The Week Ahead

With the NHL All-Star festivities out of the way, it is time for NHL teams to focus on the next two months of the season that will decide which 16 teams make the Stanley Cup playoffs. So welcome to another installment of "The Week Ahead". We will take a look at the "Three Stars of the Week", give you our "Three Players to Keep an Eye On", "Two Teams to Watch", our "Game of the Week" and of course "Other Games to Keep an Eye on".

Three Stars of the Week (All-Star Themed)

1) Marian Gaborik, New York Rangers

Gaborik stole the show in Sunday's All-Star Game by recording a hat trick and an assist; as a result he was named the MVP. Gaborik scored a trio of nice goals, including two on his teammate Henrik Lundqvist. It was 16th hat trick in All-Star Game history, and the first since Rick Nash did it in 2008.

2) Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa Senators

Alfredsson has had an illustrious career with the Ottawa Senators spanning 16 seasons. It was only right that this year's All-Star weekend take place in Ottawa so that fans in both Ottawa and the rest of the league can appreciate everything Alfredsson has done over his career. He scored twice on Sunday afternoon to bring the hometown fans to their feet.

3) Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins

While he may not have done much for the Boston Bruins this week, he certainly did enough in the NHL All-Star Skills competition to earn the recognition of being a star. On Saturday night, Chara broke his own record for hardest shot by firing an amazing 108.8 mph slapper. Last year at the same event, it was 105.9 mph. Also, the team that Chara drafted ended up winning, 12-9, on Sunday.

Three Players to Keep an Eye On

- Phil Kessel, Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs are on the cusp of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with just over two months left to play in the season. For them to make the playoffs, Kessel (26g-25a) will have to step up and continue to provide the offense that he has been so far. If he slows down in any way, shape or form, it could mean trouble for the Leafs.

This week, Kessel and the Leafs will take on the Penguins (twice) and Senators.

- Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings

With the Los Angeles Kings holding onto the seventh playoff spot in the Western Conference and not scoring many goals, it will be up to goaltender Jonathan Quick to keep them in that position. Quick has been terrific this season for the Kings. He is 21-12-9 with a 1.93 goals against average, a .934 save percentage and 6 shutouts and was also an NHL All-Star this past weekend.

This week, Quick and the Kings will take on the Blue Jackets, Blues and Hurricanes.

- Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

While the NHL and its fans were probably disappointed that Washington Capitals' forward Alex Ovechkin did not attend the All-Star festivities this weekend, the Capitals might not feel the same way. This team needs Ovechkin rested and ready for a grueling two months as the team hopes to hold onto the lead in the Southeast Division. For the Capitals, that means Ovechkin needs to produce (20g-19a) like he used to.

This week, Ovechkin and the Capitals will take on the Lightning, Panthers, Canadiens and Bruins.

Two Teams to Watch

- Winnipeg Jets

While everyone is excited that there is an NHL team back in Winnipeg and that fans in Winnipeg are coming out in high numbers, it will not mean anything in the long run if the team does not make the playoffs within the next few seasons.

Right now, the Jets are 10th in the Eastern Conference with 50 points, just five points out of the eighth and final spot. The team has been extremely competitive this season but if they want to make the postseason, the club needs to do a much better job of holding onto wins instead of letting them go.

This week, the Jets will take on the Flyers, Lightning, Panthers and Canadiens.

- St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues have not made the Stanley Cup Playoffs since the 2008-09 season when the club was swept by the third seeded Vancouver Canucks.

This season, the Blues are fourth in the Western Conference and just two points behind the first place Detroit Red Wings. The team has played extremely well under head coach Ken Hitchcock and has shown no signs of slowing down since his hiring.

This week, the Blues will take on the Kings and Predators.

Game of the Week

Thursday, February 2 -- Detroit Red Wings @ Vancouver Canucks

It is always a treat for NHL fans to see two top teams in the conference and the league go at it and this will be the case on Thursday night in Vancouver when the Vancouver Canucks host the Detroit Red Wings. Both teams can put the puck in the net, have dazzling offensive talents and get great goaltending when they need it the most. This should all be on display come Thursday night.

Other Games to Keep an Eye On

Tuesday, January 31

Ottawa @ Boston
New York Rangers @ New Jersey
Chicago @ Vancouver
Wednesday, February 1
Washington @ Florida
Thursday, February 2
Nashville @ Philadelphia
Detroit @ Vancouver
Dallas @ San Jose
Friday, February 3
Los Angeles @ St. Louis
Saturday, February 4
Pittsburgh @ Boston
Toronto @ Ottawa
St. Louis @ Nashville
Sunday, February 5
Boston @ Washington
Pittsburgh @ New Jersey
Philadelphia @ New York Rangers

Photo credit: Getty Images