NO MINOR ACHIEVEMENT

IN THE DAYS WHEN ONLY SIX TEAMS roamed the NHL landscape, there was a robust group of talented hockey players flourishing, not waiting, in the wings – the star-studded skaters of North America’s top minor pro teams. Guyle Fielder, Fred Glover, Dick Gamble, Steve Kraftcheck; these are names that have lived in the shadows of the NHL, finding fresh ice in cities such as Rochester, Hershey and Cleveland. The Society for International Hockey Research (SIHR) recently released all-time minor league first and second all-star teams to pay homage to some of the game’s lesser-known, but highly skilled players. The selection process for the teams was based solely on players’ minor pro careers. To qualify, forwards and defenseman required 700 games played, while goaltenders required 400. There was no minimum requirement for coaches.…

Your Inside Edge

Nashville

STEP UP The Predators have made no secret they’re looking for more offensive production from linemates Martin Erat and David Legwand. The two are both under contract through 2013-14 and will earn more than $10 million combined this year. In ’08-09, Erat put up 50 points and Legwand collected 42, their lowest totals in the past three seasons. “Based on their compensation, 50 points isn’t acceptable,” said coach Barry Trotz. The two will have to increase their production despite the absence of a proven scorer on the right side, a situation that’s remained static for a couple of seasons. Prospect Mike Santorelli looks like the leading candidate to fill the spot.…

Colorado

STEP UP For the Avalanche to have any chance of escaping the Western Conference cellar, Paul Stastny will need to stay healthy and be more selfish. The 23-year-old center missed 53 games the past two seasons, including 37 last year because of broken bones sustained blocking shots. Stastny said he’ll be more selective about shot-blocking and do it differently. He’s too important to the team to risk missing half the year over a shot block. Named an alternate captain, Stastny will center the top line and see a lot of power play time. With Joe Sakic fading into retirement, Stastny also needs to focus more on scoring than playmaking, with so few established snipers on the roster.…