Heading into the Alaska Aces' Wednesday opener of a three-game ECHL series against visiting Ontario, a mere three points separate the bottom five teams in the National Conference. Also, note that Ontario is 7-0-2 in its last nine matches.

And just nine points separate the bottom seven -- really, Idaho is the only team completely in the clear. With 83 points, the Steelheads are 15 points clear of Victoria's 68 points.

Here's the lowdown entering tonight, when Las Vegas plays at Bakersfield. Remember, only the last place team does not qualify for the postseason. Place, team, points, games remaining (Home games/Road Games):

1) Idaho, 83 points, 15 games left (5H/10R)
2) Victoria, 68 points, 12 games left (6H/7R)
3) Bakersfield, 67 points, 15 games left (8H/7R)
4) Stockton, 62 points, 14 games left (8H/6R)
5) Aces, 61 points, 13 games left (7H,6R)
6) Las Vegas, 59 points, 14 games left (9H/5R)
7) Utah, 59 points, 14 games left (6H/8R)
8) Ontario, 59 points, 13 games left (6H/7R)