical struggles for Dany Heatley.

The Avs and Stars are headed in different directions, while goaltending is looking good all over the NHL right now.

How'd the Red Wings stop their slide? Why can't the Islanders stop theirs? Answers and a whole lot more.

The poor play of the Western Conference, an explanation of intentional offsides and this week's starting lineup.

The Blues and Hurricanes are on the same path, but they're going in opposite directions.

Goalies like Marty Turco and Chris Osgood will be the most important players in the postseason.

Don't worry, the Avalanche have plenty of offense for the postseason.

Unfortunately, it took a coaching change for the Avalanche to start living up to expectations.

Barry Melrose sifts through his mailbag and answers users' questions.

Colorado's Bob Hartley leads my list of the Top 5 coaches in the NHL.