Now that the NHL is back in action after the 2014 Sochi Olympic Winter Games, teams in both the Eastern and Western Conferences will look to either maintain their first half success or make a push to have a chance to play for the Stanley Cup. There are many teams that desperately needed the time off in order to have their players rest up and get over some nagging injuries, whereas some teams went into the Olympic break on a roll and will be forced to try to regain that previous magic.

While the two-week break serves as a nuisance for some, there are a few select teams who will surely be on fire, right out of the gate. Here are the top five teams to watch after the Olympic break:

5. Montreal Canadiens

Not only did the Habs go into the Olympic break winning their last three games, they have the pleasure of welcoming back their gold medal winning goaltender in Carey Price as the back half of the season gets going. Team Canada’s net minder had a fantastic Olympic Games and proved that he is one of the better goalies in the NHL. Look for him to help the Canadiens stay afloat amongst the top half of the Eastern Conference standings and perhaps make some solid ground on the conference leading Pittsburgh Penguins.

4. Nashville Predators

Although the Predators currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference’s Central Division, they are only four points out of that coveted final wild card spot. Like Price, Shea Weber had an unbelievable Olympics for Team Canada and will strive to lead his team back into playoff contention.

As always, things are tight in the Western Conference, and a leader such as Weber is exactly what the Predators need to make that final push. Look for them to gain ground in the standings in no time.

3. New York Rangers

The Rangers have quietly stayed afloat in the Metropolitan Division, currently sitting just below a very talented Penguins team. Look for the Rangers to make a big trade involving Ryan Callahan, thus improving their team and ridding themselves of any distractions in regards to a contract extension with the pricey forward. Once this trade is made and even more firepower is added to the roster, the Rangers will solidify themselves as one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference.

2. Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres won’t necessarily be putting up great numbers in their win column, however they will be fun to watch as the March 5th trade deadline approaches. This is a team that desperately needs to get rid of a few players in Ryan Miller and Matt Moulson in order to ensure a bright future. Look for the Sabres to shop these two talents in particular, and continue to revamp their new-look roster for the future ahead. They may struggle throughout the rest of their 2013-14 campaign, but it will do them lots of good for years to come.

1. Toronto Maple Leafs

The Buds won seven of their last 10 games before the Olympic break, and there’s no reason to believe that they will slow down once the team hits the ice on Thursday night when they visit the New York Islanders. Led by Phil Kessel and James Van Riemsdyk, the Leafs will continue to climb towards the top of the Eastern Conference standings as both players are coming off what were two very impressive performances for Team USA in Sochi. They currently only sit one point back of the Tampa Bay Lightning for second spot in the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division. Look for the Leafs to continue to play that impressive offensive style of play as they force their opponents to try their best to keep up with their great speed.