These are the primary elements that will keep the rest of the NHL regular season exciting.

The players whose actions will have such a significant impact on the short- and long-term prospects

[{"selector":"#anim-23656ea3-48f7-4ade-b74d-4a77a1550a8e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.179687404002955%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

maybe the only things more fascinating than what happens to these clubs.

[{"selector":"#anim-48c339f1-4d0f-4e0e-805a-ba60b8e0d8b8 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-3.5064934665337013%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Gustav Forsling: Days before the Panthers placed defensive partner Aaron Ekblad on injured reserve due to a collision with freshly acquired Vladimir

[{"selector":"#anim-fc69f819-ffce-4e6d-b6a1-813e56ef8fb2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-0.1747241178179948%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

During his tenure in Florida, Forsling has proven to be a dependable defenseman, consistently averaging over 21 minutes and 0.50 points per game.

[{"selector":"#anim-01e10b63-0305-45dd-97f5-d350dc24cd1d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.19067373219462%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

With Ekblad sidelined, his contributions might be even more crucial as the Panthers aim for the top spot.

[{"selector":"#anim-1fd2eb13-72c0-4380-bfe9-deae7c5b46f1 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-4.207792159840434%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

They are no longer merely vying for a wild-card slot; instead, they are now battling for home-ice advantage and seeding.

[{"selector":"#anim-1e2fad01-1558-4283-a30c-89ac1e6a9aa2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(20.162337432568748%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Nevertheless, those conditions have created a close competition for the Presidents' Trophy and top position in the Western Conference standings.

[{"selector":"#anim-b118f605-9a67-4dba-bb9b-d11fbc4eab1b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Shesterkin has returned to being one of the finest goalies in the NHL thanks to his actions during the last two months.

[{"selector":"#anim-29569609-1062-4045-b023-fd422015788e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(12.568870379547894%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]