The trade deadline has come and gone and honestly the landscape of the NHL hasn’t changed that much. The Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks now seem to have trouble finding wins after enjoying a month each without a regulation loss.

The Washington Capitals now control their own destiny atop the Southeast Division after Thursday night’s win and Winnipeg’s loss. After starting the season in a dumpster fire, rookie head coach Adam Oates and captain Alexander Ovechkin have found their way. Ovechkin looks like the “Great Eight” of old lately and it couldn’t come at a better time.

The New York Islanders currently sit in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, one point ahead of their cross-town rival Rangers. The last place Florida Panthers sit only eight points out of the playoffs. You have to love parity.

Over in the Western Conference there is more of the same. Anaheim and Chicago look like they are falling back to earth while the rest of the conference is closing the gap. Four points separate third place from eighth place, and nine points are between third and the 13th position. The only two clubs headed to the golf course early are Colorado and Calgary.

Here are some games that you need to tune in to this weekend that could be previews for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

5. New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins, Friday

This is a rematch of Wednesday’s 6-1 drubbing by the Rangers over their division rivals. The Penguins will still be without Sidney Crosby but still have enough star power to beat anyone. The Rangers, who were busy at the trade deadline will look to build some momentum for a final playoff push.

4. Boston Bruins at Montreal Canadiens, Saturday

The Original Six rivalry is the best in hockey and the two teams are currently only separated by one point in the division and two spots in the conference standings. Jaromir Jagr scored in his debut for the Bruins who have a game in hand on the Canadiens for the division title race.

3. St. Louis Blues at Detroit Red Wings, Saturday

These two old rivals will miss each other when the NHL is realigned next season. The seventh and eighth playoff positions could be at stake for the two clubs on Saturday. Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg will try to help the Wings secure a playoff spot for the 22nd consecutive year.

2. Minnesota Wild at Columbus Blue Jackets, Sunday

Two of the teams that were the most active from the trade deadline will matchup on Sunday night with playoff implications for both. Minnesota is tied with Vancouver for the division lead, but only sits five points ahead of the streaking Blue Jackets. New Columbus sniper Marian Gaborik hit the ice with a bang on Thursday against Nashville with a goal and an assist in Columbus’ third straight victory. A meaningful hockey game for Columbus in April? Who would have guessed?

1. Los Angeles Kings at Anaheim Ducks, Sunday

The two Orange County rivals go head-to-head Sunday night with more than local bragging rights on the line. The Ducks might have control of the division at this point, but the Kings are playing  better hockey over the last 10 games. Jeff Carter, Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty lead the Kings while the Ducks follow the lead of captain Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan.