First playoff berth in Predators’ sights

The Nashville Predators have never finished over 500 or made the playoffs, but they are making their best case ever in 2003-04. Rather than lament their small-market, expansion fate following seven defeats in nine games in mid-November, the Preds, who were last in the Western Conference, decided do something about it. The Preds won 10 of their next 12, surged into the Western Confer-ence’s top eight and were a respect-able 18-15-4-2 through early January. MID-SEASON GRADES A Mark Eaton, D. Plays against top lines, leads in plus-minus. A Kimmo Timonen, D. Small player logs huge minutes. A Tomas Vokoun, G. Spectacular behind an inexperienced defense. A-Martin Erat, LW. Finally has learned to play with consistent effort. A-Rem Murray, LW. Versatility makes him exceedingly valuable. A-Scott Walker, RW. Contributes in all areas, including the dressing room. B+ Scott Hartnell, LW. Has…

Fedorov spreading roots in doghouse

Not only did Fedor Fedorov end up in Stan Smyl’s doghouse, but the coach apparently forgot all about the underachieving center. Due to indifferent play and an unspecified off-ice incident, Fedorov was a healthy scratch for seven Manitoba games, and counting, heading into the second weekend of January. Smyl was so angry with Fedorov that he refused to let the 22-year-old Russian back on the ice even when the Moose were short players. Smyl opted to use 16 skaters, one under the roster limit, and kept Fedorov in the stands for a Jan. 2 game. The problems began in games Dec. 19 and 21, when Fedorov returned from a recall to Vancouver and played poorly. Smyl said Fedorov wasn’t ready. Canucks GM Brian Burke was on hand in Winnipeg scouting his prospects and agreed…

Team of Destiny

Dynamic Datsyuk dominates; Red Wings follow his lead

The Red Wings had a dynamite first half, overcoming Sergei Fedorov’s departure, a goaltending soap opera and an injury epidemic, thanks to some breakout performances and outstanding organizational depth. Pavel Datsyuk has led the way. MID-SEASON GRADES A Pavel Datsyuk, C. Shot up to become one of NHL’s top scorers. A Kris Draper, C. Now oppo-nents must check this checker. A Mathieu Schneider, D. Team’s best defenseman. A Steve Thomas, RW. Stepped right in and scored before suffering knee injury. A Jason Woolley, D. Took opportunity, ran with it. A Steve Yzerman, C. Has exceeded all expectations. A-Brett Hull, RW. Datsyuk makes him look young. A-Brendan Shanahan, LW. Fedorov’s departure hasn’t hurt him. B+ Niklas Kronwall, D. Rookie has impressed. B+ Nicklas Lidström, D. Merely good, but not Norris-caliber. B Mathieu Dandenault, D. Good in swingman role. B Curtis Joseph, G. Might not…