Things have gone to hell in a handbasket for the Ottawa Senators. They were still the favorites to win the Eastern Conference at press time, checking in at 11-4, but that’s a very slim lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins at 3-1. Ottawa is 3-6-2 in its last 11 games, firing head coach John Paddock in the process. The Penguins added former Senator star Marian Hossa at the trade deadline, and Sidney Crosby returned Tuesday night from his ankle injury. The Pens were 11-6-4 without the league’s reigning MVP.

The mighty Detroit Red Wings are in a tailspin, too. Although they remain 11-8 favorites to take the West, the Wings are 2-8-2 since Feb. 5. That gives the Dallas Stars a chance to grab the green at 5-1; the Stars are just five points behind Detroit in the standings after winning 13 of 15. The Brad Richards trade might even earn Dallas the Stanley Cup at 10-1.