The Sabres and Ducks will have the best points percentages in their respective conferences through Friday's games, the halfway point of the season.
Ruff's Sabres lead the Eastern Conference with a .763 percentage, posting 61 points in 40 games (29-8-3), and are assured of having the conference's top points percentage through Friday.
Carlyle's Ducks are guaranteed of topping the Western Conference with a .738 percentage. They have 62 points in 42 games (28-8-6).
Heading into Thursday's games, Montreal Canadiens head coach Guy Carbonneau and Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock led close races for the all-star assistant coach positions.
The all-star game is scheduled for Jan. 24.