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Yearbook 2002-03

The Hockey News Yearbook 2002-03

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0205-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0205-013/10181752-1-eng-US/f0205-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Bruce Bennett/BBS)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

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IN THIS ISSUE

Stanley Cup Playoffs

<div class="byline">By Kevin Allen</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0050-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-01503/10177273-1-eng-US/f0050-012.jpg"></div>Not all that long ago, the recipe for building a championship team was simple enough to print on every season ticket form. Draft well. Stir in one or two good trades. Wait five years for the mixture to mold into a winner.The New York Islanders and Edmonton Oilers both followed those directions and together they produced nine championship teams over 11 seasons from 1980 to 1990.&ldquo;It is totally different now,&rdquo; said Red Wings executive vice-president Jim Devellano, whose scouting acumen helped the Islanders draft the likes of Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, Denis Potvin and Clarke Gillies in the 1970s. &ldquo;When I first came into the league there were 17 teams, and then there were 21. Now there are 30. You still need to draft well, but anyone who thinks they can build strictly through the draft is dreaming now.&rdquo;The once-simple recipe for success has been superceded by what appears to be a complicated formula for producing a championship team. The slow-bake generation has given way to the microwave generation.&ldquo;I don't think you can build through the draft any more,&rdquo; said St. Louis Blues GM Larry Pleau. &ldquo;Time is against you. Parity is against you. And demands from fans are against you. Our ticket prices have gone up and &lsquo;wait until next year&rsquo; doesn&rsquo;t sell very well any more. Even if you look at the expansion teams, they have done a good job, but the demand on them even now is they have to jump ahead quickly&rdquo;With 30 teams, free agency and rising salaries adding more variables to the equation, unlocking the secrets of winning is as simple as trying to decode life&rsquo;s DNA structure. Does your team have the right chemistry? The proper blend of youth and veterans? Do you have enough wiggle room in your budget to add a missing piece at the trade deadline? Are you too old or too young?GMs don&rsquo;t have answers as much as they have problems they have to work through each day to ensure their team is still on course. Recognizing that every GM draws up a different blueprint for success, we offer some general trends and guidelines for how NHL champions are constructed in the 21st century:1. GOALTENDERS RULE What was true in Bill Durnan&rsquo;s day or Terry Sawchuk&rsquo;s day is still true today: stellar goaltending is the most important ingredient to winning a Stanley Cup.Since 1996, Detroit&rsquo;s Chris Osgood is probably the only goaltender who has won a Stanley Cup without either: a) having won before; or, b) having already established himself as one of the league&rsquo;s premier netminders.&ldquo;If you look at the Stanley Cup, the best goalies win,&rdquo; said Atlanta GM Don Waddell.Some in the sports world have equated goaltending to starting pitching in baseball, but that analogy sells goalies short. A starting pitcher is on the mound every fourth day. A goaltender is the only player on the ice every minute of a playoff series, unless something goes seriously wrong.The past four goalies to win the Stanley Cup are Dominik Hasek, Patrick Roy, Martin Brodeur and Ed Belfour. All were considered among the league&rsquo;s top five netminders at the time of the championship.&ldquo;You don&rsquo;t get to the final with a bad goaltender unless you have a team that can score seven or eight goals a game,&rdquo; said Detroit&rsquo;s Brett Hull, &ldquo;and I don&rsquo;t see any team scoring seven or eight goals a game.&rdquo;2. RESPECT YOUR ELDERS The Red Wings graybeard brigade may have stretched the point this past spring, but experience matters more and more in the NHL&rsquo;s postseason gauntlet run.Through the regular season, some of Detroit&rsquo;s adversaries were privately questioning whether all of Detroit&rsquo;s aging warriors would be tuckered out by the playoffs.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-01386/10177266-1-eng-US/f0052-012.jpg" title="f0052-01" width="1265" height="1506"><figcaption class="caption-body">Star PicksThe Oiler and Islander dynasties were built almost exclusively on their ability to draft future stars such as Paul Coffey and Mike Bossy. (Bruce Benet/BS)</figcaption></div>Considering the Red Wings seemed to get stronger as the playoffs progressed, we could see more teams embracing the idea that high-mileage players can still be high-octane players.&ldquo;When we were down 2-0 to Vancouver, nobody in our room thought we were finished,&rdquo; said Detroit&rsquo;s Darren McCarty. &ldquo;There was no panic. There isn&rsquo;t anything we haven&rsquo;t seen before in the playoffs.&rdquo;Considering what Ray Bourque did the year before, this could easily become a trend. Imagine, for example, what the San Jose Sharks might be like if Steve Yzerman or Chris Chelios played for that team.&ldquo;If you don&rsquo;t get the right leadership you can go a long time before the young players on your team learn how to win,&rdquo; said Carolina GM Jim Rutherford.3. IT&rsquo;S HOW YOU SPEND, NOT&nbsp;HOW MUCH &ldquo;Believe it or not, we have a budget,&rdquo; said Detroit GM Ken Holland. &ldquo;We can&rsquo;t have an $80-million payroll.&rdquo;The Red Wings are cast as a team capable of buying the Stanley Cup, but the best move the Wings made in preparation for their Cup run involved a relatively modest $1.8-million investment. That&rsquo;s what it actually cost the Wings to upgrade from Osgood to Hasek. To get Hasek ($8 million), they traded away Slava Kozlov ($2,375 million) and let Osgood ($3.8 million) go in the waiver draft. Wouldn&rsquo;t most teams spend $1.8 million for the opportunity to get one of the top three goaltenders in the league?The New York Rangers, with five consecutive missed post-seasons, are proof that spending the most money doesn&rsquo;t guarantee the most success. Dallas spent aggressively last summer without anything to show for it.Rutherford believes good chemistry, work ethic and excellent goaltending can battle a team with superstars. Most of the lower-budget teams are on either Rule No. 1 (great goaltending) or Rule No. 2 (heart trumps talent).&ldquo;That&rsquo;s the biggest thing we addressed,&rdquo; said Tampa Bay GM Jay Feaster. &ldquo;We went out and got a world-class goaltender (Nikolai Khabibulin) to give us a chance.&rdquo;That said, it would be naive to think money doesn&rsquo;t speak loudly in the NHL. Only four teams had the budgeted dollars to compete for Bobby Holik or Bill Guerin this past summer.&ldquo;It is getting tougher all the time,&rdquo; said Columbus GM-president Doug MacLean. &ldquo;Every day one of our thoughts is, how can we increase our revenues?&rdquo;Evidence certainly supports the theory higher spending leads to better odds for success. The New Jersey Devils are the only relatively frugal team to win the Stanley Cup over the past few seasons.The one advantage big-budget teams seem to have is depth. They simply have more premium players. The fact the New York Islanders are competitive again after significantly increasing their payroll shows the value of dollars.4. LUCK & GOOD KARMA In the 2000-01 playoffs, Steve Yzerman was hurt so badly even he couldn&rsquo;t play Brendan Shanahan was felled by injury as well and the Wings lost to Los Angeles in the opening round.In 2002, Yzerman was able to play through an injury; the Wings had no other significant hurts and went on to capture the Cup. The Hurricanes, the other finalist, were also close to 100 per-cent healthy.&ldquo;There is no doubt you need some luck,&rdquo; Waddell said.Just ask St. Louis. The Blues won Game 3 at home to climb back into the Western Conference semifinal versus Detroit this past spring. Then Blues defenseman Chris Pronger went to check Yzerman and ripped up his knee. Series over.&ldquo;You aren&rsquo;t playing one game a week,&rdquo; Pleau said, &ldquo;you are playing two months at a high level. The NBA plays two months, but not at the speed we are moving. It&rsquo;s a battle and if you have the injuries to the wrong people&hellip;Ten minutes into our fourth game, Pronger is out and it almost seems like we folded the tent.&rdquo;5. DON&rsquo;T SELL THE DRAFT SHORTMaybe you can&rsquo;t build exclusively through the draft, but it&rsquo;s a critical mistake not to value draft picks at all.&ldquo;If I look at the best teams in the league they typically have 10 draft picks on their team,&rdquo; MacLean said. &ldquo;I have a goal of getting 10 draft picks on my team as quickly as possible and this year I think we will start with six or seven.&rdquo;Detroit&rsquo;s 2001-02 championship roster had nine Wing draft picks on it, including youngsters Jiri Fischer and Pavel Datsyuk, and another player (Kris Draper) who was picked up for $1. Two other kids, Sean Avery and Jason Williams, were free agents signed just prior to the 2000-01 campaign. They may not have interested any of the other 29 NHL teams, but they had extended periods of playing time with the Wings in the regular season. Next season another draft pick, Swedish left winger Henrik Zetterberg, is expected to make the Wings.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-01374/10177259-1-eng-US/f0054-012.jpg" title="f0054-01" width="1043" height="1890"><figcaption class="caption-body">Draft RewardHomegrown talent such as youngcenter Pavel Datsyuk proves Detroit knows the value of nurturing its young. (Dan Hamilton/VPS)</figcaption></div>Colorado, the 2000-01 champ, was loaded with homegrown talent as well (including Joe Sakic, Adam Foote, Chris Drury and Milan Hejduk). Also, Colorado GM Pierre Lacroix has aggressively traded his draft picks for more proven players to supplement the roster. That&rsquo;s why Colorado has been able to acquire players such as Ray Bourque, Rob Blake, Theoren Fleury and Darius Kasparaitis. While some deals have worked out better than others, Lacroix&rsquo;s stockpile of prospects has put him in the position to be aggressive.&ldquo;Our scouting staff has played a big role in our success,&rdquo; Lacroix said.Colorado isn&rsquo;t the only team that has used this model. New Jersey GM Lou Lamoriello has taken advantage of David Conte&rsquo;s strong scouting record to produce draft picks that he turns into key veterans at the trade deadline.6. RISK MANAGE MENT This is where GMs make their reputations. There is such a fine line now between strength and mediocrity that just identifying guys with talent isn&rsquo;t enough. Talent will be wasted if it comes without character.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0055-01331/10177252-1-eng-US/f0055-012.jpg" title="f0055-01" width="1687" height="1252"><figcaption class="caption-body">Vet WinnersWith hardworking stars such as Luc Robitaille, Chris Chelios and Brett Hull, the Wings were unstoppable.</figcaption></div>Although Carolina always must keep an eye on the bottom line, the Canes aggressively went out and signed aging Ron Francis in 1998 because they believed, correctly, he could bring pride to their den of young cubs.But when the big star doesn&rsquo;t do the grunt work as well, that&rsquo;s when things start falling apart.&ldquo;Always the issue is, are the guys making the big money competing the way they should?&rdquo; Feaster said.&ldquo;If they don&rsquo;t - that&rsquo;s when (low-budget) teams have their chance. But when you look at Detroit, those guys battled just as hard as every team they were playing.&rdquo;Added Florida coach Mike Keenan: &ldquo;(The Wings) won the Stanley Cup because they went after players that in their minds would remove the surprise element. In other words, they knew exactly what they were getting. They paid a high price, but they didn&rsquo;t have the development to worry about.&rdquo;The road to success has forks, twists and dark alleys where it&rsquo;s easy to become lost or misguided. Accidents happen. Some shortcuts work and some don&rsquo;t.Indeed, when it comes to building a winner, there&rsquo;s nothing simple or easy about it.&ldquo;Really what it comes down to,&rdquo; Pleau said, &ldquo;is that you have to use every avenue to be successful.&rdquo;<h2>GM shares method behind Carolina&rsquo;s playoff magic</h2>Carolina was able to get within three wins of the Stanley Cup championship with a payroll of $34 million. That&rsquo;s about $30 million less than Detroit - or about what it cost the Wings to pay its five highest-salaried players.How was Carolina able to do it? Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford points to several factors:RIGHT MIX, RIGHT LEADERS The Canes lineup featured 10 draft picks, 10 players acquired through trades and three free agents. The key free agent was center Ron Francis.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0055-02215/10177245-1-eng-US/f0055-022.jpg" title="f0055-02" width="1252" height="1061"><figcaption class="caption-body">RON FRANCIS</figcaption></div>&ldquo;Once we came to Carolina we decided we were going to develop as many of our own players as we could, but the key was to have the leadership to do that,&rdquo; Rutherford said.&ldquo;(Francis) was still a good player, but we also wanted him to teach these guys how to win and he did that.&rdquo; Rutherford added the same role also had been filled by Gary Roberts, who left prior to last season to sign with Toronto.CHEMISTRY & CHARAC&nbsp;TER If a GM is building a team with solid players instead of high-priced stars, everyone has to be stroking the oars to the same cadence.&ldquo;Probably every year you&rsquo;ll find someone who doesn&rsquo;t fit any more,&rdquo; Rutherford said. &ldquo;And in this case, not that he&rsquo;s a bad person or bad player, Sandis Ozolinsh didn&rsquo;t fit our team structure. When we made that trade (with Florida for Bret Hedican and Kevyn Adams) it came together for us.&rdquo;GOALTENDING In Arturs Irbe and Kevin Weekes, the team had goaltenders who won games outright for them. &ldquo;Arturs gave us a chance to win in every game against Detroit.&rdquo;CONDITIONING After the Hurricanes advanced to the conference final, Rutherford told Carolina&rsquo;s strength and conditioning coach, Peter Friesen, that he deserved much of the credit. Rutherford didn&rsquo;t believe it was luck the Canes got stronger as they went on.COACHING There&rsquo;s a reason Paul Maurice looked like he aged 10 years in the playoffs. He was mentally exhausted after spending so much time preparing for the opposition. &#9632;

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Features

Building a winner

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0220-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0220-014/10182121-1-eng-US/f0220-012.jpg"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0221-013/10182114-1-eng-US/f0221-012.jpg" title="f0221-01" width="2338" height="3030"></div> &#9632;

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Ontario Hockey League

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0216-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0216-013/10182052-1-eng-US/f0216-012.jpg"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0217-013/10182045-1-eng-US/f0217-012.jpg" title="f0217-01" width="4867" height="3022"></div> &#9632;

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East Coast Hockey League

<div class="byline">Editor&#x2019;s Notebook </div><div class="byline">Jason Kay</div><div class="byline">Managing Editor</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-012316/10176728-1-eng-US/f0004-012.jpg" title="f0004-01" width="427" height="268"><figcaption class="caption-body">Sean Burke&rsquo;s Coyotes could be the beneficiaries of a bigger playoff pool.</figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-021961/10176735-1-eng-US/f0004-022.jpg" title="f0004-02" width="79" height="94"></div>The Hockey News doesn&rsquo;t own a crystal ball - the closest thing we have is the world&rsquo;s most eclectic collection of hackey sacks - but even without the sooth-saying sphere, one thing is clear about 2002-03: there aren&rsquo;t enough playoff berths to go around.Try establishing a predicted order of finish and, suddenly, 16 doesn&rsquo;t seem so sweet. Eight (per conference) is not enough.The time has come for the NHL to expand its collective mind and its playoff pool to 20 teams. That would put post-season participation at the 66 percent mark, the same level enjoyed by the Original Sixers. In fact, prior to the 1990s expansion boom, at least two-thirds of all NHL clubs always qualified for the playoffs.Just imagine the potential ramifications: shorter regular seasons and longer playoff beards; more inflated ticket revenue and higher TV ratings. Heck, Phoenix might even win a series.</div><div style="clear: both;"></div>And did we mention less pressure on &ldquo;expert&rdquo; prognosticators?For now, however, you&rsquo;ll have to settle for reality Check out how we see things unfolding this year on pgs. 64-65.Here are other points of interest as you navigate your way through The Hockey News 2002-03 Yearbook:&#9633; Senior writer Mike Brophy paints an impressionistic picture of Islanders GM Mike Milbury the madman with a plan (pg. 34) and crowns a new best NHLer in his ranking of the league&rsquo;s top 50 players (pg. 56).&#9633; THN&rsquo;s Mark Brender plays a round of nine with Calder Trophy winner Dany Heatley (pg. 42), fools around with 2004 CBA posturing (pg. 9) and looks at what&rsquo;s around the corner for burgeoning mega-star Jose Theodore (pg. 28).&#9633; We takecritical looks at young power forwards Jarome Iginla and Todd Bertuzzi (pg. 14), metamorphisizing power forward Eric Lindros (pg. 20) and how to build a powerhouse (pg. 50).&#9633; Each of the 30 franchises goes under the microscope in our team reports, beginning on pg. 66.&#9633; And we provide all the stats and schedule information you&rsquo;ll need to be prepared for the upcoming season (pgs. 202-232).As for the crystal ball, about all we can manage is on pg. 129-the fifth-string goalie for the Los Angeles Kings, France-born Cristobal Huet.<div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-031538/10176721-1-eng-US/f0004-032.jpg" title="f0004-03" width="49" height="50"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-041121/10176714-1-eng-US/f0004-042.jpg" title="f0004-04" width="120" height="60"></div> &#9632;</div>

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Life would be so much simpler if me just had more playoff teams

<div class="byline">By Tom Wheatley</div>Be it steamy in the room, behind the bench or under the collar, there&rsquo;s plenty of hot stuff to watch heading into 2002-03. Here&rsquo;s a taste of what&rsquo;s in store:<h3>BLAZING</h3><h2>CLUTCH EUROS</h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-012552/10176874-1-eng-US/f0006-012.jpg" title="f0006-01" width="878" height="821"><figcaption class="caption-body">ARTURS IRBE</figcaption></div>Once upon a time, Europeans weren&rsquo;t considered money players. Then Nicklas Lidstrom became the first Euro to win the Conn Smythe and Dominik Hasek and Arturs Irbe the first Euro goalies to face one another for the Cup. Nowadays, a team without several top Euros is a team that&rsquo;s not a serious contender.<h3>SCORCHING</h3><h2>COACHING GENIUSES</h2>Scotty Bowman hit the pasture with his record nine coaching Cups and his infinitely complex quirks. Successors, anyone? Ken Hitchcock and Pat Burns get fresh starts. Bryan Trottier, Dave Tippett, Mike Babcock and Bruce Cassidy get first starts. But look out for young comers Paul Maurice, Andy Murray, Bobby Francis and Peter Laviolette, who smartly made playoff starts with unheralded teams.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-021747/10176867-1-eng-US/f0006-022.jpg" title="f0006-02" width="326" height="497"><figcaption class="caption-body">PAUL MAURICE</figcaption></div><h3>SIMMERING</h3><h2>CANCER OR CURE?</h2>Remember when you couldn&rsquo;t win with Brett Hull? Guess who logged an NHL-high 14 playoff series the past four years and is the only player to reach three of the past four Cup finals? Guess who scored the Cup winner in &rsquo;99, led the playoffs in goals and points in 2000 and again in goals in 2002? Can&rsquo;t win with Hull, or can&rsquo;t win without him?<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-031044/10176860-1-eng-US/f0006-032.jpg" title="f0006-03" width="521" height="784"><figcaption class="caption-body">BRETT HULL</figcaption></div><h3>BLISTERING</h3><h2>ATLANTA BURNING</h2>Dany Heatley and Ilya Kovalchuk were on fire as they turned on the red light and turned the Calder derby into a one-line competition. But these precocious kids will need more than newcomers Kozlov and McEachern to turn Atlanta into a playoff team.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-04673/10176853-1-eng-US/f0006-042.jpg" title="f0006-04" width="290" height="239"></div><h3>BOILING</h3><h2>WARHORSES</h2>Check out all those new deals for team and/or playoff leaders Mark Messier (41), Igor Larionov (41), Chris Chelios and Adam Oates (both 40), Ron Francis and Dave Andrey chuk (both 39). Still holding out: Bobby Orr (54), Bobby Hull (67), Jean Beliveau (71), Gordie Howe (74).<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-05532/10176846-1-eng-US/f0006-052.jpg" title="f0006-05" width="543" height="944"><figcaption class="caption-body">MARK MESSIER</figcaption></div><h3>STEAMING</h3><h2>TWO-REFEREE SYSTEM</h2>That&rsquo;s hot, as in anger - not hot, as in trendy Slashing and silliness behind the play are down. But try explaining the rules to a hockey novice. And why are partners so often competing, not co operating? Suggestions: Ban arm-raising by any ref a zone away from his sidekick&rsquo;s no-call and assign permanent tandems. Maybe familiarity will breed less contempt.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-06383/10176839-1-eng-US/f0006-062.jpg" title="f0006-06" width="876" height="585"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Maurice:Bruce Benett/BBS; Messier: Lisa Meyer/BBS; Hull: Sports Action Photography)</figcaption></div>The game is played on ice, true, but is there really any need for mind-numbing behavior? Apparently so. These stories belong tucked away in someone&rsquo;s damp (frost-free?) cellar:<h3>CHILLY</h3><h2>OLYMPIC RULES</h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0007-012235/10176832-1-eng-US/f0007-012.jpg" title="f0007-01" width="463" height="176"></div>Fans loved the uptempo play at the Salt Lake City Olympics. But NHL GMs appar-ently weren&rsquo;t watching the games or listening to the fans. They did adopt a slower, loopholed version of the hurry-up faceoff. No-touch icing and no redline offsides got a thumbs down. As for expanding the ice surface, that is not an option since a genera tion of new rinks opened in the 1990s bearing the same cramped dimensions as the old ones.<h3>FRIGID</h3><h2>FISCAL INSANITY</h2>The Wings spent a league-high $64 million and bought a Cup. But the next five big spenders - the Blues, Stars, Rangers, Flyers and Capitals - combined to win one playoff series. Carolina reached the final with the 18th-richest payroll. The Rangers then heaved $45 mil over five years to Bobby Holik (54 points, 73rd-most in NHL). Inflation, anyone?<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0007-021527/10176825-1-eng-US/f0007-022.jpg" title="f0007-02" width="365" height="359"></div><h3>GLACIAL</h3><h2>ALBERTA CLIPPED</h2>Back in the 1980s, awash in petro-dollars and future Hall of Famers, Edmonton and Calgary were the NHL Haves. Those times Have Gone. The Alberta rivals wasted fast starts last year, missed the play-offs, got a provincial taxapparlevied levied on NHL players and watched rivals bid for pricey talent. How much longer before these Have Nots have not got a team?<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0007-03952/10176818-1-eng-US/f0007-032.jpg" title="f0007-03" width="753" height="745"><figcaption class="caption-body">ALBERTA</figcaption></div><h3>FROSTY</h3><h2>LANG & WINDING ROAD</h2>LastLast season we asked: Which one is best equipped to lead his team to the Cup? Now the question is: Which can get his body and/oi mind together and lead his team to the playoffs Hint, hint&hellip;follow the money trail left by Robert Lang " as he abandoned Mario Lemieux and the Pens for Jaromir Jagr and the Caps.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0007-05415/10176811-1-eng-US/f0007-052.jpg" title="f0007-05" width="612" height="1087"><figcaption class="caption-body">ROBERT LANG</figcaption></div><h3>ICY</h3><h2>SUPPLEMENTAL DISCIPLINE</h2>We&rsquo;re sure there is logic at work when NHL VP. Colin Campbell takes bad boys to the woodshed. We&rsquo;re just not always sure what it is&hellip;especially when Jiri Fischer gets a one-game playoff spanking for a vicious crosscheck. Can anyone review the reviewer?<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0007-06317/10176804-1-eng-US/f0007-062.jpg" title="f0007-06" width="328" height="432"><figcaption class="caption-body">COLIN CAMPBELL</figcaption></div><h3>POLAR</h3><h2>HIGH SEEDS</h2>Sure, a team prefers to ride the Presidents&rsquo; Trophy into the post-season. But Carolina was the seventh Cup finalist in 12 years to rank shot, take heart from the Canes (16th overall in &rsquo;02), Sabres (ninth in &rsquo;99), Caps (eighth in &rsquo;98), Panthers (7th in &rsquo;96), Canucks (14th in &rsquo;94), no better than No. 7 overall. So if your team hits the big dance next April as a long COLIN / CAMPBELL former North Stars (16th in &rsquo;91) and the Cupwinner Canadiens (seventh in &rsquo;93).<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0007-07246/10176797-1-eng-US/f0007-072.jpg" title="f0007-07" width="807" height="912"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Lang, Campbel: Bruce Benet/BBS)</figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0007-04605/10176790-1-eng-US/f0007-042.jpg" title="f0007-04" width="114" height="120"></div> &#9632;</div>

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Departments

What’s Hot What Not 2002-03

<div class="byline">By Mark Brender</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0009-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0009-012160/10176919-1-eng-US/f0009-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Bruce Bennett/BBS)</figcaption></div>General manager: Smitty, want a beer?Player: Nah, I&rsquo;m training already. Good boy. You got any offers? Nothing firm. But you get me through 2004 and I&rsquo;llpick up the pucks at the end of practice. I need two more years out of these bones because there&rsquo;s not gonna be any hockey after then, anyway.You got that right. Speaking of which, check out those two.Who?Goodenow and Bettman. Over there by the jukebox. Looks like they&rsquo;re doing rock-paper-scissors for who coughs up the quarter.They talk to each other?Not about anything important. Goodenow won&rsquo;t go near the CBA.And why should he? No way we&rsquo;re ripping this one up before we have to. Ten years ago I made $200,000 and now Columbus signs Luke Richardson for four years and $10 million? Hell, he&rsquo;s older than I am. That&rsquo;s what I call a CBA that works.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0009-021515/10176912-1-eng-US/f0009-022.jpg" title="f0009-02" width="262" height="267"></div>Yeah, it works real well. I need another sixth defenseman like I need a hole in the head and that&rsquo;s all I can afford. Whattya want, a mil? (Smiling) Talk to my agent. (Smirking) Oh, your flippin&rsquo; agent. They&rsquo;re the ones who got us into this mess, them and Goodenow. Great denial We all wait until the 2004 Stanley Cup is over and then spit nickels for a year? For two? It makes no sense. What about the good of the game?Bettman&rsquo;s cost-certainty garbage is what makes no sense. That&rsquo;s all he says, &ldquo;Cost this, salaries that,&rdquo; but I don&rsquo;t hear him talking about revenue certainty. If owners want a level playingfield, let&rsquo;em split gate receipts. That&rsquo;ll help your small markets stop crying. Bettman can&rsquo;t control his bossesfrom spending and he&rsquo;s trying to make it our problem.You really don&rsquo;t believe there are any problems, do you?Oh, I believe you have problems. Your blueline stinks.Why is the salary cap such a non-starter for you guys?Basketball has it. Football has it Care to guess which pro sports leagues are the most successful? The soft cap has been a disaster for those NBA players, right? Those poor guys, average salary $2.5 mil. I&rsquo;m telling you, cap or a luxury tax or whatever, it&rsquo;s going to happen here, too.No way. You think Mike Hitch and Tom Hicks and the Cablevision guys at MSG are going to let two seasons die over a cap? All these guys want is to outspend each other. I give it one season out, then your guys fold. Ted Leonsis, Bill Wirtz, Ed Snider, no way these guys are losing money. Leonsis said he lost more in the market in one day than it cost him to sign Jagr, so no way am I cutting my salary short to help these guys.But it&rsquo;s not about them, it&rsquo;s about having 30 teams in this league and you keeping your 700 jobs and everybody capitalizing on the growth of the game. You guys are going to get hammered on public opinion. Impoverished players won&rsquo;t play, boo hoo&hellip;For For a season. After that it&rsquo;s business as usual.People can&rsquo;t afford to go to games as it is.You know ticket prices have zero relation to salaries. Teams charge what the market will bear. It&rsquo;s no different from how we operate.And because of it, only certain teams can win. Carolina didn&rsquo;t have a prayer in the final, just like 23 other teams. The way things are now alienates fans.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-012414/10176905-1-eng-US/f0010-012.jpg" title="f0010-01" width="1688" height="1055"><figcaption class="caption-body">GARV BETTMANBOB G00DEN0W (Bruce Bennett/BBS)</figcaption></div>Are you serious? Competitive balance has never been better. Besides, fans are fans. They might be angry, but they won&rsquo;t stop coming. And if teams aren&rsquo;t serious about winning, they don&rsquo;t deserve fans anyway. The lousy teams should at least spend some money to get better. Say what you want about the Rangers, but at least they&rsquo;re serious about winning.Serious about winning? Oh that&rsquo;s precious. Number one, the Rangers haven&rsquo;t made the playoffs this millennium. Number two, what about players being serious about winning? Every time anyone loses in the second round, all we hear from the players is ownership having to step up and make a commitment to improve the team. What self-serving crap - absolve yourself of responsibility and pump up the average salary at the same time.The system works. Everybody is acting in his own self-interest.But in whose interest is no hockey in 2004? The average player is going to be hurt by a lockout more than helped by it. How important is it to you that Joe Sakic can make $13 million instead of $9 million?Show us the books then.If we did, would you believe them? Fine, say the owners guarantee you a fixed share of the revenues in salaries, whatever the share is right now. In return, you take a salary cap. That means if revenues go up, your salaries go up.What&rsquo;s wrong with that?What&rsquo;s wrong is owners hide revenue. That, plus I can&rsquo;t choose where I want to play until I&rsquo;m 31.That&rsquo;s why we need to start talking now, to define revenue. It&rsquo;ll take a while. As for unre stricted free agency, say they lower the qualifying criteria to seven years of NHL experience or age 26, whatever comes first In return, teams get arbitration rights. I want, once a summer, to be able to take any player I want to arbitration. And the entry-level system, that has got to change. Joe Thornton&rsquo;s rookie contract in 1997 screwed up the cap bonuses for the rest of us. Now you just have to blink at the net and you&rsquo;ve hit your bonuses.He earned it. Your owners agreed to the CBA, Thornton&rsquo;s agent made it work for him and it&rsquo;s our fault? And you can&rsquo;t be serious that the players should do so much sacrificing when owners are still selling teamsfor millions more than they paid for them.The only reason franchise values are going up is buyers&rsquo; ego, not because it makes financial sense. If teams don&rsquo;t get a better deal out of 2004, there won&rsquo;t be any egos big enough to buy Calgary or Edmonton or Buffalo. Listen, I&rsquo;d love to be managing the Rangers. Then I could overpay Holik and Kasparaitis and talk about what a great team concept my boys have developed when they finally win something.Newsflash - the world&rsquo;s not fair. I&rsquo;d love to be Rob Blake.I&rsquo;d love if you were Rob Blake, too. But then I wouldn&rsquo;t be able to sign you, would I?Nope. You gonna sign me now? I think you said I have to talk to your agent. I tried him 20 minutes ago. Apparently he&rsquo;s talking with the Rangers - and not about you, you can be damn sure. Apparently they&rsquo;re emptying their wallet trying to make the playoffs before 2004.Can&rsquo;t say I blame them.End of tape&hellip; &#9632;

f0009-01

Cracked ice in 2004?

<div class="byline">By Ed Willes</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0014-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-012334/10176985-1-eng-US/f0014-012.jpg"></div>In Calgary they&rsquo;ll say our guy led the league in goals and points and was voted the NHL&rsquo;s best player by his peers. End of discussion.In Vancouver, they&rsquo;ll say not so fast, cowboy. Our guy was suspended for 10 games, but still finished third in league scoring and dragged his team into the playoffs. There&rsquo;s no contest.In Calgary, they&rsquo;ll say go suck on a latte. Our guy can score more ways than Wilt Chamberlain, he&rsquo;s got a personality that&rsquo;s brighter than the northern lights and he&rsquo;s 2-1/2 years younger than your guy Exactly what are we arguing about?This question is like the one about the tree falling in the woods. There&rsquo;s no right answer. If you asked 100 hockey men who the better power forward is, Calgary Flames right winger Jarome Iginla or Vancouver Canucks right winger Todd Bertuzzi, 50 would say Iginla and 50 would say Bertuzzi.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0015-012015/10176978-1-eng-US/f0015-012.jpg" title="f0015-01" width="315" height="275"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0015-021432/10176971-1-eng-US/f0015-022.jpg" title="f0015-02" width="327" height="307"></div>The best part is, at the start of last year, neither Iginla nor Bertuzzi would have registered in this kind of discussion. By the end of it, they had become the standard by which other power forwards are compared.So how did they get here? Better yet, where do they go from here? They&rsquo;re important questions and the hockey world better get used to them, because they&rsquo;ll be asked a lot over the coming years.This might tell you something about Jarome Iginla&rsquo;s 2001-02 season. At the beginning of the year, Iginla was told he had been invited to Team Canada&rsquo;s Olympic camp in Calgary - and he thought it was a joke.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-012100/10176964-1-eng-US/f0016-012.jpg" title="f0016-01" width="1646" height="2166"><figcaption class="caption-body">Hot FlameJarome ginla was in on 48 per cent of Calgary&rsquo;s goals, easily the highest such percentage in the league. (Sports Action Photography)</figcaption></div>At the end of the year, the members of the NHL Players&rsquo; Association awarded him the Lester B. Pearson trophy as the league&rsquo;s outstanding player.&ldquo;What happened?&rdquo; Iginla answered rhetorically from his Edmonton-area home this summer as he recovered from the demands of his new found celebrity &ldquo;Good question. If I had to pinpoint one thing it would be confidence. Some people say it&rsquo;s overrated. I think it&rsquo;s the differ-ence between making a play or not making the play I just got some confidence going and I started to believe I could get to another level.&rdquo;Which is a story in itself, because that wasn&rsquo;t the case at the start of 2001-02.Iginla wasn&rsquo;t surprised when he was passed over in the initial selection for the Team Canada camp. Nor, for that matter, was anyone else.Prior to his breakout campaign his career highs were 31 goals and 71 points in 2000-01. True, he posted reasonably consistent numbers in his first five seasons after breaking into the Flames lineup as a 19-year-old Kamloops Blazer graduate. But there&rsquo;s a big difference between an adequate player who promises something more and a player who leads the league in scoring.&ldquo;Before this season you&rsquo;d say he was a gritty player who could score goals,&rdquo; said Calgary teammate Bob Boughner. &ldquo;I&rsquo;d have to say that&rsquo;s changed. Now he&rsquo;s the complete package.&rdquo;That change started in September with the Olympic camp. Iginla was in the Edmonton suburb of St. Albert when the camp opened. That night he went to dinner with family before he picked up a message from his girlfriend, Kara Kirkland. &ldquo;She said, &lsquo;Wayne Gretzky is trying to get hold of you,&rsquo;&rdquo; Iginla recalled.His first reaction was, alright, who&rsquo;s trying to set me up?&ldquo;I was a little suspicious,&rdquo; Iginla said with a laugh. &ldquo;I could just imagine someone playing a bad joke and me showing up where I&rsquo;m not wanted. That would have made a great story.&rdquo;Ultimately, it was a great story Iginla, whom Gretzky was inviting because Philadelphia forward Simon Gagne was sidelined with a shoulder injury, drove down from St. Albert, Alta., suited up for the final three days of camp and immediately proved he wasn&rsquo;t out of place among the league&rsquo;s elite. He then returned to the Flames&rsquo; camp and hammered home the point, along with 18 goals in his first 20 games of the regular season.&ldquo;I remember the first time my name appeared at the top of the scoring leaders,&rdquo; Iginla said. &ldquo;It was pretty exciting.&rdquo;Playing on a line with Craig Conroy and Dean McAmmond, Iginla took over the league scoring lead at the end of October, didn&rsquo;t hit a significant slump the rest of the way and finished as the league&rsquo;s only 50-goal man and its leading scorer.Couple that with his two-goal performance in Canada&rsquo;s 5-2 win over the United States in the gold medal game at Salt Lake City and Iginla didn't have to worry about having too much down time this summer.In one week, near the end of June, he flew to Toronto where he rubbed elbows with Kid Rock as a presenter at the Much Music Video Awards; flew to New York where he met with the Gotham press and took batting practice with the Mets; flew back to Toronto for a GQ shoot; and, finally, attended the NHL awards night, where he won the Pearson, but lost the Hart Trophy to Montreal&rsquo;s Jose Theodore after one voter left Iginla off the ballot completely.At the start of the season he was little known outside of Calgary. At the end of it, he was one of the game&rsquo;s most recognizable stars.&ldquo;We make fun of him all the time (for getting the star treatment),&rdquo; Boughner said. &ldquo;And he&rsquo;s going to hear about all this.&rdquo;If you're waiting for success to swell Iginla&rsquo;s already considerable cranium, however, you&rsquo;ll be disappointed. Even with the awards, even as he awaited a dizzying new contract, the 25-, year-old continually uses the word &ldquo;balance&rdquo; to describe both his game and his life. Last season he said he discovered the power forward&rsquo;s balance between physicality and finesse. He said his goal for 2002-03 is to finish the season with at least 300 shots on net and to make his linemates more dangerous.Off the ice, Iginla&rsquo;s intriguing lineage has produced a young man as grounded and personable as he is talented. His father, Elvis, was born in Nigeria, emigrated to Canada and became a lawyer in Edmonton. His mother, Susan Schuchard, moved to Edmonton from Oregon at an early age, raised Iginla as a single parent and later became a Buddhist.Out of that mix, a vital role model for all young players has emerged, especially players whoare of a visible minority.&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve dreamed of playing in the NHL since I was seven and other kids would tell me there weren&rsquo;t many black players in the league,&rdquo; Iginla said. &ldquo;It made it easier to look at Grant Fuhr and see him winning Stanley Cups. Personally, if I could be that kind of role model for someone else, it would be an honor.&rdquo;As for the upcoming season, he says: &ldquo;I&rsquo;m excited about getting better. I look at guys like (Joe) Sakic and (Steve) Yzerman, guys who do it year after year. That&rsquo;s where I want to be.&ldquo;There are more dreams. But I&rsquo;ll tell you a lot of them have been delivered this season.&rdquo;Like Iginla, Bertuzzi believes he doesn&rsquo;t belong behind the velvet ropes yet. He had a great season. That doesn&rsquo;t make him a great player.&ldquo;I&rsquo;m not there yet,&rdquo; said the 27-year-old Sudbury native. &ldquo;I think I took a step last year, but until you do it consistently you can&rsquo;t count yourself with those players.&rdquo;If Bertuzzi isn&rsquo;t there already, he&rsquo;s next in line, at the very least. In one short season, the immense and immensely gifted winger fulfilled the potential he&rsquo;d been hinting at since he tore up the OHL with the Guelph Storm in the early 1990s. After a slow start to his NHL career, first with the New York Islanders, then the Canucks, Bertuzzi authored back-to-back 25-goal seasons in Vancouver in 1999-2000 and 2000-01. But if Bertuzzi&rsquo;s production was consistent in those two seasons, his night-in, night-out performance was anything but.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-011975/10176957-1-eng-US/f0018-012.jpg" title="f0018-01" width="2671" height="2190"><figcaption class="caption-body">UnstoppableWhen 245-pound Todd Bertuzzi sets up shop in front of the net, there aren&rsquo;t many who can drive him away. (Bruce Bennett/BBS)</figcaption></div>&ldquo;He never played really bad,&rdquo; said Canucks vice-president of hockey operations Dave Nonis. &ldquo;The frustration people had with him is they could see he had the talent to do so much more.&rdquo;Perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of Bertuzzi&rsquo;s season last year is that he basically spotted the rest of the field in the scoring race 15 games, and caught everyone but Iginla and linemate Markus Naslund. Owing to a 10-game suspension incurred when he left the Canucks&rsquo; bench to engage Colorado&rsquo;s Scott Parker in a line scrum, Bertuzzi had just four points to show for the first five weeks of the season. He then ripped off a goal and an assist in his first game back and just went on from there, ultimately racking up 35 goals and 81 points over his last 67 games, a per-game rate which was slightly higher than Iginla&rsquo;s season-long pace.Together with Naslund and center Brendan Morrison, he also helped form the highest-scoring line in the NHL.The suspension, in fact, seemed to mark a turning point in Bertuzzi&rsquo;s season, if not his career. Prior to his enforced leave-of absence, his play was characterized by incandescent moments of brilliance offset against prolonged periods of invisibility Upon his reinstatement, however, Bertuzzi was focused, disciplined and, above all else, consistent, leading observers to conclude the suspension provided the wake-up call which Bertuzzi needed. Isn&rsquo;t that right, Todd?&ldquo;That had nothing to do with it. Absolutely nothing.&ldquo;I think I just matured as a person. Before, I&rsquo;d have a bad game and it would eat at me for a week. In that time you played two or three more games. I&rsquo;ve learned you&rsquo;ve just got to get rid of it and move on.&rdquo;The Canucks, for their part, aren&rsquo;t really concerned about the whys of Bertuzzi&rsquo;s turnaround. They&rsquo;re just overjoyed it has happened.&ldquo;It&rsquo;s the little things,&rdquo; Nonis said. &ldquo;How many times would you see Todd just shoot it in before this year? He&rsquo;d hang on to it and try to score a highlight-reel goal. It would drive you crazy.&ldquo;Sometimes you just get it. I think he learned that 40 games isn&rsquo;t good enough and the season is 82 games long. He&rsquo;s become a veteran is the best way to put it.&rdquo;And that maturity, coupled with Bertuzzi&rsquo;s physical gifts, has created Shaquille O&rsquo;Neal in hockey gear. Last season, Bertuzzi&rsquo;s playing weight ranged from 242 to 250 pounds, making him virtually impossible to dislodge from the front of the net or to impede when he was driving down the WingWhat separates him from the NHL&rsquo;s other behemoths is the skating and skill level that accompanies his frightening massAs teammate Trevor Linden put it, &ldquo;He weighs 250 pounds and handles it like a center. It&rsquo;s an unstoppable pack-age."It&rsquo;s also one of the cornerstones of a Canuck team that went 33-9-3-3 after Christmas, the best record in the NHL over that span.&ldquo;We&rsquo;re all at a similar point in our careers,&rdquo; Bertuzzi said of his still-young team. &ldquo;You look at the Oilers in the 1980s and it was a group of players who all came in together and grew together. But you don&rsquo;t have that much time in this game. We&rsquo;ve got to step up. We&rsquo;re expecting it and our city&rsquo;s expecting it.&rdquo;Off the ice, meanwhile, things have also changed for Bertuzzi. The former wild child is now a 27-year-old husband and proud father of three-year-old-daughter Jaden, and 18-month-old son Tag. You only need ask him about his children to understand he has rearranged his priorities.&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a wake-up call and a half every day when you&rsquo;ve got kids,&rdquo; Bertuzzi said. &ldquo;It has made me look at the world differently.&rdquo;A lot like Bertuzzi and Iginla have made the hockey world look at them differently, as the best two power forwards in the game. Their chance to prove it, again, is just around the corner.<h2>BREAKING OUT</h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0019-011717/10176950-1-eng-US/f0019-012.jpg" title="f0019-01" width="1181" height="1500"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Sports Action Photography)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0014-01

Power Surge

<div class="byline">By Scott Burnside</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0020-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-011728/10177044-1-eng-US/f0020-012.jpg"></div>The &lsquo;F&rsquo; for &lsquo;Fun&rsquo; is back in the game of hockey for the human baggage cart named Eric Lindros.You could see it in his strides in his inaugural season as a New York Ranger and you can hear it now in his voice even from prime Northern Ontario cottage country.But don&rsquo;t for a moment call this a comeback, a second wind, a second chance.&ldquo;Hey, this isn&rsquo;t a second anything; I haven&rsquo;t gone anywhere,&rdquo; Lindros said. &ldquo;I always appreciated the game. I just wasn&rsquo;t having as much fun.&rdquo;Of all the game&rsquo;s elite players - and by any measuring stick Eric Lindros is still one of those - no one has been or will continue to be judged according to external factors as much as big 88.But that collection of emotional and physical baggage - the snubbing of Quebec a lifetime ago in 1991; the Koo Koo Bananas drink-spitting adventure; the epic battles between the Lindros clan and Philadelphia Flyers management; the multiple concussions; the protracted contract impasse that saw Lindros finally become a Ranger last August - all that seems these days to be a footnote to the more important issue.What now? Just where is Eric Lindros&rsquo;s place at hockey&rsquo;s head table?After a full, mostly healthy season under his belt with the Rangers, Lindros seems poised to embrace the future, to finally answer those questions.&ldquo;I&rsquo;m looking forward to a great year, a great year,&rdquo; said Lindros, 29, his voice rising at the prospect of his return to Broadway &ldquo;(Last) year was great in the sense that the love for the game was back. I was having fun again. That&rsquo;s the first step out of the blocks.&rdquo;<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0021-011384/10177037-1-eng-US/f0021-012.jpg" title="f0021-01" width="284" height="259"></div>A series of minor injuries, including a minor concussion, cost Lindros 10 games, but the hulking center still led the Rangers with 37 goals and 73 points in 72 games. It marked only the third time in his 10-year career Lindros has managed to top the 70-game mark during the regular season.&ldquo;I think he knows in his own mind now he can go,&rdquo; said Rangers television analyst and former netminder John Davidson. &ldquo;He took some pretty good knocks and pretty much went through it.&rdquo;&ldquo;No one knew how long he&rsquo;d be able to keep playing,&rdquo; said Lindros&rsquo;s former coach in Philadelphia, Roger Neilson, now an assistant in Ottawa. &ldquo;I think everybody was happy what happened, playing the whole season, leading the team in scoring. I thought it was a very successful year for him.&rdquo;When the Rangers were battling for first place in late December, it was Lindros flanked by Theo Fleury and Mike York who were leading the way When the Rangers made thenlast desperate lurch towards the playoffs, it was Lindros and newly acquired Pavel Bure at the fore.In the summer Lindros waited expectantly as GM Glen Sather retooled the team, adding much needed offensive depth and grit in the form of Bobby Holik and a snarly defenseman in Darius Kasparaitis.The Holik signing, Davidson said, &ldquo;really puts Eric in a much better spot,&rdquo; including being able to avoid the opposition&rsquo;s toughest checkers and defensemen at least part of the time.In spite of the angst-filled weeks in the spring of 2001 when it looked like Lindros would fulfill some people&rsquo;s idea of destiny and become a Toronto Maple Leaf, there seems in hindsight no better fit for the Big than the Big Apple.Where better to resurface than on hockey&rsquo;s biggest pond? Where better to shake off the uncomfortable glare of scrutiny and probing that had become part of the daily routine in Philadelphia than alongside Mark Messier, Brian Leetch and Mike Richter? In a city of spotlights, there are more than 22 enough players to share the glare.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-021170/10177030-1-eng-US/f0022-022.jpg" title="f0022-02" width="1619" height="1408"><figcaption class="caption-body">Lindros fires the 300th goal of his career at home against Atlanta.</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-011608/10177023-1-eng-US/f0022-012.jpg" title="f0022-01" width="1088" height="1640"><figcaption class="caption-body">Back At ItLindros&rsquo;s return season brought the fun back, but missing the playoffs was a huge disappointment. (Both: BBS)</figcaption></div>The more people that are involved init (answering for the team), the more people have a stake in what&rsquo;s going on,&rdquo; Lindros said.&ldquo;Things got snow-balling a few years ago and it was just no fun.&rdquo;There were dayslast season he actually left the rink after a practice or a game without being stopped by a horde of reporters.&lsquo;Oh yeah, a few,&rdquo; Lindros said. chuckling at the memory &ldquo;Yeah that&rsquo;s pretty good.&rdquo;He recalls being surprised at the sense of community in New York, the way he came to know the staff at the local market, but without the pressure of having to be The Man.&ldquo;I feel relaxed,&rdquo; said Lindros, who, as recently as last summer was still a man without a country still at the mercy of Flyers GM Bob Clarke and owner Ed Snyder.&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve sort of seen both sides of the coin Lindros said&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve had some good summers and I&rsquo;ve had some dreadful ones. It&rsquo;s no fun going through the dreadful ones.Along with his father, Carl, advisor Gordon Kirke was at Lindros&rsquo;s shoulder through the often messy Philadelphia story. He, too, senses a palpable change in Lindros over a year ago.&ldquo;I describe it more as a sense of focus because there were so many distractions,&rdquo; Kirke said. &ldquo;Eric has always wanted to focus on the game. But there were so many distractions that would have prevented anyone from focusing.&rdquo;While the stories about interference or meddling by the Lindros clan are legendary, perhaps even passing into the realm of urban legend, Rangers sources report no such problems.Even on the day he was dismissed as coach of the Rangers, Ron Low had nothing but superlatives for Lindros.&ldquo;Eric was unbelievable for me,&rsquo;Low told reporters. &ldquo;I&rsquo;d heard so many stories about Eric and his dad, but you know what, I don&rsquo;t think I&rsquo;ve coached a star who worked as hard every day in practice.&rdquo;Not that Manhattan has been a hockey Shangri La. On many levels, last season ranks as a terrible disappointmentLindros was named to the Canadian Olympic team, but was hampered by injury and did not play well in the tournament (one point in six games). He saw his ice time diminish in the latterstages of Canada&rsquo;s gold medal rim.Then there was the Rangers&rsquo; inability to make the playoffs in spite of a bloated $68-million payroll.&ldquo;You can&rsquo;t be pleased when you don&rsquo;t make the playoffs. That&rsquo;s that,&rdquo; Lindros said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s embarrassing not to be in the playoffs, definitely embarrassing&hellip; That was no trial run. That was the real deal.&rdquo;Lindros shoulders some of the blame for that disappointment and that goes into the motivational hopper heading into the coming season. New coach Bryan Trottier met with Lindros over a nine-hole golf game on the eve of the NHL awards. While they did not discuss specifics of Lindros&rsquo;s role, the new coach will clearly rely heavily on him.&ldquo;You look at the kind of year he had last year and the kind of years he had before and obviously he&rsquo;s looked at as a leader on the club,&rdquo; Trottier said.&ldquo;He really wants to be a focus player. On the defensive side of the game he can certainly punish people and go to the net hard. He&rsquo;s priding himself and that&rsquo;s really exciting. When you talk to him he&rsquo;s got that same excitement in his voice.&rdquo;Always, of course, lurking not quite in the shadows, will be the specter of another head injury.In some ways watching Lindros play now has taken on the ghoulish element of the car race this be the one. the hit that finally ends it?Neither Trottier, nor Lindros nor those around Lindros expect him to completely abandon the bullish style that made him a Hart Trophy winner in 1995. There&rsquo;s no denying, though, that he did at times play more gingerly last year, more on the periphery.&ldquo;It depends on the situation,&rdquo; Lindros said. &ldquo;But I don&rsquo;t think you&rsquo;re going to change anybody.Said Trottier: &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t want to take some of the assets away to make him play something that&rsquo;s not comfortable to him.&ldquo;Obviously there&rsquo;s some things that have happened to him over the course of injuries, those happen to everybody. If we can all help him avoid some of that stuff, hey, it&rsquo;s to all of our benefits.&rdquo;The uncertainty surrounding his ability to perform at his intimidating best is reflected in THN&rsquo;s ordering of the top 50 players in the game entering the 2002-03 campaign. He checks in at No. 30, his lowest ranking ever. (See pg-56).Lindros may not play with the physical abandon that was his trademark in the early days of his career, said Davidson, &ldquo;but at the same time I don&rsquo;t think he needs to be that bull.&rdquo;&ldquo;There were a lot of people who didn&rsquo;t think he would get through a season,&rdquo; Kirke pointed out. &ldquo;Now that he&rsquo;s got that one under his belt who knows? He&rsquo;s physically in tremendous condition. I think he&rsquo;s capable of his true greatness. The road has essentially been cleared.&rdquo;<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-011562/10177016-1-eng-US/f0026-012.jpg" title="f0026-01" width="1159" height="1664"><figcaption class="caption-body">Flying OverLindros is glad to put his crashing (and burning) Philadelphia days behind him. (Scott Levy/BBS)</figcaption></div>On this day Lindros is contemplating the future of a nine-pound walleye that he hooked the previous evening. The rest of the summer he planned to keep busy with thrice-weekly workout sessions in Toronto.He was also to hook up with friends for a weekly Tuesday night evening out. Most are not hockey types, Lindros said.&ldquo;They&rsquo;re from all different walks of life,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Hockey&rsquo;s boring after a while.&rdquo;Spoken like a man who has rediscovered his perspective and place in the game. &#9632;

f0020-01

Who is Erie Lindros now?

<div class="byline">By Mark Brender</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0028-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-011537/10177089-1-eng-US/f0028-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Mark Wilson)</figcaption></div>You might say goalies are in the deprivat ion business. They deprive pucks I of the right to enter the net and oppo-JHLnents of the joy that comes with scoring goals. By this definition, Montreal Canadiens stopper Jose Theodore is a Vezina Trophy natural. His four older brothers say he has been practicing as a hockey killjoy as long as they can remember. Young Jose, it seems, had a unique way of ensuring road hockey goal celebrations took on the tone of funeral dirges.&ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t bug him or say anything,&rdquo; says his brother Rock, &ldquo;because he&rsquo;d throw his stick at me. He&rsquo;s still like that. If he plays anything he always has to win. If he loses, he goes in the house.&rdquo;The kid had to stand up for himself, after all. Jose (pronounced joh-SAY) got put in net years ago because that&rsquo;s where his elder siblings wanted him. Fine, he said, just watch me go. And they have. Everyone has. After Theodore&rsquo;s heady performance last year, an entire city is watching the hometown boy with a fervor and passion that had been painfully absent from the Montreal hockey scene the previous few seasons - and brothers. Rock, Nick, Frank and Teddy are celebrating to their hearts&rsquo; content.Theodore, 25, had a truly historic time of it in 2001-02, leading the league in save percentage (.931) to go with a 2.11 goals-against average, 30-24-10 record and seven shutouts; leading his unsung, underdog Canadiens to the playoffs for the first time in four seasons; and becoming just the third goalie in NHL history after Dominik Hasek and Jacques Plante to capture the Vezina and Hart in the same season - and in a contract year, no less. In the process, Theodore bucked an NHL trend that says when it comes to No. 1 stoppers, the more experience the better. Consider the average age of all NHL players last season was 27.2. At the end of the year, the average age of No. 1 goalies was 30.3. Suddenly, though, we have a Vezina and Hart winner who remembers Wayne Gretzky more on television than from playing against him - and who perhaps remembers Gretzky more in Los Angeles than Edmonton.There is irony, too, in the fact that Theodore was the only player at June&rsquo;s NHL awards ceremony not wearing a tie, given that he tied Roy for the Vezina and Jarome Iginla for the Hart. (He won both trophies because he had more firstplace votes.) But the open-button look is an expression of Theodore&rsquo;s relaxed hipness, his fast and loose style. He drives a $120,000 Porsche convertible. (Ask him what you get for $120,000, he says: &ldquo;Big engine, that&rsquo;s the main thing.&rdquo;) He plays electric guitar for relaxation. He most recently performed with Quebec musician Eric Lapointe in front of 200,000 people this summer on St-Jean-Baptiste Day, Quebec&rsquo;s national holiday, and with the California punk band Good Riddance during a summer gig in Montreal. Note to Habs management: you might want to include &ldquo;no stage diving&rdquo; in the fine print of that contract.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-011549/10177082-1-eng-US/f0030-012.jpg" title="f0030-01" width="1588" height="1940"><figcaption class="caption-body">Habs SaviorJose Theodore isn&rsquo;t an avid hockeyfan, but has won over legions of hard-core supporters in Montreal. (Dan Hamilton/VPS)</figcaption></div>And during hockey season, his pre-game routine, once as rigid as his goalposts, has become downright enjoyable. He plays lacrosse or handball in the hallway with teammate Stephane Robidas to get loose and doesn&rsquo;t begin to focus in on the game until the pre-game warm-up."When you&rsquo;re young you try too hard,&rdquo; Theodore says. &ldquo;The game is 60 minutes. It&rsquo;s already hard enough to stay concentrated for 60 minutes, so just imagine trying to be focussed for two hours before a game. For me it would be too much.&rdquo;Sometimes even paying attention to what&rsquo;s going on around the league is too much. Rock, the family stats guy, sometimes briefs Jose on which opposing players have been hot, who Jose needs to watch. &ldquo;He loves to play,&rdquo; Rock says, &ldquo;but when he&rsquo;s not playing he&rsquo;s not that big of a fan.&rdquo;Until recently, he wasn&rsquo;t that big of a goalie, either. That was one of his problems. Indeed, the biggest explanation for Theodore&rsquo;s emergence over the past five seasons stems from his work with Montreal goalie coach Roland Melanson, who has changed Theodore from small and quick to big and quick without touching his diet or DNA. No growth hormone needed, thanks: it&rsquo;s all in the technique.To the trained eye, Theodore was the left-handed version of Ken Danby&rsquo;s goalie in the famous In the Crease painting. He looked fierce in his low-to-the-ice crouch, but the pads-touching-chin look isn&rsquo;t big on practicality. With knees bent at such an acute angle and his weight too far over his skates, falling to the ice in the early days became not just the best way for Theodore to make a save, but often the only way Melanson didn&rsquo;t have to play the Burton Cummings song &ldquo;Stand Tall&rdquo; during practices. &ldquo;The biggest thing was to try to get him, as a small goaltender, to play big,&rdquo; Melanson says. &ldquo;We had to straighten up his back and move his hands back, teach him how to turn his feet properly&hellip; You add that up with his mental toughness and the way he loves to compete, it doesn&rsquo;t surprise me that he&rsquo;s achieving what he&rsquo;sdoing right now."Says Theodore: &ldquo;Working with Rollie was the biggest thing for my career, for sure. I just feel like (in 2001-02) all the details that we worked on finally bonded together. Two years ago I had a good season, but this year I felt I could play 60. 70 games and just do the same thing over and over again.&rdquo;Theodore must do it all over again in 2002-03 if the Canadiens are to build on their success. The improved New York Rangers should earn an Eastern Conference playoff spot and it&rsquo;s difficult to imagine Washington missing out again Theodore may well have to go on another unbeatable stretch such as he did late last season - seven game win streak in March and April during which he allowed more than one goal in a game just once-pull the Habs through.&ldquo;For sure there&rsquo;s going to be pressure, but it&rsquo;s pressure you want,&rdquo; Theodore says. &ldquo;We worked so hard last year to create that pressure.&rdquo;Theodore first felt something special last year during his first invitation to the All-Star Game, meeting such veteran stars as Mario Lemieux and Joe Sakic. Better yet, when he tried to introduce himself. they already knew who he was.&ldquo;(Sakic) came up to me&hellip;and recognized me and he joked about a save I made earlier in the season,&rdquo; Theodore says. &ldquo;As a young guy this is a moment that you find pretty cool. I hope when I&rsquo;m older I can do the same thing with a younger guy&rdquo;His major moment for recognition at home came in the dying moments of Montreal&rsquo;s 4-2 second round playoff loss to Carolina. Game 6 was already a rout by the end of the first period and soon Theodore was stewing on the bench in favor of Stephane Fiset. Late in the third, Montreal coach Michel Therrien gave Theodore the option to go back in. Theodore wasn&rsquo;t sure. Then Donald Audette leaned over and said he should do it. Doug Gilmour and Gino Odjick said the same thing, so Theodore headed out. By the time he reached his crease, the Molson Centre was in a thunderous, all-standing roar. When he turned to face the play, he saw Carolina&rsquo;s players standing on the bench along with everyone else, banging their sticks in salute.&ldquo;I&rsquo;m not a big emotional guy, but I saw that and I thought, 'Wow, I must have done something good,&rsquo;&rdquo; Theodore said. &ldquo;It was fun to see both teams standing up. I didn&rsquo;t expect that. And to see the fans&rsquo; reaction, we were down 8-2 and nobody left the building. I was really impressedand really moved.&rdquo;He&rsquo;s impressed? Theodore has a whole city impressed. He is the Toast of the Town&hellip;for a summer at least. He may be Montreal&rsquo;s first Vezina winner since Patrick Roy and their first Hart winner since Guy Lafleur in 1978, but in the most fickle of hockey cities he doesn&rsquo;t have Roy-Lafleur hero status. Yet.&ldquo;I think to be a hero he has to play a couple more good years,&rdquo; Rock says. &ldquo;But he&rsquo;s starting to get really big.&rdquo;That goes for in the net and out of it.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-011524/10177075-1-eng-US/f0032-012.jpg" title="f0032-01" width="1760" height="1440"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Brian Babineau/SA)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0028-01

Toast of the Town

<div class="byline">By Mike Brophy</div>Those closest to Mike Milbury swear the majority of his rants - those public hissy fits that make you wonder if he&rsquo;s playing with a full deck - are staged. They say even though he appears to be teetering on the edge, the New York Islanders GM is in full control and knows precisely what he&rsquo;s doing.Take the circus he orchestrated between Games 2 and 3 of the Islanders-Toronto first round playoff series in April. Seemingly out of the blue, Milbury herded the media together, popped a tape into a VCR and lashed out against the NHL&rsquo;s on-ice officiating.&ldquo;Watch this! That&rsquo;s a (expletive) penalty! You cannot put your stick between a guy&rsquo;s legs! It&rsquo;s an illegal play; it&rsquo;s a (expletive) penalty! He (Maple Leafs defenseman Bryan McCabe) did it when he was here and he shouldn&rsquo;t get away with it! That&rsquo;s obstruction tripping! It&rsquo;s a (expletive) penalty!&rdquo;He was just warming up. For five minutes Milbury held court, spewing venom. As Milbury rants go, this one was a doozy, complete with a single-season-high 28 F-bombs.&ldquo;Geez, we went to the rink wondering what we had to write about that day,&rdquo; joked Peter Botte of the New York Daily News.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-021084/10177148-1-eng-US/f0034-022.jpg" title="f0034-02" width="310" height="291"></div>Was Milbury really so upset with the officiating? Well, sort l| nt. Hut not to the degree he f was letting on.&ldquo;You know, I kinda felt bad for Colin Campbell (the NHL&rsquo;s senior vice-president) and his people afterward because they work so very hard and they&rsquo;re the ones who take the heat when we (NHL coaches and GMs) do something like this,&rdquo; said Milbury after the season.What Milbury was most concerned about was the reaction of the media and fans to the uninspired play of his star center, Alexei Yashin, who was limited to just one assist and was minus-3 in the first two games of the series. Yashin, to whom the Islanders tossed a $90-million contract last summer, appeared to be sleepwalking through the playoffs, just as he did a year earlier for the Ottawa Senators when he registered one assist, but no pulse, in a four-game sweep by the Leafs.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-011549/10177141-1-eng-US/f0034-012.jpg" title="f0034-01" width="2975" height="3516"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-011449/10177134-1-eng-US/f0036-012.jpg" title="f0036-01" width="1726" height="1342"><figcaption class="caption-body">Big TalkerMilbury is notorious for his rants in front of the media, but they almost always serve a purpose. (Bruce Bennett/BBS)</figcaption></div>The morning following Milbury&rsquo;s colorful diatribe, there was nary a mention about Yashin&rsquo;s struggles. Instead, it was all about the Islanders GM and the refereeing.Mission accomplished.&ldquo;There was a lot of heat on the team and Yashin in particular,&rdquo; Milbury recalled. &ldquo;There were also some questions about the officiating so I decided the timing was perfect. I tried to get the coach (Peter Laviolette) to do it, but he didn&rsquo;t want to pay the fine. He said, &lsquo;Not me.&rsquo; So I did it.&rdquo;Milbury took a $30,000 hit from the NHL for his efforts.Then there was the time in the late 1980s, when Milbury was coaching the AHL&rsquo;s Maine Mariners, when he left the bench to confront the organist in Sherbrooke who played Little China Doll every time Maine center Steve Tsujiura, who is Asian, was on the ice.&ldquo;I was a little offended that, every time Steve stepped on the ice the guy would play that song,&rdquo; Milbury said. &ldquo;I figured if I could react to what was going on and have an impact on my team at the same time, why not?&rdquo;Milbury also happened to be upset that his team, the farm team for the Bruins, was being smoked 1 in the second period by Sherbrooke, the farm team of the hated Canadiens. His players were skating in a fog and he wanted to wake them up. The wheels started turning.&ldquo;Mike came down to the end of the bench and whispered to me, &lsquo;I&rsquo;m going to do something, make sure the players see it,&rsquo;&rdquo; said Gordie Clark, Milbury&rsquo;s long-time friend and former associate coach. &ldquo;The next thing I know he leaps into the crowd and he&rsquo;s making his way up the stairs. I yelled, &lsquo;Oh oh, what&rsquo;s Mike doing?&rsquo; so the players could hear me. They all turned their heads to see&hellip;even the guys on the ice.&rdquo;Milbury was ultimately restrained by security. One security guard threatened to punch him in the nose, to which Milbury replied:&ldquo;Go for it.&rdquo; The guard wisely backed off.&ldquo;Honestly, I don&rsquo;t know what I would&rsquo;ve done had I actually got to the organist,&rdquo; Milbury said. &ldquo;I wasn&rsquo;t going to hit him or anything.&rdquo;Milbury, 50, has been described as many things: fiery, intense, volatile, opinionated, committed&hellip; in need of being committed.&ldquo;It&rsquo;s my mother&rsquo;s fault&hellip; the bitch,&rdquo; he said with mock disgust.And it is. The truth is, Milbury, growing up in suburban Boston, adored his late mother Marion. She was the glue that held the family together, seven children, when Mike&rsquo;s dad, Roy, died some 30 years ago. And Milbury knows his mother&rsquo;s zeal lives on inside him.&ldquo;My mother was very competitive and very outspoken about everything in her life,&rdquo; Milbury said. &ldquo;She was a good athlete in her day (excelling in field hockey, basketball and softball) and very, very competitive. Look, I don&rsquo;t want to sit here and say all my bad qualities come from my mom, they don&rsquo;t. But if you were to say I got my competitive spirit from her, you&rsquo;d be right.&rdquo;Say what you want about Milbury&rsquo;s talent or relative success as a player, coach or GM, but his determination and commitment have never been in question.Milbury guided the Bruins to the Stanley Cup final in 1989-90, his first of two years behind Boston&rsquo;s bench, but then his road got rocky. This past spring marked the first time since Milbury took over as GM of the Islanders in December of 1995 that his team made it to the post-season. Milbury the GM went through five coaches in that span (including himself) and is now on a sixth in Laviolette.In fairness to Milbury, he operated with one arm (often two) tied behind his back the first five years when the Islanders underwent constant ownership changes.Regardless, Milbury remains one of the funniest and most colorful people in the game. Many of his quotes are rib-ticklers, some legendary. After returning in the summer of 1999 from Vienna, where he met with then-islanders scoring ace Ziggy Palffy and agent Paul Kraus in an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to hammer out a new contact, Milbury said of Kraus: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s too bad he lives in the city. He&rsquo;s depriving some village of a good idiot.&rdquo;<h2>OPEN MIKE</h2><blockquote class="pullQuote">It&rsquo;s my mother&rsquo;s fault&hellip; the bitch.&nbsp; Milbury jokes about the origin of his fiery nature</blockquote>&ldquo;Damn, I love that quote,&rdquo; said Vancouver GM Brian Burke. &ldquo;I wish I would have said it.&rdquo;Milbury once referred to former Islander Travis Green as a &ldquo;gutless puke&rdquo; after Green nailed New York defenseman Kenny Jonsson into the boards from behind.Asked his opinion on former Islanders owner John Spano, Milbury offered: &ldquo;Well, I don&rsquo;t want to be too hard, but I think he&rsquo;s a selfish, arrogant criminal.&rdquo;As a player Milbury was a warrior, a Big Bad Bruin to the core. He played college hockey at Colgate before turning pro in 1975 and embarking on a 12-year NHL career. In 754 games, all spent on the Bruins blueline, he scored 49 goals and 238 points to go with 1,552 penalty minutes. The image of Milbury entering the Madison Square Garden stands and whacking a Rangers fan in the head with the fan&rsquo;s shoe is everlasting.And Milbury was a union activist, part of the group that was successful in removing Alan Eagleson as head of the NHL Players&rsquo; Association.There are those who think of Milbury as nothing more than a blowhard whose fly-by-the-seat-ofhis-pants managing style will never be successful. Those are the ones who still can&rsquo;t believe he traded Roberto Luongo, the best young goalie in the game, or that he traded Eric Brewer, who could well win the Norris Trophy in five years.Others respect not only the job he does, along with his work ethic, but his determination and conviction, too.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-011405/10177127-1-eng-US/f0038-012.jpg" title="f0038-01" width="1665" height="1254"><figcaption class="caption-body">Here Today&hellip;Since taking over as the Islanders GM in 1995, Milbury has fired five bench bosses - including himself (Bruce Bennett/BBS)</figcaption></div>&ldquo;He&rsquo;s as good a friend as I have in this game,&rdquo; said Burke, who has been known to get into heated debates with Milbury behind closed doors at GM meetings. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re really similar&hellip;really vocal.&rdquo;Added San Jose GM Dean Lombardi: &ldquo;Mike doesn&rsquo;t pull any punches. He says what he feels and in the long run, isn&rsquo;t that what you want? He never leaves you wondering what he really thinks. And he doesn&rsquo;t care about being politically correct.&rdquo;Testimony from Calgary GM Craig Button: &ldquo;Mike is a passionate guy He was a competitor as a player and as a GM he wants to do whatever he can to make his team better. He is a man with good ideas and he speaks out. He&rsquo;s a voice of passion.&rdquo;He can also be the voice of compassion. When a fire took the life of Clark&rsquo;s mother, father, sister, brother, brother-in-law and two of his sister&rsquo;s children 23 years ago, Milbury was there for his friend.&ldquo;He was one of the first people to call,&rdquo; Clark said. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know how he found out about it or how he found me, but he was determined. That&rsquo;s the type of person he is.&rdquo;All of this leaves you wondering, is Milbury a deep thinker with a hairtrigger tongue or is he simply pulling the wool over the rest of the hockey world&rsquo;s eyes with his scripted eruptions?Milbury is not about to give away any trade secrets. Then, after a short pause, he quietly offers: &ldquo;Uh, there was that time in my first year coaching the Bruins&hellip;&rdquo;That would be the time when he was outraged at his players who had taken a 2-0 series lead against the Canadians and then lost a pair of games in Montreal, games in which he felt his team didn&rsquo;t compete. So he asked the players to meet him at the Colonial, one of the best hotels in Boston at the time.&ldquo;I&rsquo;m sure they thought it was going to be one of those things where we move into a hotel, away from our families, to do a little team bonding,&rdquo; Milbury recalled. Instead, Milbury loaded the players onto a bus and took them to the dumpiest rink in the Boston area.<h2>OPEN MIKE</h2><blockquote class="pullQuote">He&rsquo;s depriving some village of a good idiot.&nbsp; MIKE Milbury on agent Paul Kraus</blockquote><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-011003/10177120-1-eng-US/f0040-012.jpg" title="f0040-01" width="2237" height="1442"><figcaption class="caption-body">Mama&rsquo;s BoyNever one to back down from a fight, Milbury says he inherited his competitive streak from his mother, Marion. It helped him rack up 1,552 penalty min utes on Boston&rsquo;s blue line in the 1970s and &rsquo;80s (THN Archives)</figcaption></div>&ldquo;It was dark with awful lighting and a low ceiling,&rdquo; Milbury said. &ldquo;I was the first one on the ice and as I&rsquo;m skating around by myself, I notice something on the ice. It was a dead bee. I thought to myself, &lsquo;This is perfect.&rsquo; When the players got on the ice, I called them over and I&rsquo;ve got this dead bee in my hand. I said, &lsquo;This is what you guys are - dead!&rsquo; I whipped it at somebody and screamed, &lsquo;Get skating!&rsquo; For the next half-hour they skated and listened to me screaming at them. I don&rsquo;t think I let up the whole time.&rdquo;Milbury boarded the players back on the bus and this time directed it to the worst motel in the state. After gathering the shell-shocked players in the lobby, he showed them pictures of some of his former Bruins teammates, guys like John Wensink and Terry O&rsquo;Reilly, players who would skate through walls to win.&ldquo;I said, &lsquo;You guys had better just sit here and figure it out,&rsquo; and I left,&rdquo; Milbury said. After a while the players went to dinner and some went bowling. They were all walking on eggshells when they reconvened in the lobby to meet their coach. At that point, even Milbury didn&rsquo;t know what was coming next.&ldquo;I pointed to Ray Bourque, Glen Wesley and Dave Poulin, who was so sick he could hardly stand up, and I said, &lsquo;You guys can go home. The rest of you guys get a room; this is where we&rsquo;re staying.&rsquo; If they weren&rsquo;t pissed off at me for bringing them to such an awful place, you know damn well they were when I said three guys could go home and the rest of them had to stay.&ldquo;To be honest,&rdquo; Milbury continued, &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t even know if those three guys went home or not, but I do know four of our young players bunked in the same room because they were scared to death.&rdquo;Did the players get the message?&ldquo;We won the series in seven games,&rdquo; Milbury smiled.Milbury always knew precisely what he was doing, even when it appeared he was on the verge of a meltdown.And you just know there will be future episodes. As the Islanders get closer to the Stanley Cup, Milbury will become an even more prominent voice in the game, even more in the spotlight.Is he crazy? Or crazy like a fox? Who really knows? One thing is for certain, when Milbury finally hoists the Cup over his head - and it says here he will before he&rsquo;s through - he will have earned it.&ldquo;Mike enjoys life and all it has to offer,&rdquo; said Boston GM Mike O&rsquo;Connell, who was Milbury&rsquo;s defense partner for a time when they both played for the Bruins.&ldquo;As a player, he was always on the edge. He&rsquo;d take chances. He&rsquo;s the same way as a GM. He&rsquo;s a great team player.&rdquo;Just ask Alexei Yashin.<h2>OPEN MIKE</h2><blockquote class="pullQuote">I whipped (a dead bee) at somebody and screamed, &lsquo;Get skatingr!'</blockquote>MIKE Milbury on a unique motivational technique &#9632;

f0034-02

method to mike’s madness

<div class="byline">By Mark Brender</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0042-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-01933/10177214-1-eng-US/f0042-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Mark Wilson)</figcaption></div>They say Dany Heatley is future captain material, mature beyond his years. We agree. He doesn&rsquo;t let big upcoming events alter his perspective on what&rsquo;s important in the here and now. Like if, say, it was the morning of NHL awards night and Heatley was a lock for rookie of the year and had to polish his speech and practise preening for the cameras, he&rsquo;d say fine, but that&rsquo;s seven hours from now, I&rsquo;ve still got a day to kill.We know this is true because when the 21-year-old Atlanta Thrashers star found himself in that exact situation, he did what any smart veteran would do. He went golfing.Boy, did he go golfing.Over nine memorable holes, Heatley, in no particular order: signed autographs for googly eyed, unbelieving kids; lost a bet and a half-dozen golf balls; damn near decapitated a photographer; and smashed golf balls with his custom-made Titleist driver farther than some witnesses had ever seen before. Unless it hit something first, he chased the balls into the next time zone. Did we mention he lost a bet? Just checking.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-01904/10177207-1-eng-US/f0043-012.jpg" title="f0043-01" width="317" height="259"></div>Heatley is usually a straight-ahead kind of golfer, but he&rsquo;s I not averse to a little east-west action. (Truth is, he did more dipsy-doodling as the day went on.) He got progressively more attracted to water, too, which is fine for a hockey player as long as the water is frozen. It wasn&rsquo;t. Actually it was about 30 degrees (Celsius) and by the second hole the overhead sun had formed beads of sweat on top of his father&rsquo;s hatless, balding, reddening head.&ldquo;Forget your hat, buddy?&rdquo; Dany asked Murray, who had an 11-year pro career of his own in Europe and the World Hockey Association in the 1970s.&ldquo;Yeah, guess I did,&rdquo; Murray replied.But if you think Dany gave up his own ball cap to save the old man&rsquo;s scalp, you&rsquo;d be mistaken. Any 6-foot-3, 215-pound son who calls his 5-foot-8, 180-pound (in his playing days) dad &ldquo;numbnuts&rdquo; is clearly long on familiarity and short on protocol.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-01814/10177200-1-eng-US/f0044-012.jpg" title="f0044-01" width="1710" height="2526"><figcaption class="caption-body">Leading KidWith his maturity and easygoing manner, Heatley seamlessly blended into the Atlanta lineup last season. (Jim Mclsac/BBS)</figcaption></div>The foursome on this day was Dany Murray agent Stacey McAlpine and an intimidated correspondent from The Hockey News. Writers have day jobs, sort of, but an NHLer and an NHLer&rsquo;s agent and the father of an NHLer? I figured golf was their day job. Most of all, I was scared of the stakes. Out of bounds was one thing, but what about out of wallet? What does a kid who just made $3.1 million in bonus money play for - the commission on his contract?No time to turn back, the round commenced. The first hole was a short, accommodating par-4, slightly downhill. With barely a practice swing, Heatley, a rangy, smooth-swinging lefty out of the University of Wisconsin, stepped up, looped the club head back and sent his ball blasting halfway into tomorrow, clear over top of the tree whose job it is to protect the green. The assistant pro watching our group tee off eyeballed Heatley&rsquo;s drive at about 295 yards.&ldquo;Nice shot,&rdquo; I said.&ldquo;Yeah, a little left,&rdquo; Dany replied.He took his drop off the cart path, gently lofted a wedge to within 18 feet and dropped the putt for an opening birdie.The guy already had my Calder vote, and here I was thinking he had missed his calling. Golf is his game. That became even more evident standing on the second tee for a medium-length par-4 when Dany motioned to a nearby course marshal.&ldquo;How far to that trap out there?&rdquo; he asked, looking concerned at the speck of sand, oh, about 350 yards away. Heatley pondered the situation, then pounded it straight as an arrow, narrowly clipping the top of a huge maple. A wedge in, two putts and a birdie-par start.On the third hole, Heatley tried to tee off with a hockey stick. I asked if he had ever hit a golf ball with a hockey stick. &ldquo;Never,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think it&rsquo;s going to feel too good, either.&rdquo; He shanked it left 20 yards into the forest.So maybe it&rsquo;s no coincidence that on the fourth Heatley began stickhandling his way around the course, introducing himself ever more frequently to the local shrub population. That his aim strayed is understandable. After all, he spent the previous nine months all over the place - left wing, right wing, center, defense, point on the power play. You can&rsquo;t blame him if he had become a bit disoriented.Heatley said it doesn&rsquo;t really matter to him if he plays wing or center this season, but since the Thrashers have swooped up wingers Slava Kozlov and Shawn McEachern, it&rsquo;s a lock he&rsquo;ll find himself in the middle. As far as his ability to connect with fellow fab frosh Ilya Kovalchuk, Heatley said that will be a given no matter where he plays. It&rsquo;s not as if they discuss things too much anyway. When they do, it&rsquo;s on the bench.&ldquo;It&rsquo;s more feel between him and me. On the ice, it&rsquo;s just playing,&rdquo; said Heatley, who has an open invitation to spend part of next summer with Kovalchuk in Russia. &ldquo;We know each other pretty well. He doesn&rsquo;t like to pass much, which is fine. It&rsquo;s his style of play and he&rsquo;s pretty good at it.&rdquo;But there is one thing Heatley can&rsquo;t understand about Kovalchuk: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s amazing how he can be so good at hockey and so bad at golf.&rdquo;Ah, yes, golf. On the tee for the fifth hole, a 161-yard par-3, Heatley went to his bag and pulled out a&hellip;9-iron? He struck it effortlessly, a low-arching beauty that came to rest 25 feet below the pin. I hit a wavering, unintentionally fading 6-iron that found its way to almost the same place as Heatley&rsquo;s. I was clearly away, though, and figured this was my chance to see how he handles himself under pressure. I suggested we play for next season&rsquo;s bonus money - he put up his, I&rsquo;ll put up mine-but figured that wouldn&rsquo;t go over with McAlpine standing by. So I settled on mine.&ldquo;So whattaya say, closest to the hole for five bucks?&rdquo; He can&rsquo;t turn this one down.With nothing to lose but company money, I putt free and easy and give it a good lag to within a foot. Heatley looked glum. &ldquo;I pretty much have to hole this, right?&rdquo; he said. Like, duh. Did we mention Heatley loses money here?<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-01726/10177193-1-eng-US/f0046-012.jpg" title="f0046-01" width="1260" height="1322"><figcaption class="caption-body">No SweatHeatley is ticketed to start at center this season, but will play any where - left wing, right wing or from a sand trap.</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-02486/10177186-1-eng-US/f0046-022.jpg" title="f0046-02" width="1069" height="827"><figcaption class="caption-body">Heatley and his dad, Murray, share golf insights and goal instincts. Murray played pro in the 1970s in Europe and the WHA. (Mark Wilson)</figcaption></div>His putt stopped two feet from the hole. I raised my arms like I just scored the Stanley Cup winner. Clearly rattled, Heatley missed his par putt. But say this much for him, he paid up quickly. He walked over to McAlpine. McAlpine gave him five bucks. Heatley came back at me and slapped the cash right in the palm of my hand.Things unravelled. Somewhere in the early afternoon Heatley&rsquo;s mammoth drives developed a bothersome fade, a 20-yard tail that comes on about 230 yards out with the ball still sailing. On the par-5 sixth, that meant two shots off the tee veered left into a stream along-side the fairway. He took an eight. Waiting in the carts at the seventh tee, I tried to lighten the mood, give Dany something to shoot for. I asked Murray, sitting in the cart ahead, his personal goal mark from his own playing days. He wanted clarification: one season or career? Only pro or all-time? Dany wasn&rsquo;t impressed. &ldquo;Your highest goals, numbnuts,&rdquo; he said.&ldquo;Numbnuts?&rdquo; Murray repeated. He turns my way in search of an ally. &ldquo;Did you hear that?&rdquo;I told him I heard that, all right. It&rsquo;s right there in my notebook.For the record, Murray&rsquo;s best season was 1980-81, when he scored 68 goals in 43 games for Freiburg of the German League&rsquo;s second division. Perhaps it&rsquo;s more than a coincidence that Dany was born smack dab in the middle of that season, on Jan. 21,1981. (He grew up in Calgary) There is obvious affection in their banter and it&rsquo;s equally clear the father&rsquo;s respect for and confidence in his son knows few bounds.&ldquo;I&rsquo;m not surprised at the year he had. Not at all,&rdquo; said Murray of Dany&rsquo;s 26-goal, 67-point rookie showing.Asked what makes him most proud, Murray replied: &ldquo;I think how he fit in and how he handled things so well. Obviously, the points were good, but the process of it, getting along with the guys, how he handled it all. I think that&rsquo;s what impresses me most about him, the maturity&hellip;He ey as a means to make money. He loves it. I think (the Thrashers) are damn lucky to have him.&rdquo; Mainly because Dany honestly cares. Which was more than he could say by the time the ninth hole rolled around.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-01517/10177179-1-eng-US/f0048-012.jpg" title="f0048-01" width="2649" height="1634"><figcaption class="caption-body">In SyncHeatley and Ilya Kovalchuk] have formed a special kinship I on the ice and I a strong friend-1 ship off it. (Mark Wilson)</figcaption></div><blockquote class="pullQuote">I think the are damn lucky to have him.&nbsp; Murray Heatley on his son, Dany</blockquote>At the tee box, fearless THN photographer Mark Wilson decided he needed the perfect shot. And if the perfect shot involved lying on his stomach 15 feet in front of Heatley as he wound up with a hockey stick for a golf-ball slapshot, so be it. &ldquo;Uh, Dany, you can raise this, eh?&rdquo; Wilson asked.&ldquo;Oh, yeah.&rdquo;Heatley wound up and fired. Wilson clicked the shutter. A father, an agent and a writer recovered from nearly fainting.&ldquo;Sorry, bud,&rdquo; Dany said.&ldquo;For what?&rdquo; Wilson asked.That&rsquo;s when he found out the ball whizzed by about a foot to the right of his head.With a golf club in his hand this time, Heatley blasted his real drive too far into a creek that he didn&rsquo;t know was there. He took his drop and pitched the ball clear over the green. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m finished,&rdquo; he said.It&rsquo;s not his best round, but he left it all on the course. He was polite and easy with the gawking kids who sought his autograph: &ldquo;How you hitting it today?&rdquo; he asked them. He is so down to earth, so lacking in any form of pretension that it&rsquo;s easy to forget he&rsquo;s being touted as part of the next wave of great young players. He&rsquo;s so mature in his approach - he said the Thrashers have to make the playoffs their goal for this season and admitted he very much wants to be captain one day-that you forget he&rsquo;s young at all.And then, at the end of the round, after the handshakes and farewells, you remember. You remember it all. In the parking lot, Heatley & Co. hopped into a limousine. The chauffeur had been there, waiting, since dropping them off that morning.I figured the Calder bonus Heatley would collect in five hours would make him forget all about the five bucks he lost on the course. Or maybe not. Either way, it was money already spent. Wilson and I decided to celebrate his survival and my putt over lemonades in the snack bar. &#9632;

f0042-01

Atlanta’s Driving Force

<div class="byline">By Mike Brophy</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0056-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0056-01305/10177325-1-eng-US/f0056-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">NICKLAS LIDSTROM (Rocky Widner)</figcaption></div>If it came down to tooting his own horn, Nicklas Lidstrom wouldn&rsquo;t even crack The Hockey News&rsquo;s annual ranking of the 50 best players in the NHL.Fortunately, the Silent Swede lets his actions speak for him. And they have spoken very loudly - so loudly, in fact, we think he is the NHL&rsquo;s best player.For the first time in four years, Jaromir Jagr is not our choice as the NHL&rsquo;s No. 1 star. He may have the most talent of any player in the league, but his focus, desire and commitment sometimes leave us wanting more.Rankings reflect players&rsquo; status entering 2002-03 and how they are projected to perform this season. Our rule of thumb is we wouldn&rsquo;t trade a player for another player ranked below him.1. NICKLAS LIDSTROM Two con secutive Norris Trophies (after three straight second-place finishes) and a Conn Smythe Trophy place Lidstrom at the head of the class. The 32-year-old Red Wing is the complete package, an intelligent defender who blends speed, finesse, consistency and, best of all, he plays a clean game (don&rsquo;t mistake him for soft - you&rsquo;d be dead wrong).2. PETER FORSBERG Injuries and dissatisfaction with his performance conspire to keep the fierce Forsberg from being the No. 1 player in the game at this stage. His postseason comeback and the fact he won the playoff scoring crown despite being eliminated in the Western Conference final should tell you all you need to know about this Av&rsquo;s skill and determination.3. JOE SAKIC The Colorado center had an off-year - by his lofty standards - yet still finished sixth in NHL scoring and earned Olympic MVP honors. Only Jagr, with 296 points, has outscored Sakic, with 278, over the past three seasons.4. JAROMIR JAGR Until he proves he really wants to play and contribute consistently, Jagr can&rsquo;t rely on his superhuman skill alone to keep him in contention for the title of best player in the game. Funny, he seemed to play with more passion for the Czech Republic at the Olympics, for free, than he did in the first season of his seven-year, $78-million contract with the Capitals.5. MARIO LEMIEUX If he wasn&rsquo;t the owner of the cash-strapped Penguins, he&rsquo;d be the highest-paid player in the league; certainly, No. 66 could command more than a paltry $5.5 million a year on the open market. You think the Rangers wouldn&rsquo;t throw $10-plus million his way to bring him to Broadway? Here&rsquo;s hoping his health will allow him one - or two or four-more magnificent campaigns.6. ROB BLAKE No other defenseman in the league combines power and points like the intimidating Blake. He was third among blueliners in goals (16) last season and led NHL defensemen in power play markers with 10. If that doesn&rsquo;t impress you, his hipcheck will.7. CHRIS PRONGER In the off sea son they had to reconstruct his left wrist and then they sliced into his right knee to fix up another bothersome little boo-boo. Yet the big Blue persisted, playing 78 games, finishing first in average ice time (29:28 per game) and tying for eighth in defenseman scoring.8. PAUL KARIYA Last year was unquestionably the still-Mighty Duck&rsquo;s worst in the NHL. It leaves many wondering how long Kariya will continue to play for a team that has made losing an annual tradition. His supernatural skill is going to waste in Anaheim.9. MATS SUNDIN Toronto&rsquo;s captain took his game to a new level two years ago in the playoffs and last season he proved it was no fluke. He is THN&rsquo;s choice for second all-star team center, behind that Sakic guy.10. MARKUS NASLUND One of the game&rsquo;s most skilled and consistent scorers, Naslund is also one of its most unassuming stars. But with back-to-back 40-goal seasons, it&rsquo;s safe to assume this Canuck&rsquo;s star is on the rise.11. PATRICK&nbsp;ROY Hey Canada, take a pill. So he skipped the Olympics. Did you ever think he was right, that he should have been one of Canada&rsquo;s original eight players? Anyway, St. Patrick led the NHL in goals-against average, was second in save percentage and his nine shutouts led the league.12. SERGEI FEDOROV Without question, Fedorov was Detroit&rsquo;s best forward in the playoffs. His regular season numbers, second-best on the team, are a little low due to the fact that coach Scotty Bowman occasionally played Fedorov on defense. That won&rsquo;t be a problem any more.13. JAROME IGINLA The Flames may have burned out by season&rsquo;s end, but not Iginla. The NHL&rsquo;s top goal-scorer and point-producer was named league MVP by those he plays with and against, as well as THN.14. JOSE THEODORE The Hart and Vezina winner, Theodore stood tall when the injury- and illnessplagued Canadiens threatened to slide into oblivion and then, against all odds, he carried them into the second round of playoffs.15. MIKE MODANO In a year when the team imploded, with Bob Gainey quitting as GM, Ken Hitchcock being fired as coach and the Stars missing the post-season, Modano still managed to score one more goal than he did in the 2000-01 season.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0058-01307/10177318-1-eng-US/f0058-012.jpg" title="f0058-01" width="1124" height="1606"><figcaption class="caption-body">Isle of MightAlexei Yashin has his detractors, but his offensive skill is irrefutable. Playoff success is the next challenge for the Russian pivot and his Islander mates. (Jim leary/BBS)</figcaption></div>16. KEITH TKACHUK The Blues underachieved, but Tkachuk reestablished himself as one of the game&rsquo;s top-scoring power forwards.17. TODD BERTUZZI No player possesses a better combination of size (6-foot-3,235 pounds), speed and imagination. He might have captured the scoring title if not for a 10-game suspension in October.18. BILL GUERIN His 41 goals, tied for second-most in the league, sparked the Bruins to the East title. He parlayed his scoring ways and bruising play into a monster deal with Dallas.19. MICHAEL PECA There are those who would have you believe Peca is the most valuable player in the league. Combine his leadership with his Selke-winning defensive play and offensive contributions and it makes you stop and think.20. NIKOLAI&nbsp;KHABIBULIN It would be easy to forget about one of the game&rsquo;s best stoppers simply because he plays on an otherwise forgettable team in Tampa Bay. His numbers - 24 wins, seven shutouts, .920 save percentage - are remarkable.21. ALEXEI KOVALEV Once an enigma with the Rangers, Kovalev now uses his jaw-dropping skill and vision for the good of the team as a whole. The Pittsburgh star has few puckhandling peers.22. ALEXEI YASHIN When they hear the Dire Straits song Money for nothing in Ottawa, they think of Yashin. On Long Island, he represents hope for the future and a return to glory.23. BRENDAN SHANAHAN The Red Wings brought in all kinds of talent last year, but it was a mainstay, Shanahan, who delivered in the crunch, leading the team in regular season scoring and firing the Stanley Cup-winning goal.24. PAVEL BURE He couldn&rsquo;t carry a franchise on his back. Big deal. Neither can Kariya. But when Bure got to Manhattan and lined up with Eric Lindros, he scored 12 goals and 20 points in 12 games.25. ADAM FOOTE Hindered by injuries last season, Foote was healthy at the most critical times and performed up to the level you&rsquo;d expect of the game&rsquo;s best defensive defenseman.26. SERGEI GONCHAR Would you know the NHL&rsquo;s top-scoring rearguard if you bumped into him on the street? Probably not. But the hardshooting Cap&rsquo;s 26 goals were nine more than his nearest blueline rival.27. STEVE YZERMAN The image of a badly injured Yzerman limping through the first round is a lasting one. He remains a master on the draw and a point-per-game guy.28. PATRIK ELIAS Last season was disappointing for a kid who finished third in league scoring the year before. Still, eight of his 32 goals were game-winners.29. MARTIN BRODEUR The Devils had an off-year, but Brodeur didn&rsquo;t. He was second to Dominik Hasek in wins (41 to 38) and was a rock for Team Canada in its gold medal performance in Salt Lake City.30. ERIC LINDROS Got his goals, got his points. But let&rsquo;s be honest, there remains a concern about his consistency and ability to compete, 5 safely, in traffic. Time will tell.31. SCOTT NIEDERMAYER In an era where defense rules, Niedermayer is one of the best two-way blueliners in the game. His superb skating is his calling card and it allows him to contribute at both ends. He fired 11 goals last year to match his second-highest single-season total.32. PETER BONDRA Jagr led the Caps in scoring, but it was Bondra, old reliable, who provided the team with the majority of its big goals, 17 on the power play (compared to 10 for No. 68) and eight game-winners (Jagr had three).33. DANIEL ALFREDSSON For a guy who wanted out of Ottawa at the start of last season, Alfredsson gave the Senators much-needed leadership and offense at critical times.34. BOBBY HOLIK In Holik the Rangers acquired one of the NHL&rsquo;s most complete players. He&rsquo;s a scoring threat, a fantastic faceoff man and one of the nastiest players to line up against. Still, $45 million over five years is a bit steep.35. JASON ALLISON Allison&rsquo;s skill level is such that if the Kings are ever to advance to the Western final, it will be riding on his offensive coattails, particularly his playmaking. His 55 assists ranked second in the league.36. SEAN BURKE He got a young, inexperienced Coyotes club into the playoffs with perhaps his best season ever. You have to wonder, though, how much longer he can carry a small-budget team on his back.37. JOE THORNTON The big cen ter is developing into one of the NHL&rsquo;s best power forwards, a player who can dictate the flow of a game. At the same time, however, he needs to remember Boston is a better team with him on the ice, not in the penalty box. But hey, he&rsquo;s only 23.38. ZIGGY PALFFY More and more, Palffy is proving himself to be a player who can be counted on in the crunch. His forte remains his offense, particularly on the Los Angeles power play where he scored 15 times last season, but he is not a defensive liability<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0060-01256/10177311-1-eng-US/f0060-012.jpg" title="f0060-01" width="1078" height="2087"><figcaption class="caption-body">Ranger ReboundOn a Blueshirt roster dotted with stars, there&rsquo;s no one more vital to the team&rsquo;s success than Brian Leetch. At 34, he&rsquo;s five years removed from his last Norris. (Scott Levy/BBS)</figcaption></div>39. SIMON GAGNE A true gunner - he led the Flyers with 33 goals, including seven game-winners-Gagne&rsquo;s speed and courage make him efficient defensively, too.40. MARIAN HOSSA Ottawa has been short on playoff heroes, but Hossa had game in a Round 2 loss against Toronto. He scored four goals and 10 points in 12 post-season tilts.41. ED JOVANOVSKI The fleet and physical Canuck is maturing into a dependable blueliner, though he has yet to enjoy a plus season in seven NHL campaigns.42. CHRIS CHELIOS After win ning the Cup, Chelios, 40, said he felt like he could play another 10 years. We&rsquo;re not betting against him.43. ALEXANDER MOGILNY When he wants to be, there isn&rsquo;t a better stickhandler in the game. Too bad every year wasn&rsquo;t a contract year.44. RON FRANCIS The 39-year-old pivot would be a valuable member of the Hurricanes even if he never left the dressing room. On the ice he finished 10th in league scoring. Amazing.45. JOHN LECLAIR Despite undergoing back surgery the past two off-seasons, the dedicated Flyer is confident he&rsquo;ll return to form. So are we.46. JEREMY ROENICK Philadel phia may have been the NHL&rsquo;s biggest underachiever, but J.R. wasn&rsquo;t to blame. He was second in team scoring and led the Flyers with a plus-32.47. EVGENI NABOKOV The NHL&rsquo;s top rookie two years ago is gaining credibility as a stopper who thrives on a lot of work and excels under pressure.48. BRIAN LEETCH He slipped from 21 goals to 10 and from 79 points to 55, but if anyone can bounce back, it&rsquo;s this two-time Norris winner.49. PAVOL DEMITRA His 35 goals, including a team-high 10 game-winners, and four in the post-season, powered a St. Louis squad that failed to live up to expectations.50. CURTIS JOSEPH For the first time, Joseph is backstopping a team for which he doesn&rsquo;t have to be the difference between winning and losing. He&rsquo;s going to have a ball&hellip;and maybe a Cup, too.<h2>THE TOP 50</h2>Nicklas Lidstrom moves up four spots to No. 1 on our ranking. Included is last season&rsquo;s rank<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0057-01284/10177304-1-eng-US/f0057-012.jpg" title="f0057-01" width="760" height="2773"></div> &#9632;

f0056-01

The Best 50 Players in the NHL

<div class="byline">Mike Brophy </div><div class="byline">Senior Writer</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0064-01207/10177384-1-eng-US/f0064-012.jpg" title="f0064-01" width="432" height="757"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0064-02126/10177377-1-eng-US/f0064-022.jpg" title="f0064-02" width="422" height="757"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0064-0370/10177370-1-eng-US/f0064-032.jpg" title="f0064-03" width="329" height="417"></div>Curtis Joseph is no Dominik Hasek. Then again, the Detroit Red Wings are no Toronto Maple Leafs&hellip;or Edmonton Oilers&hellip;or St. Louis Blues.Those are the three teams Joseph carried on his back the past 13 seasons with a reasonable degree of success, but never to the promised land - the Stanley Cup. Not even an appearance in the final, for that matter.Now he&rsquo;s a Red Wing.And in Detroit you don&rsquo;t need to be Superman if you&rsquo;re the goalie. You rarely need to win games; just make sure you don&rsquo;t lose them. There&rsquo;ll undoubtedly be pressure on Joseph, replacing a legend, but more pressure than there was in his previous stops? Not a chance.&ldquo;Curtis is going to have so much fun,&rdquo; said his former backup, Glenn Healy, who&rsquo;s now a broadcaster with Hockev Night In Canada. &ldquo;He&rsquo;ll be in games leading 6-1 going into the third period instead of being tied 1-1 knowing he has to make 19 big saves in the third for his team to have a chance of winning.&rdquo;The acquisition of Joseph to replace the retired Hasek isn&rsquo;t the sole reason why The Hockey News is picking the Wings to repeat as champions. Detroit&rsquo;s talent, depth, strong management, financial ability to plug holes and youth - yes, youth - also convinced us.The Red Wings are often referred to as an old team, thanks to the likes of Igor Larionov (41), Chris Chelios (40), Brett Hull (38), Steve Yzerman (37) and Luc Robitaille (36).But with all that age comes experience and, hopefully, clutch performances. Brendan Shanahan, 33, led the team in scoring last season and scored the Cupwinning goal. Hull was third in scoring, Robitaille fifth and Yzerman sixth despite missing 30 games.Old? Yes. Too old? Not a chance.Consider the Wings have the most dominant player in the game today, defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom, and one of hockey&rsquo;s most complete forwards, Sergei Fedorov. Lidstrom has won backto-back Norris Trophies and was the MVP in last season&rsquo;s playoffs. Fedorov was Detroit&rsquo;s best forward in the post-season.And while they rarely get the credit they deserve, tireless workers such as Kris Draper, Kirk Maltby and Darren McCarty keep the energy up and make an impact at both ends of the rink.Also, contributions from kids such as Pavel Datsyuk, Jiri Fischer and Jason Williams should not be overlooked. Throw rookie Henrik Zetterberg into the mix and suddenly the Wings aren&rsquo;t so old anymore.Of course if the Red Wings do win again, it will be without legendary coach Scotty Bowman. Bowman&rsquo;s contribution should never be underestimated, even on a team full of future Hall of Famers. But his replacement, long-time Red Wings associate coach Dave Lewis, knows the personnel and the personalties. He&rsquo;ll be fine.Who will the Red Wings beat in the final? Your guess is as good as ours.It could be Philadelphia, if the Flyers don&rsquo;t self-destruct. Perhaps Toronto, but that would require the Leafs developing discipline. New Jersey? The Devils have the best - if aged - defense in the league and Martin Brodeur, a proven winner in goal. Maybe even Washington if Jaromir Jagr has a Hart attack.In the end, it won&rsquo;t matter who wins the East. The balance of power is clearly in the West where the Red Wings will be challenged by Colorado, San Jose and Vancouver.It&rsquo;ll be a Red Wing repeat.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0065-01210/10177363-1-eng-US/f0065-012.jpg" title="f0065-01" width="1238" height="1921"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0065-02150/10177356-1-eng-US/f0065-022.jpg" title="f0065-02" width="1230" height="1922"></div> &#9632;

f0064-01

Insider Report

<div class="byline">By Dan Wood</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0066-01210/10177520-1-eng-US/f0066-012.jpg" title="f0066-01" width="861" height="366"></div>Finally, a reason to look forward to the upcoming season. The combination of an enthusiastic young coach, a new, but experienced GM and an influx of proven offensive performers to juice up a pop-gun attack and improve a woeful power play has the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim itching for the 2002-03 campaign to begin.Former Detroit and Florida GM Bryan Murray, who coached the Ducks to significant defensive improvements last season in his lone year behind the club&rsquo;s bench, takes over in the front office after the firing of Pierre Gauthier.Murray&rsquo;s first big move was to name Mike Babcock to his first NHL coaching position. Babcock, who coached at Cincinnati (AHL) the past two seasons, is best known for guiding Canada to a fifth consecutive gold medal at the 1997 World Junior Championship.While Anaheim is counting on Babcock to orchestrate long-term success, the brightest hope for immediate improvement stems from the off-season signing of unrestricted free agent center Adam Oates and the addition of sniping right winger Petr Sykora.Ranking eighth on the NHL&rsquo;s alltime assist list with 1,027, the 40-year-old Oates will be counted on to help Ducks captain Paul Kariya return to form as one of the league&rsquo;s top scorers. Oates&rsquo;s playmaking prowess should also do wonders for Anaheim&rsquo;s power play, which ranked dead last in the NHL last season and was largely responsible for the club&rsquo;s league-leading 21 one-goal losses. Defenseman Fredrik Olausson, fresh off a Stanley Cup championship with Detroit, was also signed to help the power play Sykora, 25, meanwhile, has strung together four consecutive 20-goal seasons, with career-high totals of 35 goals and 81 points in 2000-01, and had a starring role in New Jersey&rsquo;s Stanley Cup in 2000.Though the Ducks have missed the playoffs the past three years, the emergence of talented goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere and a defense corps that ranked eighth in the NHL in goals against last season seem to have Anaheim on the right track.STRENGTHS With Giguere having finished fifth in the NHL in goalsagainst average (2.13) and tied for fifth in save percentage (.920), Anaheim was confident enough to trade veteran Steve Shields to Boston. In his first full season as a No. 1, Giguere kept the Ducks in the game most nights.In part because of Giguere, Anaheim developed into an effective penalty-killing team last season, rallying from a slow start to finish seventh at 86.1 per-cent efficiency.WEAKNESSES The failure of the power play killed the Ducks last season. By Kariya&rsquo;s estimation, the acquisition of Oates alone will lift Anaheim into the middle of the pack, while the sharp-shooting Sykora offers another big gun at Oates&rsquo;s disposal and Olausson is a capable point man who can get his shot through to the net.The Ducks also suffer fro a glaring shortage of size and grit, something Murray will attempt to address with personnel moves whenever possible.OFFENSE Having produced seasons of 50, 44,39 and 42 goals earlier in his career, Kariya managed only 33 and 32 in the past two years. Certainly, the 2001 trade of former linemate Teemu Selanne to San Jose had an adverse impact on him. It&rsquo;s hoped the addition of Oates and Sykora will offset that. In any case, Anaheim needs Kariya to score, and score a lot.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0066-02130/10177513-1-eng-US/f0066-022.jpg" title="f0066-02" width="750" height="1392"><figcaption class="caption-body">PAUL KARIYA (Photography Action Sports)</figcaption></div>Another left winger, 25-year-old Mike Leclerc, hit 20 goals for the first time last sea-son. His continued improvement suggests more offense is likely, as long as heThe arrival of Oates relegates Steve Rucchin to a second line role, where he can be effective if the oftinjured center can remain healthy. Matt Cullen, who is coming off a strong finish for the first time in his career, seems capable of more than his 18 goals and 48 points, while rookie Andy McDonald proved to be a clever playmaker - if teamed with offensive performers - after being called up from the minors. The wild card is 2001 top draft pick Stanislav Chistov, who is immensely skilled, but small (5-foot-9,169 pounds) and must prove he&rsquo;s ready for NHL duty.DEFENSE The addition of veteran Keith Carney, who arrived in a trade with Phoenix before last season, did wonders to balance a talented, but youthful group of defensemen. Carney&rsquo;s plus-14 mark was far and away the best of any Duck. Jason York, who signed as a free agent before last season, struggled through an injury-plagued campaign. Vitaly Vishnevski and Ruslan Salei, the team&rsquo;s hardest hitters, along with Olausson, Pavel Trnka, Niclas Havelid and former Devil Mike Commodore give Anaheim acceptable defensive depth.BEHINDTHE BENCH Babcock, 39, describes himself as &ldquo;relentless.&rdquo; A high-energy, upbeat personality, he wants the same traits from his players. Communication is a key element, in Babcock&rsquo;s estimation. He promised everyone will know where they stand, whether they like it or not. Kariya and Giguere, probably the team&rsquo;s two most important players, greeted the hiring of Babcock positively, giving the new coach an important leg up entering training camp.SALARY CEILING Just as Gauthier did before him, Murray has deflected suggestions the Ducks are hamstrung by financial constraints imposed by owner Walt Disney. Anaheim ranked 16th in the NHL with a $36.9-million payroll (all figures in U.S. funds) last season and figures to be near the middle of the pack again.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0067-01148/10177506-1-eng-US/f0067-012.jpg" title="f0067-01" width="1742" height="2025"><figcaption class="caption-body">Center Steve Rucchin is looking to stay healthy after back-to-back injury-filled seasons.</figcaption></div>The Ducks somewhat offset the signing of Oates ($3.5 million this season) by trading Shields, who stood to receive $2 million. Kariya, a restricted free agent who earned $10 million last year, Rucchin, Cullen, Salei and McDonald were among Anaheim&rsquo;s unsigned players in mid-summer.ROOKIES If all goes well, the Ducks will have at least two rookies in the line up in Russian left wingers Chistov and Alexei Smirnov.While Chistov is a smallish speed demon with tremendous skills, the 6-foot-3, 211-pound Smirnov might be able to provide some of the physical play Anaheim so desperately needs The Ducks also plan to take a long look at sharp-shooting right winger Joffrey Lupul, their firstround pick (seventh overall) in this year&rsquo;s draft, though it seems more likely he will return for one more junior season with Medicine Hat (WHL).<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>For the first time in recent memory, the Ducks seem to be on the right track. But they have a long, long way to go.PREDICTION: 10th in West<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0066-0353/10177499-1-eng-US/f0066-032.jpg" title="f0066-03" width="851" height="525"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0066-0436/10177492-1-eng-US/f0066-042.jpg" title="f0066-04" width="855" height="524"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Bryan Murray 12th NHL year (369-323-88-12) 3rd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0066-0522/10177485-1-eng-US/f0066-052.jpg" title="f0066-05" width="182" height="190"></div>COACH Mike Babcock 1st NHL year (0-0-0-0) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0066-0614/10177478-1-eng-US/f0066-062.jpg" title="f0066-06" width="182" height="188"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0067-0288/10177471-1-eng-US/f0067-022.jpg" title="f0067-02" width="1224" height="893"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0067-0364/10177464-1-eng-US/f0067-032.jpg" title="f0067-03" width="1406" height="1034"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0068-01160/10177457-1-eng-US/f0068-012.jpg" title="f0068-01" width="2472" height="2409"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>Hustling, shot-blocking Dan Bylsma is an unsung hero for the Ducks. Here&rsquo;s a look at Anaheim&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGOBY</h3>Glue Guy&nbsp;Dan BylsmaStickhandler&nbsp;Paul KariyaMost Skilled Player&nbsp;Paul KariyaBodychecker&nbsp;Vitaly VishnevskiFaceoff Specialist Adam OatesShot&nbsp;Vitaly VishnevskiShot-Blocker&nbsp;Dan BylsmaSkater&nbsp;Paul KariyaCharlie Hustle&nbsp;Dan BylsmaDef. Defenseman&nbsp;Keith CarneyDef. Forward Steve RucchinPasser&nbsp;Adam OatesAgitator&nbsp; Ruslan Salei<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>MIKE COMMODORE, DThough he made strides in New Jersey last season, this will be the first year the 6-foot-4, 230-pound defender has the opportunity to play as an NHL regular. He&rsquo;s a nasty customer who can keep opposing forwards honest.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0069-0293/10177450-1-eng-US/f0069-022.jpg" title="f0069-02" width="316" height="404"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0069-0357/10177443-1-eng-US/f0069-032.jpg" title="f0069-03" width="1537" height="916"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0069-0434/10177436-1-eng-US/f0069-042.jpg" title="f0069-04" width="265" height="135"></div>llja Bryzgalov, G Stanislav Chistov, LWMike Commodore, DAdam Oates, CFredrik Olausson, D Todd Reirden, D Alexei Smirnov, LW Petr Sykora, RW<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0069-0525/10177429-1-eng-US/f0069-052.jpg" title="f0069-05" width="263" height="133"></div>Jeff Friesen, LWSergei Krivokrasov, RWSteve Shields, GOleg Tverdovsky, D<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Anaheim&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0069-0620/10177422-1-eng-US/f0069-062.jpg" title="f0069-06" width="256" height="240"></div><h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>JOFFREY LUPULPOSITION Right wingerSELECTED 7thoverallCLUB Medicine Hat (WHL)SCOUTING REPORTSkilled playmaker handles the puck well in traffic and has good hockey sense and vision. He competes hard and plays all forward positions. Ducks would love to see him apprentice under Adam Oates in '03-04.<h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Stanislav Chistov, LW, 19, Omsk (Rus.)2. llja Bryzgalov, G, 22, Cincinnati (AHL)3. Mark Popovic. D. 19, St. Michael&rsquo;s (OHL)4. Alexei Smirnov, LW, 20, Cen. Army (Rus.)5. Martin Gerber, G, 28, Farjestad (Swe.)6. Kurt Sauer, D, 21, Spokane (WHL)7. Igor Pohanka, RW, 19, Prince Albert (WHL)8. J-F Damphousse. G, 23, Albany (AHL)9. Joel Stepp, C, 19, Red Deer (WHL)10. Timo Parsinen, RW, 25, - Cincinnati (AHL)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0069-0719/10177415-1-eng-US/f0069-072.jpg" title="f0069-07" width="1098" height="3347"></div> &#9632;

f0066-01

Team Reports

Future brightens with new additions

<div class="byline">By Jeff Schultz</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0070-01141/10177663-1-eng-US/f0070-012.jpg" title="f0070-01" width="871" height="352"></div>It&rsquo;s standard for a young NHL team with a patient GM to have a &ldquo;win tomorrow&rdquo; philosophy.Draft well, keep the payroll low, pick your spots in free agency. Suffice it to say, after three seasons and only 56 wins in 246 games, &ldquo;win tomorrow&rdquo; does little to excite the masses in Atlanta. It follows that Thrashers GM Don Waddell had a slight shift in strategy this off-season when he acquired two proven scoring wingers in Shawn McEachern and Slava Kozlov.The irony is those players could both be gone by March. Both are eligible for unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2003 and could be trade bait, depending on their success and the team&rsquo;s fortunes,Waddell is hoping McEachern and Kozlov aren&rsquo;t merely this year&rsquo;s versions of past Thrashers to be moved at the trade deadline (Donald Audette, Kelly Buchberger, Ray Ferraro, Jiri Slegr). Waddell believes a 20-point improvement from last year&rsquo;s league-worst total of 54 (19-47-11-5) is realistic.McEachern and Kozlov should enable the team to put together two solid scoring lines, along with last year&rsquo;s rookie hot shots Dany Heatley and Ilya Kovalchuk. The Thrashers remain woefully weak at center, but Heatley, who spent most of last season at right wing, will likely be moved to the middle on a line with Kovalchuk and Kozlov.The team bought out the final season on goalie Damian Rhodes&rsquo;s contract, concluding a three-year mistake. The assumption is the duo of Milan Hnilicka and Pasi Nurminen will be solid. Hnilicka was impressive for most of last season, despite playing behind a soft and error-prone defense. Nurminen played only nine games, but capably demonstrated his ability and poise. He is also coming off a strong run in the AHL playoffs, during which he led the Chicago Wolves to a Calder Cup.The biggest potential problem area remains on the blueline, with a marked drop-off in talent after Daniel Tjarnqvist and Frantisek Kaberle.&ldquo;Our coaches have been spending the summer working on the defensive system,&rdquo; Waddell said. &ldquo;We have to be better, even if we have the same personnel. If we add someone, it&rsquo;s a bonus.&ldquo;We tried playing a safe zone at times last year. We tried man-to-man and it didn&rsquo;t work out. But I&rsquo;m a puck-pressure person. We need to force someone to beat us.&rdquo;STRENGTHS The additions ofKozlov and McEachern should give the Thrashers two lines that can put the puck in the net, assuming neither Heatley nor Kovalchuk take a step back from their splendid rookie campaigns. As Waddell said, &ldquo;Guys we had playing among the top six forwards last year now are top nine.&rdquo;<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0070-0281/10177656-1-eng-US/f0070-022.jpg" title="f0070-02" width="787" height="1439"><figcaption class="caption-body">LUBOS BARTECKO (James Baker/BBS)</figcaption></div>Two other areas should be decent are forechecking and goaltending.Veterans were largely disapreal difference. Atlanta also remains one of the NHL&rsquo;s weakest teams at center and, consequently, on faceoffs. Patrik Stefan, the first overall draft pick in 1999, is entering Year 4 and still looking for his first solid season. Heatley can play center, but he&rsquo;s also one of the team&rsquo;s better players along the wall and in the corners and moving him carries a risk. pointing last year and allowed opponents to bring the puck up ice too easily. Younger, eager players such as center Dan Snyder created more puck-pressure v. later in the season.WEAKNESSES The Thrashers must show significant improvement defensively. Tjarnqvist was the club&rsquo;s best defense-man in the second half of last season, but the group wa largely prone to panic attacks. Kaberle, who too often played too timidly, needs to rebound from a poor campaign.The Thrashers are a soft team physically, particularly on the blueline, and need to show more grit. Left winger Jeff Cowan was a good addition last year, but as a fourth-liner make a often didn&rsquo;t play enough to real difference. Atlantaalso remains one of the NHL&rsquo;s weakest teams at center and, consequently, on faceoffs. Patrik Stefan, the first overall draft pick in 1999, is entering Year 4 and still looking for his firstsolid season. Heatley can play center, but he&rsquo;s also one of the team&rsquo;s better players along the wall and inthe corners and moving him carries a risk.OFFENSE It&rsquo;s a statement on the team&rsquo;s youth and past roster purges that new acquisitions McEachern (227 goals, 490 points) and Kozlov (211,437) rank 1-2 among Thrashers in career goals and points. Center Tony Hrkac (123, 345) is third. Hrkac is coming off an 18-goal season, but if he does that well again, it will be because he&rsquo;s filling a role for another player who&rsquo;s not producing - such as Stefan or Tomi Kallio. Kallio had a strong rookie year, but was a bust last season and has been injury-prone. Stefan played better after a demotion to the minors, but needs to be consistent in effort and start playing through some injuries. Kovalchuk fired in 29 goals in 65 games and with his speed, shot and confidence, 40 goals isn&rsquo;t unreasonable.DEFENSE Opponents didn&rsquo;t have to watch much game tape to realize pressuring Atlanta&rsquo;s defensemen led to turnovers i and goals. The lack of a physical presence and a steady defender to make the first pass out of the zone hurt the club. Atlanta hopes the addition of veterans Richard Smehlik from Buffalo and the oft-injured Uwe Krupp from Detroit will help. Tjarnqvist was strong in the second half of the year and has to do it for a full season, while Kaberle&rsquo;s play fell off from the year before. Prospects Kirill Safronov, Garnet Exelby and Joe DiPenta have a shot at making the team.BEHIND THE BENCH There is more pressure on coach Curt Fraser this year than in any of the previous three. That&rsquo;s not to say Waddell has handed him a playoff roster, but the upgrades on offense should be enough to make the team competitive. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re all under the microscope,&rdquo; Waddell said. Fraser wants the Thrashers to be aggressive at both ends of the ice.SALARY CEILING Atlanta&rsquo;s payroll will actually increase this season, although not by much. They will still rank in the bottom third of the league in salary It&rsquo;s uncertain how much lingering financial difficulties at parent AOL/Time Warner have affected roster decisions because Atlanta has not been an attractive enough team to lure elite free agents, anyway<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0071-01137/10177649-1-eng-US/f0071-012.jpg" title="f0071-01" width="1730" height="2015"><figcaption class="caption-body">Ilya Kovalchuk displays his explosive skating and wicked shot whenever he has the opportunity.</figcaption></div>ROOKIES Nurminen is small (5-foot-10,189 pounds), but was strong enough in his nine games last year to show he can push Hnilicka. He&rsquo;s an energetic goalie with good reflexes and an excellent glove. Snyder played 11 games and became an immediate favorite because of his tenacious play and willingness to stand up for teammates. One or two from a group of five rookie defensemen, most notably Safronov and Exelby, have a chance to crack the lineup.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>The offense shouldn't be as dependent on young guns Heatley and Kovalchuk, playoff spot is still out of reach.PREDICTION: 15th in East<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0070-0347/10177642-1-eng-US/f0070-032.jpg" title="f0070-03" width="866" height="515"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0070-0428/10177635-1-eng-US/f0070-042.jpg" title="f0070-04" width="868" height="506"></div><h3>MANAGEMENT</h3>GM Don Waddell 4th NHL year (56-153-30-11) 1st NHL team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0070-0515/10177628-1-eng-US/f0070-052.jpg" title="f0070-05" width="186" height="184"></div>COACH CurtFraser 4th NHL year (56-153-30-11) 1st NHL team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0070-0611/10177621-1-eng-US/f0070-062.jpg" title="f0070-06" width="188" height="184"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0071-0278/10177614-1-eng-US/f0071-022.jpg" title="f0071-02" width="1206" height="895"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0071-0349/10177607-1-eng-US/f0071-032.jpg" title="f0071-03" width="1382" height="1115"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0072-01136/10177600-1-eng-US/f0072-012.jpg" title="f0072-01" width="2457" height="1914"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0071-0429/10177593-1-eng-US/f0071-042.jpg" title="f0071-04" width="2447" height="449"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>Ilya Kovalchuk showed off superb skills as an 18-year-old rookie with the Thrashers. Here&rsquo;s a look at Atlanta&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Dany HeatleyStickhandler Ilya KovalchukMost Skilled Player Ilya KovalchukBodychecker Jeff CowanFaceoff Specialist Tony HrkacShot Ilya KovalchukShot-Blocker Chris TamerSkater Ilya KovalchukCharlie Hustle Pascal RheaumeDef. Defenseman Chris TamerDef. Forward Per SvartvadetPasser Dany HeatleyAgitator Jeff Odgers<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>TOMI KALLIO, LWA gritty winger with scoring potential got lost in the shuffle with the emergence of Dany Heatley and Ilya Kovalchuk. He does, however, have loads of talent and might rise to prominence as the Thrashers add depth to the organization.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0073-01127/10177586-1-eng-US/f0073-012.jpg" title="f0073-01" width="313" height="408"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0073-0283/10177579-1-eng-US/f0073-022.jpg" title="f0073-02" width="1493" height="917"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0073-0351/10177572-1-eng-US/f0073-032.jpg" title="f0073-03" width="262" height="138"></div>Slava Kozlov, RWRW Uwe Krupp, DShawn McEachern, LW Richard Smehlik, DDan Snyder, C<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0073-0427/10177565-1-eng-US/f0073-042.jpg" title="f0073-04" width="260" height="137"></div>Adam Burt, DBrian Pothier, DTodd Reirden, DDamian Rhodes, GDavid Harlock, D<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Atlanta&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>KARI LEHTONENPOSITION GoaltenderSELECTED 2ndoverallCLUB Jokerit (Finland)SCOUTING REPORT Tall, standup goalie is quick with excellent reflexes. Lehtonen anticipates the play well, is calm, cool and confident. After a year in Finland&rsquo;s top league, he could be ready this season, but likely 2003-04.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0073-0518/10177558-1-eng-US/f0073-052.jpg" title="f0073-05" width="248" height="241"></div><h4>Top 10 prospects</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Pasi Nurminen, G, 26, Chicago (AHL)2. Kirill Safronov, D, 21, Springfield (AHL)3. Libor Ustmul, D, 20, Plymouth (OHL)4. Garnet Exelby. D, 21, Chicago (AHL)5. Mark Hartigan, C, 24, St. Cloud (WCHA)6. Kurtis Foster, D, 20, Chicago (AHL)7. Ilya Nikulin, D. 20, Dynamo Moscow (Rus.)8. Ruslan Zainullin, RW, 20, AK Bars (Rus.)9. Derek Mackenzie, C, 21, Chicago (AHL)10. Kamil Piros, C, 23, Chicago (AHL)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0073-0614/10177551-1-eng-US/f0073-062.jpg" title="f0073-06" width="1085" height="3391"></div> &#9632;

f0070-01

Some veteran help, but ‘D’ still hurting where the team

<div class="byline">By Mike Loftus</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0076-01122/10177806-1-eng-US/f0076-012.jpg" title="f0076-01" width="904" height="359"></div>It&rsquo;s easy to look back at the 2001-02 Boston Bruins and conclude they made a giant leap forward. They earned seven more wins than the previous season, collected 13 more points, surrendered 48 fewer goals and, most importantly, finished first in the Eastern Conference after missing the playoffs two straight years.Calling the season an unqualified success, however, wouldn&rsquo;t be entirely accurate. There was that sobering, first round playoff loss to eighth-seeded Montreal. And Boston was on the verge of letting two key contributors leave via unrestricted free agency without adding anyone significant for 2002-03.Management thinks Boston will survive the loss of two-time 40-goal scorer Bill Guerin, whom many saw as the team&rsquo;s dressing room leader (the B&rsquo;s didn&rsquo;thave a captain last year), and likely departure of No. 1 goalie Byron Dafoe. The front office may be right: there is plenty left over, especially up front, and the players enjoy the creative entirestyle installed by coach and Jack Adams Trophy finalist Robbie Ftorek.Yet big questions remain. How will the Bruins react to the loss of Guerin - and Dafoe, too - and how well will eager addition Steve Shields - assuming he beats backup John Grahame for the No. 1 job in goal - handle an assignment he hasn&rsquo;t enjoyed much success in during a nine-year pro career?GM Mike O&rsquo;Connell, citing Boston&rsquo;s commitment to avoiding long-term deals until after the next collective bargaining agreement is negotiated, admits Guerin&rsquo;s offense it&rsquo;s not impossible. Guerin tied teammate Glen Murray with 41 goals, good for second-most in the league.&ldquo;We feel like we still have a lot of good players, especially up front,&rdquo; O&rsquo;Connell said. &ldquo;I think we&rsquo;ll be a strong team again.&rdquo;Maybe. But without Guerin and Dafoe, it&rsquo;s hard to see the Bruins atop the conference again.STRENGTHS The Bruins should still be able to score. Four returning forwards had 22 goals or more - Murray, Brian Rolston (31), Sergei Samsonov (29) and Joe Thornton, who was held to 22 because he missed 16 games to injury and suspension.More production from Martin Lapointe (17 goals) and a return to form from Marty McInnis (11) would help.Look for the Bruins last year&rsquo;s penalty-killing leaders - to be near the top in that category again. Rolston led the NHL with a teamrecord nine shorthanded goals last year and unheralded left winger P-J Axelsson is as good a penalty-killer as they come.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0076-0346/10177799-1-eng-US/f0076-032.jpg" title="f0076-03" width="970" height="1385"><figcaption class="caption-body">MARTIN LAPOINTI (Sports Action Photography)</figcaption></div>WEAKNESSES They weren&rsquo;t revealed until late in the regular season and playoffs, but Boston&rsquo;s deficiencies in goal and on the blueline were eventually exploited.Specifically, the Bruins didn&rsquo;t respond well to Montreal&rsquo;s quickness and aggressive post-season forecheck. Whether that was because they couldn&rsquo;t match the Habs&rsquo; speed or simply didn&rsquo;t react well to the pressure, the B&rsquo;s are bound to see more of the same treatment until they prove they can handle it. Dafoe didn&rsquo;t have the best of his five years in Boston and was a playoff disappointment, but based on track record Shields has to be considered a downgrade until he proves otherwise.OFFENSE Murray and Rolston are coming off career years, Samsonov was solid and Thornton averaged a point per game (68 in 66 outings) for the second straight season. With extra ice time created by Guerin&rsquo;s departure, more will be expected from Lapointe and McInnis.It will be Murray, though, who finds himself on the hot seat: he&rsquo;s now the No. 1 right winger and heads into the season knowing he has never put together consecutive strong offensive campaigns.The biggest problem Boston faces on offense is that it gets almost none from its defense corps. Sean O&rsquo;Donnell&rsquo;s career-best 25 points led the blueliners and, except for tradedeadline acquisition Sean Brown (six goals, all with Edmonton), nobody scored more than four.DEFENSE Boston improved vastly in 2001-02, slashing its goalsagainst from 249 to 201 without installing a defense-based system. The decrease was due largely to a team-wide system of play (there was no designated checking line) that relied on the forwards&rsquo;speed and ability to keep the puck in the offensive zone. The back line, focussed on quick puck movement, got a boost from rookie Nick Boynton&rsquo;s emergence, but lost much of its physical edge when Kyle McLaren&rsquo;s annual parade of injuries limited him to 38 games. If McLaren can stay healthy - and stays in Boston - he&rsquo;ll provide more muscle in front of the net. The biggest need is for a blue-line threat who can join rushes and generate offense.BEHIND THE BENCH Ftorek has a simple mantra: &ldquo;When we have the puck we&rsquo;re on offense, when we don&rsquo;t we&rsquo;re on defense.&rdquo; It&rsquo;s a popular philosophy with players because it encourages puck-possession and creativity. The Bruins are neither a trapping teamnor a dump-and-chase group; Ftorek encourages players to shoot and make plays. With most of the team&rsquo;s speed and talentreturning, the coach isn&rsquo;t likely to change his system. Ftorek&rsquo;s main goals, along with assistants Wayne Cashman and Jim Hughes, are to find a way of improving the league&rsquo;s 26th-ranked power play and to help a relatively immobile defense handle quick, aggressive opponents.Ftorek&rsquo;s main goals, along with assistants Wayne Cashman and Jim Hughes, are to find a way of improving the league&rsquo;s 26th-ranked power play and to help a relatively immobile defense handle quick, aggressive opponents.SALARY CEILING With Guerin gone and Dafoe looking to sign elsewhere, the Bruins stand to shed at least $8.5 million from last year&rsquo;s $40.8-million payroll. Boston&rsquo;s eye is on the salary cap it expects to be part of the next CBA; to maintain flexibility, the Bruins are trying to keep down the number of pricey players under contract past 2004. Significant unrestricted free agents either looked elsewhere or were not pursued, and with few high-profile restricted free agent players to re-sign (Murray and McLaren headed the list), Boston&rsquo;s payroll for 2002-03 is expected to be significantly lower.ROOKIES First-year pro Andy Hilbert scored 26 goals and played in the AHL All-Star Game last season and Ivan Huml led Providence with 28 goals in his second minor pro season. Both are right wingers who can play left wing, where Samsonov is Boston&rsquo;s only consistent threat. One problem: both are small, with Hilbert at 5-foot-ll, 190 pounds and Huml 6-foot-2, but a skinny 195 pounds.Given his puckhandling skills, the B&rsquo;s are trying to stay patient with-22-year-old defenseman Jonathan Girard.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0077-01121/10177792-1-eng-US/f0077-012.jpg" title="f0077-01" width="1718" height="2038"><figcaption class="caption-body">Skilled Sergei Samsonov will be counted on to replace some of the goals that Bill Guerin took to Dallas.</figcaption></div><h2>the B0TTOM line</h2>The B&rsquo;s might still make the playoffs without Guerin and Dafoe, but the reality is a dropoff is the more likely scenario.PREDICTION: 9th In East<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0076-0265/10177785-1-eng-US/f0076-022.jpg" title="f0076-02" width="903" height="509"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0076-0612/10177778-1-eng-US/f0076-062.jpg" title="f0076-06" width="914" height="518"></div><h3>MANAGEMENT</h3>GM Mike O&rsquo;Connell 3rd NHL year (75-48-13-16) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0076-0422/10177771-1-eng-US/f0076-042.jpg" title="f0076-04" width="194" height="184"></div>COACH Robbie Ftorek 6th NHL year (196-129-36-9) 3rd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0076-0518/10177764-1-eng-US/f0076-052.jpg" title="f0076-05" width="193" height="181"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0077-0270/10177757-1-eng-US/f0077-022.jpg" title="f0077-02" width="1179" height="859"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0077-0348/10177750-1-eng-US/f0077-032.jpg" title="f0077-03" width="1394" height="1038"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0078-01117/10177743-1-eng-US/f0078-012.jpg" title="f0078-01" width="2440" height="1924"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0078-0254/10177736-1-eng-US/f0078-022.jpg" title="f0078-02" width="2412" height="448"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>Brian Rolston, the Bruins' best defensive forward, is one of the NHL&rsquo;s most underrated players. Here&rsquo;s a look at Boston&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Martin LapointeStickhandler Sergei SamsonovMost Skilled Player Sergei SamsonovBodychecker Martin LapointeFaceoff Specialist Jozef StumpelShot Brian RolstonShot-Blocker Hal GillSkater Sergei SamsonovCharlie Hustle P-J AxelssonDef. Defenseman Hal GillDef. Forward Brian RolstonPasser Jozef StumpelAgitator PJ Stock<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>NICK BOYNTON. DOther teams could learn a thing or two from the way the Bruins patiently handled this 23-year-old. His twoyear stint in the minors was invaluable in the learning process and his solid playoff last year is an indication of good things to come.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0079-01102/10177729-1-eng-US/f0079-012.jpg" title="f0079-01" width="326" height="414"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0079-0255/10177722-1-eng-US/f0079-022.jpg" title="f0079-02" width="1578" height="937"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0079-0335/10177715-1-eng-US/f0079-032.jpg" title="f0079-03" width="272" height="140"></div> Andy Hilbert, LW Ivan Huml, LW Shaone Morrisonn, D Michal Grosek, RWSteve Shields, GKris Vernarsky, C<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0079-0418/10177708-1-eng-US/f0079-042.jpg" title="f0079-04" width="272" height="140"></div>Dennis Bonvie, RW Byron Dafoe, G John Emmons, C Bill Guerin, RWEric Manlow, LWJeff Norton, DJamie Rivers, D/LW<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Boston&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>HANNU TOIVONENPOSITION GoaltenderSELECTED 29thoverallCLUB HPK (Fin.) Toivonen is a tall, quick, mobile stopper who plays a butterfly style. He&rsquo;s technically sound, has good reflexes and plays a composed, confident game. He&rsquo;s likely three to five years away from NHL duty.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0079-0511/10177701-1-eng-US/f0079-052.jpg" title="f0079-05" width="256" height="244"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Andy Hilbert. LW, 21, Providence (AHL)2. Lars Jonsson. D, 20, Leksand (Swe.)3. Shaone Morrisonn, D, 19, Kamloops (WHL)4. Ivan Huml, LW, 21, Providence (AHL)5. Andrew Raycroft, G, 22, Providence (AHL)6. Lee Goren. RW, 24, Providence (AHL)7. Martin Samuelsonn RW, 20. Hammarby (Swe.)8. Matti Kaltlalnen, G, 20, Boston C. (HE)9. Andrew albert, D, 21, Boston c. (HE)10. Zdenek Kutlak, D, 22, Providence (AHL)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0079-067/10177694-1-eng-US/f0079-062.jpg" title="f0079-06" width="1085" height="3371"></div> &#9632;

f0076-01

Key player losses go unreplaced

<div class="byline">By Bucky Gleason</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0080-01103/10177949-1-eng-US/f0080-012.jpg" title="f0080-01" width="896" height="359"></div>All the Buffalo Sabres wanted do was emerge from Dominik Hasek&rsquo;s shadow and prove they weren&rsquo;t just an average team with a great goalie. Forget about Hasek&rsquo;s desire to win a Stanley Cup in Detroit. The Sabres viewed his departure last year as an opportunity - for them.The only thing they proved in his absence was they were a below-average teamThe Sabres stumbled through the regular season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 1986-87, finishing 10th in the Eastern Conference.Coach Lindy Ruff and GM Darcy Regier hope the difficult 2001-02 season will build character and ultimately make Buffalo a stronger, likely they are in for another long season.After all, they went into the summer unstable from After all, they went into the top of the franchise to the bottom.Team owner John Rigas&rsquo;s Adelphia Communications company collapsed in a matter of months, leaving the club in financial disarray. Regier handled the team&rsquo;s daily operations, but he had little clout in the free agent market without strong financial backing. The league was reviewing all major decisions and it&rsquo;s almost a certainty the NHL won&rsquo;t allow the Sabres to fall further into debt.The Sabres made a couple of minor moves which were designed to make them younger and reduce payroll. They shipped left winger Slava Kozlov, obtained in the Hasek deal a year ago, to Atlanta and picked up center Jochen Hecht from Edmonton.Buffalo also re-signed tough guy Rob Ray, but his return for a 14th season had as much to do with public relations as it did with what he contributes on the ice (40 goals and 3,097 penalty minutes in 848 career games). Ray, a leader in the dressing room, is also a fan-favorite who sells tickets.Ruff will keep his defense first philosophy intact. The Sabres don&rsquo;t gK have enough WSg offensive talent to keep up with the skilled teams in the league, but they can always rely on good defense and sound A goaltending.No. 1 net minder Martin Biron played well in the second half last season after adjusting to his elevated role. The Sabres also BM played better around him and finished strong in an effort to make the playoffs.Ruff would be satisfied if the final two weeks of 2001-02 carried over to this year, but there are too many question marks for genuine optimism.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0080-0413/10177942-1-eng-US/f0080-042.jpg" title="f0080-04" width="902" height="1274"><figcaption class="caption-body">MIROSLAV SATAN (A. Ringuetee/BBS)</figcaption></div>STRENGTHS Biron is right up there with the best young goalies when he&rsquo;s on his game and getting support. For years the Sabres have been one of the league&rsquo;s better defensive teams, although Hasek received most of the credit.Even with Hasek&rsquo;s departure last season, the Sabres allowed the thirdfewest goals in the East. Backing up Biron this year will be Mika [Bk Noronen. named The Hockey News top minor pro prospect in 2000 and 2001. He moves well for a big man (6-foot-1. 206 pounds) and should give the Sabres a sound tandem. Internal competition should make them even stronger at the positionWEAKNESSES&nbsp;The Sabres have been without a star center since Pat LaFontaine was traded to the Rangers five years ago. Chris Gratton started on fourth line and placed horrib&iuml;y in the first 50 games last season, but picked it up after being promoted to the No. 1 unit late in the year.Tim Connolly, entering his fourth NHL season at age 21, is a nifty stickhandler, but too often favors the pretty play over the smart one, thereby reducing his effectiveness.Curtis Brown has been concentrating on being a checking center, but still managed to double his goals to 20 from 10 the season before.The Sabres have wingers who can score - such as Miroslav Satan, J-P Dumont and Maxim Afinogenov-but require playmaking centers to feed them the puck.OFFENSE Satan has been Buffalo&rsquo;s leading scorer the past five years and there&rsquo;s no reason to think that will change this season. He has averaged 35 goals over the past four campaigns on a Gratton has but needs to ductive team that hasn&rsquo;t had another 30-goal man since LaFontaine in 1995-96.Dumont and Afinogenov both have the ability to score 30. Dumont has good hands and is crafty around the net. Afinogenov, meanwhile, is a great skater and his shot has improved every season.Young power forward Taylor Pyatt, 21, is learning to use his size (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) and could become a scoring threat. In any event, the Sabres will need more than 10 goals from Connolly to have any chance of making the playoffs.DEFENSE One reason their offense suffers is because Ruff insists everyone be committed to playing defense. Therefore, the Sabres remain one of the most stingy teams in the league. Alexei Zhitnik will miss longtime defense partner Richard Smehlik, who signed with Atlanta as an unrestricted free agent. Jay McKee and Rhett Warrener are tough and face opponents&rsquo; top lines on most nights. Brian Campbell is determined to make an impact on the power play in his first full year in the NHL. Youngster Henrik Tallinder could start the season with the Sabres.BEHIND THE BENCH Ruff enters the last year of his contract looking for an extension. Buffalo&rsquo;s financial woes have not helped his cause. Ruff has coached more games than anyone in club history and holds the team record for playoff coaching victories, 32. If he benefited from Hasek&rsquo;s presence, he has also had to contend with a talent-thin lineup for most of his five years.SALARY CEILING The Sabres were 21st in payroll last season at $28.6 million (all figures in U.S. funds) and will likely wind up near $30 million this year when contracted raises for players currently on the roster kick in. The ownership problems made chasing free agents almost impossible this summer. The Sabres have no way of paying for the quick fix so they must either make trades or develop their prospects.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0081-01113/10177935-1-eng-US/f0081-012.jpg" title="f0081-01" width="1764" height="2054"><figcaption class="caption-body">Center Chris size and skill, put together a consistent, pro season.</figcaption></div>ROOKIES Noronen is all but assured of starting the season in the NHL after playing in Rochester (AHL) the past three years and he&rsquo;s ready to push Biron for playing time. Norm Milley was disappointed he didn&rsquo;t make the big club last season, but is expected to find a role at either wing. He&rsquo;s solid in the corners and has shown a decent scoring touch. The Sabres also love Tallinder, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound defenseman who can wheel.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>Buffalo is in for a difficult year with little hope of making the unless they ace the toughest of exams: chemistry.PREDICTION: 13th in East<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0080-0254/10177928-1-eng-US/f0080-022.jpg" title="f0080-02" width="889" height="503"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0080-0332/10177921-1-eng-US/f0080-032.jpg" title="f0080-03" width="892" height="502"></div><h3>MANAGEMENT</h3>GM Darcy Regier 6th NHL year (189-158-61-9) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0080-058/10177914-1-eng-US/f0080-052.jpg" title="f0080-05" width="192" height="179"></div>COACH Lindy Ruff 6th NHL year (189-158-61-9) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0080-066/10177907-1-eng-US/f0080-062.jpg" title="f0080-06" width="191" height="182"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0081-0274/10177900-1-eng-US/f0081-022.jpg" title="f0081-02" width="1227" height="894"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0081-0350/10177893-1-eng-US/f0081-032.jpg" title="f0081-03" width="1430" height="1028"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0082-01102/10177886-1-eng-US/f0082-012.jpg" title="f0082-01" width="2444" height="1973"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0082-0254/10177879-1-eng-US/f0082-022.jpg" title="f0082-02" width="2429" height="461"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>Fearless Jay McKee is the best shot-blocker on the Sabres. Here&rsquo;s a look at Buffalo&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Rob RayStickhandler Tim ConnollyMost Skilled PlayerMiroslav Satan&nbsp;Bodychecker Vaclav VaradaFaceoff Specialist Chris GrattonShot Miroslav SatanShot-Blocker Jay McKeeSkater Maxim Afinogenov&nbsp;Charlie Hustle Stu BarnesDef. Defenseman Rhett WarrenerDef. Forward Curtis Brown&nbsp;Passer Miroslav SatanAgitator Rob Ray<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>TIM CONNOLLY, CBack-to-back 10-goal seasons are simply not acceptable for this gifted I pivot. The solution? Shooting more than 126 times in 82 games. would be a start. Buffalo desperately needs him to become the complete scorer he was in junior with Erie (OHL).<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0083-0192/10177872-1-eng-US/f0083-012.jpg" title="f0083-01" width="313" height="408"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0083-0257/10177865-1-eng-US/f0083-022.jpg" title="f0083-02" width="1523" height="926"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0083-0341/10177858-1-eng-US/f0083-032.jpg" title="f0083-03" width="263" height="136"></div>Jochen Hecht, C Ales Kotalik, RW Adam Mair, RW Norm Milley, LWMika Noronen, G Henrik Tallinder, D<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0083-0420/10177851-1-eng-US/f0083-042.jpg" title="f0083-04" width="260" height="135"></div>Bob Corkum, RWBob Essensa, GSlava Kozlov, LWRichard Smehlik, DErik Rasmussen, LW<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Buffalo&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>KEITH BALLARDPOSITION DefenseSELECTED 11th overallCLUB Minnesota (WCHA)SCOUTING REPORT This undersized defenseman is competitive and plays an aggressive game. He&rsquo;s also an adept skater and a strong puckhandler with a heavy shot. Ballard has three years of eligibility remining.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0083-0517/10177844-1-eng-US/f0083-052.jpg" title="f0083-05" width="250" height="241"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Ryan Miller, G, 22, Michigan State (CCHA)2. Mika Noronen, G, 23, Rochester (AHL)3. HenrikTallinder. D, 23, Rochester (AHL)4. Norm Milley. LW, 22,5. Jiri Novotny, C, 19, Budejovice (Czech)6. Jason Pominvllle. RW, 19, Shawinigan (QMJHL7. Derek Roy, C, 19. Kitchener (OHL)8. Doug Janik, D, 22, Rochester (AHL)9. Jaroslav Kristek. RW, 22. Rochester (AHL)10. Artem Kryukov. C, 20, Yaroslavl<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0083-069/10177837-1-eng-US/f0083-062.jpg" title="f0083-06" width="1063" height="3352"></div> &#9632;

f0080-01

Defensively sound, but goals not free

<div class="byline">By Eric Duhatschek</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0084-0195/10178092-1-eng-US/f0084-012.jpg" title="f0084-01" width="875" height="358"></div>For years, the off-season mantra of the Calgary Flames echoed wearily off the growing number of empty seats at the Pengrowth Saddledome.Player after player would intone the same wish: the need to get off to a good start after so many years of idling away October and November, putting themselves so far behind so early in the season that the remaining 60 games were mostly devoted to thinking about next year.Then, in 2001-02, the good start actually occurred, with Calgary losing just two of its first 21 games. In the end, though, that good beginning proved to be little more than an illusion, as the Flames sank fast in the final three ultimately missed the play quarters of the season and offs again - by a full 13 points.The three primary off-season acquisitions were minor they signed two blue-chip youngsters, right winger Chuck Kobasew and defenseman Jordan Leopold, plus added left winger Martin Gelinas as an unrestricted free agent in the hopes he can rediscover his 20-goal scoring touch.The Flames have been in a perennial rebuilding phase since the mid-1990s, a puzzling period in which they mostly just spun their developmental wheels as opposed to making substantive gains. Just about all of last year&rsquo;s improvements came from players acquired in trades, as opposed to prospects emerging from the minor league system, an unconventional way of building in a smallmarket operation.Newcomers Roman Turek, Craig Conroy and Dean McAmmond all made significant contributions.Then there was the best news of all - the emergence of Jarome Iginla from promising power forward to NHL scoring champion. Iginla was named winner of the Lester B. Pearson Award, the NHL&rsquo;s MVP as selected by the players, and finished second in Hart Trophy voting to Montreal&rsquo;s Jose Theodore.Everything from performance and execution to morale must take a quantum step forward in order for the Flames to stay close in the playoff race.STRENGTHS For the first time in a decade, the Flames boasted a scoring line (McAmmond-Conroy-Iginla) that could play head-to-head against virtually any line in the league. The fact Iginla and Conroy were a cumulative plus-51, despite facing off against the NHL&rsquo;s best illustrates just how &iquest; good the season was for them.On defense, the Flames allowed 16 fewer goals than last year, thanks largely to Turek&rsquo;s excellent start in which he was, according to some, a first-quarter MVP candidate. The pairing of Denis Gauthier and Bob Boughner made life miserable for opposing forwards and each finished with identical plus-9 ratings, impressive stats on a team that gave up 19 more goals than it scored.WEAKNESSES The penalty-killing unit finished in the bottom five for the fourth year in a row, even after the the team made improving its play while shorthanded an off-season priority. It was the difference in specialteams play that cost the Flames night after night. Only Florida and the Rangers gave up more than the 66 power play goals surrendered by Calgary.The fact only two for wards beyond the big three, Marc Savard (14 goals) and Chris Clark (10), scored in double figures highlights a major offensive failing, jry Players who were expected to contribute, but didn&rsquo;t, include center Rob Niedermayer, who managed all of six goals in 57 games as the team&rsquo;s No. 2 center.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0084-0246/10178085-1-eng-US/f0084-022.jpg" title="f0084-02" width="948" height="1213"><figcaption class="caption-body">CRAIG CONROY (Bruce Bennett/BBS)</figcaption></div>OFFENSE It&rsquo;s hoped Gelinas and Kobasew will form twothirds of a second scoring line that will take some of the pressure to produce off of Iginla and Co. Iginla, Conroy and McAmmond accounted for exactly 100 goals - or about half of the 201 goals produced by the team. Iginla may not score 52 again nor is it likely Conroy will duplicate his career high of 27, so a handful of players who were finding their NHL legs last season - Clark and Jamie Wright, plus Niedermayer - will be counted on to demonstrate more finish around the net. Kobasew, 20, led the team in goals during last year&rsquo;s exhibition schedule and scored 41 goals in 55 games for Kelowna (WHL).DEFENSE Turek is known as first-save goaltender who relies on his defensemen to help clear rebounds, something they did with mixed results.Of particular concern was Robyn Regehr. His plus-minus has plummeted in each of his three NHL seasons, from minus-2 to minus-7 to a team-worst minus-24. His partner, Derek Morris, put together two fine months to open the season, but injured his wrist, missed two months and didn&rsquo;t regain his form.BEHIND THE&nbsp;BENCH Greg Gilbert had an up-and-down time of it in his first full season as an NHL coach. He had a number of positive coaching influences through the years, but for much of last season, the Mike Keenan elements tended to trickle out. He pushed players hard for results, from the softest to the most prolific.Gilbert especially wanted more out of Savard, who slipped from 65 points to 33, but even Iginla, in a career year, didn&rsquo;t always measure up in Gilbert&rsquo;s mind. Gilbert&rsquo;s abrasiveness wore on the team at different times and it is unclear if he plans to take a kinder, gentler approach this season or if he&rsquo;ll stay tough and risk the players tuning him out.SALARY CEILING Calgary&rsquo;s payroll, which was 23rd at $28.3 million in 2001 02, will hover just over $30 million this season, in the bottom third of the NHL pay scale again.The $5 million they&rsquo;ll save as a result of the departures of unrestricted free agents Mike Vernon and Igor Kravchuk will largely be gobbled up by the hefty raise expected by Iginla. He earned $1.7 million last season and was set to cash in with a huge raise as a restricted free agent.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0085-0191/10178078-1-eng-US/f0085-012.jpg" title="f0085-01" width="1710" height="2044"><figcaption class="caption-body">The Flames are looking for more offense from underachieving center Rob Niedermayer.</figcaption></div>ROOKIES Leopold, 22, played four years at the University of Minnesota, winning the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in U.S. college. Accordingly, Calgary believes Leopold&rsquo;s learning curve will be faster than it is for other young defensemen and that he&rsquo;ll make a meaningful contribution in his rookie season.Much is also expected of the 5-foot-ll, 195-pound Kobasew, who will get an opportunity to play on a scoring line in his first season. He&rsquo;s an instinctive goalscorer, a player with the capacity to find the seams in the defense and efficiently convert scoring opportunities around the net.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>Even if Iginla and Conroy duplicate their breakout years, making the playoffs long shot for club.PREDICTION: 12th in West<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0084-0330/10178071-1-eng-US/f0084-032.jpg" title="f0084-03" width="873" height="510"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0084-049/10178064-1-eng-US/f0084-042.jpg" title="f0084-04" width="875" height="510"></div><h3>MANAGEMENT</h3>GM Craig Button 3rd NHL year (59-71-27-7) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0084-056/10178057-1-eng-US/f0084-052.jpg" title="f0084-05" width="187" height="182"></div>COACH Greg Gilbert 3rd NHL year (36-43-14-3) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0084-067/10178050-1-eng-US/f0084-062.jpg" title="f0084-06" width="187" height="184"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0085-0254/10178043-1-eng-US/f0085-022.jpg" title="f0085-02" width="1210" height="887"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0085-0336/10178036-1-eng-US/f0085-032.jpg" title="f0085-03" width="1390" height="1041"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0086-0199/10178029-1-eng-US/f0086-012.jpg" title="f0086-01" width="2450" height="1904"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0086-0252/10178022-1-eng-US/f0086-022.jpg" title="f0086-02" width="2403" height="448"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>Craig Conroy&rsquo;s impact on the Flames starts in the dressing room and spills out onto the ice. Here&rsquo;s a look at Calgary&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Craig ConroyStickhandler Marc SavardMost Skilled Player Jarome Iginla&nbsp;Bodychecker Denis Gauthier&nbsp;Faceoff Specialist Craig ConroyShot Jarome Iginla&nbsp;Shot-Blocker Bob BoughnerSkater Toni LydmanCharlie Hustle Steve BeginDef. Defenseman Denis GauthierDef. Forward Craig ConroyPasser Marc SavardAgitator Ronald Petrovicky<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>CHUCK KOBASEW, RWCan a rookie be a breakthrough player? Unless you think Rob Niedermayer is suddenly going to turn into a scorer, the answer is yes. Kobasew lit it up at Flames training camp last year and then tore up the WHL with Kelowna.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0088-01104/10178015-1-eng-US/f0088-012.jpg" title="f0088-01" width="307" height="417"></div><h3>5 YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0088-0245/10178008-1-eng-US/f0088-022.jpg" title="f0088-02" width="1474" height="932"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0086-0418/10178001-1-eng-US/f0086-042.jpg" title="f0086-04" width="261" height="143"></div>Blair Betts, C Martin Gelinas, LW Chuck Kobasew, RW Jordan Leopold, DJamie McLennan, G<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0088-0328/10177994-1-eng-US/f0088-032.jpg" title="f0088-03" width="255" height="139"></div>Craig Berube, RW Dallas Eakins, D Igor Kravchuk, D Mike Vernon, GClarke Wilm, C<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Calgary&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>ERIC NYSTROMPOSITION Left wingerSELECTED 10th overallCLUB Michigan (NCAA)SCOUTING REPORT Strong on his skates and hard to knock off the puck, Nystrom has a hard wrist shot and a quick release. He plays a solid two-way game and is aggressive along the boards. Three more years of college.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0088-0413/10177987-1-eng-US/f0088-042.jpg" title="f0088-04" width="242" height="245"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Jordan Leopold, D, 22, Minnesota (WCHA)2. Chuck Kobasew, RW, 20, Kelowna (WHL)3. Blair Betts, C, 22, Saint John (AHL)4,Steye Montador, D, 22, Saint John (AHL)5. Oleg Saprykin, LW, 21, Saint John (AHL)6. Andrei Taratukhin, C, 19, Kurgan (Rus.)7. Andrei Medvedev, G, 19, Spartak 2 (Rus.)8. Brent Krahn, G, 20, Calgary (WHL)9. Levente Szuper, G, 22, Saint John (AHL)10. Mathias Johansson, LW, 28, Farjestad (Swe.)<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0088-059/10177980-1-eng-US/f0088-052.jpg" title="f0088-05" width="930" height="3414"></div> &#9632;

f0084-01

More work needed for improved club

<div class="byline">By Luke DeCock</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0090-0198/10178235-1-eng-US/f0090-012.jpg" title="f0090-01" width="874" height="360"></div>All last season, the only people who expected anything from the Carolina Hurricanes were the players themselves - and they came within three wins of fulfilling the very highest of hockey expectations.This year, everybody&rsquo;s expectations are high. After Carolina&rsquo;s surprising run to the Stanley Cup final, the hockey world gained a new respect for the team previously known only for paltry attendance and mediocre play. Now, the Canes arena is known as one of the loudest in the NHL and players such as right winger Jeff O&rsquo;Neill are suddenly receiving the accolades their play would have earned them a couple of years ago in bigger markets.The challenge facing the Hurricanes is to retain that momentum both on and off the ice. The team raised ticket prices shortly before the playoffs, a gamble that looked shaky at the time but is now expected to pay off.Carolina was able to retain unrestricted free agents Bret Hedican, a defenseman. and center Ron Francis (after a surprisingly difficult negotiation) to keep the core of the team intact. Only left winger Martin Gelinas was lost to free agencyWith a middle-of-the-pack payroll, the Canes aren&rsquo;t the most naturally talented team in the league, especially in terms of scoring potential. They are counting on youngsters such as forwards Bates Battaglia. Erik Cole. Josef Vasicek and Jaroslav Svoboda-all of whom had memorable playoffs - to continue their development.Battaglia and Cole, in particular, were dominant players at times during the post-season run. Veterans Francis, defenseman Glen Wesley and goalie Arturs Irbe. meanwhile, hope to stave off the aging process and continue to be valuable contributors. Irbe. 35, struggled when put in competition with Tom Barrasso last season and has Kevin Weekes to contend with this year, but was outstanding after the first round of the playoffs.While Carolina returns essentially the same team, it may be too much to ask of the Hurricanes to make a repeat trip to the final. Perhaps the-only people who &trade; expect them to do it are, once again, themselves.STRENGTHS The Hurricanes aren&rsquo;t the most talented team in ' the NHL. but they are built around a system that encourages tight forechecking in the offensive zone and bar-the-door trapping out of it - making the most of the their speed and size.What they lack in firepower they make up for in consistency at both ends of the ice. That doesn&rsquo;t result in a lot of offensive production: rather, it means a lot of tight one-goal and overtime games.Carolina&rsquo;s style was most successful in the playoffs, where Montreal goalie Jose Theodore was heard to exclaim in exasperation, &ldquo;they play the same game every7 time." That puts a premium on the play7 of Irbe and Weekes.WEAKNESSES A side from O&rsquo;Neill and left winger Sami Kapanen. the Hurricanes aren't blessed with natural goal-scorers. That makes slumps from either especially deadly.Defensively Carolinalacks a go-to guy who can control the play at either end of the ice. And the continued reliance on young players places a heavy premium on their continning development. Last season, the Hurricanes had to trade for bluelint veterans Scan Hill and Hedican when kids David Tanabe and Niclas Wallin weren't ready for regular minutes. This year. they&rsquo;re counting on rookies Svoboda and Jeff Heerema to be top-nine forwards. And with Gelinas gone, the Canes don't have as much depth if players struggle.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0090-0251/10178228-1-eng-US/f0090-022.jpg" title="f0090-02" width="1052" height="1276"><figcaption class="caption-body">JEFF O' NEILL (Dan Hamllton/VPS49:)</figcaption></div>OFFENSE The emergence of Battaglia and Cole gave Carolina a physical second line centered by Rod Brind&rsquo;Amour to complement the skilled Kapanen-Francis-O&rsquo;Neill trio.Despite the contrast in styles, both units can play against the opposition&rsquo;s top line. They7 soak up the majority of even-strength ice time.The Hurricanes need Czech mates Vasicek and Svoboda, both 22. to become offensive threats on the third line because a lack of scoring depth hurt Carolina in the playoffs. They&rsquo;ll miss veteran linemate Gelinas, who showed them the work ethic required to play in the NHL.Carolina&rsquo;s power play centers around the playmaking of Francis and the big, righthanded shot of Hill. As long as Francis, 39, continues to play at a high level, the Hurricanes will be dangerous with the man-advantage.DEFENSE Clearly greater than the sum of its parts, the Hurricanes defense splits up the duties usually assigned to a No. 1 workhorse. Hill, Hedican and Wesley shoulder the majority of the load, while Ward, Malik, Tanabe and Wallin rotate through the final three spots.Hill is the epitome of Carolina&rsquo;s defensive philosophy - he&rsquo;s not real big, but he&rsquo;s physical; and, he&rsquo;s not a huge pointproducer, but he&rsquo;s smart with the puck and always positionally responsible.BEHIND THE BENCH Coach Paul Maurice survived a lose-and-you&rsquo;re-out December crisis and was rewarded with a five-year extension and 50 per-cent raise for leading Carolina to the final. His combination of aggressive forechecking with the puck and trapping without it - and the willingness of the team to buy into his system - was a big reason Carolina succeeded in the playoffs against talented opposition.In the playoff spotlight, Maurice charmed the media with a quick, self-deprecating wit that was a refreshing change from the dour face of most NHL coaches.SALARY CEILING The Hurricanes made it to the final with a $33-million payroll, 18th in the NHL. They don&rsquo;t think they need to spend more to compete. By trading Sandis Ozolinsh (and most of his $5.5-million salary) in January, the Hurricanes freed up money to retain Francis, Hedican, Kapanen and O&rsquo;Neill.It would be shocking if this season&rsquo;s payroll exceeded $36 million because the team claims it still lost money last season despite 11 playoff dates at home.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0091-0181/10178221-1-eng-US/f0091-012.jpg" title="f0091-01" width="1709" height="2048"><figcaption class="caption-body">Leading man Rod Brind'- Amour has a long-term deal to remain with the Hurricanes in Carolina.</figcaption></div>ROOKIES Having played only 10 regular season games before getting into all 23 playoff contests, Svoboda, a right winger, has cemented his credentials as a Calder Trophy candidate.The Canes have a few other rookies who could see time in the NHL. Taken with the 11th pick in 1998, Heerema&rsquo;s performance lagged behind his potential until last season, when the right winger scored 34 goals in the AHL and demonstrated a deft touch around the net.Six-foot-five Nikos Tselios, a firstrounder (22nd overall) in 1997 who has been slow to develop, could make the roster as an extra defenseman.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>Another Stanley Cup appearance may not be in the cards, but the Hurricanes should make it back to the playoffs.PREDICTION: 7th in East<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0090-0328/10178214-1-eng-US/f0090-032.jpg" title="f0090-03" width="873" height="510"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0090-0417/10178207-1-eng-US/f0090-042.jpg" title="f0090-04" width="874" height="510"></div><h3>MANAGEMENT</h3>GM Jim Rutherford 9th NHL year (262-266-86-8) 2nd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0090-0510/10178200-1-eng-US/f0090-052.jpg" title="f0090-05" width="189" height="185"></div>COACH Paul Maurice 8th NHL year i (238 236-80-8) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0090-065/10178193-1-eng-US/f0090-062.jpg" title="f0090-06" width="186" height="182"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0091-0246/10178186-1-eng-US/f0091-022.jpg" title="f0091-02" width="1208" height="903"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0091-0333/10178179-1-eng-US/f0091-032.jpg" title="f0091-03" width="1380" height="1057"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0092-01100/10178172-1-eng-US/f0092-012.jpg" title="f0092-01" width="2452" height="1897"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0092-0251/10178165-1-eng-US/f0092-022.jpg" title="f0092-02" width="2426" height="444"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>Ron Francis, pushing 40, continues to be a huge presence for the Canes. Here&rsquo;s a look at Carolina&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Ron Francis&nbsp;Stickhandler Bates BattagliaMost Skilled Player Ron FrancisBodychecker Erik Cole&nbsp;Faceoff Specialist Rod Brind&rsquo;AmourShot Jeff O&rsquo;NeillShot-Blocker Glen WesleySkater Sami Kapanen&nbsp;Charlie Hustle Sean HillDef. Defenseman Sean Hill&nbsp;Def. Forward Rod Brind&rsquo;Amour&nbsp;Passer Ron FrancisAgitator Erik Cole<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>JOSEF VASICEK, CAfter scoring 14 goals and 31 points as a sophomore, Vasicek was one of Carolina&rsquo;s grittiest performers in the run to the final. If the Hurricanes come close to duplicating last year&rsquo;s success, it will be partly due to the emergence of this gamer.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0092-0332/10178158-1-eng-US/f0092-032.jpg" title="f0092-03" width="316" height="409"></div><h3>5 YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0092-0411/10178151-1-eng-US/f0092-042.jpg" title="f0092-04" width="1548" height="922"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0092-057/10178144-1-eng-US/f0092-052.jpg" title="f0092-05" width="266" height="139"></div>Jeff Heerema, RW Nikos Tselios, DBrad DeFauw, LW<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0092-064/10178137-1-eng-US/f0092-062.jpg" title="f0092-06" width="264" height="140"></div>Martin Gelinas, LW<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Carolina&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>CAM WARDPOSITION GoaltenderSELECTED 25th overallCLUB Red Deer (WHL)SCOUTING REPORT This butterfly-style goalie has a well-balanced, square stance and is agile with good lateral movement. Ward has a quick glove hand, solid rebound control and moves the puck well. He&rsquo;s three years away.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0092-072/10178130-1-eng-US/f0092-072.jpg" title="f0092-07" width="250" height="243"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Igor Knyazev, D, 19, AK Bars (Rus.)2. Jeff Heerema, RW, 22, Lowell (AHL)3. Tomas Malee, D, 20, Rimouski (QMJHL)4. Mike Zigomanis, C. 21. Lowell (AHL)5. Ryan Bayda, LW, 21, North Dakota (WCHA)6. Nikos Tselios, D, 23, Lowell (AHL)7. Tomas Kurka, LW, 20, Lowell (AHL)8. Brad Fast, D, 22, Michigan State (CCHA)9. Brad DeFauw, LW, 24, Lowell (AHL)10. Randy Petruk, G, 24, Florida (ECHL)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0092-082/10178123-1-eng-US/f0092-082.jpg" title="f0092-08" width="1056" height="3363"></div> &#9632;

f0090-01

Surprise finalist gives team effort

<div class="byline">By Tim Sassone</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0094-0191/10178378-1-eng-US/f0094-012.jpg" title="f0094-01" width="864" height="329"></div>Who were the real Chicago Blackhawks in 2001-02? Were they the team that hit the Olympic break with a stunning record of 33-18-9 0, or the club that stumbled to an 8-9 4-1 finish and made a quick first round playoff exit?Either way, it won&rsquo;t be easy for the Hawks to duplicate their 96-point performance, one that was largely the result of many things breaking just right for them. New coach Brian Sutter was exactly the voice the Hawks needed after Alpo Suhonen&rsquo;s brief but disastrous reign and many underachieving players responded in a positive way, particularly early.Defenseman Phil Housley, motivated to capture a berth on his first U.S. Olympic team, had a terrific season, leading Chicago&rsquo;s power play out of the doldrums. Jon Klemm proved to be a free agent steal until late in the season when the heavy minutes that go with being the No. 1 defenseman took their toll. And Jocelyn Thibault tended goal like he had something to prove until faltering down the stretch and eventually losing playing time to backup Steve Passmore, who started the final two playoff games.The Hawks would have been a question mark for a return to the playoffs in 2002-03 even with Tony Amonte in the lineup, but the loss of their best player to free agency has cast an even larger cloud of uncertainty over a franchise trying desperately to regain its past glory.Amonte&rsquo;s goal-scoring will be missed greatly, as will his work ethic. Amonte played every night and often played hurt. Owner Bill Wirtz, in a fit of anger directed at the departing Amonte, called center Alexei Zhamnov the Hawks&rsquo;s best player. Now Zhamnov must prove it.STRENGTHS Chicago got into the playoffs largely because of two things: its power play and its 28-7-5-1 record on home ice, tied for best in the league.Housley returns at age 38 to again quarterback what should be a good power play despite the loss of Amonte. Forwards Eric Daze, Zhamnov, Steve Sullivan, Kyle Calder, Steve Thomas and Sergei Berezin give the Hawks plenty of firepower up front.Chicago&rsquo;s biggest strength might be their couch. Sutter no-nonsense positive approach worked wonder with this crew.WEAKNESSES In their five-game playoff loss to St. Louis, the Chicago&rsquo;s third and fourth lines were badly outplayed and GM Mike Smith went into the offseason looking to improve the depth at forward. It would help greatly if second-year left winger Mark Bell or rookies Tyler Arnason, Tuomo Ruutu, Pavel Vorobiev or Mikhail Yakubov could step in and be contributors.The Hawks are small at forward, not very physical and don&rsquo;t have players who get under the skin of the opposition, with the possible exception of Bell.The Hawks tied for 26th in penalty killing last year and their lack of aggressiveness put way too much pressure on the goalies to be thesaviors. They were also one of the poorest faceoff teams.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0094-0236/10178371-1-eng-US/f0094-022.jpg" title="f0094-02" width="799" height="1446"><figcaption class="caption-body">Alexei Zhamnov (Bruce Bennett/BBS)</figcaption></div>OFFENSE Chicago&rsquo;s scoring dropped off dramatically late last 5k season thanks to next-to-nothing contributions from the third and fourth 0 lines and from the defense. While Housley 7 scored 15 goals, &#2404; Boris Mironov&rsquo;s four were the second-most by a defenseman.Daze is coming off a career-high 38 goals and will be counted on to carry the biggest offensive load again. Small but shifty Sullivan and Michael Nylander need to have big comeback seasons after dipping to 21 and 15 goals, respectively. Calder must find consistency as a scorer if he is going to stay on the first line with Zhamnov.Berezin, who averaged 27 goals a year in his first five seasons, was acquired from Montreal to help fill Amonte&rsquo;s skates, but he scored only II times in 2001-02. Still, his speed and willingness to shoot might get him a crack on the first line with Zhamnov.DEFENSE The average age of the Hawks&rsquo;s defense is 33, if you consider a top six of Klemm, Housley, Alexander Karpovtsev, Mironov, Lyle Odelein and Steve Poapst. That doesn&rsquo;t concern Smith or Sutter, though both would love to see 21-year-old Steve McCarthy make the club.Klemm is not a true No. 1 defenseman, but he plays one in Chicago. Unfortunately, he played big minutes last season in his new role and wore down late. He could use more help from Mironov, who is coming off a so-so season. Odelein, acquired at the trade deadline, needs to give this unit its edge.BEHIND THE&nbsp;BENCH At times last season, Sutter seemed to bend over backwards to be patient and positive with a team he obviously knew was overachieving. We&rsquo;U see how patient Sutter is this season with expectations raised.Sutter rolled four lines most of the year, which may be hard to do again since the Hawks lack scoring punch on its lower lines. He had Chicago well-prepared for every game and they caught some teams off-guard, especially early, by how hard they worked. The Hawks are no longer the league&rsquo;s secret.SALARY CEILING Ownership has made it quite clear there will be no big-time spending with labor unrest looming in the summer of 2004.The Wirtz family, with a reported fortune of nearly $1 billion, refused to pay to keep Amonte and the Hawks were nowhere to be seen when all the top free agents were available. By leaving, Amonte joins an impressive list of stars who departed the organization bitterly over money. That list includes Jeremy Roenick, Ed Belfour, Chris Chelios, Steve Larmer and Bobby Hull.The Hawks were 14th with a payroll of $37.6 million last season and figure to be in that range again.ROOKIES McCarthy and Arnason have the best shot at making the club, but a lot of eyes in camp will be focused on Russian forwards Yakubov and Vorobiev, taken 10th and 11th overall in 2000.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0095-0186/10178364-1-eng-US/f0095-012.jpg" title="f0095-01" width="1681" height="2041"><figcaption class="caption-body">After fading in the second half of 2001-02, Kyle Calder is out to prove he can produce over a full season.</figcaption></div>Yakubov is a big, smooth-skating center who had 89 points with Red Deer in the WHL. Right winger Vorobiev is a sniper who might turn out to be the replacement for Amonte. He had major surgery on his left knee in 2001 and is close to being fully recovered.The Hawks were having trouble signing Ruutu - the ninth overall pick in 2001 and named the NHL&rsquo;s No. 1 prospect in The Hockey News Future Watch 2002 - so much so that Smith didn&rsquo;t expect him to even be at training camp.<h2>The B0TTOM Line</h2>After a surprising season back in the spotlight, expect the Amonte-less Hawks to once again drop out of sight.PREDICTION: 11th in West<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0094-0323/10178357-1-eng-US/f0094-032.jpg" title="f0094-03" width="869" height="503"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0094-0410/10178350-1-eng-US/f0094-042.jpg" title="f0094-04" width="869" height="505"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Mike Smith 8th NHL year (246-276-80-6) 2nd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0094-056/10178343-1-eng-US/f0094-052.jpg" title="f0094-05" width="188" height="182"></div>COACH Brian Sutter 12th NHL year (401-346-116-1) 4th team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0094-063/10178336-1-eng-US/f0094-062.jpg" title="f0094-06" width="186" height="179"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0095-0242/10178329-1-eng-US/f0095-022.jpg" title="f0095-02" width="1196" height="899"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0095-0332/10178322-1-eng-US/f0095-032.jpg" title="f0095-03" width="1370" height="1033"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0096-01103/10178315-1-eng-US/f0096-012.jpg" title="f0096-01" width="2453" height="1895"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0096-0249/10178308-1-eng-US/f0096-022.jpg" title="f0096-02" width="2425" height="447"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>With Tony Amonte flying off to Phoenix, Alexei Zhamnov is Chicago&rsquo;s Mr. Everything. Here&rsquo;s a look at Chicago&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue GuyJon KlemmStickhandler Alexei ZhamnovMost Skilled Player Alexei ZhamnovBodychecker Kyle CalderFaceoff Specialist Alexei ZhamnovShot Eric DazeShot-Blocker Alex KarpovtsevSkater Alexei ZhamnovCharlie Hustle Kyle CalderDef. Defenseman Jon KlemmDef. Forward Alexei ZhamnovPasser Alexei ZhamnovAgitator Lyle Odelein<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>MARK BELL, LW&nbsp;The feeling is Bell, 22, has the talent to be as good as he wants; it&rsquo;s just a matter of how hard he&rsquo;s willing to work. Chicago was happy with his effort last season, when he had 12 goals and 28 points in 80 games as a rookie, but the best is yet to come.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0097-0198/10178301-1-eng-US/f0097-012.jpg" title="f0097-01" width="308" height="412"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0097-0261/10178294-1-eng-US/f0097-022.jpg" title="f0097-02" width="1485" height="934"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0097-0338/10178287-1-eng-US/f0097-032.jpg" title="f0097-03" width="259" height="140"></div>Tyler Arnason, CSergei Berezin, LWNathan Dempsey, DSteve McCarthy, DJason Strudwick, D<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0097-0412/10178280-1-eng-US/f0097-042.jpg" title="f0097-04" width="256" height="139"></div>Tony Amonte, RWVladimir Chebaturkin, DAaron Downey, RWTom Fitzgerald, RWChris McAlpine, DJoe Reekie, DJim Campbell, RW<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Chicago&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>ANTON BABCHUKPOSITION DefensemanSELECTED 21st overallCLUB Elektrostal (Rus.)SCOUTING REPORT This tall, aggressive rearguard plays a well-balanced two-way game. He handles the puck well, has a low, hard shot and displays strong leadership qualities. He has a solid understanding of the game. Two years away.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0097-054/10178273-1-eng-US/f0097-052.jpg" title="f0097-05" width="242" height="245"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS]</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Tuomo Ruutu, C, 19, Jokerit (Fin.)2. Mikhail Yakubov, C, 20, Red Deer (WHL)3. Pavel Vorobiev, RW, 20, Yaroslavl (Rus.)4. Steve McCarthy, D, 21, Norfolk (AHL)5. Tyler Arnason, C, 23, Norfolk (AHL)6. Michael Leighton, G, 21, Norfolk (AHL)7. Igor Radulov, LW, 20. Mississauga (OHL)8. Jonas Nordqvist, C, 20, Leksand (Swe.)9. Yorick Treille, RW, 22, ll-Mass Lowell (H.E.)10. Alexander Barkunov, D, 21, Yaroslavl (Rus.)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0097-064/10178266-1-eng-US/f0097-062.jpg" title="f0097-06" width="1047" height="3371"></div> &#9632;

f0094-01

Repeat showing? Don’t count on it

<div class="byline">By Jim Benton</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0098-01117/10178521-1-eng-US/f0098-012.jpg" title="f0098-01" width="865" height="334"></div>The foundation of the Colorado Avalanche remains solid. Nothing beats talent and Colorado&rsquo;s roster is top-heavy with some of the NHL&rsquo;s biggest stars. In addition, the Avs have played in many crucial games-including four Game 7s in the past two post-seasons - and have developed a strong winning tradition.The Avalanche has the personnel in place at all levels - solid veterans, a stable and talented gang of young, but experienced stars and a bunch of promising kids - to make another run at the Stanley Cup. Forwards Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, Chris Drury, Milan Hejduk, Alex Tanguay and defensemen Rob Blake and Adam Foote and goalie Patrick Roy provide a core most teams would treasure.Colorado&rsquo;s fortunes this season, however, will rely on a couple of things. First, how will the team respond to its collapse in the last two games of the Western Conference final against Detroit? The Avs led the series 3-2, but lost Game 6 2 0 at home and were shocked 7-0 in the clinching contest.The Avalanche, the 2001 champions, have lost Game 7 on the road in the conference final three times in the past four years.After losing to Dallas in 1999-2000, the Avs came back the next season full of desire and - with a little help from Ray Bourque - captured the Cup. They&rsquo;ll need that kind of determination, plus improved play from their role players, to win another.Second, how well can the Avalanche plug the all-important lineup spots usually filled by role players? At least on paper, Colorado has plenty of talented support players from which to choose, but they lack experienced grinders.GM Pierre Lacroix is confident the Avs have the making of another Cup contender. He didn&rsquo;t make any major changes and avoided the summer bidding wars for free agents. Lacroix usually waits and makes his best moves around the trade deadline in March.STRENGTHS Last season. Colorado discovered the bene of playing strong defense. When the Avalanche struggled to score, the team turned to defense. excellent goaltending and a two-way commitment from its forwards. That&rsquo;s the way coach Bob Hartley likes to play and last season his team was the NHL&rsquo;s best defensive club, allowing a franchise-low 169 goals.Blake and Foote are two of the league&rsquo;s premier defensemen and log loads of ice time. Greg deVries is coming off back-to-back banner seasons. Martin Skoula&rsquo;s development has been puzzling at times, but the Avalanche is counting on him to step up.Roy is coming off his best season and the stubborn, sublime superstar goalie, who turns 37 in October, has shown no signs of slowing down.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0098-0256/10178514-1-eng-US/f0098-022.jpg" title="f0098-02" width="649" height="1452"><figcaption class="caption-body">MILAN HEJDUK (Dan Hamilton/VPS)</figcaption></div>WEAKNESSES Colorado needs size up front and could benefit by uncovering role players who can score more than the occasional goal. Last season, the Avs managed only 34 goals from players who were used mostly on the third and fourth lines.Despite all the talent it can put on the ice during a power play, Colorado needs that big, power forward who can station himself in the slot.And with unrestricted free agent Darius Kasparaitis opting to sign with the Rangers, Colorado&rsquo;s blueline corps suddenly looks a lot thinner and may force Lacroix to make amends sometime during the season.OFFENSE Colorado lost its scoring touch last season. The team&rsquo;s output of 212 goals was the lowest in franchise history.That said, Forsberg&rsquo; presence will help. He didn&rsquo;t play any regular season games last year, but was prolific in the playoffs.Sakic led the team in regular season scoring, but had only 26 goals in a very average year by his standards. Drury, Hejduk and Tanguay need to rebound from poor pointproducing seasons. Those three players scored 55 goals last year, down from the 92 they combined for in 2000-01.Steven Reinprecht provides flexibility and scoring. Riku Hahl could be the answer for more offensive punch on the checking line and the Avalanche is hoping for consistent contributions from exciting, young forwards such as Radim Vrbata and Vaclav Nedorost.DEFENSE Colorado must remain committed to its defensive scheme, a plan that worked superbly last year as the Avs notched a team-record 11 shutouts and allowed three goals or fewer in 67 games.Blake and Foote are franchise defensemen and lead the team in minutes played. DeVries had a career year last season and has blossomed since coming to Colorado three years ago. The key for the Avalanche defensive rotation rests with how well Skoula, the 23-year-old who is entering his fourth season, plays.Colorado&rsquo;s other three or four blueliners will be determined during training camp. Bryan Muir and Brett Clark, who both have limited NHL experience, should have the inside track.BEHIND THE&nbsp;BENCH Hartley employs tactics that sometimes irritate other coaches, but he&rsquo;s a proven winner. In four seasons as the Avs coach he has gone 183-101-39-6, won four division titles, advanced to four Western Conference finals and won a Stanley Cup.Hartley believes success starts with defense and has slowly turned the highscoring Avalanche into a conscientious defensive team. That won&rsquo;t change.Jacques Cloutier returns for his seventh season as an assistant and Tony Granato makes his coaching debut, taking over for Bryan Trottier, who accepted the head job with the Rangers.SALARY CEILING Colorado saved a few bucks when Forsberg agreed to a $9.5 million contract for a one-year extension.The Avalanche&rsquo;s $49-million payroll ranked seventh in the league last season. Colorado pays its top stars well. The team&rsquo;s top five salaried players will make $41.2 million this season.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0099-0180/10178507-1-eng-US/f0099-012.jpg" title="f0099-01" width="1676" height="2014"><figcaption class="caption-body">Adam Foote&rsquo;s strength is shutting down - and knock down - the league&rsquo;s top stars. (Bruce Bennett/BBS)</figcaption></div>Still, Lacroix likes to maintain a salary structure and won&rsquo;t pay support players more than market value.ROOKIES Nedorost started last season playing 25 games with the Avalanche, collecting two goals and four points, before being sent to the minors for the rest of the year. The 20-year-old Czech center got plenty of valuable ice time and adapted to North American hockey as well.Alex Riazantsev, a 22-year-old Russian defenseman, completed his second season with Hershey in the AHL. He was voted the team&rsquo;s most improved player and could battle for one of the spots on the Avs blueline.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>From Blake Forsberg to Roy to Sakic, Colorado has too many superstars not to be considered a Stanley Cup favorite.PREDICTION: 1th in West<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0098-0330/10178500-1-eng-US/f0098-032.jpg" title="f0098-03" width="873" height="503"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0098-0416/10178493-1-eng-US/f0098-042.jpg" title="f0098-04" width="873" height="503"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Pierre Lacroix 9th NHL year (348-189-80-6) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0098-055/10178486-1-eng-US/f0098-052.jpg" title="f0098-05" width="189" height="180"></div>COACH Bob Hartley 5th NHL year (183-101-39-6) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0098-063/10178479-1-eng-US/f0098-062.jpg" title="f0098-06" width="187" height="178"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0099-0238/10178472-1-eng-US/f0099-022.jpg" title="f0099-02" width="1188" height="900"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0099-0331/10178465-1-eng-US/f0099-032.jpg" title="f0099-03" width="1394" height="1022"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Don Smith/BBS)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0100-0190/10178458-1-eng-US/f0100-012.jpg" title="f0100-01" width="2429" height="1909"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0100-0245/10178451-1-eng-US/f0100-022.jpg" title="f0100-02" width="2411" height="462"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>Chris Drury is the Avalanche&rsquo;s top stickhandler and faceoff ace. Here&rsquo;s a look at Colorado&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Adam FooteStickhandler Chris DruryMost Skilled Player Peter ForsbergBodychecker Rob BlakeFaceoff Specialist Chris DruryShot Joe SakicShot-Blocker Adam FooteSkater Peter ForsbergCharlie Hustle Brad LarsenDef. Defenseman Adam FooteDef. Forward Joe SakicPasser Peter ForsbergAgitator Dan Hinote<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>RADIM VRBATA, RWNot scoring once in nine playoff games took some of the shine off an otherwise splendid rookie campaign, one in which he scored 18 goals in 52 games. His resume suggests he should be able to move to the 30-goal plateau soon.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0102-0186/10178444-1-eng-US/f0102-012.jpg" title="f0102-01" width="309" height="401"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0102-0240/10178437-1-eng-US/f0102-022.jpg" title="f0102-02" width="1535" height="915"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0102-0328/10178430-1-eng-US/f0102-032.jpg" title="f0102-03" width="254" height="131"></div>Brett Clark, DAlex Riazantsev, DVaclav Nedorost, C<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0102-0413/10178423-1-eng-US/f0102-042.jpg" title="f0102-04" width="258" height="132"></div>Darius Kasparaitis, DJaroslav Obsut, DPascal Trepanier, D<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Colorado&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>JONAS JOHANSSONPOSITION WingerSELECTED 28th overallCLUB HV-71 Jr. (Sweden)SCOUTING REPORT Smooth-skating winger has strong 1-on-l skills and a creative mind. A shoulder injury illustrates his need to gain strength and durability. He won&rsquo;t be NHL-ready for at least two full seasons.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0102-055/10178416-1-eng-US/f0102-052.jpg" title="f0102-05" width="247" height="241"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Vaclav Nedorost, C. 20. Hershey (AHL)2. Krestanovlch, LW. 21, Hershey (AHL)3. Philippe Sauve, G, 22. Hershey (AHL)4. Sergei Soln, LW, 20, Soviet Wings (Rus.)5. Peter Budaj, G, 20, St. Michael&rsquo;s (OHL)6. Steve Moore, C, 24, Hershey (AHL)7. Mikall Kuleshov, LW, 21, Hershey (AHL)8. Mlkko Vlitanen, D, 20, Espoo (Fin.)9. Sergei Klyazmln, LW. 20, Halifax (QMJHL)10. Frantisek Skladany, LW, 20, Boston U. (HE)<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0102-064/10178409-1-eng-US/f0102-062.jpg" title="f0102-06" width="979" height="3352"></div> &#9632;

f0098-01

All-star Avalanche needs depth check

<div class="byline">By Aaron Portzline</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0104-0188/10178664-1-eng-US/f0104-012.jpg" title="f0104-01" width="888" height="376"></div>The Columbus Blue Jackets can&rsquo;t put the 2001-02 season behind them soon enough. It started with the grandiose and, ultimately, ridiculous hope they could push for a playoff spot after their 71-point expansion campaign. That dream was over two weeks into the season.A back injury to left winger Geoff Sanderson sapped the offense of one of its biggest threats and losses soon mounted. As the season wore on, motivation among the ranks became a major problem.The Blue Jackets scored the fewest goals (164) in the NHL and allowed the most (255) in the Western Conference. Not a good combination.Off the ice, the Blue Jackets were continually stricken with bad news. Most notably, the death of Brittanie Cecil, 13, who died two days after she was struck in the stands by a puck during a March 16 game at Nationwide Arena.The entire organization, understandably, was shaken, and inspiration was hard to come by the rest of the season.GM Doug MacLean set out to make a dramatic overhaul during the off-season, starting at the entry draft when he traded for Florida&rsquo;s No. 1 overall pick and chose left winger Rick Nash, who has power forward potential. Nash appears to be a lock to make his NHL debut this season, though the Jackets have promised to be patient with the 18-year-old.MacLean made most of his other moves on the blueline. Gone are four regulars from last season. Lyle Odelein and Jamie Pushor were moved near last March&rsquo;s trade dead-line and Mattias Timander (traded to the New York Islanders) and Deron Quint (Columbus declined to pick up option) were sent packing during draft weekend.To replace them, MacLean made two quality free agent signings, during Scott Lachance from Vancouver and Luke Richardson from Philadelphia.MacLean also traded goalie Ron Tugnutt, a fan-favorite, to the Dallas Stars, signaling the dawn of Marc Denis&rsquo;s career as a No. 1 netminder.STRENGTHS The additions of Lachance and Richardson give the Blue Jackets two elements they sorely need responsible defensemen who Columbus&rsquo;s forwards (Lachance) and lower the boom on opponents (Richardson).They join sophomore Rostislav Klesla and slick veteran Jaroslav Spacek in what should be a respectable top-four.With Sanderson healthy, the Blue Jackets have a chance to ice two scoring lines and a power play unit that isn&rsquo;t a misnomer. They learned Sanderson&rsquo;s value the hard way last season, when he played only 42 games - just a handful at 100 per cent. He fell from a team-best 30 goals and 56 points in 2000-01 to 11 and 16 last year.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0104-066/10178657-1-eng-US/f0104-062.jpg" title="f0104-06" width="1047" height="1231"><figcaption class="caption-body">ROSTISLAV KLESLA (Jim Leary/BBS)</figcaption></div>Look for Columbus to be a bigger, more physically imposing team if rookie forwards Tim Jackman (6-foot-3,190 pounds) and Kiel McLeod (6-foot-6, 225) can crack the lineup at training camp.WEAKNESSES The Blue Jackets need forward help, and quick. Nash is all but certain to make the team, but it&rsquo;s best not to expect too much too soon. He&rsquo;ll likely start the season on the third line.Center and right wing remain areas of concern and barely register as a threat when it comes to scoring goals. Grant Marshall was solid last year, but needs help on the right side. The club did nothing to address this in free agency. Denis didn&rsquo;t exactly shove Tugnutt out the door, but, in his defense, the net was never his to lose. He&rsquo;ll be 25 when the season starts, so his potential should be realized soon.Having Pascal Leclaire, the No. 8 pick in 2001, on the cusp should help push him, but Denis has yet to prove himself a No. 1 in the NHL. He&rsquo;ll get between 60 and 65 starts to do so this year.OFFENSE Between Ray Whitney and Sanderson, the Jackets have two players with the potential to score between 25 and 30 goals each. They played just 32 games together last season and center Espen Knutsen, a great set-up man, was lost without Sanderson. Nash is a wild card; anything over 15 goals this season would be gravy. Marshall, Mike Sillinger and Tyler Wright are solid, if unspectacular. It&rsquo;s hoped Jackman and McLeod will add a size element that has been absent up front.Coach Dave King often lamented last season the Blue Jackets defensemen weren&rsquo;t skilled enough to feed the puck to the forwards with any momentum. If that improves, so should the scoring.DEFENSE Columbus&rsquo;s top four defensemen at the start of last season have all departed.Now the group is being built around 20-year-old Klesla, who was solid for the first 60 games last season and stellar in the final 20 when he took more chances to join the rush. Spacek and Lachance are both smooth skaters who make quality first passes, something sorely needed in Columbus. Richardson is a stay-at-home type who brings a hard-hitting edge every night. Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre, 25, would be better served staying on the blueline, rather than going back-and-forth as a checking line forward, which could help him emerge.BEHIND THE&nbsp;BENCH King demands solid defense and a tireless work ethic, both of which were sore spots for the Blue Jackets last season. King fumed, both publicly and privately, to the extent he rubbed a few veterans the wrong way. MacLean has weeded out some of the players who most frustrated King, so that should help. MacLean gave King a vote of confidence during the summer, but a horrendous start could land him on shaky ground.SALARY CEILING The payroll will increase from last year&rsquo;s $23.5 million (27th in the NHL), but not dramaticallyThe addition of Richardson, who&rsquo;ll earn $2.8 million this season, and Lachance ($2 million) is offset by the departure of veterans Tugnutt, Odelein, Pushor, Quint and Timander. Columbus might go after a free agent forward, but if so, it&rsquo;ll be a soldier, not a sniper. The third-year Jackets aren&rsquo;t about to throw their payroll structure out of whack, especially considering the post-season remains off the radar screen.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0105-0181/10178650-1-eng-US/f0105-012.jpg" title="f0105-01" width="1740" height="2064"><figcaption class="caption-body">Espen Knutsen hopes to have goal-scoring pal Geoff Sanderson back in the lineup. (Jim Mclssac/BBS)</figcaption></div>ROOKIES Nash, a heart-and-soul type who can score, will make the team, if only because Columbus lacks depth up front. The Jackets also hope McLeod, who&rsquo;s tough to knock off the puck, will remain in Columbus in October.Jackman has a good chance to make the team as a depth right winger, as high as a third-liner. He&rsquo;s big and strong, though not extraordinarily skilled.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>If half of what went wrong for Columbus last season goes right this year, returning to the 70-point plateau is possible.PREDICTION: 13th in West<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0104-0248/10178643-1-eng-US/f0104-022.jpg" title="f0104-02" width="895" height="514"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0104-0330/10178636-1-eng-US/f0104-032.jpg" title="f0104-03" width="885" height="508"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Doug MacLean 3rd NHL year (50-86-17-11) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0104-0413/10178629-1-eng-US/f0104-042.jpg" title="f0104-04" width="189" height="187"></div>COACH Dave King 6th NHL year (159-162-48-11) 2nd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0104-059/10178622-1-eng-US/f0104-052.jpg" title="f0104-05" width="188" height="179"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0105-0249/10178615-1-eng-US/f0105-022.jpg" title="f0105-02" width="1222" height="888"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0105-0335/10178608-1-eng-US/f0105-032.jpg" title="f0105-03" width="1409" height="992"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Dale MacMilan/BBS)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0106-0185/10178601-1-eng-US/f0106-012.jpg" title="f0106-01" width="2504" height="1908"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0106-0241/10178594-1-eng-US/f0106-022.jpg" title="f0106-02" width="2544" height="455"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>Good, old-fashioned hard work is how Tyler Wright makes his mark with the Blue Jackets. Here&rsquo;s a look at Columbus&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Kevin DineenStickhandler Espen KnutsenMost Skilled Player Ray WhitneyBodychecker Luke RichardsonFaceoff Specialist Mike SillingerShot Geoff SandersonShot-Blocker Rostislav KleslaSkater Geoff SandersonCharlie Hustle Tyler WrightDef. Defenseman Luke RichardsonDef. Forward Grant MarshallPasser Espen KnutsenAgitator Tyler Wright<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>MARC DENIS, GWithout veteran Ron Tugnutt taking up most of the playing time, Denis has the opportunity to prove he is capable of being a true No. 1 stopper. The addition of veteran defensemen Luke Richardson and Scott Lachance will help.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0107-0176/10178587-1-eng-US/f0107-012.jpg" title="f0107-01" width="304" height="407"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0107-0242/10178580-1-eng-US/f0107-022.jpg" title="f0107-02" width="1514" height="921"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0107-0327/10178573-1-eng-US/f0107-032.jpg" title="f0107-03" width="255" height="136"></div>Tim Jackman, RWJean-Francois Labbe, GScott Lachance, DKiel McLeod, CRick Nash, LWAndrej Nedorost, CLasse Pirjeta, LWLuke Richardson, D<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0107-0414/10178566-1-eng-US/f0107-042.jpg" title="f0107-04" width="255" height="134"></div>Serge Aubin, LWBrett Harkins, RWRobert Kron, RWDeron Quint, DMattias Timander, DRon Tugnutt, G<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Columbus&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP OICK</h4>RICK NASHPOSITION Left WingerSELECTED 1st overallCLUB London (OHL)SCOUTING REPORT&nbsp;Nash is a solid puck-handler and an outstanding scorer. His quick release and ability to shoot in full flight make him a constant threat. He is a strong competitor who should be NHL-ready this season.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0107-059/10178559-1-eng-US/f0107-052.jpg" title="f0107-05" width="246" height="232"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected sure-fire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Pascal Leclalre, G, 19, Montreal (QJMHL)2. Kiel McLeod, C, 19, Kelowna (WHL)3. Tim Jackman, RW, 20, MS-Mankato (WCHA)4. Andrej Nedorost, C, 22, Syracuse (AHL)5. Paul Manning, D, 23, Syracuse (AHL)6. Shane Bendera, G, 20, Kelowna (WHL)7. Artem Voatrlkov, C, 19, Togliatti (Rus.)8. Matt Davidson, RW, 25, Syracuse (AHL)9. Raffaele Sannltz, C, 19, Lugano (Switz.)10. Yevgeny Petrochlnln, D, 26, Cherepovets (Rus.)<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0107-068/10178552-1-eng-US/f0107-062.jpg" title="f0107-06" width="989" height="3346"></div> &#9632;

f0104-01

Expect rebound from Year 2 slump

<div class="byline">By Chuck Carlton</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0108-0192/10178807-1-eng-US/f0108-012.jpg" title="f0108-01" width="828" height="353"></div>The Dallas Stars showed this summer that they truly mean business.When meeting with free agents, they pulled out a team &ldquo;mission statement,&rdquo; proof GM Doug Armstrong paid attention in those college marketing classes. Then they showed them the money, to the costly tune of nearly $62 million.&ldquo;The goal,&rdquo; said right winger Scott Young, one of the new additions, &ldquo;is to win two Stanley Cups.&rdquo;The time frame is the next 24 months, before the collective bargaining agreement ends and &ldquo;cost certainty&rdquo; or some other form of salary control begins, perhaps after a season - or longer is lost in the process.But two Cups? Even in Texas those are mighty big expectations for a team that didn&rsquo;t make the playoffs for the first time in six seasons. And especially for a team that has bid adieu to the primary builders of a 1999 Stanley Cup team - ex-coach Ken Hitchcock and GM Bob Gainey, both of whom left in the middle of last season.Armstrong enters his first full season as GM, while Dave Tippett gets a crack at running an NHL bench after being the hot young coaching property on the market.They will have some good players to work with. By the time the Stars finished their free agent shopping, they had signed power forward Bill Guerin to replace both Brett Hull&rsquo;s scoring and Scott Thornton&rsquo;s toughness; Young, Pierre Turgeon&rsquo;s once and future linemate; improving defenseman Philippe Boucher; and willing tough guy Aaron Downey Put it all together and the Stars see this season as being far different from last year&rsquo;s big mess in Big D. Even though the Stars missed the playoffs, they still muddled through to 90 points.&ldquo;I think we&rsquo;re bigger, I think we&rsquo;re quicker, I think we&rsquo;re younger and honestly I think we&rsquo;re better,&rdquo; Armstrong I said. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s what excites me.&rdquo;Owner Tom Hicks added one more observation: &ldquo;And we&rsquo;re hungrier.&rdquo;STRENGTHS If the chemistry clicks, the Stars can match any team this side of Detroit in frontline firepower. They still have Mike Modano, good for at least 35 goals and 80 points. Turgeon and Jason Arnott should be better in their second seasons in Dallas because they can&rsquo;t be much worse. Jere Lehtinen is coming off a career year and he has company on the wings. Guerin potted 41 goals last season. Young scored 40 goals two years ago alongside Turgeon in St. Louis.The addition of Boucher bolsters a still formidable and deep defense corps that&rsquo;s led by the physical play of Derian Hatcher and Richard Matvichuk.WEAKNESSES The Stars made the decision that even if Ed Belfour was going to rebound at age 37, it wouldn&rsquo;t be in Dallas. Instead, they opted for younger, cheaper Marty Turco, who was finally given the keys to the family car. Turco&rsquo;s numbers are impressive, but being No. 1 carries more responsibility.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0108-064/10178800-1-eng-US/f0108-062.jpg" title="f0108-06" width="931" height="1334"><figcaption class="caption-body">MIKE MODANO (Claus Anderson/BBS)</figcaption></div>&ldquo;I hear it around every now and then, but I honestly welcome the pressure,&rdquo; Turco said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve had a lot of challenges in my life and when the pressure is on, that&rsquo;s when I think I&rsquo;ve played my best.&rdquo;Ron Tugnutt, at 34, was acquired for insurance and Andy Moog was brought in to be a full-time goalie coach to mentor Turco.OFFENSE If players produce at their historical norms, the Stars should be much improved. Turgeon went from averaging 1.1 points per game for five years in St. Louis to 0.7 last season. Less than a year ago, Arnott was centering what many considered hockey&rsquo;s best line in New Jersey.Then again offensive potential in Dallas looked good last season on paper, too, when the Stars managed a mediocre 215 goals (15th overall).Tippett must prove he can maximize the potential of his three natural top-line centers. Guerin, one of only two NHL players to score at least 40 goals the past two seasons, should help. (Vancouver&rsquo;s Markus Naslund is the other back-to-back 40-goal man.) Young will boost Turgeon.Tippett believes in a puck-possession game and encourages creativity, which is a departure from the team&rsquo;s style and mindset under Hitchcock.DEFENSE Everybody knows Dallas wins with defense, which includes taking the body, clearing the crease and blocking shots. Last season, though, the Stars seemed to have to work almost too hard to play their style, leaving nothing in the tank by the end of the year. Hatcher and Matvichuk rebounded from horrible starts to have decent seasons, while Zubov and Sydor were inconsistent. The penalty kill, a trademark, slumped to 28th in the league.Boucher gives the Stars depth, size and another right-handed shot to go with Zubov. One key is how Hatcher plays in a contract year before potential unrestricted free agency.BEHIND THE BENCH Tippett&rsquo;s coaching resume isn&rsquo;t especially thick, but it is impressive. He led the Houston Aeros to the IHL&rsquo;s Turner Cup in 1999, then spent the past three years as an assistant coach in Los Angeles, where he helped forge the NHL&rsquo;s top-ranked power play last season. Tippett was a hard-working checker and penalty-killer during an 11-year NHL career, but his coaching philosophy revolves around his skill players and putting them in positions to succeed.Tippet, 40, shrugs off the pressure for immediate success: &ldquo;I think our players stack up with anybody throughout the league. To set the bar lower than it should be is not right.&rdquo;SALARY CEILING The Stars began last season with the NHL&rsquo;s fourth-highest payroll at $57.3 million. Through shrewd personnel moves, they reduced that figure substantially to set the table for their free agent signings. This year, the payroll should be slightly more than $60 million and as one of the NHL&rsquo;s highest revenue teams, they are guaranteed a profit even if they miss the playoffs.Although Hicks opted to sign Young instead of Teemu Selanne and save $3.5 million this season, the Stars will have no second thoughts about spending money for a trade-deadline pickup.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0109-0181/10178793-1-eng-US/f0109-012.jpg" title="f0109-01" width="1748" height="2020"><figcaption class="caption-body">Bill Guerin brings back Brett Hull&rsquo;s goals and Scott Thornton&rsquo;s toughness in one package. (canapress)</figcaption></div>ROOKIES Young forwards such as Steve Gainey, Barrett Heisten and Steve Ott have a chance at a roster spot.Gainey is a solid positional player, Heisten&rsquo;s feisty and a strong skater. Ott, a mega-pest in junior, was the Stars&rsquo;s first round pick (25th overall) in 2000.Defenseman John Erskine played 33 games last season to lose his rookie status. The 22-year-old showed improvement with the puck to go along with his 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame and should be an everyday player this year.<h2>BOTTOM</h2>If Turco and Tugnutt are&nbsp;the answer in goal, Hicks&rsquo;s wallet should do the rest in propelling the Stars back to the Pacific penthouse.PREDICTION: 4rd in West<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0108-0244/10178786-1-eng-US/f0108-022.jpg" title="f0108-02" width="815" height="493"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0108-0328/10178779-1-eng-US/f0108-032.jpg" title="f0108-03" width="818" height="493"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Doug Armstrong 2nd NHL year (13-11-7-1)&rsquo; 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0108-0412/10178772-1-eng-US/f0108-042.jpg" title="f0108-04" width="176" height="175"></div>COACH Dave Tippett 1st NHL year (0-0-0-0) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0108-058/10178765-1-eng-US/f0108-052.jpg" title="f0108-05" width="172" height="169"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0109-0250/10178758-1-eng-US/f0109-022.jpg" title="f0109-02" width="1227" height="909"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0109-0333/10178751-1-eng-US/f0109-032.jpg" title="f0109-03" width="1388" height="1109"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Andy Marlin/BBS)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0110-0186/10178744-1-eng-US/f0110-012.jpg" title="f0110-01" width="2442" height="1896"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0110-0250/10178737-1-eng-US/f0110-022.jpg" title="f0110-02" width="2431" height="460"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>Mike Modano has been the top scorer for the Stars six of the past seven years. Here&rsquo;s a look at Dallas&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Jere LehtinenStickhandler Pierre TurgeonMost Skilled Player Mike ModanoBodychecker Derian HatcherFaceoff Specialist Mike ModanoShot Jason ArnottShot-Blocker Richard MatvichukSkater Mike ModanoCharlie Hustle Brenden MorrowDef. Defenseman Derian HatcherDef. Forward Jere LehtinenPasser Sergei ZubovAgitator Brenden Morrow<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>MARTY TURCO, GTurco proved himself worthy of the starter&rsquo;s job in a head-to-head battle with Ed Belfour. Now that he has the job, he needs to prove he can keep it on a team that missed the playoffs, but was active in the free agent market during the off-season.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0111-0184/10178730-1-eng-US/f0111-012.jpg" title="f0111-01" width="315" height="409"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0111-0242/10178723-1-eng-US/f0111-022.jpg" title="f0111-02" width="1515" height="934"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0111-0415/10178716-1-eng-US/f0111-042.jpg" title="f0111-04" width="261" height="137"></div>Philippe Boucher, DAaron Downey, RWBill Guerin, RWRon Tugnutt, GScott Young, RW<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0111-0510/10178709-1-eng-US/f0111-052.jpg" title="f0111-05" width="262" height="139"></div>Ed Belfour, GBrent Gilchrist, LWBrad Lukowich, DJohn MacLean, RWDave Manson, DRandy McKay, RWPat Verbeek, RW<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Dallas&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>MARTIN VAGNERPOSITION DefensemanSELECTED 26th overallCLUB Hull (QMJHL)SCOUTING REPORT This slick-skating defenseman carries the puck with confidence and is a creative playmaker. Vagner has an accurate wrist shot and is an authoritative bodychecker. He&rsquo;s likely atleast two years away.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0111-0330/10178702-1-eng-US/f0111-032.jpg" title="f0111-03" width="254" height="253"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected sure-fire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Jason Bacashihua, G, 20. Plymouth (OHL)2. Steve Ott, C. 20, Windsor (OHL)3. Barrett Heisten, LW, 22, Hartford (AHL)4. Dan Ellis. G, 22, Nebraska-Omaha (OCHA)5. Mike Ryan, C. 22, Northeastern (HE)6. Steve Gainey, LW, 23, Utah (AHL)7. Anttl Mlettenin, C, 21, Hameenlinna (Fin.)8. Joel Lundqvist, C, 20, Frolunda (Swe.)9. Jussi Joklnen, LW, 19, Karpat (Fin.)10. Anthony Aquino, RW, 20, Merrimack (HE)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0111-069/10178695-1-eng-US/f0111-062.jpg" title="f0111-06" width="1065" height="3353"></div> &#9632;

f0108-01

Pricey additions sure to pay off

<div class="byline">By Nicholas J. Cotsonika</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0112-0194/10178950-1-eng-US/f0112-012.jpg" title="f0112-01" width="888" height="404"></div>When the Detroit Red Wings introduced their latest star goaltender to the media early in the summer, a reporter reminded Curtis Joseph of how, exactly one year before, Dominik Hasek had said his goal was to win the Stanley Cup, &ldquo;nothing else, nothing less.&rdquo;Joseph replied that he thought that was the only mentality in Detroit - &ldquo;Cup or else.&rdquo;&ldquo;That&rsquo;s one of the big reasons why I decided to come here,&rdquo; said Joseph, who bolted the Toronto Maple Leafs for what he felt was his best possible chance to win a championship.In 2001-02, the Wings won their third Cup in years. Now they&rsquo;re aiming for their fourth championship in seven seasons. And with their payroll exceeded only by their profile, the expectations will be no lower, the pressure no less.Hasek retired. So did Scotty Bowman, the winningest coach in NHL history Finally, the phrase &ldquo;nine potential Hall of Famers and a Hall of Fame coach&rdquo; won&rsquo;t be used ad nauseum anymore.But Detroit won&rsquo;t be completely overhauled. They kept ancient Chris Chelios and superstar Sergei Fedorov. And Brett Hull. And Nicklas Lidstrom. And Luc Robitaille. And Brendan Shanahan. And, when he returns from knee surgery, captain and inspirational leader Steve Yzerman.As usual, age will be an issue, even though the Wings didn&rsquo;t look that old last season as they hoisted the Cup in June - in an Olympic year, no less.That&rsquo;s because Detroit has some youngsters who played their hearts out and appear primed for a big season, such as Pavel Datsyuk, Boyd Devereaux, Jiri Fischer and Jason Williams. Swedish rookie Henrik Zetterberg, 22, might also be able to step right in and join that group.And supporting Detroit&rsquo;s stars are some valuable role players. The Wings still have Tomas Holmstrom to take beatings in front of the net. They still have Kris Draper, Kirk Maltby and Darren McCarty, who add grit whether they&rsquo;re split up or together on the Grind Line. In fact, that trio was as good as any line the Wings threw at Carolina in the final&ldquo;Every year you watch the Cup being raised and if you&rsquo;re not on the ice, you&rsquo;re dreaming about it,&rdquo; Joseph said. &ldquo;So I feel this is a great opportunity for myself to accomplish that.&rdquo;STRENGTHS The Wings have the horses: great goaltending in Joseph; an awesome 1-2 punch on defense with Lidstrom, winner of the Norris Trophy the past two seasons, and Chelios, runner-up for the Norris last year at 40; and some of the game&rsquo;s most accomplished scorers in Hull, Robitaille, Shanahan and Yzerman.Their power play should be among the most potent, their penalty-killing among the most stingy. And we all know how important specialty teams are in the quest for the Cup.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0112-064/10178943-1-eng-US/f0112-062.jpg" title="f0112-06" width="892" height="1271"><figcaption class="caption-body">NICKLAS LIDSTROM (Rocky Winder)</figcaption></div>Detroit&rsquo;s veteran leadership was a strength last season, but its importance will be magnified this year now that Bowman has left the building. While Yzerman is out, look for Chelios to set the example, even though he doesn&rsquo;t usually wear a letter on his sweater.WEAKNESSES While we&rsquo;re again wondering if they&rsquo;re too old, we&rsquo;ll also ponder if they&rsquo;re too slow, too soft or too fragile once again, too. And, of course, we have to wonder if they&rsquo;ll be too content. (Granted, the last time the Wings won the Cup it was in a back-to-back situation, but the team was younger then.)Coming off a Cup victory, having played so much hockey for so many years, Detroit might have a tough time motivating itself to play its best against the likes of Nashville, Atlanta, Columbus and Minnesota, especially early in the season.Of course, the Wings don&rsquo;t always need to play their best to win, but that&rsquo;s a double-edged sword. They often didn&rsquo;t give 60-minute efforts last season, instead making a late rally - or allowing the opposition to do so.OFFENSE Once again, the Wings probably won&rsquo;t have anyone among the league&rsquo;s highest scorers at season&rsquo;s end, but they should be among the league&rsquo;s highest-scoring teams. It&rsquo;s called spreading the wealth.Fedorov, Lidstrom and Shanahan have been the leaders in recent years. Robitaille had less ice time last season than he was used to in Los Angeles, but still produced 30 goals. Hull also scored 30 and would&rsquo;ve had more, if goalposts and video officials had been more cooperative.Shanahan rarely gets the credit he deserves, but he led the Wings in scoring last season - with 37 goals and 75 points in 80 games - and scored the Cup-winner.Yzerman missed games with injuries, but still averaged almost a point a game. The question is, can he do it again?Datsyuk and Devereaux will have more of an opportunity to play and should increase their numbers.DEFENSE The defense is anchored by two of the best in the business, Lidstrom and Chelios. However, Fischer is a blossoming star. Playing with Chelios last year, he made significant strides and was excellent in the playoffs. Big and strong, he&rsquo;s starting to develop a mean streak. Fischer, 22, became the first NHLer ever suspended in the final when he cross-checked Carolina&rsquo;s Jaroslav Svoboda in the face in Game 4.Mathieu Dandenault has improved steadily, giving the Wings a speedster who&rsquo;s capable of skating the puck out of the zone. All eyes will be on youngsters Dmitri Bykov, Maxim Kuznetsov and Jesse Wallin to see if they can take their games to the next level.BEHIND THE&nbsp;BENCH Dave Lewis is the rookie coach (he has served as either an assistant or associate coach in Detroit since 1988) with the daunting task of succeeding the legendary Bowman. &ldquo;I know I&rsquo;m going to be watched,&rdquo; Lewis said. &ldquo;&hellip;(But) I&rsquo;m not like Scotty We don&rsquo;t do things the same.&rdquo; While Bowman was an enigma, Lewis is a communicator, motivator and philosopher. But can he go from good-guy associate to hardball head man when necessary?Long-time associate coach Barry Smith is staying on and former enforcer Joe Kocur has been named an assistant.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0113-0178/10178936-1-eng-US/f0113-012.jpg" title="f0113-01" width="1700" height="2032"><figcaption class="caption-body">Steve Yzermar is expected to miss a big chunk of the season after hurting his knee last year. (Rocky Winder)</figcaption></div>SALARY CEILING GM Ken Holland said the Wings won&rsquo;t raise their payroll. At $64.4 million to start last season, it was the league&rsquo;s highest and the Wings took a financial risk, betting on the long, lucrative playoff run they ultimately enjoyed.ROOKIES Zetterberg, a center/left winger, was thought by many to be the best player not in the NHL last season. He starred in the Swedish Elite League and played for his country at the Olympics. The Wings don&rsquo;t want to put unreasonable expectations on him, but they have high hopes.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>Last year&nbsp;was a story-book season. Writing the sequel will be difficult, but Detroit&rsquo;s still stacked with Pulitzer players.PREDICTION: 2nd in West<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0112-0242/10178929-1-eng-US/f0112-022.jpg" title="f0112-02" width="871" height="524"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0112-0321/10178922-1-eng-US/f0112-032.jpg" title="f0112-03" width="880" height="526"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Ken Holland 6th NHL year (235-116-51-10) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0112-0411/10178915-1-eng-US/f0112-042.jpg" title="f0112-04" width="186" height="182"></div>COACH Dave Lewis 1st NHL year (4-1-0-0) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0112-058/10178908-1-eng-US/f0112-052.jpg" title="f0112-05" width="190" height="189"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0113-0247/10178901-1-eng-US/f0113-022.jpg" title="f0113-02" width="1221" height="903"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0113-0330/10178894-1-eng-US/f0113-032.jpg" title="f0113-03" width="1379" height="1114"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Claus Anderson/BBS)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0114-0187/10178887-1-eng-US/f0114-012.jpg" title="f0114-01" width="2476" height="1896"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0114-0240/10178880-1-eng-US/f0114-022.jpg" title="f0114-02" width="2464" height="460"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>Sergei Fedorov is the most skilled player and best defensive forward on the Red Wings. Here&rsquo;s a look at Detroit&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Steve YzermanStickhandler Pavel DatsyukMost Skilled Player Sergei FedorovBodychecker Darren McCartyFaceoff Specialist Steve YzermanShot Brett HullShot-Blocker Kirk MaltbySkater Sergei FedorovCharlie Hustle Kris DraperDef. Defenseman Chris CheliosDef. Forward Sergei FedorovPasser Nicklas LidstromAgitator Sean Avery<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>PAVEL DATSYUK, CWith Steve Yzerman expected to miss much of the first half, the Wings are anxious to see how the crafty Datsyuk will respond to an increase in responsibility. Our guess is he&rsquo;ll deliver the goods, especially with more ice time and better linemates.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0116-0188/10178873-1-eng-US/f0116-012.jpg" title="f0116-01" width="313" height="410"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0116-0250/10178866-1-eng-US/f0116-022.jpg" title="f0116-02" width="1476" height="930"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0116-0330/10178859-1-eng-US/f0116-032.jpg" title="f0116-03" width="250" height="133"></div>Dmitri Bykov, DCurtis Joseph, GHenrik Zetterberg, LW<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0116-0414/10178852-1-eng-US/f0116-042.jpg" title="f0116-04" width="250" height="130"></div>Steve Duchesne, DDominik Hasek, GUwe Krupp, DFredrik Olausson, DJiri Slegr, D<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Detroit&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>JIRI HUDLERPOSITION CenterSELECTED 58th overallCLUB Olomouc (Cze.)SCOUTING REPORT This hard-working, creative playmaker oozes confidence and hockey sense. Though very small, Hudler is tough to catch and is a threat on every offensive opportunity. He is at least two years away.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0116-0510/10178845-1-eng-US/f0116-052.jpg" title="f0116-05" width="235" height="238"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>1. Henrik Zetterberg, LW, 21, Timra (Swe.)2. Igor Grigorenko. RW, 19, Togliatti (Rus.)3. Niklas Kronwall, D, 21, Djurgarden (Swe.)4. Stefan Llv, G, 21, HV-71 (Swe.)5. Tomas Kopecky. C, 20, Lethbridge (WHL)6. Jason Williams, C, 22, Cincinnati (AHL)7. Dmitri Bykov, D, 22, Kazan (Rus.)8. Sean Avery, C, 22, Cincinnati (AHL)9. Par Backer. RW, 20, Farjestad (Swe.)10. Miroslav Blatak, D, 20, Zlin (Czech)<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0116-064/10178838-1-eng-US/f0116-062.jpg" title="f0116-06" width="982" height="3412"></div> &#9632;

f0112-01

Expectations high for Cup champs

<div class="byline">By Robert Tychkowski</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0118-0182/10179093-1-eng-US/f0118-012.jpg" title="f0118-01" width="924" height="388"></div>They climbed to third place overall in late November and finished 11-4-2-2 down the stretch for their second-highest point total in 14 years (92), but 2001-02 was still considered a failure in Edmonton because the Oilers missed the playoffs.The team has some solid talent, enough to get back in the post-season, but the Oilers simply can&rsquo;t afford the kind of dreadful slump that buried them in mid-season (seven wins in 27 games from Dec. 18 to Feb. 28).&ldquo;Few teams are able to overcome a stretch like that,&rdquo; said coach Craig MacTavish, whose club went 68 days between back-to-back wins. &ldquo;For a variety of reasons we went into the tank a little bit.&rdquo;While the team established itself as one of the league&rsquo;s best defensive clubs, posting the second-best goals-against average in the NHL (2.21), a lack of offense spelled an early end to the season. Held to two goals or less in 15 of 18 games during one stretch, it became painfully obvious the Oilers need a lot more scoring this season.Unable to raid the high-priced free agent market, the Oilers instead acquired center Jiri Dopita from Philadelphia for a third round draft choice in 2003. The hope is Dopita and Mike York, obtained late last season from the Rangers, can provide some much-needed second line scoring to complement the top trio of Ryan Smyth, Mike Comrie and Anson Carter.They&rsquo;re also hoping to bolster their forwards with AHL grad Jani Rita and possibly Jason Chimera. And teenage sniper Ales Hemsky isn&rsquo;t far away, either.The Oilers didn&rsquo;t miss the postseason by much - one point, to be precise - so it&rsquo;s not too much of a reach to think that, with a bit more offense, they can return in the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years.STRENGTHS With a strict defense-first philosophy and an MVP-type season from netminder Tommy Salo, the Oilers surrendered fewer than 200 goals in a complete season for the first time in franchise history (182). Taking care of their own end was something MacTavish drilled into the players&rsquo; heads from the opening day of training camp. Everyone seemed to buy in. Yes, they suffered a little on offense, but were as good behind the bluelir as any team in the league.Edmonton will suit up with roughly the same lineup of core defensive players and should be able to put up measly goals-against numbers again.In net, Salo returns after his best season in the NHL. He should be a lot fresher down the stretch this season now that backup Jussi Markkanen has proven his ability to step in and lighten the load.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0118-063/10179086-1-eng-US/f0118-062.jpg" title="f0118-06" width="752" height="1577"><figcaption class="caption-body">ERIC BREWER (Dale MacMilan/BBS)</figcaption></div>WEAKNESSES You didn&rsquo;t have to look far to find Edmonton&rsquo;s Achilles&rsquo; heel. They simply couldn&rsquo;t score enough timely goals. The Oilers have a solid first line, but once you get past those three the track record just isn&rsquo;t there.York and Dopita are the foundation for a second line, but the team has been weak in that area for so long fans will need to see production to believe it. The Oilers also need a true offensive defenseman. Janne Niinimaa fills the bill now, but Edmonton is hoping 26-year-old rookie Ales Pisa can be its quarterback.OFFENSE Mike Comrie, despite his tender age and smallish size, has established himself as a consistent clutch scorer. They needn&rsquo;t worry about what they&rsquo;ll get from him. Carter had some big gaps in his year last season, including a one-goal-in-22-game drought, but he finished with a career-high 28 goals and should hit that again this year. Smyth is no mystery, either.Now the question marks: can Dopita deliver on the potential the Flyers saw in him? Can York score in Edmonton like he did with Eric Lindros and Theoren Fleury in New York? Can Rita make the jump and contribute?If the Oilers are to improve offensively, a lot of young, unsung players will have to play to their full potential.DEFENSE This was Edmonton&rsquo;s strength last season and will be again this year. But it&rsquo;s not just about the defense corps - which is flush with strong, responsible stay-at-home types - as the commitment to team defense extends to every player on the team. MacTavish insists his forwards can play both ways (or they don&rsquo;t play at all) and Salo can cover up a lot of mistakes.The top four blueliners are solid with Niinimaa, Jason Smith, Eric Brewer and Steve Staios. Finishing second again in goals-against average might be asking a lot, but with a little more offense, they won&rsquo;t have to.BEHIND THE&nbsp;BENCH MacTavish builds a lineup and a game plan from his end out, with an unmistakable emphasis on goal prevention. At the same time, he wants an up-tempo pace with aggressive forechecking. It&rsquo;s a hard blend to play, but that&rsquo;s what you need to be successful in a small market.MacTavish is a players&rsquo; coach, but he could have been more forceful during Edmonton&rsquo;s prolonged mid-season slump. He probably learned from that mistake and won&rsquo;t be quite so patient if key players go AWOL this year.SALARY CEILING The Oilers have been living on the financial edge for two decades and that isn&rsquo;t going to change any time soon. They&rsquo;re fiscally responsible and run a very tight ship, getting pretty good bang for their buck. The team has made the playoffs in five of the past six years on a payroll that&rsquo;s always near the bottom of the league - it was 26th in the NHL last year at $26.7-million (U.S.).Edmonton should be able to re-sign all its players and make a mid-level trade or two and still stay on budget, but GM Kevin Lowe is an annual spectator in the high-priced free agent derby.ROOKIES Rita, a left winger, is almost a sure thing after a fine rookie season in Hamilton. He&rsquo;s a sturdy player with good offensive skills; he scored 25 goals for the Bulldogs last year and finished second in scoring at the 1999 World Junior Championship. Of course, befitting the Oilers&rsquo;s ways, he also has a head for defense, formed when he played on a checking line for two years with Jokerit of the Finnish League.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0119-0174/10179079-1-eng-US/f0119-012.jpg" title="f0119-01" width="1574" height="1857"><figcaption class="caption-body">Edmonton&rsquo;s hopes for a second scoring line depend in part on speedy left winger Mike York.</figcaption></div>Left winger Chimera will also get a long look after leading Hamilton with 77 points and a plus-28 rating.Hull Olympiques star Hemsky, a 19-year-old right winger picked 13th overall in 2001, is the most naturally gifted scorer in the organization, but is a long shot to make the club this season.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>Young team is ultra-fast, fun to watch and has great goaltending, but Oilers must score more to make playoff progress.PREDICTION: 6th in West<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0118-0237/10179072-1-eng-US/f0118-022.jpg" title="f0118-02" width="899" height="534"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0118-0322/10179065-1-eng-US/f0118-032.jpg" title="f0118-03" width="894" height="526"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Kevin Lowe 3rd NHL year (77-56-24-7) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0118-0413/10179058-1-eng-US/f0118-042.jpg" title="f0118-04" width="200" height="189"></div>COACH Craig MacTavish 3rd NHL year (77-56-24-7) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0118-056/10179051-1-eng-US/f0118-052.jpg" title="f0118-05" width="198" height="185"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0119-0242/10179044-1-eng-US/f0119-022.jpg" title="f0119-02" width="1103" height="822"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0119-0330/10179037-1-eng-US/f0119-032.jpg" title="f0119-03" width="1283" height="952"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0120-0184/10179030-1-eng-US/f0120-012.jpg" title="f0120-01" width="2496" height="1944"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0120-0249/10179023-1-eng-US/f0120-022.jpg" title="f0120-02" width="2527" height="468"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>Defenseman and captain Jason Smith is a leader by example. Here&rsquo;s a look at Edmonton&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Jason SmithStickhandler Mike ComrieMost Skilled Player Mike ComrieBodychecker Jason SmithFaceoff Specialist Todd MarchantShot Anson CarterShot-Blocker Jason SmithSkater Todd MarchantCharlie Hustle Ryan SmythDef. Defenseman Jason SmithDef. Forward Todd MarchantPasser Ryan SmythAgitator Scott Ferguson<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>JOSH GREEN, LWGreen has the size (6-foot-4, 212 pounds) and opportunity to be a regular on a team that is desperate for additional offense. The 24-year-old sixth-year pro produced well in a limited role last season and is capable of turning it up a notch.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0121-0179/10179016-1-eng-US/f0121-012.jpg" title="f0121-01" width="320" height="418"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0121-0252/10179009-1-eng-US/f0121-022.jpg" title="f0121-02" width="1541" height="957"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0121-103/10179002-1-eng-US/f0121-102.jpg" title="f0121-10" width="270" height="144"></div>Jiri Dopita, CAles Pisa, DJani Rita, LW<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0121-113/10178995-1-eng-US/f0121-112.jpg" title="f0121-11" width="270" height="143"></div>Sven Butenschon, DJochen Hecht, CDomenic Pittis, C<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Edmonton&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>JESSE NIINIMAKIPOSITION CenterSELECTED 15th overallCLUB Ilves (Finland)SCOUTING REPORT The son of a professional soccer player, Niinimaki is a skilled center with good athletic instincts. He handles the puck well and has a long reach. He&rsquo;s at least two years away from being NHL-ready.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0121-0337/10178988-1-eng-US/f0121-032.jpg" title="f0121-03" width="248" height="250"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected sure-fire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Jani Rita, LW, 21, Hamilton (AHL)2. Ales Hemsky, RW, 19, Hull (QMJHL)3. Alexei Semenov, D, 21, Hamilton (AHL)4. Jason Chimera, LW, 23, Hamilton (AHL)5. Doug Lynch. D/W, 19. Red Deer (WHL)6. Brad Winchester, LW, 21, Wisconsin (WCHA)7. Tony Salmelalnen, LW, 21, Ilves (Fin.)8. Ty Conklin, G, 26, Hamilton (AHL)9. Eddie Caron, LW, 20. New Hampshire (HE)10. Michael Henrich, RW, 22, Hamilton (AHL)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0121-0424/10178981-1-eng-US/f0121-042.jpg" title="f0121-04" width="1081" height="3382"></div> &#9632;

f0118-01

Mining for goals, volunteers needed

<div class="byline">By David J. Neal</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0122-0183/10179236-1-eng-US/f0122-012.jpg" title="f0122-01" width="932" height="376"></div>A year ago, the Florida Panthers tried to make people believe their glass was half-full when any half fool could see they were down to a swallow.And sure as the swallows come back to Capistrano, the Panthers chickens came back to roost once the season began. Former NFL and University of Miami star Bernie Kosar, a minority owner, had been used for just face value. Coach Duane Sutter really was in over his head. Pavel Bure still provided only goals - and not even that after a while. The defense and leadership holes were still there.Predictably, the Panthers were done by December. So were Sutter and GM-president Bill Torrey.Despite the eventual trade of Bure and the acquisition of defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh, the most interesting swaps involved men in suits: Mike Keenan for Sutter, who was demoted to a scouting role; assistant GM Chuck Fletcher for Torrey; Rick Dudley for interim GM Fletcher; and, in the visible ownership role, majority owner Alan Cohen for Kosar.There&rsquo;s also the trade of Robert Svehla to Toronto for Dmitry Yushkevich. Svehla, the best blueliner in franchise history, had actually retired in June only to be talked into returning to action as a Maple Leaf.In Yushkevich, the Panthers get a tough, responsible rearguard who can chip in offensively. He went down last February with a blood clot in his right leg, but is expected to be ready to go when training camp opens.The blueline could also feature several other new faces, starting with prized prospect Jay Bouwmeester, the third overall draft pick in June.Again, the Panthers head into a new season believing the glass halffull. &ldquo;When I went to Tampa, I remember clearly the first day, I looked at the wall with our. (depth) charts and said, &lsquo;Oh, my God. Where do we start?&rsquo; We needed everything,&rdquo; Dudley said. &ldquo;Here, we need two things. We need people to improve. (If) some of our kids, like (defenseman Lukas) Krajicek improves, that would be a big benefit. We need some people to have healthier, better years than last year.&ldquo;But I like most of the team. I think there&rsquo;s a chance this team, without doing anything, could be a lot better.&rdquo;STRENGTHS&nbsp;There were too many times the Panthers defense began with &ldquo;Roberto&rdquo; and ended with &ldquo;Luongo.&rdquo; Luongo and Trevor Kidd, who deferred some of his salary this season to stay in Florida, give the Panthers solid goaltending.Forwards drafted in the late 1990s, most notably left wingers Kristian Huselius and Niklas Hagrnan, are beginning to show their potential. Rookie center Stephen Weiss and defenseman Krajicek previewed well in their emergency call-ups late last season.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0122-063/10179229-1-eng-US/f0122-062.jpg" title="f0122-06" width="875" height="1504"><figcaption class="caption-body">SANDIS OZOLINSH (Jim Mclsaac/BBS)</figcaption></div>For what it&rsquo;s worth, Keenan&rsquo;s teams are rarely out of shape. Florida should be strong in the third period and in back-to-back games again (6-5-1-2 in 2001-02).WEAKNESSES Who is going to be the guiding voice in the dressing room? Captain Paul Laus has played a total of 70 games the past two seasons. A team that needs veteran leadership traded some of it away by sending Jason Wiemer to the Islanders for 21-year-old defenseman Branislav Mezei.Speaking of defensemen. maybe the Panthers blueline will lie the envy of the league in five years. But for now. it'll be held together by the high-flying Ozolinshand hard-rock Yushkevich.OFFENSE This is a sub-urban team and not just in arena location. They go into the slot ghetto only when absolutely ^1 forced and don&rsquo;t work boar(]s wep But they&rsquo;ve got some skills. Valeri Bure&rsquo;s wonky knee limited him to 31 games last year. Viktor Kozlov has played more than 65 games only once in the last five seasons. If those two rebound, things aren&rsquo;t so bad. Similar years, though, will leave too much of the scoring to youths such as Huselius, Hagrnan, Marcus Nilson and Ivan Novoseltsev.Ozolinsh brought an offensive surge when he was dealt to Florida last year. He, Bouwmeester and Krajicek could give the Panthers a mobile defense that&rsquo;ll often join the rush. Also, they should improve the quickness and accuracy of the all-important first pass.DEFENSE The Panthers allowed the second-most shots per game, 32.5, and the fourth-most goals per game, 3.04. Whether playing the left wing lock or aggressive neutral-zone trap, their problems don&rsquo;t start in the neutral zone.The Panthers defensemen earned a reputation last year for ineptitude below the dots. Yushkevich will help, but poor coverage, a lack of physical oomph and slow or inaccurate clearing passes kept the Panthers barricaded in their own zone.Breakout turnovers could often be traced to the forwards getting way ahead of the play. Perhaps this will change with the passing of the Pavel Bure era.BEHIND THE&nbsp;BENCH Keenan is the McDonald&rsquo;s of coaches - he has been everywhere, served billions and you know exactly what you&rsquo;re getting. He still essentially starts one goalie and still has the quickest hook this side of vaudeville. He still sermonizes on &ldquo;intrinsic values,&rdquo; &ldquo;pride&rdquo; and &ldquo;professionalism.&rdquo; He still plays favorites, until injuries and trades take them out of the lineup.But last year Iron Mike was more Father Mike with this adolescent team that he felt needed more mental girders than mental games. Even so, he publicly lobbied for more veterans to be signed.SALARY CEILING Despite trading Pavel Bure and his $10-million salary, expect this year&rsquo;s payroll to resemble last year&rsquo;s ($37.7 million, 13th in the NHL). Svehla&rsquo;s $3.25-million contract is gone, but Yushkevich, a restricted free agent, was expected to command at least that much. The Panthers would like to break even on the financial sheet, while finishing in the black on the ice.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0123-0173/10179222-1-eng-US/f0123-012.jpg" title="f0123-01" width="1750" height="2064"><figcaption class="caption-body">Marcus Nilson was third in team scoring last year and adds a defensive conscience at left wing.</figcaption></div>In addition to a few paltry raises, the Panthers probably will be paying the healthy contracts of first round picks Weiss (fourth overall, 2001), Krajicek (24th, 2001) and Bouwmeester (third, 2002) and possibly some lower-case free agents.ROOKIES Weiss, 19, had a goal and an assist in his seven-game emergency callup last season. He&rsquo;ll be slotted as a third or fourth-liner, but his superior hockey sense and skills could move him up the charts, especially after Kozlov suffers his traditional injury. Bouwmeester, 18, and Krajicek, 19, could have a big impact on the blueline with their puck-carrying and skating ability.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>More question marks than the Riddler&rsquo;s closet, little leadership and too many holes spell another early summer for these Cats.PREDICTION: 14th in East<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0122-0246/10179215-1-eng-US/f0122-022.jpg" title="f0122-02" width="900" height="509"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0122-0331/10179208-1-eng-US/f0122-032.jpg" title="f0122-03" width="889" height="506"></div><h3>MANAGEMENT</h3>GM Rick Dudley 5th NHL year (107-153-36-14) 3rd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0122-0414/10179201-1-eng-US/f0122-042.jpg" title="f0122-04" width="193" height="180"></div>COACH Mike Keenan 15th NHL year (555-435-132-3) 7th team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0122-057/10179194-1-eng-US/f0122-052.jpg" title="f0122-05" width="190" height="174"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0123-0241/10179187-1-eng-US/f0123-022.jpg" title="f0123-02" width="1222" height="921"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0123-0329/10179180-1-eng-US/f0123-032.jpg" title="f0123-03" width="1441" height="1058"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0124-0188/10179173-1-eng-US/f0124-012.jpg" title="f0124-01" width="2566" height="1920"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0124-0246/10179166-1-eng-US/f0124-022.jpg" title="f0124-02" width="2495" height="466"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>No Florida forward has more offensive ability than center Viktor Kozlov. Here&rsquo;s a look at the team&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Paul LausStickhandler Viktor KozlovMost Skilled Player Viktor KozlovBodychecke Igor UlanovFaceoff Specialist Olli Jokinen&nbsp;Shot Viktor Kozlov&nbsp;Shot-Blocker Dmitry Yushkevich&nbsp;Skater Valeri BureCharlie Hustle Niklas HagrnanDef. Defenseman Dmitry YushkevichDef. Forward Marcus NilsonPasser Sandis OzolinshAgitator Byron Ritchie<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>PIERRE DAGENAIS, RWA late-season flurry of goals suggests this monstrous (6-foot-5, 215-pound) right winger is poised to prove he can score at the top level. Heaven knows he'll have plenty of opportunity on a team that is sadly lacking in offense.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0125-0175/10179159-1-eng-US/f0125-012.jpg" title="f0125-01" width="317" height="415"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0125-0248/10179152-1-eng-US/f0125-022.jpg" title="f0125-02" width="1528" height="941"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0125-0330/10179145-1-eng-US/f0125-032.jpg" title="f0125-03" width="250" height="131"></div>Jay Bouwmeester, DHannes Hyvonen, RWLukas Krajicek, DBranislav Mezei, DDenis Shvidki. RWJeff Toms, CStephen Weiss, CDmitry Yushkevich, D<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0125-0419/10179138-1-eng-US/f0125-042.jpg" title="f0125-04" width="252" height="127"></div>Brad Norton, DLance Pitlick, DNick Smith, CRobert Svehla, DRocky Thompson, DJason Wiemer, C<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Florida&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>JAY BOUWMEESTERPOSITION DefensemanSELECTED 3rd overallCLUB Medicine Hat (WHL)SCOUTING REPORT&nbsp;Bouwmeester is an outstanding skater who can dominate games with his speed and ability to move the puck. With outstanding size and excellent composure, he&rsquo;s a virtual lock to make the Panthers this year.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0125-059/10179131-1-eng-US/f0125-052.jpg" title="f0125-05" width="246" height="255"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Stephen Weiss, C, 19. Plymouth (OHL)2. Denis Shvidki, RW, 21. Utah (AHL)3. Branislav Mezei, D, 21. Bridgeport (AHL)4. Lukas Krajicek, D, 19. Peterborough (OHL)5. FMp Novak, D, 20. Regina (WHL)6. Kyle Rossiter, D, 22. Utah (AHL)7. Greg Watson, C, 19. Prince Albert iWHL)8. Toni Koivisto, LW, 19. Lukko Rauma (Fin.)9. Vladimir Sapozhnikov, D, 20. North Bay (OHL10. Eric Beaudoin, LW, 22, Utah (AHL)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0125-066/10179124-1-eng-US/f0125-062.jpg" title="f0125-06" width="1019" height="3392"></div> &#9632;

f0122-01

Plenty of potential, but who will lead?

<div class="byline">By Matt McHale</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0126-0180/10179379-1-eng-US/f0126-012.jpg" title="f0126-01" width="908" height="360"></div>As the rest of the Western Conference was making big moves in July, the Los Angeles Kings remained quiet, preferring to tout future stars Alexander Frolov and Jared Aulin rather than bulk up through free agency.Last season, they finished seventh in the West after a late-season slide and went out in the first round in a gritty seven-game series against Colorado.The question this season is will a cost-conscious approach jeopardize this promising franchise&rsquo;s chances to reach the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year?&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll be ready,&rdquo; said Kings coach Andy Murray. &ldquo;The money thrown around this summer was outrageous, but I like our chances of being there at the end.&rdquo;The big contract that conference-rival Dallas paid free agent Bill Guerin filtered down to defenseman Philippe Boucher, who left the Kings for Dallas and a four-year, $9.5-million deal The Stars also signed former Kings assistant coach Dave Tippett to coach the team. Tippett was responsible for the Kings&rsquo;s league-leadingpower play last season.The Kings still have stars Ziggy Palffy and Jason Allison on their top line and goaltender Felix Potvin returns after appearing in a club-record 71 games.They also have solid role players in Adam Deadmarsh and Mathieu Schneider and are hoping defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky can return to his all-rookie team form after a disappointing sophomore season. The performance of those players made the Kings one of the league&rsquo;s top teams during the middle of last season.The performance of those players made the Kings one of the league&rsquo;s top teams during the middle of last season. In fact, a mid-March victory over San Jose put the Kings in first place for the first time in more than a nxviv mull ca decade. But will they have enough this season?Bryan Smolinski, the team&rsquo;s top player two years ago, went 30 games without a goal at the end of last season. Steve Heinze had a 27-game goal drought.Replacing the relatively unknown Boucher, who has a big shot from the point, will be difficult. Because of financial concerns, the club did not pursue Calgary defenseman Derek Morris, a restricted free agent who was being shopped. With Mattias Norstrom and Aaron Miller set to become free agents at the end of this season, the Kings could not risk throwing their payroll out of whack.Smolinski is unrestricted after this season. If he plays the way he is capable - and hey, it is a contract year - the Kings should be back in the playoffs.STRENGTHS The Deadmarsh-Allison-Palffy line was among the league&rsquo;s best last season and should be again, assuming good health. Allison had a slow start after being acquired from Boston following a contract dispute. A full season could see him earn some MVP consideration.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0126-064/10179372-1-eng-US/f0126-062.jpg" title="f0126-06" width="883" height="1433"><figcaption class="caption-body">ZIGGY PALFFY (Jim Mclsaac/BBS)</figcaption></div>Palffy missed a lot of playing time early, but he was dazzling in the second half. He and Allison couldn&rsquo;t play together the first few months, but in the end they looked like they had been teammates for years.Potvin was a workhorse after a slow start and his consistency in the month after the Olympics has the club considering a multi-year deal to keep him away from unrestricted free agency.WEAKNESSES The problem was after the first line, the Kings had nothing on offense. Smolinski slumped badly.His only goals in the last 40 games were two empty-netters. Heinze, Signed as a free agent to help with the absence of Luc Robitaille, disappeared in the second half. He didn&rsquo;t score and was benched down the stretch. The lack of depth allowed teams to gang up on the Allison line. Most nights it played well, but it was hard to keep up in the playoffs.The team made up for the overall lack of talent with grit. In addition to Boucher, the Kings lost Kelly Buchberger, who lent a strong presence in the dressing room and was helpful to younger play ers. He signed with Phoenix.OFFENSE Murray loves competition in training camp and he will be watching Smolinski and Eric Belanger for the center spot on the second line. Smolinski is a more natural scorer, but Belanger is improving and is one of the league&rsquo;s top faceoff men.Another area to watch is the Kings power play, which led the league last season. Tippett, the mastermind, is gone. Boucher&rsquo;s big shot from the point also left town. The Kings are hoping for a healthy season from Schneider, who is dangerous on special teams. He missed two months with hernia surgery and has a history of groin problems.DEFENSE A big year from Miller was a steadying influence while Potvin was looking for his legs early last season. Miller and Norstrom give the Kings a hard-hitting edge on the blueline and helped the team stay with the Avalanche for seven games in the first round of the playoffs. Jaroslav Modry had a breakout year, but he is more of a finesse player. The biggest questions center around Visnovsky, who never got going after an impressive rookie campaign.BEHIND THE BENCH Andy Murray has reached the playoffs in all three seasons with the Kings, but this year will be his biggest challenge. Other teams spent big money to improve. Murray knows that won&rsquo;t happen in Los Angeles so he spends his time in search of the next Brad Chartrand. Although he endured a difficult season with a serious auto accident during the Olympic break, Murray did his best work. He refocused the team after an early season slump that followed the blockbuster Allison trade. He stresses accountability and responsibility and gets the players to buy in.SALARY CEILING The Kings don&rsquo;t want to budge much from last year&rsquo;s $41.9-million payroll, which ranked 10th. Owner Phillip Anschutz is a bottom-line billionaire who still remembers all the money he lost when he bought the team Anschutz let GM Dave Taylor have the $20 million it took to get Jason Allison, but with big raises expected for Norstrom and Miller next year, the Kings stayed away from the unrestricted free agents and pricey restricted ones.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0127-0175/10179365-1-eng-US/f0127-012.jpg" title="f0127-01" width="1753" height="2036"><figcaption class="caption-body">Captain Mattias Norstrom has developedinto a solid leader forthe Kings in recentyears.</figcaption></div>ROOKIES Frolov, a left winger who didn&rsquo;t want to leave Russia unless he played in the NHL, has been signed. He and Aulin will get long looks. The club is trying to sign center Mike Cammalleri, Canada&rsquo;s top player at the world junior last year. And Joe Corvo should crack the blueline unless L.A. lands a free agent.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>The Kings need to find a balanced offense and can&rsquo;t lose focus late in the year with playoff seeds still up for grabs.PREDICTION: 8th in West<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0126-0233/10179358-1-eng-US/f0126-022.jpg" title="f0126-02" width="856" height="523"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0126-0321/10179351-1-eng-US/f0126-032.jpg" title="f0126-03" width="855" height="516"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Dave Taylor 6th NHL year (187-164-52-11) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0126-0411/10179344-1-eng-US/f0126-042.jpg" title="f0126-04" width="194" height="187"></div>COACH Andy Murray 4th NHL year (117-86-36-11) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0126-056/10179337-1-eng-US/f0126-052.jpg" title="f0126-05" width="188" height="180"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0127-0245/10179330-1-eng-US/f0127-022.jpg" title="f0127-02" width="1225" height="902"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0127-0336/10179323-1-eng-US/f0127-032.jpg" title="f0127-03" width="1406" height="1064"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0128-0251/10179316-1-eng-US/f0128-022.jpg" title="f0128-02" width="2448" height="1924"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0128-0185/10179309-1-eng-US/f0128-012.jpg" title="f0128-01" width="2437" height="471"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>Ziggy Palffy and Jason Allison are the Kings of the offense. Here&rsquo;s a look at Los Angeles&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Jason AllisonStickhandler Ziggy PalffyMost Skilled Player Ziggy PalffyBodychecker Mattias NorstromFaceoff Specialist Eric BelangerShot&nbsp;Mathieu SchniederShot-Blocker&nbsp;Aaron MillerSkater&nbsp;CraigJohnsonCharlie Hustle&nbsp;Adam DeadmarshDef. Defenseman&nbsp;Mattias NorstromDef. Forward&nbsp;Bryan SmolinskiPasser&nbsp;Jason AllisonAgitator Brad Chartrand<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>ANDREAS LILIA, DWith Philippe Boucher having departed to Dallas, the door is open for the gifted Lilja to slide on to the point of the first power play unit. He has an offensive upside, so much so he was used at forward occasionally last season.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0129-0177/10179302-1-eng-US/f0129-012.jpg" title="f0129-01" width="306" height="428"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0129-0254/10179295-1-eng-US/f0129-022.jpg" title="f0129-02" width="1516" height="969"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0129-0341/10179288-1-eng-US/f0129-032.jpg" title="f0129-03" width="255" height="141"></div>Jared Aulin, RWMike Cammalleri, CJoe Corvo, DAlexander Frolov, LWErik Rasmussen, LW<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0129-0423/10179281-1-eng-US/f0129-042.jpg" title="f0129-04" width="261" height="142"></div>Philippe Boucher, DKelly Buchberger, CNelson Emerson, RWAdam Mair, RWCliff Ronning, LW<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are the Kings&rsquo; first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 200102 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>DENIS GREBESHKOVPOSITION DefensemanSELECTED 18th overallCLUB Yaroslavl (Rus.)SCOUTING REPORT This stay-at-home defenseman plays a steady, safe game. He skates well, is very mobile, has a powerful shot and likes to get involved physically. He&rsquo;s at least two seasons away from NHL duty.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0129-0514/10179274-1-eng-US/f0129-052.jpg" title="f0129-05" width="246" height="250"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Alexander Frolov, LW, 21, Soviet Wings (Rus.)2. Jared Aulin, RW, 20, Kamloops (WHL)3. Mike Cammalleri, C, 20, Michigan (CCHA)4.Yanick Lehoux, C, 20, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)5. Jaroslav Bednar, RW, 25, Manchester (AHL)6.JoeCorvo, D, 25, Manchester (AHL)7. Tomas Zlzka, D, 22, Manchester (AHL)8. Jens Karlsson, LW, 19,Frolunda (Swe.)9. David Steckel, RW, 20, Ohio State (CCHA)10. Nathan Marsters, G, 22,RPI (ECAC)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0129-0610/10179267-1-eng-US/f0129-062.jpg" title="f0129-06" width="1115" height="3512"></div> &#9632;

f0126-01

Kings hope kids can make impact

<div class="byline">By Tom Jones</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0130-0179/10179522-1-eng-US/f0130-012.jpg" title="f0130-01" width="896" height="376"></div>The Minnesota Wild has become a model for how to build an expansion team.Armed with a game plan that stresses patience and development over shortcuts and quick fixes, the Wild has set a sturdy foundation with respectable results in two NHL seasons. A 68-point expansion effort was followed by a 73-point output in its sophomore campaign. Still, the focus, as always, remains on the future and the Wild is in no hurry to speed up the process.Minnesota added veteran forwards Andrew Brunette and Sergei Zholtok before last season to help the team&rsquo;s production and it worked as the Wild improved in most offensive categories. The Wild is hoping the additions of 16-yearveteran playmaker Cliff Ronning and the enigmatic Bill Muckalt can do the same this season.However, Minnesota is building around a nucleus of young players, which include 30-goal scorer Marian Gaborik, defense-men Filip Kuba and Nick Schultz and goaltender Manny Fernandez.That plan is not going to change. Wild GM Doug Risebrough repeats his mission statement over and over again: &ldquo;We want to build a team that once it becomes good, it stays good.&rdquo;That means the Wild is willing to sacrifice a few victories in the short term for long-term success. But with coach Jacques Lemaire implementing a defense-first, team-oriented system, the Wild manages to stay competitive most nights. So far that has been good enough for the hockey-mad fans who have given the Wild a sellout in every home game in its first two seasons.It&rsquo;s unlikely the Wild will make a big jump in the standings and there&rsquo;s even a possibility it could take a slight step back. The goal, though, is to improve just a little. For the Wild it would be another rung on the very long ladder to success.STRENGTHS The Wild isn&rsquo;t loaded with talent or depth, but give it this: it works hard.Gaborik is emerging as a 4 big-time player, but the Wild doesn&rsquo;t rely on one player or one line and that&rsquo;s a good thing. With Lemaire rolling all four forward lines and playing six defensemen, the Wild plays a patient team game that gives it a chance going into the third period on most nights. It also keeps the foot soldiers happy. With no egos and a different leader each game - as well as a different captain each month - the Wild is laying the groundwork that young building blocks such as the 20-yea-rold Gaborik can follow.WEAKNESSES The Wild isn&rsquo;t about to remind anyone of the 1987 Edmonton Oilers. Even with Gaborik as a star, the Wild&rsquo;s offense isn&rsquo;t in danger of blowing out too many teams or winning 6-5 shootouts.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0130-067/10179515-1-eng-US/f0130-062.jpg" title="f0130-06" width="1068" height="1383"><figcaption class="caption-body">ANDREW BRUNETTE (Jim Mclsaac/BBS)</figcaption></div>When Gaborik and linemate Brunette are shut down, the Wild has problems. Adding to its woes last season, Minnesota spent many nights giving up five or six goals because of injuries on defense and a sub-par season by Fernandez.The Wild, still lacking depth at all positions, needs everyone healthy and playing I close to their full a potential to have a chance to put together enough hot streaks to be in contention for a playoff spot come late March.OFFENSE In its expansion season, the Wild scored / the fewest number ot goals in the NHL and was shut out a league-high 14 times. With the addition of Brunette and Zholtok, and, of course, the emergence of Gaborik, the Wild tallied 195 goals last season. That&rsquo;s 27 more than in 2000-01, but still only 26th in the league.The Wild is hoping the additions of Ronning and Muckalt can do for the offense what the additions of Brunette and Zholtok didlast season. It should be noted that Muckaltfailed to score in 70 games with Ottawa last year, although he managed 11 goals for the Islanders the season before.Meantime, the Wild thinks it might have uncovered a future sniper in right winger Pascal Dupuis, who potted 15 goals in 76 games last season as a rookie.DEFENSE Any team coached by Lemaire is going to be solid in its own zone. While Lemaire has grown tired of being criticized for his neutral-zone trap, there&rsquo;s no denying his players make sure of their defensive responsibilities before thinking about going on the offensive.The Wild wasn&rsquo;t as stingy last season as in 2000-01, but injuries to the blueline contributed to that. As well, Lemaire loosened the reigns a bit, allowing his players a little more freedom to seek scoring opportunities.The good news on defense is the Wild believes ithas two cornerstones in Kuba and Schultz. Kuba led the Wild in average ice time last season (25:30 per game), while Schulz, in 52 games as a 19-year-old rookie, tied with a team-best even in plus-minus rating.BEHIND THE BENCH Lemaire&rsquo;s style, thus far, has been perfectly suited for the Wild. His attention to defense and team play has kept Minnesota competitive, while his ability to teach the game to young players has worked wonders for Gaborik and Schultz and other notyet-ready-for-NHL-primetime prospects, as well as reclamation projects such as centers Wes Walz and Jim Dowd.Lemaire, who previously coached Montreal and guided New Jersey to a Stanley Cup in 1995, has shown remarkable patience during the Wild&rsquo;s rough patches and doesn&rsquo;t seem to be affected by coaching a non-Cup contender.SALARY CEILING For two straight seasons, the Wild has been last in the league in payroll. Last season, it spent just over $18-million - nearly $4 million less than the 29th-place team. Ownership, though, says the resources are there and will be used when it&rsquo;s time for Minnesota to take the next step.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0131-0176/10179508-1-eng-US/f0131-012.jpg" title="f0131-01" width="1788" height="2036"><figcaption class="caption-body">Richard Park made it back as an NHL regular after nearly three full years in the minors.</figcaption></div>ROOKIES For a third-year team, the Wild might not employ as many rookies as one might expect. Center Mikko Koivu, the younger brother of Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu and the team&rsquo;s top pick in 2001 (sixth overall), isn&rsquo;t coming to North America until September of 2003 and this season&rsquo;s top pick, Pierre-Marc Bouchard, likely will be returned to junior.The best freshman prospect is 21-yea-rold power forward Kyle Wanvig, who has size (6-foot-4, 220 pounds), but remains a bit raw. After a year of seasoning in Houston of the AHL, Wanvig might develop quicker playing for Lejpaire.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>Minnesota on slowly, but but surely, building a winner. It&rsquo;s a solid plan, but one that requires patience.PREDICTION: 14th in West<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0130-0243/10179501-1-eng-US/f0130-022.jpg" title="f0130-02" width="895" height="525"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0130-0335/10179494-1-eng-US/f0130-032.jpg" title="f0130-03" width="879" height="519"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Doug Risebrough 8th NHL year (192-195-71-14) 2nd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0130-0420/10179487-1-eng-US/f0130-042.jpg" title="f0130-04" width="183" height="182"></div>COACH Jacques Lemaire 10th NHL year (298-233-94-17) 3rd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0130-0511/10179480-1-eng-US/f0130-052.jpg" title="f0130-05" width="196" height="182"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0131-0249/10179473-1-eng-US/f0131-022.jpg" title="f0131-02" width="1228" height="919"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0131-0343/10179466-1-eng-US/f0131-032.jpg" title="f0131-03" width="1393" height="1028"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0132-0178/10179459-1-eng-US/f0132-012.jpg" title="f0132-01" width="2580" height="2072"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0132-0250/10179452-1-eng-US/f0132-022.jpg" title="f0132-02" width="2435" height="456"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>He&rsquo;s only 20, but Marian Gaborik generates a lot of the Wild&rsquo;s offense. Here&rsquo;s a look at Minnesota&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGOBY</h3>Glue Guy&nbsp;Andrew BrunetteStickhandler Marian GaborikMost Skilled Player Marian GaborikBodychecker Brad BrownFaceoff Specialist Jim DowdShot&nbsp;Filip KubaShot-Blocker&nbsp;Ladislav BenysekSkater&nbsp;Wes WalzCharlie Hustle Wes WalzDef. Defenseman&nbsp;Jason MarshallDef. Forward Antti LaaksonenPasser Andrew BrunetteAgitator Sylvain Blouin<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>NICK SCHULTZ, DThe plan was to bring him along slowly, but injuries necessitated Schultz play a lot last year and he not only survived, but thrived. He was one of three regulars who finished the season with a team-leading even in plus-minus.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0133-0179/10179445-1-eng-US/f0133-012.jpg" title="f0133-01" width="317" height="419"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0133-0255/10179438-1-eng-US/f0133-022.jpg" title="f0133-02" width="1551" height="950"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0133-0335/10179431-1-eng-US/f0133-032.jpg" title="f0133-03" width="257" height="137"></div>Bill Muckalt, LWCliff Ronning, C<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0133-0413/10179424-1-eng-US/f0133-042.jpg" title="f0133-04" width="257" height="135"></div>Aaron Gavey, CJamie McLennan, GStacy Roest, CRoman Simicek, LWCam Stewart, LW<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Minnesota&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>PIERRE-MARC BOUCHARDPOSITION CenterSELECTED 8th overallCLUB Chicoutimi (QMJHL)SCOUTING REPORT Undersized playmaker has excellent agility and fantastic hockey sense. Bouchard also has out-standing acceleration, nice moves, an accurate shot and is very aware defensively. He&rsquo;s at least two years away.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0133-056/10179417-1-eng-US/f0133-052.jpg" title="f0133-05" width="243" height="243"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Mikko Koivu, C, 19, TPS Turku (Fin.)2.RickardWallin, LW, 22, Farjestad (Swe.)3. Kyle Wanvlg, LW. 21. Houston (AHL)4.Travis Roche, D, 24, Houston (AHL)5. Stephane Vellleux, RW, 20, Houston (AHL)6. Derek Gustafson, G, 23, Houston (AHL)7. Marc Cavoste, LW, 21, RPI (ECAC)8. Frederic Cloutier, G, 21, Louisiana (ECHL)9. Eric Reitz, D, 20, Barrie (OHL)&nbsp;10. Chris Heid, D, 19, Spokane (WHL)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0133-064/10179410-1-eng-US/f0133-062.jpg" title="f0133-06" width="1085" height="3402"></div> &#9632;

f0130-01

Third-year Wild staying on course

<div class="byline">By Herb Zurkowsky</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0134-0180/10179644-1-eng-US/f0134-012.jpg" title="f0134-01" width="896" height="364"></div>There was a time the Montreal Canadiens won Stanley Cups with such regularity, Montreal mayor Jean Drapeau simply declared the parade would follow the usual route.But times have changed.Drapeau, whose political career ended in 1986, has been dead almost three years, and the Canadiens haven&rsquo;t won a championship since 1993. Now, this storied franchise is content merely to make the playoffs. That&rsquo;s what a three-year hiatus from post-season play does to an organization.But there&rsquo;s reason for optimism around the Bell Centre these days. Not only did the Canadiens avoid the ignominy of missing the playoffs for a fourth straight season - something that has never occurred to this organization and appeared likely a year ago at this time - but they actually flourished.Montreal overcame the agonizing loss of captain Saku Koivu to abdominal cancer for all but the final three regular season games, and rode the hot goaltending of Jose Theodore - winner of both the Hart and Vezina Trophies - to a 36-31-12-3 record, good for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, thanks to a critical lateseason seven-game winning streak. But the Canadiens weren&rsquo;t finished defying logic.But the Canadiens weren&rsquo;t finished defying logic.They upset top-seeded Boston in the first round of the playoffs and were 41 seconds from taking a commanding 3-1 lead against Carolina in the conference semifinal, when the clock struck midnight on Cinderella. The Canadiens lost the fourth game in overtime, along with the next two games, forcing their elimination.GM Andre Savard again has tinkered with his roster, adding right winger Mariusz Czerkawski in a trade from the New York Islanders to address Montreal&rsquo;s need for offense. And he signed 6-foot-2, 210-pound right winger Randy McKay as a free agent for his size and grit.Now, the expectations will be higher.STRENGTHS It took more than five years to rectify what is considered the worst trade in franchise history - Patrick Roy to Colorado - but the Canadiens can feel bullish about the play of Theodore, &#2404; who moved into the upper echelon of NHL goaltenders.Montreal simply wouldn&rsquo;t have made the playoffs without Theodore&rsquo;s miracles game after game. Despite playing for a team that struggled to score, Theodore produced a 30-24-10 record. He also posted seven shutouts, a 2.11 goals-against average and a league-high save percentage of .931. He was the NHL&rsquo;s fourthranked netminder, posting career highs in wins, shutouts and save percentage.The Canadiens also displayed considerable heart, overcoming the loss-es of Koivu, right winger Donald Audette (lacerated forearm) for 49 games, defenseman Sheldon Souray (broken wrist) for 41 games and backup goalie Jeff Hackett (separated shoulder) for 39 games.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0134-072/10179637-1-eng-US/f0134-072.jpg" title="f0134-07" width="885" height="1462"><figcaption class="caption-body">SAKU KOIVU (Scott Horodyski/BBS)</figcaption></div>WEAKNESSES Not much has changed in the past year, as the Canadiens continue to struggle in their quest to score.They had a paltry 207 goals ist season, an improvement of one goal over the previous year. Of the 11 teams league-wide the Canadiens outscored, only one. New Jersey, qualified for the playoffsIt also became clear in their playoff loss to the Hurricanes that Montreal lacks the size to be considered more of a serious threat in a conference where size matters.OFFENSE Yanic Perreault, known as much for his proficiency at taking faceoffs as anything.scored a team-leading 27 goals last season. But 21 of those goals were scored at home. At 5-foot-ll and 184 pounds, Perreault isn&rsquo;t big or tough enough to thrive on the road.Pathetic istoo strong a description for this team&rsquo;s offensive ability. The Canadiens, after all, had three players - Perreault, Oleg Petrov (24), and Richard Zednik (22) - surpass 20 goals. But is there reason to believe<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>Now that they&rsquo;ve made the playoffs, the Habs are expected to keep pace in the Eastern Conference. It will not be an easy task.PREDICTION: 10th in East<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0134-0252/10179630-1-eng-US/f0134-022.jpg" title="f0134-02" width="884" height="511"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0134-0336/10179623-1-eng-US/f0134-032.jpg" title="f0134-03" width="881" height="510"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Andre Savard 3rd NHL year (60-58-18-8) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0134-056/10179616-1-eng-US/f0134-052.jpg" title="f0134-05" width="197" height="185"></div>COACH Michel Therrien 3rd NHL year (60-58-18-8) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0134-064/10179609-1-eng-US/f0134-062.jpg" title="f0134-06" width="189" height="179"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0136-0185/10179602-1-eng-US/f0136-012.jpg" title="f0136-01" width="2572" height="1956"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0136-0252/10179595-1-eng-US/f0136-022.jpg" title="f0136-02" width="2535" height="468"></div><h2>ON THE&nbsp;FLY</h2>Saku Koivu ranks as Montreal&rsquo;s best passer, stickhandler and most skilled player. Here&rsquo;s a look at Montreal&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Doug GilmourStickhandler Saku KoivuMost Skilled Player Saku KoivuBodychecker Randy McKayFaceoff Specialist Yanic PerreaultShot Mariusz CzerkawskiShot-Blocker Craig RivetSkater Oleg PetrovCharlie Hustle Oleg PetrovDef. Defenseman Sheldon SourayDef. Forward Joe JuneauPasser Saku KoivuAgitator Gino Odjick<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>RICHARD ZEDNIK, LWWhen he took the scoring lead during the 2001-02 playoffs, Zednik finally appeared poised to hit the heights many predicted he would early in his career. Then his run was stopped by a Kyle McLaren forearm. The Habs hope he can pick up where he left off.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0138-0176/10179588-1-eng-US/f0138-012.jpg" title="f0138-01" width="290" height="373"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0138-0252/10179581-1-eng-US/f0138-022.jpg" title="f0138-02" width="1395" height="830"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0138-0332/10179574-1-eng-US/f0138-032.jpg" title="f0138-03" width="238" height="128"></div>Mariusz Czerkawski, RWRandy McKay, RWRon Hainsey, DMarcel Hossa, LW<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0138-0415/10179567-1-eng-US/f0138-042.jpg" title="f0138-04" width="241" height="124"></div>Arron Asham, RWSergei Berezin, LWStephane Fiset, GShaun Van Allen, C<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Montreal&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, 147:236postion and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>CHRISTOPHER HIGGINSPOSITION CenterSELECTED 14th overallCLUB Yale (NCAA)SCOUTING REPORT No relation to Montreal&rsquo;s 1996 first-rounder Matt, Chris is a smooth-skating, confident playmaker with an excellent shot and quick release. A hard worker in the corners, he has three college years remaining.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0138-057/10179560-1-eng-US/f0138-052.jpg" title="f0138-05" width="226" height="213"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. MikeKomisarek, D, 20, Michigan (CCHA)2. Ron Hainsey, D, 21, Quebec (AHL)3. Marcel Hossa, LW, 20, Quebec (AHL)4. Alexander Perezhogin, C, 19, Kurgan (Rus.)5. Eric Chouinard, C, 22. Quebec (AHL)6. Mathieu Garon, G, 24, Quebec (AHL)7. Duncan Milroy, RW, 19, Kootenay (WHL)8. Jozef Balej, RW, 20, Portland (WHL)9. Tomas Plekanic, LW, 19, Kladno (Czech)10. Christian Larivee, LW, 20, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0138-065/10179553-1-eng-US/f0138-062.jpg" title="f0138-06" width="857" height="3122"></div> &#9632;

f0134-01

Gutsy Canadiens healthy, optimistic

<div class="byline">By David Boclair</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0140-0171/10179787-1-eng-US/f0140-012.jpg" title="f0140-01" width="920" height="374"></div>The company line is the Nashville Predators took a step backward in 2001-02 in order to take two steps forward in the future.The outside view says if it was indeed only one step backward they took, then someone has some awfully long legsAfter management traded away veteran forwards Tom Fitzgerald and all-time leading scorer Cliff Ronning last March, the Predators went just 3-10-2-0 and finished with 28 victories, the same number as in their first two seasons and six fewer than in 2000-01.Now team owner Craig Leipold has put his money behind that two-steps-forward part of the plan. He said he will refund this summer&rsquo;s increase in ticket prices to all season-ticket holders if Nashville fails to make the post-season.About $1 million of Leipold&rsquo;s money is on the line.Problem is, the Predators missed the playoffs last year by 25 points and haven&rsquo;t exactly overhauled their roster with players who can make much of a difference. Precisely how they plan to make up ground is difficult to figure. It is entirely likely at the start of the season more than half of the roster will be made up of players aged 25 or younger, which is consistent with GM David Poile&rsquo;s longterm approach.It is not, however, conducive to the owner&rsquo;s prescribed post-season cribed appearance.Only three forwards - Denis Arkhipov, Scott Walker and free agent signee Brent Gilchrist - have ever have scored as many as 20 goals in a season. And Arkhipov and Walker have only done it once and Gilchrist hasn&rsquo;t done it since 1995-96.The Preds&rsquo;s best all-around player is undersized defensemen Kimmo Timonen. The real strength of the organization is in goal, but deficiencies in other areas regularly leave the Predators overmatched.To this point, Nashville is not yet competitive in its own divi sion let alone the high flying Western Conference, having won just three season series (with one tie) all-time against Central Division opponents.In short, they still have a long way to go. And two steps - even two giant steps - are not likely going to do it.STRENGTHS Despite off-years from both Mike Dunham and Tomas Vokoun, goaltending remains a strength. Nashville is also deep in the miners, where Brian Finley and Jan Lasak are top-flight prospectsNashville has not endured many long winless streaks in its first four seasons because the goalies have stolen more than their share of victories. Such depth could be useful this season as trade bait.The Predatorsalso benefit from a sound team approach, forged in because there are no superstars.Coach Barry Trotz always seems to get the players to at least work hard.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0140-064/10179780-1-eng-US/f0140-062.jpg" title="f0140-06" width="802" height="1463"><figcaption class="caption-body">KIMMO TIMONEN (Jim Leary/BBS)</figcaption></div>WEAKNESSES Nashville was dreadfully lacking in experience a year ago even before trading away Ronning and Fitzgerald. Now it remains to be seen who will set the standard of professionalism and determination on a daily basis; Gilchrist is one candidate. The team likely will enter training camp without having named captain. The defense corps is filled with capable players ranging from Cale Hulse and Karlis Skrastins to Andy Delmore and Bill Houlder, but there is no one who can consistently put the clamps on the league&rsquo;s best forwards. That puts extra pressure on the goalies to make big saves and leads to regular shuffling of the defense parings.OFFENSE Arkhipov is the poster child for the team&rsquo;s offensive plans. A 23-year-old center, he scored six goals in 40 games as a rookie, then jumped to a team-leading 20 last season. He&rsquo;s the best-case scenario for a team looking for steady year-to-year improvement from its young players. Right winger Scott Hartnell will be expected to take another step in his development after scoring two goals in his rookie year and 14 last season. The same goes for second-year left winger Martin Erat, who scored nine times as a freshman.The X-factor continues to be David Legwand, who has shown the ability to produce highlightreel goals, but few others. He has scored, in order, 13,13 and 11 goals in his three NHL seasons.Walker also needs to rebound from an injury-marred campaign.DEFENSE With each passing season the Preds have relied more and more on a trapping game either because of injuries or because they do not have defensemen who are big or physical enough to take control of the neutral zone and blueline on their own. Delmore was a revelation from an offensive standpoint last season, but remains a defensive liabilityThe coaches are hopeful Jere Karalahti, in a prominent role, will become that much-needed banger and that Hulse will rebound from a sub-par season. Houlder, a 15-year veteran, once again will be valued for his ability to act as a calming presence for the kids.BEHIND THE BENCH Trotzhas been careful not to be too tyrannical in his first four seasons so as to keep his many youngsters from playing scared. He has been most gentle when the team has had its greatest struggles and - in order to hasfoster creativity - resisted the temptation to rely exclusively on the trap. He promises to be much more demanding this season based on the development of key players and ownership&rsquo;s mandate for the franchise&rsquo;s first playoff appearance. He will forsake any entertainment value the Predators had or might produce in favor of a style that can produce points and wins.SALARY CEILING Dunham set the bar with his contract prior to last season (four years, $12.2 million) and no one will threaten to take his place in the near future. The Predators consistently have been among the bottom two or three teams in payroll (29th at $22 million in 2001-02) and with attendance in a slow, steady decline, the purse strings will not be loosened any time soon.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0141-0161/10179773-1-eng-US/f0141-012.jpg" title="f0141-01" width="1762" height="2052"><figcaption class="caption-body">Defensivepivot Greg Johnson can be counted onfor 15 goals and 45 points for the offensestarved Preds. (Lisa Meyer/BBS)</figcaption></div>ROOKIES One of Jonas Andersson or Adam Hall, both second round picks in 1999, is being counted on to make the jump to the NHL.Each player got a quick on-the-job tryout in 2001-02 and has the potential to provide some combination of skill and grit at theright wing position - in Andersson&rsquo;s case more skill, in Hall&rsquo;s case more grit.Defenseman Dan Hamhuis, the team&rsquo;s top pick in 2001 (12th overall), might not make the club at the start of the year, but once he does his skill and instinct will be welcome additions to the blueline.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>Nashville has put so much stock in the future at the expense of the present that its fifth season could be a forgettable one.PREDICTION: 15th in West<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0140-0244/10179766-1-eng-US/f0140-022.jpg" title="f0140-02" width="881" height="506"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0140-0329/10179759-1-eng-US/f0140-032.jpg" title="f0140-03" width="882" height="512"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM David Poile 20th NHL year (712-625-168-10) 2nd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0140-0417/10179752-1-eng-US/f0140-042.jpg" title="f0140-04" width="189" height="182"></div>COACH Barry Trotz 5th NHL year (118-171-36-10) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0140-0510/10179745-1-eng-US/f0140-052.jpg" title="f0140-05" width="190" height="174"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0141-0242/10179738-1-eng-US/f0141-022.jpg" title="f0141-02" width="1212" height="921"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0141-0327/10179731-1-eng-US/f0141-032.jpg" title="f0141-03" width="1416" height="1058"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Dale Macmillan/BBS)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0142-0321/10179724-1-eng-US/f0142-032.jpg" title="f0142-03" width="2442" height="1936"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0142-0164/10179717-1-eng-US/f0142-012.jpg" title="f0142-01" width="2504" height="483"></div><h2>ON&nbsp;THE&nbsp;FLY</h2>On a team without an abundance of skill, Kimmo Timonen&rsquo;s talent stands out. Heres a look at Nashville&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy&nbsp;Scott WalkerStickhandler&nbsp;Denis ArkhipovMost Skilled Player&nbsp;Kimmo TimonenBodychecker&nbsp;Scott HartnellFaceoff Specialist Greg JohnsonShot&nbsp;Andy DelmoreShot-Blocker&nbsp;Karlis SkrastinsSkater&nbsp;Denis ArkhipovCharlie Hustle&nbsp;Vladimir OrszaghDef. Defenseman&nbsp;Kimmo TimonenDef. Forward Greg JohnsonPasser&nbsp;Kimmo TimonenAgitator&nbsp;Scott Hartnell<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>SCOTT HARTNELL, RWHeading into his third NHL season, Hartnell, 20, is one of the league&rsquo;s rising stars and a future power forward of note. He improved to 14 goals from two as a rookie and there is every indication he will build on that total this year.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0143-0165/10179710-1-eng-US/f0143-012.jpg" title="f0143-01" width="316" height="424"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0143-0240/10179703-1-eng-US/f0143-022.jpg" title="f0143-02" width="1489" height="940"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0143-0327/10179696-1-eng-US/f0143-032.jpg" title="f0143-03" width="252" height="138"></div>Brent Gilchrist, LWCameron Mann, RWDenis Pederson, CDomenic Pittis, CWyatt Smith, RWPascal Trepanier, DClarke Wilm, C<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0143-0412/10179689-1-eng-US/f0143-042.jpg" title="f0143-04" width="254" height="137"></div>Steve Dubinsky, CJukka Hentunen, RWReid Simpson, LWPetr Tenkrat, RW<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Nashville&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>SCOTTIE UPSHALLPOSITION Right Winger&nbsp;SELECTED 6th overallCLUB Kamloops (WHL)SCOUTING REPORT A well-balanced skater who WCiruaiai is hard to knock off the puck, Upshall is a gritty two-way player who forechecks and goes on the attack equally well. He&rsquo;s used in all game situations and is suited to the third line.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0143-057/10179682-1-eng-US/f0143-052.jpg" title="f0143-05" width="247" height="247"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers inblue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1.Dan Hamhuis, D, 19,Prince George (WHL)2.JanLasak, G, 23, Milwaukee (AHL)3. Brian Finley, G, 21, DNPinjured4. Adam Hall, RW, 22, Michigan St. (CCHA)5.JonasAndersson, RW, 21, Milwaukee (AHL)6. Timofei Shishkanov, LW, 19, CSKA (Rus.)7.Libor Plvko, LW, 22, Zlin (Czech)8.AndrewHutchinson, D, 22, Mich. St. (CCHA)9. Daniel Widing, RW, 20, Leksand (Swe.)10. Denis Platanov, RW, 20, Saratov (Rus.)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0143-067/10179675-1-eng-US/f0143-062.jpg" title="f0143-06" width="1022" height="3437"></div> &#9632;

f0140-01

Not much hope for gaining ground

<div class="byline">By Rich Chere</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0144-0167/10179930-1-eng-US/f0144-012.jpg" title="f0144-01" width="909" height="371"></div>The sun has not set on New Jersey&rsquo;s decade as Stanley Cup contenders.In the days immediately after free agent center Bobby Holik signed with the rival NewYork Rangers, the Devils seemed to be a team very much in decline. But while GM Lou Lamoriello remains unwilling to pursue big-money free agents that would upset his club&rsquo;s salary structure, he hasn&rsquo;t been shy about pulling off blockbuster trades that have completely changed the face of the Devils since last March.The loss of Holik left skeptics wondering whether the Devils had become a team in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for the first time since 1996 and only the second time since 1989. Then Lamoriello pumped some life into the club by completing the seven-player trade which landed skillful defenseman Oleg Tverdovsky and speedy left winger Jeff Friesen.Although the trade cost New Jersey right winger Petr Sykora and promising, punishing young defense-man Mike Commodore, it gave new Devils coach Pat Burns a speedier team with more offensive punch.&ldquo;I&rsquo;m excited about what this trade does for our offense,&rdquo; Lamoriello said. &ldquo;Jeff Friesen is an elite forward with tremendous speed and a tremendous upside. And getting Tverdovsky gives us three of the top four offensive defensemen in the league (along with Scott Niedermayer and Brian Rafalski)."It is certainly a different Devils team than the one which won the 2000 Stanley Cup and came one victory short of repeating the following spring.Gone from those teams are Alexander Mogilny, Jason Arnott, Randy McKay, Sykora and Holik-five players who gave the Devils a presence up front.There was growing speculation Burns would revert to a strict trap to win with these Devils. But in the wake of the Friesen deal, the Devils are deeper than the Toronto and Boston clubs Burns took over and he got those teams into the playoffs.&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll be all right,&rdquo; Burns promised.STRENGTHS &ldquo;Trap&rdquo; is a dirty word in the NHL, but the Devils believe it&rsquo;s their best shot at a Stanley Cup and they have a long history of executing the defensive system JacquesLemaire introduced to the team in 1993-94.Burns teaches the trap as well as anyone and hehas a veteran defense corps led by Scott Stevens and Ken Daneyko that welcomes shutting the game down to a crawl.Martin Brodeur would like to win a Vezina Trophy, the only accolade missing from his resume, and this season might be his best chance. Just reaching his prime at 30, Brodeur remains one of the game&rsquo;s top goalies.WEAKNESSES The &ldquo;win-it-now&rdquo; trade for Joe Nieuwendyk didn&rsquo;t produce a Cup and now the Devils willpay the price for losing Arnott.More importantly, it is anyone&rsquo;s guess as to whether the double departure of Arnott and Sykora will hurt Patrik Elias as an offensive force The Devils struggled last season because they couldn&rsquo;t score goals and that could be a problem again. Nieuwendyk hasn&rsquo;t hit the 30-goal mark in five years and Lamoriello hasn&rsquo;t found a finisher to skate with Scott Gomez.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0144-074/10179923-1-eng-US/f0144-072.jpg" title="f0144-07" width="1038" height="1331"><figcaption class="caption-body">JOE NIEUWENDYK (Sports Action Photography)</figcaption></div>Suggestions that Stevens and Daneyko have lost a step infuriate both defensemen, but the fact remains the Devils defense is anchored by two 38-year-old geezers.How much more can the coaching staff squeeze out of these workhorses?OFFENSE Friesen vowed to find the scoring touch he lost in Anaheim, but the Devils gave up a lot of offense in Sykora. Over the past four seasons, only Elias (279 points) has scored more points than Sykora (269) for the Devils.With Tverdovsky, the Devils no have three defensemen who can joi the offense. If Friesen-for-Sykora turns out to be a wash, the offense will need help from others, including defense-minded John Madden and Gomez.If there is a young goal-scorer in the organization, Burns must find him. The Devils believe former Boston College star Brian Gionta has the potential to score in the NHL. He could work well with the playmaking Gomez, but the two sub-6-footers would need some muscle on the left side. Other possibilitie include European forwards Andreas Salomonsson and Christian Berglund, who could blossom as scorers.DEFENSE When Lamoriello hired Burns, he said &ldquo;the system Pat has coached is very similar to the way we&rsquo;ve had most of our success.&rdquo; That, of course, was by playing the trap. The Devils now have three defensemen in Niedermayer, Rafalski and Tverdovsky capable of thinking offense, but everyone expects Burns to concentrate more on clogging up the middle than on opening up the ice.Stevens&rsquo; days as a Norris Trophy candidate are likely over, but he can still dominate on most nights. Colin White is ready to take the next step up as a defenseman no one likes to face. Daneyko will get significant time off this season to keep him fresh.BEHIND THE BENCH A first round playoff exit doomed Kevin Constantine, but there was never a secure feeling he was the coach who could win it all. After quitting on Larry Robinson and flopping for Constantine, the Devils now get a disciplinarian in Burns. &ldquo;Discipline is a funny word. I think I&rsquo;m fair,&rdquo; Burns said, but his players know better.&ldquo;Pat Burns isn&rsquo;t going to be a treat,&rdquo; Daneyko predicted. The big question will be how long Burns gets along with an equally tough GM.SALARY CEILING Had the Devils been able to keep Holik, their payroll would have risen to well above $50 million this season. Nevertheless, Lamoriello was still concerned about a sharp increase. Their $40.1-million payroll ranked 12th in the NHL last season and it had risen to $44.6 million before the GM even came to terms on new deals for restricted free agents Elias and Gomez.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0145-0157/10179916-1-eng-US/f0145-012.jpg" title="f0145-01" width="1748" height="2044"><figcaption class="caption-body">The Devils need Patrik Elias to rejuvenate an offense that sagged noticeably last season. (Jim Leadry/BBS)</figcaption></div>ROOKIES The Devils still wonder whether the 5-foot-7,160-pound Gionta can succeed long-term in the NHL if the opposition begins to target him. Technically not a rookie because he played in 33 games, Gionta is one of the club&rsquo;s hopes at finding a young goal-scorer. He was one of New Jersey&rsquo;s most dangerous forwards in the playoffs last spring.Many see traits of Claude Lemieux in gritty, irritatingright winger Berglund. He scored in the minors last season, but needs to gain confidence at the NHL level.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>If the vets don't have another run in them and the Friesen trade doesn't work out, the GM can fire the coach. Again.PREDICTION: 4th in East<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0144-0238/10179909-1-eng-US/f0144-022.jpg" title="f0144-02" width="906" height="540"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0144-0323/10179902-1-eng-US/f0144-032.jpg" title="f0144-03" width="904" height="520"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Lou Lamoriello 16th NHL year (592-434-167-12) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0144-059/10179895-1-eng-US/f0144-052.jpg" title="f0144-05" width="197" height="184"></div>COACH Pat Burns 14th NHL year (412-314-129-12) 4th team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0144-066/10179888-1-eng-US/f0144-062.jpg" title="f0144-06" width="202" height="179"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0145-0240/10179881-1-eng-US/f0145-022.jpg" title="f0145-02" width="1225" height="924"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0145-0326/10179874-1-eng-US/f0145-032.jpg" title="f0145-03" width="1418" height="1046"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Andy Marlin/BBS)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0146-0161/10179867-1-eng-US/f0146-012.jpg" title="f0146-01" width="2576" height="1928"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0146-0233/10179860-1-eng-US/f0146-022.jpg" title="f0146-02" width="2553" height="484"></div><h2>ON THE&nbsp;FLY</h2>Scott Stevens isn't a young pup anymore, but he remains a key part of the Devils. Here&rsquo;s look at New Jersey&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGOBY</h3>Glue Guy Scott Stevens&nbsp;Stickhandler Scott NiedermayerMost Skilled Player Patrik EliasBodychecker Scott Stevens&nbsp;Faceoff Specialist Joe NieuwendykShot Patrik EliasShot-Blocker Ken DaneykoSkater Scott Niedermayer&nbsp;Charlie Hustle John MaddenDef. Defenseman Scott StevensDef. Forward John MaddenPasser Scott Gomez&nbsp;Agitator Turner Stevenson<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>CHRISTIAN BERGLUND, RWThe Devils are convinced this 22-year-old Swede has what it takes to be a successful regular after he scored 21 goals and 47 points with Albany (AHL) last season and then had nine points in 15 NHL games. He plays a hard-nosed game.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0147-0153/10179853-1-eng-US/f0147-012.jpg" title="f0147-01" width="331" height="419"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0147-0230/10179846-1-eng-US/f0147-022.jpg" title="f0147-02" width="1552" height="952"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0147-0322/10179839-1-eng-US/f0147-032.jpg" title="f0147-03" width="258" height="132"></div>Christian Berglund, RWJeff Friesen, LWOleg Tverdovsky, DCorey Schwab, G<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0147-0411/10179832-1-eng-US/f0147-042.jpg" title="f0147-04" width="270" height="129"></div>Mike Commodore, DJ-F Damphousse, GBobby Holik, CValeri Kamensky, LWSergei Nemchinov, LWStephane Richer, LWPetr Sykora, RWJohn Vanbiesbrouck, G<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are New Jersey&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>ANTON KADEYKINPOSITION DefensemanSELECTED 51st overallCLUB Elektrostal (Rus.)SCOUTING REPORT Kadeykin is a two-way defenseman who has a large, slender frame that needs to be beefed up. He&rsquo;s a smooth skater who handles the puck well and takes care of things defensively. At least three years away.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0147-059/10179825-1-eng-US/f0147-052.jpg" title="f0147-05" width="258" height="253"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1.Christian Berglund, RW, 22, Albany (AHL)2. Ari Ahonen, G, 21, Albany (AHL)3.David Hale, D, 21, North Dakota (WCHA)4.Paul Martin, D, 21, Minnesota (WCHA)5. Adrian Foster, LW, 20, Brandon (WHL)6. Scott Clemmensen, G, 25, Albany (AHL)7. Maxim Balmochnykh, LW, 23, Cincinnati (AHL)8. Teemu Laine, RW, 20, Jokerit (Fin.)9. Victor Uchevatov, D, 19, Albany (AHL)10. Daryl Andrews, D, 25, Albany (AHL)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0147-069/10179818-1-eng-US/f0147-062.jpg" title="f0147-06" width="1063" height="3382"></div> &#9632;

f0144-01

Time running out on aging Devils

<div class="byline">By Peter Botte</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0148-0159/10180073-1-eng-US/f0148-012.jpg" title="f0148-01" width="904" height="358"></div>The sound you hear emanating off the shores of Long Island is more than the rippling of a few waves. It is the humming of a long-grounded ship that to make an even bigger splash in 2002-03.The New York Islanders, along with long-tortured GM Mike Milbury, enjoyed their overdue rebirth last season, improving from 52 to 96 points and qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 1994. And all those years of heartache and embarrassment have been replaced by a desire to get even better.If New York&rsquo;s first round ouster against Toronto taught the team anything, it was how close they are to Stanley Cup contention in the tight Eastern Conference, yet also how far they remain away from winning it.They opened last season with a remarkable 9-0-1-1 record through October under first-year coach Peter Laviolette, but then were a pedestrian 36-32-7-3 (including playoffs) thereafter.The odds of starting this year with a similar run aren&rsquo;t good, especially since captain and two-way center Michael Peca might be out until after Christmas following a low check from Toronto&rsquo;s Darcy Tucker in the post-season that required major reconstructive surgery on his left knee.Milbury also hadn&rsquo;t done much to alter the returning lineup via trades or free agency through late July, although he was seeking another scoring winger to play with star center Alexei Yashin.STRENGTHS Coming off the fourth-best single-season turn-around in NHL history, the Islanders had much to crow about despite a few flaws that were exposed against Toronto. Peca&rsquo;s arrival, coupled with emerging leadership roles taken by Adrian Aucoin and others, transformed the Islanders into one of the NHL&rsquo;s closest and most diligent teams.Chris Osgood might not be the flashiest goaltender in the league, but he provided the team its first dependable starter in years as 2000 No. 1 pick Rick DiPietro readied himself in the minors.Despite re-establishing a decided home-ice advantage at rejuvenated Nassau Coliseum (21 sellouts) - just ask the Leafs - the Isles also notched more than 20 road wins (21-15-3-2) for the first time since 1984.WEAKNESSES&nbsp;Yashin averaged nearly a point a game despite playing with a revolving door of linemates that Milbury has tried in vain to settle. Mariusz Czerkawski&rsquo;s soft playoff showing earned him a trade to Montreal, but Milbury also believed the team&rsquo;s character players were outperformed by their Toronto counter parts in the playoffs. He expects the addition of Florida banger Jason Wiemer to help. The flip side of Laviolette&rsquo;s reliance on his top defensemen - Aucoin, Kenny Jonsson and Roman Hamrlik-is that no others stepped up consistently to spare the trio from playing in the 30 minute range every night.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0148-066/10180066-1-eng-US/f0148-062.jpg" title="f0148-06" width="776" height="1477"><figcaption class="caption-body">MARK PARRISH (Dave Kaye/BBS)</figcaption></div>OFFENSE Yashin was flanked by just about every winger on the team until Laviolette finally broke up Peca&rsquo;s line and moved 30-goal scorer Mark Parrish and pleasant surprise Shawn Bates to the top unit. Much more is needed out of perennial project wingers Brad Isbister and Oleg Kvasha (38 points each), particularly with Peca sidelined.Rookie Trent Hunter, who led Bridgeport of the AHL in scoring and impressed against Toronto in the playoffs, and Swedish import Mattias Weinhandl, could push for playing time on the top two lines if Milbury is unable to make another move for a proven scorer. There&rsquo;s still room for improvement on the NHL&rsquo;s llth-ranked power play; a better season from Hamrlik (four power play goals) would help.DEFENSE In workhorses Aucoin (28:53 per game), Jonsson (25:33) and Hamrlik (25:31), the Isles were the only team in the NHL to possess a trio of defensemen with at least 10 and 30 points apiece.The return of impressive first-year man Radek Martinek (knee surgery) should help make up for the depth that was lacking behind the Big Three.Laviolette occasionally traps, but he mostly employs an aggressive puck-pursuit system that highlights the team&rsquo;s overall speed. Peca won the Selke Trophy for the second time in his career and joined with Bates, Claude Lapointe, Jason Blake and Dave Scatchard to form a relentless corps of penalty-killing forwards that pushed the Isles atop the NHL with 17 shorthanded goals. Midseason import Darren Van Impe was not brought back, with some combination of Mattias Timander, Eric Cairns, Dick Tarnstrom and Ray Schultz rounding out the roster. Kevin Haller - remember him? - has missed most of the last two seasons with groin and hip injuries.BEHIND THE&nbsp;BENCH Laviolette didn&rsquo;t get nearly enough credit for the effect he had on the club&rsquo;s work ethic and overall psyche, using Peca and other veterans to get his points across with a team that too often had tuned out past coaches amid constant failure. He had his team ready from the start of the season and pushed them hard to a strong finish, very nearly capturing a division title. He even loosened up when the playoffs rolled around, exchanging barbs with veteran curmudgeon Pat Quinn and unmistakably introducing himself to the hockey world with a couple of memorable tirades behind the Islanders bench.SALARY CEILING Owners Charles Wang and Sanjay Kumar rightfully have been hailed as saviors in Long Island for investing heavily in the team, but like countless predecessors, they claim they lost a boatful of cash - around $20 million - despite the club&rsquo;s success last season. New York&rsquo;s 17th-ranked payroll ($34.4) million figured to rise to nearly $40 million without the addition of any big-name free agents. Yashin, Peca, Isbister, Jonsson, Hamrlik and Osgood were due built-in contract raises, while arbitration-eligible free agents such as Scatchard and Parrish also were looking to cash in on the team&rsquo;s success.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0149-0152/10180059-1-eng-US/f0149-012.jpg" title="f0149-01" width="1750" height="2064"><figcaption class="caption-body">The Isles hope Brad Isbister will develop into a power forward who consistently contributes. (Jim Mclsaac/BBS)</figcaption></div>ROOKIES DiPietro overcame a slow start (read: brooding period) after he was demoted to lead Bridgeport to the Calder Cup final. The 20-year-old might push Garth Snow for time as Osgood&rsquo;s backup.Both Hunter and Weinhandl, a pair of 22-year-olds, will make a run at the roster, while the fifth overall pick in 2000, hustling offensive left winger Raffi Torres, also looms as a less likely addition, despite a strong finish with Bridgeport.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>After making the playoffs for the first time since 1994, just getting back there won&rsquo;t be good enough this season.PREDICTION: 6th in East<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0148-0233/10180052-1-eng-US/f0148-022.jpg" title="f0148-02" width="881" height="514"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0148-0322/10180045-1-eng-US/f0148-032.jpg" title="f0148-03" width="883" height="515"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Mike Milbury 8th NHL year (185-289-64-8) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0148-0413/10180038-1-eng-US/f0148-042.jpg" title="f0148-04" width="183" height="186"></div>COACH Peter Laviolette, 2nd NHL year (42-28-8-4) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0148-0510/10180031-1-eng-US/f0148-052.jpg" title="f0148-05" width="191" height="183"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0149-0236/10180024-1-eng-US/f0149-022.jpg" title="f0149-02" width="1217" height="918"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0149-0325/10180017-1-eng-US/f0149-032.jpg" title="f0149-03" width="1420" height="1052"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Bruce Bennett/BBS)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0150-0156/10180010-1-eng-US/f0150-012.jpg" title="f0150-01" width="2426" height="1908"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0150-0230/10180003-1-eng-US/f0150-022.jpg" title="f0150-02" width="2422" height="452"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>Michael Peca is New York&rsquo;s top defensive forward and its &lsquo;Glue Guy.' Here&rsquo;s a look at the Islanders&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Michael PecaStickhandler Alexei YashinMost Skilled Player Alexei YashinBodychecker Steve WebbFaceoff Specialist Dave ScatchardShot Adrian AucoinShot-Blocker Roman HamrlikSkater Shawn BatesCharlie Hustle Claude LapointeDef. Defenseman Kenny JonssonDef. Forward Michael PecaPasser Kenny JonssonAgitator Steve Webb<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>OLEG KVASHA, LWIt took the better part of four NHL seasons, but Kvasha finally looked ready to deliver on his considerable skill late last year, though his play did slip somewhat in the playoffs. He is big and creative, but needs to add consistency to his game.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0151-0148/10179996-1-eng-US/f0151-012.jpg" title="f0151-01" width="308" height="410"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0151-0231/10179989-1-eng-US/f0151-022.jpg" title="f0151-02" width="1501" height="917"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0151-0326/10179982-1-eng-US/f0151-032.jpg" title="f0151-03" width="259" height="137"></div>Arron Asham, CRick DiPietro, GTrent Hunter, RWMattias Timander, DJason Wiemer, LW<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0151-0413/10179975-1-eng-US/f0151-042.jpg" title="f0151-04" width="259" height="138"></div>Jim Cummins, LWMariusz Czerkawski, RWJason Krog, CMats Lindgren, CBranislav Mezei, DKip Miller, CDarren Van Impe, D<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are New York&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>SEAN BERGENHEIMPOSITION WingerSELECTED 22nd overallCLUB Jokerit (Finland)SCOUTING REPORT This competitive Finn is an excellent skater with a very good shot and nice touch around the net. Bergenheim has a good team attitude and is used in all game situations. He&rsquo;s at least two years away.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0151-059/10179968-1-eng-US/f0151-052.jpg" title="f0151-05" width="245" height="244"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Rick DiPietro, G, 20, Bridgeport (AHL)2. Raff! Torres, LW, 20, Bridgeport (AHL)3. Trent Hunter, RW, 22, Bridgeport (AHL)4. Justin Mapletoft, C, 21, Bridgeport (AHL)5. Mattias Weinhandl, LW, 22, MoDo (Swe.)6. Kristofer Ottosson, C, 26, Djugarden (Swe.)7. Juraj Kolnlk, RW, 21, Bridgeport (AHL)8. Arto Tukio, D, 21. Ilves Tampere (Fin.)9. Romun Kuhtinov, D, 26, Novokuznetsk (Rus.)10. Tomi Pettinen, D, 25, Ilves Tampere (Fin.)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0151-069/10179961-1-eng-US/f0151-062.jpg" title="f0151-06" width="1039" height="3374"></div> &#9632;

f0148-01

Recharged Isles not Satisfied yet

<div class="byline">By Rick Carpiniello</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0152-0149/10180216-1-eng-US/f0152-012.jpg" title="f0152-01" width="887" height="357"></div>The New York Rangers did it again. Theyjumped head-first into the free agent pool and spent $70 million on two players in two days, luringlongtime nemesis Bobby Holik away from New Jersey and abrasive defenseman Darius Kasparaitis from Colorado.Then the Rangers dug deep again and re-signed goalie Mike Richter. Suddenly, the buzz in New York was the Rangers finally had a roster which will put them into the playoffs for the first time in six years.Well, not so fast.Yes, Holik and Kasparaitis are key pickups for a team that needs their jam and accountability. And, yes, it was imperative to keep Richter or to sign another elite goalie.But this new-look Rangers team could look a lot like the old Rangers team - and could again miss the playoffs if a couple of things go awry.For one, Bryan Trottier has never run an NHL bench. He will have to do so as a rookie coach with the new fast-faceoff rule in place. But Trottier will succeed or fail based on how he manages to get the Rangers to play in the defensive zone and how he revamps their special teams. The Rangers have ranked 29th or 30th in goals-against average and penalty killing in each of the past two seasons. Clearly, they can hire all the guns they want, but if they&rsquo;re going to allow goals in bunches, they&rsquo;ll be done in April again.The other major &ldquo;if&rdquo; is (and always will be) Eric Lindros&rsquo;s health. Lindros suffered only a minor concussion last season, plus two knee injuries and a bad foot bruise. He played in 72 games and while he was terrific for the most part in the first half, he had a difficult time coming back from each injury. He also played on the perimeter, understandably, too often.STRENGTHS The Rangers should be able to score goals, especially with a defense featuring talented puckmovers such as Brian Leetch, Tom Poti and Vladimir Malakhov. Once Radek Dvorak recovers from a major knee surgery, speed will not be a problem.And if Lindros can play his old, mean style, along with Holik, Kasparaitis, young thumping defenseman Tomas Kloucek and the rugged types in Matthew Barnaby, Sandy McCarthy and Krzyzstof Oliwa, there ought to be plenty of grit.The power play, which also suffered under coach Ron Low, should be an asset with plenty of point men and skill guys up front, especially with a full year from Pavel Bure. Trottier and new assistants Terry O&rsquo;Reilly and Jim Schoenfeld, plus holdover Ted Green, will get the players&rsquo; attention.WEAKNESSES New York&rsquo;s poor defensive and penalty-killing records are not solely the fault of the defensemen. Low was unable to get his team to pay offensive style made famous by the Edmonton Oilers of the 1980s. Trottier plans to play the same system as Low, who preached defensivezone responsibility but was unable to get it through some thick skulls.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0152-0233/10180209-1-eng-US/f0152-022.jpg" title="f0152-02" width="906" height="1511"><figcaption class="caption-body">PAVEL BURE (Jim Mclsaac/BBS)</figcaption></div>The defense corps was poorly conceived and built with a dearth of defensive defensemen. Sylvain Lefebvre, who started last season in the minors, was by far their best stay-athome type. Poti was a nightmare in his own end. And after strong first halfs, Malakhov and Leetch tailed off terribly after the Olympics.The Rangers now have a defensive specialist in Kasparaitis whom they can unleash on opposing No. 1 lines. Kloucek, if he ever gets the chance, could be another such defender.OFFENSE Even with Bure, who was marvelous after arriving at the trade deadline, the Rangers are thin on the wing. When they were in first place in the East in December, they were being carried by the FLY line. Now the and they are gone, as Theo Fleury wasn&rsquo;t re-signed and Mike York was traded for Poti. So there&rsquo;s Bure, playing presumably on Lindros&rsquo;s right side, and there will eventually be Dvorak, but not much else on either side.There is, however, a glut of centers. Petr Nedved, now extraneous in the middle, could move to a wing or be dealt for a winger. Mark Messier might move to a wing and Rem Murray could, too. Jamie Lundmark, the team&rsquo;s top forward prospect, switched from center to right wing in the minors last season.DEFENSE The Rangers will play the same up-tempo, puck-pursuit system that failed under each of the past two coaches, John Muckier and Low. They, and GM Glen Sather, insist the system wasn&rsquo;t the problem, but the execution. Low, who at times employed a trap, argued even the best trapping teams break down if one player goes his own way. He said all along it wasn&rsquo;t even so much the effort in the defensive zone as it was the mistakes - a missed assignment or one player running out of position, thus complicating matters for everyone on the ice.BEHIND THE&nbsp;BENCH Trottier was one of the best two-way forwards in NHL history and will need to teach more of his forwards to be better in both ends. Even a Bure can come back and pick up his man, can&rsquo;t he?With his six Stanley Cup rings (plus a seventh as an assistant coach in Colorado), Trottier will be able to look into the eyes of any player, including six-time champion Messier, and speak with authority. Trottier&rsquo;s main idea is accountability and he will do everything he can to get it through every Ranger player&rsquo;s head that he is responsible to the guy next to him.SALARY CEILING Quit laughing. Apparently even the Rangers don&rsquo;t have a bottomless pit of money. Yes, their payroll will probably break their own NHL record, which was around $73 million at the end of last season, once Lindros&rsquo;s bonuses kicked in and Bure&rsquo;s contract was added. But Sather has subtracted plenty in ridding the Rangers of Fleury, Bryan Berard, Michal Grosek, Andreas Johansson - and probably unrestricted free agent Martin Rucinsky - and in getting Richter to take a pay cut. But with the additions of Holik and Kasparaitis, Sather was having a tough time getting the help he needed on the wing (Tony Amonte, for instance)..<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0153-0144/10180202-1-eng-US/f0153-012.jpg" title="f0153-01" width="1690" height="2064"><figcaption class="caption-body">Radek Dvorak scored 17 goals and 37points last season, but finished a team-worst minus-20. (Bruce Bennett/BBS)</figcaption></div>ROOKIES Lundmark, ready or not, might be on the team in the early going just because of the lack of offense-minded wingers. Fedor Tyutin, the team&rsquo;s top defense prospect, is a blueliner the team hopes can make the jump at some point this season, but they&rsquo;ll be patient with the 19-year-old.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>Grittier club will still score with the best of them, but team defense will determine whether or not they make the playoffs.PREDICTION: 8th in East<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0152-0322/10180195-1-eng-US/f0152-032.jpg" title="f0152-03" width="877" height="510"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0152-0415/10180188-1-eng-US/f0152-042.jpg" title="f0152-04" width="876" height="510"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Glen Sather 23rd NHL year (832-702-211-13) 2nd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0152-0510/10180181-1-eng-US/f0152-052.jpg" title="f0152-05" width="187" height="182"></div>COACH Bryan Trottier 1st NHL year (0-0-0-0) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0152-066/10180174-1-eng-US/f0152-062.jpg" title="f0152-06" width="186" height="181"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0153-0235/10180167-1-eng-US/f0153-022.jpg" title="f0153-02" width="1199" height="891"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0153-0326/10180160-1-eng-US/f0153-032.jpg" title="f0153-03" width="1364" height="1005"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Jim Mclsaac/BBS)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0154-0146/10180153-1-eng-US/f0154-012.jpg" title="f0154-01" width="2473" height="1919"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0154-0226/10180146-1-eng-US/f0154-022.jpg" title="f0154-02" width="2486" height="462"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>Bobby Holik figures to significantly upgrade New York&rsquo;s grit and defensive presence up front. Here&rsquo;s a look at the Rangers' best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Eric LindrosStickhandler Brian LeetchMost Skilled Player Pavel BureBodychecker Tomas KloucekFaceoff Specialist Bobby HolikShot Eric LindrosShot-Blocker Brian LeetchSkater Pavel BureCharlie Hustle Bobby HolikDef. Defenseman Darius KasparaitisDef. Forward Bobby Holik&nbsp;Passer Brian LeetchAgitator Matthew Barnaby<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>TOMAS KLOUCEK, DThe 22-year-old native of the Czech Republic is rounding into a punishing blueliner heading into his fourth pro season. A regular with the Rangers last season, Kloucek is a nasty customer who makes life miserable for opponents in his own zone.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0155-0143/10180139-1-eng-US/f0155-012.jpg" title="f0155-01" width="306" height="409"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0155-0230/10180132-1-eng-US/f0155-022.jpg" title="f0155-02" width="1473" height="908"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0155-0322/10180125-1-eng-US/f0155-032.jpg" title="f0155-03" width="259" height="137"></div>Nils Ekman, LWTed Donato, LWBobby Holik, CDarius Kasparaitis, DJamie Lundmark, RWKrzysztof Oliwa, LW<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0155-0411/10180118-1-eng-US/f0155-042.jpg" title="f0155-04" width="259" height="138"></div>Bryan Berard, DTheoren Fleury, LWMichal Grosek, LWAndreas Johansson, LWSteve McKenna, RWMartin Rucinsky, RWTrent Whitfield, C<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are the Rangers' first draft pick in 2002 and top'' 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>LEE&nbsp;FALARDEAUPOSITION CenterSELECTED 33rd overallCLUB Michigan St. (CCHA)SCOUTING REPORT Widelegged skater has breakaway speed and nice reach. Falardeau is a hard-working forechecker who uses his size well. He&rsquo;s good on faceoffs and understands the game. Three years of college remain.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0155-057/10180111-1-eng-US/f0155-052.jpg" title="f0155-05" width="244" height="242"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Fedor Tyutin, D. 19. Guelph (OHL)2. Jamie Lundmark, 21, RW. Hartford (AHL)3. Garth Murray, 20, LW. Regina (WHL)4. Pat Aufiero, D, 22, Boston University (HE)6. Rico Fata, RW. 22, Hartford (AHL)6. Mike Mottau, D, 24, Hartford (AHL)7. Marek Zldllcky, D, 25, IFK Helsinki (Fin.)8. Dominic Moore, C, 22, Harvard (ECAC)9. Ryan Hollweg, C. 19, Medicine Hat (WHL)10. Bryce Lampmen, D, 20, Neb-Omaha (CCHA)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0155-0632/10180104-1-eng-US/f0155-0632.jpg" title="f0155-063" width="1018" height="3337"></div> &#9632;

f0152-01

Strong up middle, hurting on wings

<div class="byline">By Bruce Garrioch</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0156-0146/10180359-1-eng-US/f0156-012.jpg" title="f0156-01" width="892" height="363"></div>The next step is the goal for Ottawa Senators.While they made progress by getting to the second round of the playoffs before dropping the Battle of Ontario to Toronto, the Senators are determined to show this team can compete for a Stanley Cup.One of the top teams in the Eastern Conference the last five seasons, the Senators came with minutes of knocking off the Toronto Maple Leafs, but when push came to shove they couldn&rsquo;t get over the hump to advance.&ldquo;We feel like we&rsquo;ve got a team that is close to being a Stanley Cup contender,&rdquo; said Senators coach Jacques Martin. &ldquo;I think we&rsquo;ve made a lot of progress and if you&rsquo;re going to be a winner it takes time.&ldquo;In a lot of ways, we&rsquo;re still a young team that is learning as we go along. I think we&rsquo;ve learned from the experiences we&rsquo;ve had in the playoffs and sometimes it takes adversity to help you get to the next level.&rdquo;Built around a core group of young players like Radek Bonk, Marian Hossa, Martin Havlat, Wade Redden, Chris Phillips, Zdeno Chara and Karel Rachunek, the Senators are trying to piece together the right supporting cast.With the departure of winger Shawn McEachern in the off-season to the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for blueliner Brian Pothier, the pressure is going to be on veterans such as Daniel Alfredsson and Curtis Leschyshyn.Newly hired GM John Muckier, who took over for the departed Marshall Johnston, is focused on getting the right pieces to the puzzle by adding more grit to a lineup which has been heavily criticized for not showing up in the playoffs.&ldquo;When I look at this team I think we&rsquo;ve got a pretty good team,&rdquo; said Muckier, who officially took over the duties from Johnston July 1. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think you need to tear anything down. I would like to see us have more grit and more of those type of players. You don&rsquo;t make change just for the sake of change.&rdquo;With president Roy Mlakar signed to a new five-year deal, the philosophy of the organization is not going to change: the Senators want to deliver quality entertainment at an affordable price and they want to compete.Still, they also want to show progress.STRENGTHS Ottawa&rsquo;s best asset is its blueline. Not only did the Sens stock up by adding Pothier from the Thrashers, but the club already had Leschyshyn, Redden, Phillips, Chara and Rachunek. Sami Salo and Shane Hnidy have both proved to be valuable assets the club could use to make deals.Up front, Hossa and Havlat remain young players who will only get better. A player to keep an eye on this season is left winger Petr Schastlivy. He missed most of last year&rsquo;s campaign due to reconstructive knee surgery, but with McEachern&rsquo;s departure he will get a chance to play on the second line.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0156-0321/10180352-1-eng-US/f0156-032.jpg" title="f0156-03" width="909" height="1402"><figcaption class="caption-body">DANIEL ALFREDSSON (Dan Hamilton VPS)</figcaption></div>WEAKNESSES The Senators don&rsquo;t have a lot in the way of depth up the middle. Center Radek Bonk had 70 points in last year&rsquo;s campaign, but it&rsquo;s questionable whether he will show up in the playoffs or not. Todd White is one year removed from a minor league career and has to show he can do it again while Mike Fisher hasn&rsquo;t been able to stay healthy during his three-year career. While White and Fisher '&rsquo; have both shown the ability to get the job done, the real concern is Bonk and his lack of intensity in the postseason. Unless more playoff experience and grit is added, this team will have a tough time moving up.OFFENSE There was plenty of concern when the Senators shipped Alexei Yashin to the New York Islanders last summer on where the points were going to come from in Ottawa. By mid-way through the year, there was no concern at all. Bonk, Alfredsson, Hossa and Havlat all had good seasons. McEachern struggled offensively and that led to his departure because they weren&rsquo;t going to pay him $3 million a year to score just 15 goals. Left winger Magnus Arvedson has been another massive underachiever and struggles to stay healthy because he has been hampered by groin problems. The Senators will go only as far as Alfredsson, Havlat, Hossa and Bonk take them. They&rsquo;d like more from their defense, but Redden isn&rsquo;t going to set the world on fire with his offensive numbers.DEFENSE This is an area the Senators feel good about. They&rsquo;ve got the right people in place and if the players mature the way they&rsquo;re capable of, the team is going to be strong for a long time. Redden, Chara, Phillips and Rachunek will be the core while the veteran Leschyshyn is signed for two more years. Ideally, the Senators would like to get somebody to run their power play because Salo hasn&rsquo;t used his big shot from the point.BEHIND THE BENCH Even Senators coach Jacques Martin was shocked to get a contract extension after the club&rsquo;s exit against the Toronto Maple Leafs last year. While fans were calling for his head, Mlakar opted for stability because the club is already on its fourth GM in six years. Yes, Martin is accused of being boring and unable to get over the hump, but he is the second longest-serving coach in the league and you can&rsquo;t argue with regular season success. Along with assistants Perry Pearn, Roger Neilson, Don Jackson and Randy Lee, Martin must find a way to get this team to have success in the playoffs.SALARY CEILING Ranked 24th in the league in payroll at $27 million by The Hockey News, the Senators have never been accused of being big spenders and that philosophy won&rsquo;t be altered. Though they get the most for their money, the Senators had a busy summer signing Alfredsson, Bonk, Fisher and Phillips to new deals along with others. Financially troubled owner Rod Bryden, who had to borrow twice from the NHL last season to meet payroll, is trying to put a new plan in place to keep control of the team away from the banks.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0157-0143/10180345-1-eng-US/f0157-012.jpg" title="f0157-01" width="1701" height="2035"><figcaption class="caption-body">Wade Redden&rsquo;s steadiness and all-around game anchors a workmanlike Senators blueline.(Dan Hamilton/VPS, Ringuette/BBS)</figcaption></div>ROOKIES Petr Schastlivy must have nine lives. What else can explain the tremendous opportunity he is going to get to make the team again this year? With McEachern moved, a spot has been opened on the left side for Schastlivy and he needs to seize the moment.Still, all eyes will be on center Jason Spezza. There is an opening for a fourth line center and he will have to battle another top prospect, Antoine Vermette, in camp for the spot.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>If GM John Muckier can make the right moves, the Senators might finally climb the mountain to playoff success.PREDICTION: 5th in East<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0156-0231/10180338-1-eng-US/f0156-022.jpg" title="f0156-02" width="894" height="528"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0156-0415/10180331-1-eng-US/f0156-042.jpg" title="f0156-04" width="886" height="525"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM John Muckier 5th NHL year (138-123-35-0) 2nd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0156-0510/10180324-1-eng-US/f0156-052.jpg" title="f0156-05" width="189" height="182"></div>COACH Jacques Martin 10th NHL year (313-265-101-13) 2nd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0156-066/10180317-1-eng-US/f0156-062.jpg" title="f0156-06" width="187" height="181"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0157-0235/10180310-1-eng-US/f0157-022.jpg" title="f0157-02" width="1202" height="888"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0157-0325/10180303-1-eng-US/f0157-032.jpg" title="f0157-03" width="1401" height="1085"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0158-0145/10180296-1-eng-US/f0158-012.jpg" title="f0158-01" width="2418" height="1916"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0158-0223/10180289-1-eng-US/f0158-022.jpg" title="f0158-02" width="2403" height="442"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>Chris Phillips, the No. 1 overall pick in 1996, is Ottawa&rsquo;s &lsquo;Charlie Hustle.&rsquo; Here&rsquo;s a look at Ottawa&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Daniel AlfredssonStickhandler Martin HavlatMost Skilled Player Marian HossaBodychecker Zdeno CharaFaceoff Specialist Radek BonkShot Sami SaloShot-Blocker Curtis LeschyshynSkater Martin HavlatCharlie Hustlex Chris PhillipsDef. Defenseman Zdeno CharaDef. Forward Magnus ArvedsonPasser Daniel AlfredssonAgitator Shane Hnidy<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>MIKE FISHER, CFisher made great strides during the 2001-02 season, scoring 15 goals in 58 games, but the feeling is with experience and a little good luck (in terms of remaining injury-free) he still has room to ratchet his game up to the next level.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0160-0149/10180282-1-eng-US/f0160-012.jpg" title="f0160-01" width="306" height="404"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0160-0231/10180275-1-eng-US/f0160-022.jpg" title="f0160-02" width="1499" height="907"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0160-0322/10180268-1-eng-US/f0160-032.jpg" title="f0160-03" width="259" height="137"></div>Josef Boumedienne, DBrian Pothier, DPetr Schastlivy, LWJason Spezza, CShaun Van Allen, C<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0160-0414/10180261-1-eng-US/f0160-042.jpg" title="f0160-04" width="259" height="138"></div>Benoit Brunet, LWJody Hull, LWChris Herperger, CSteve Martins, CShawn McEachern, LWBill Muckalt, RWRicard Persson, DJuha Ylonen, C<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here is Ottawa&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 orosoects. with age. position and 2001-02 team.<h4>TOP PICK 2002</h4>JAKUB&nbsp;KLEPISPOSITION CenterSELECTED 16th overallCLUB Portland (WHL)SCOUTING REPORT Deceptively quick pivot has strong puckhandling skills, is an excellent playmaker and has a good shot. Klepis isadept on faceoffs and doesn't shy away from physical confrontations. Two years away.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0160-0510/10180254-1-eng-US/f0160-052.jpg" title="f0160-05" width="242" height="240"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected sure-fire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Jason Spezza, C, 19, Belleville (OHL)2. Anton Volchenkov, D, 20, S. Wings (Rus.)3. Petr Schastlivy, LW, 23, Grand Rapids (AHL)4. Antoine Vermette, C, 20, Victoriaville (QMJHL)5. Tim Gleason, 0. 19, Windsor (OHL)6. Martin Prusek, G, 26, Grand Rapids (AHL)7. Ray Emery, G, 19, Sault Ste. Marie (0HL)8. Mathieu Chouinard, G, 22, G. Rapids (AHL)9. Toni Dahlman, RW, 23. Grand Rapids (AHL)10. Alexandre Giroux, C. 21, Grand Rapids (AHL)<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0160-067/10180247-1-eng-US/f0160-062.jpg" title="f0160-06" width="966" height="3380"></div> &#9632;

f0156-01

Early playoff exits remain a nroblem

<div class="byline">By Wayne Fish</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0162-0144/10180502-1-eng-US/f0162-012.jpg" title="f0162-01" width="874" height="349"></div>When a team some picked reach the Stanley Cup final scores one regulation time goal in a five-game first round playoff exit, there&rsquo;s only one way to go.Start over.After one of the most disappointing seasons in their 35-year history, the Flyers changed coaches - so what else is new?- and made several significant personnel moves.But is it enough?Even a proven winning coach such as Ken Hitchcock may have the challenge of his career reversing the fortunes of a veteran core of players that didn&rsquo;t produce two straight post-seasons under ex-coach Bill Barber.The Flyers showed signs of unity in a 21-7-2-1 run through December and January, one which moved them to the top of the Eastern Conference.But after the Olympic break, things began to fall apart. Games began to mean more and the Flyers played like a fractious bunch. The lethargy continued into the playoffs, where they were unceremoniously dumped by Ottawa.Later, players charged Barber wasn&rsquo;t responsive to their suggestions, didn&rsquo;t give them direction and couldn&rsquo;t make adjustments during games.Hitchcock, one assumes, should be able to rectify the situation. He had his differences with star players in Dallas, but he led them to a Stanley Cup championship in 1999.With Hitchcock, the Flyers get a coach with a reputation for disciplined play. He claims a lot of ills can be cured if players are committed to solid &ldquo;two-way&rdquo; hockey.Other Flyer coaches have tried and failed at this approach. What makes him think he will be successful?&ldquo;The (players) have reached a stage, desperation-wise, where they want to win,&rsquo; Hitchcock said.&ldquo;They&rsquo;re thinking, &lsquo;This (losing) sucks, we want to win. Going out in the first round, not playing with the same spirit that we&rsquo;re used to, we don&rsquo;t want to do that anymore. So we&rsquo;ll follow your direction.&rsquo;&rdquo;STRENGTHS Team defense has been one of the Flyers&rsquo; strong suits the past few years. Hitchcock&rsquo;s statement that defense without the puck is &ldquo;non-negotiable&rdquo; should take that commitment to a higher level. The coach says good defensive positioning creates chances to convert turnovers for better scoring opportunities.Given the number of proven scorers, the Flyers power play was surprisingly bad last year, sinking to nearly the bottom of the league. Look for that to improve under assistant coaches Craig Hartsburg and Wayne Fleming.WEAKNESSES Goalie Roman Cechmanek has done just fine for two straight regular seasons. He was a Vezina Trophy finalist to Dominik Hasek in 2001 and stood among the NHL&rsquo;s best in goals-against average and save percentage in 2002. But Cechmanek has come a bit unglued both times in the playoffs. He will have to change that to be accepted as one of the league&rsquo;s best.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0162-0226/10180495-1-eng-US/f0162-022.jpg" title="f0162-02" width="1033" height="1460"><figcaption class="caption-body">SIMON GAGNE (Jim Mclsaac/BBS)</figcaption></div>Balanced scoring has been a Flyer problem for years. They keep talking about improving their third and fourth lines, but their scoring contribution is minimal. Captain Keith Primeau was relegated to the third line last season and had his lowest goal total in almost a decade.OFFENSE For the Flyers to get their scoring in order, John LeClair, Mark Recchi and Primeau need to bounce back from off years. By nature, the Flyers have always been an aggressive forechecking team. Hitchcock&rsquo;s Dallas teams, using a modified form of trapping in the neutral zone, often put pressure on the puck, but also knew what to do with it once they gained possession. That will be the challenge for the Flyers, getting their star players to force turnovers and make optimum use of them.Hitchcock should be satisfied if he can get repeat seasons from Jeremy Roenick and Simon Gagne. Roenick was the team&rsquo;s best playmaker and Gagne shot a career-high 33 goals. LeClair, a three-time 50-goal scorer who slumped to 25 last year, underwent his second back surgery in less than two years in early July. Fortunately, it wasn&rsquo;t as serious as the first one and he&rsquo;s expected to be in uniform in October.DEFENSE Throughout most of their 35-year history, the Flyers have relied on a physical style to win battles along the boards and in the corners. That&rsquo;s been the cornerstone of their defense, keeping an edge in puck possession.The Flyers continue to rely on big forwards such as Primeau, LeClair and Donald Brashear to knock players off the puck. Cycling the puck in the attacking zone is another way they maintain control. The Flyers have been among the NHL leaders in team defense since LeClair and Eric Desjardins arrived from Montreal in 1995.BEHIND THE&nbsp;BENCH Hitchcock was known as a strict, by-the-book coach in Dallas. That approach helped get the most of talents such as Mike Modano and Brett Hull, especially in the Stars run to the 1999 Stanley Cup. Less than two years later, however, Hitchcock&rsquo;s act had worn thin and he was perceived as too &ldquo;negative.&rdquo; After he was fired midway through last season, Hitchcock says he met with various players - exit interviews, so to speak - to discuss what he might have done better.He says he will incorporate some of that feedback into his career behind the Flyers bench. He claims there&rsquo;s going to be a more player-friendly atmosphere.SALARY CEILING The Flyers will open the season a bit under last year&rsquo;s $55.8 million payroll. The departure of free agents Luke Richardson and Rick Tocchet frees up about $5 million. Jiri Dopita is also off the payroll and he made more than newly acquired center Michal Handzus. The Flyers didn&rsquo;t get involved in the free agent market this past summer. GM Bob Clarke said the Flyers spent so much money last year on Roenick and LeClair, it was time to be more cost-conscious. The Flyers have lots of Comcast Cable money to spend, but chairman Ed Snider doesn&rsquo;t want to be the one to raise the salary bar too high before the 2004 labor talks heat up.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0163-0139/10180488-1-eng-US/f0163-012.jpg" title="f0163-01" width="1698" height="2044"><figcaption class="caption-body">John LeClair had his worst John LeClair offensive year since 1994-95, finishing the 2001-02 season with 51 points.</figcaption></div>ROOKIES Defenseman Bruno St. Jacques has impressed management with his poise on the AHL Philadelphia Phantoms. Right winger Pavel Brendl has two things in his favor - his skating ability and the backing of Clarke, who wants the Czech to make it in the NHL to further justify the Eric Lindros trade.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>With a new coach, it&rsquo;s now up to the players: will they live up to their potential, or will Clarke have more excuses?PREDICTION:. 1th in East<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0162-0315/10180481-1-eng-US/f0162-032.jpg" title="f0162-03" width="885" height="513"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0162-046/10180474-1-eng-US/f0162-042.jpg" title="f0162-04" width="884" height="517"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Bob Clarke 15th NHL year (675-488-177-9) 3rd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0162-054/10180467-1-eng-US/f0162-052.jpg" title="f0162-05" width="187" height="185"></div>COACH Ken Hitchcockj 8th NHL year (277-160-60-6) 2nd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0162-065/10180460-1-eng-US/f0162-062.jpg" title="f0162-06" width="188" height="182"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0163-0223/10180453-1-eng-US/f0163-022.jpg" title="f0163-02" width="1196" height="890"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0163-0320/10180446-1-eng-US/f0163-032.jpg" title="f0163-03" width="1374" height="1040"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Lisa Meyer/BBS)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0164-0141/10180439-1-eng-US/f0164-012.jpg" title="f0164-01" width="2426" height="1975"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0164-0233/10180432-1-eng-US/f0164-022.jpg" title="f0164-02" width="2432" height="474"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>Simon Gagne is the Flyers&rsquo; best skater and most skilled player. Here&rsquo;s a look at Philadelphia&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Jeremy RoenickStickhandler Mark RecchiMost Skilled Player Simon GagneBodychecker Dan McGillisFaceoff Specialist Keith PrimeauShot John LeClairShot-Blocker Dan McGillis&nbsp;Skater Simon GagneCharlie Hustle Marty MurrayDef. Defenseman Eric WeinrichDef. Forward Keith PrimeauPasser Jeremy RoenickAgitator Todd Fedoruk<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>PAVEL BRENDL. RWThe only thing standing between Brendl and NHL stardom is desire. No one doubts his skill and the Flyers, a team that scored twice in five playoff games last year, could certainly use an influx of offense from any source.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0165-0136/10180425-1-eng-US/f0165-012.jpg" title="f0165-01" width="302" height="406"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0165-0229/10180418-1-eng-US/f0165-022.jpg" title="f0165-02" width="1486" height="931"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0165-0319/10180411-1-eng-US/f0165-032.jpg" title="f0165-03" width="259" height="137"></div>Pavel Brendl, RWRobert Esche, GMichal Handzus, CBruno St-Jacques, D<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0165-046/10180404-1-eng-US/f0165-042.jpg" title="f0165-04" width="259" height="138"></div>Brian Boucher, GJiri Dopita, CRuslan Fedotenko, RWAdam Oates, RWLuke Richardson, DBilly Tibbetts, RWRick Tocchet, RW<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Philadelphia&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and '01-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>JONI PITKANENPOSITION DefensemanSELECTED 4th overallCLUB Karpat (Finland)SCOUTING REPORT&nbsp;Pitkanen is a solid customer who is very reliable in his own zone, but also a finesse player. He handles the puck well, anticipates the play and has excellent mobility. He needs a year of seasoning.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0165-055/10180397-1-eng-US/f0165-052.jpg" title="f0165-05" width="241" height="244"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected sure-fire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Pavel Brendl, RW, 21, Philadelphia (AHL)2. Antero NUttymakl, G, 22, TPS (Fin.)3. Jeff Woywltka, D. 19. Red Deer (WHL)4. Bruno St-Jacques, D, 22, Philadelphia (AHL)5. Guillaume Lefebvre, LW, 21, Philadelphia (AHL)6. Jim Vandermeer, D, 22, Philadelphia (AHL)7. Alexander Drozdetsky, RW. 20. Cen. Army (Rus.)8. Patrick Sharp, C, 20. Vermont (ECAC)9. Dennis Seidenberg, D. 21. Mannheim (Ger.)10. Radovan Somik, LW, 25, Zlin (Czech)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0165-065/10180390-1-eng-US/f0165-062.jpg" title="f0165-06" width="1051" height="3378"></div> &#9632;

f0162-01

Post-season flop outs Hitch in plans

<div class="byline">By Bob McManaman</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0166-0137/10180645-1-eng-US/f0166-012.jpg" title="f0166-01" width="865" height="346"></div>What are the Phoenix Coyotes supposed to do for an encore?They stunned the NHL shocked even themselves by finishing with the second-best record in franchise history (40-27-9-6, 95 points) - something nobody could have predicted after management dismantled the roster and slashed the payroll.The bar of expectations seemingly was set so low, the Coyotes were supposed to have permanent backaches from their limbo walk through the 2001-02 season. Now their sightshave been raised so high, they&rsquo;re going to need a pole vault to meet their goal.&ldquo;Is it unrealistic to think we can&rsquo;t improve and finish even higher? I don&rsquo;t think so,&rdquo; said Coyotes coach Bobby Francis. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve given ourselves a unique opportunity here to get where we want to be even quicker. We&rsquo;ve sped up the entire process.&rdquo;If you want to know how serious the Coyotes are in taking the next step, consider the four-year, $24-million contract they gave unrestricted free agent right winger Tony Amonte represents a 180-degree reversal fromjust last summer when chopping salary was the top organizational priorityThe Coyotes also added 35-year-old grinding forward Kelly Buchberger, signing him to a one-year deal.The temptation to spend even more will be with the team throughout the season. The Coyotes know they will enjoy the comfort of new funds in another year after the opening of a new, 17,500-seat arena in nearby Glendale, Ariz.&ldquo;Even if we stay with what we have, I think we&rsquo;U be a better hockey club this year,&rdquo; said GM Mike Barnett. &ldquo;But we will continue to evaluate and re-evaluate every step of the way.&rdquo;STRENGTHS These Coyotes are hungry Management made sure of that by rebuilding the club a year ago with young players, who then responded above expectations when handed more responsibility.Additionally, the goaltending is as stable as it gets. Sean Burke&rsquo;s .919 save percentage over the past three seasons is the NHL&rsquo;s second-&rsquo; best mark and he&rsquo;s coming off career highs in wins (33) and shutouts (five) and was a Vezina Trophy finalist. 4 The Coyotes acquired Brian Boucher for the backup role by dealing center Michal Handzus and goalie Robert Esche to the Flyers.WEAKNESSES The addition of Amonte takes some of the pressure off of Daymond Langkow, Shane Doan and Brian Savage to do all the scoring. Langkow did his part with a team-high 62 points, but Savage and Doan slumped considerably at different times. Lemieux and third line wingers Brad May and Landon Wilson offer little offensive help and as refreshing as Daniel Briere was, it&rsquo;s hard to fathom the 5-foot-9 pivot chalking up another 32-goal season.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0166-0220/10180638-1-eng-US/f0166-022.jpg" title="f0166-02" width="891" height="1452"><figcaption class="caption-body">KRYS KOLANOS (Bruce Bennet/BBS)</figcaption></div>The biggest problem this franchise still has is the inability to shed its painful playoff legacy. It changed cities, unik forms, logos, superstars, management and ownership, hasn&rsquo;t won a playoff series since 1987. That&rsquo;s the longest such streak of futility going in the NHL. But with 15 players on the roster aged 25 or younger, they&rsquo;re on the right path.OFFENSE The Coyotes featured five 20-goal scorers for the first time since relocating to Phoenix from Winnipeg in 1996-97. So while they may lack clutch scoring whenthe pressure is on, they do have an adequate amount of skill to fill the net, albeit on an inconsistent, individual basis. The hope isAmonte, who had seasons of 44, 43 and 35 goals before slipping to 27 last year, will once again light it up. He appeared to lose his enthusiasm last season, but remains one of the league&rsquo;s fastest skaters and deadliest shooters.Something to keep in mind, also, is nine different players wound up establishing some sort of career-high offensive number last year. Ladislav Nagy is a potential star in the making after scoring 23 goals last season.DEFENSE Burke&rsquo;s career renaissance is where it all starts, but in front of him the club&rsquo;s top six defensemen have never been stronger. 50:293The combinations of Teppo Numminen and Ossi Vaananen, Danny Markov and Paul Mara, and Todd Simpson and Radoslav Suchy offer a nice blend of size, strength, speed and smarts. Veteran Drake Berehowsky adds depth.BEHIND THE BENCH Francis went from a lame-duck coach on a team that was picked by many to finish last in the league to a Jack Adams Award winner on the sixth-best team in the Western Conference and the recipient of a fat, multi-year contract extension.He stabilized the players two years ago when there were rumblings of a fire sale and a potential franchise relocation to Portland. Then he turned in one of the most amazing coachingjobs in recent history by taking the supposedly rebuilding Coyotes back to the playoffs.Francis accomplished it all by getting his players to buy into his mantra of sacrificing personal success for the benefit of the team. He had to bench several players along the way and leave a few in the dust once expectation levels rose, but the skaters respect his blunt honesty and direct approach.SALARY CEILING The payroll, which ranked 19th a year ago at $31.2 million, has grown with the addition of Amonte. With new revenue streams emanating from the new arena set to open in another year, the Coyotes can afford other upgrades after earlier mounting losses forced them to part with stars Jeremy Roenick, Keith Tkachuk and Nikolai Khabibulin.ROOKIES Right winger Branko Radivojevic, 21, is a lock to make the team despite only appearing in 18 games last season. It was more than enough to convince everyone the big-hitting, power forward-to-be is capable and deserving.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0167-0136/10180631-1-eng-US/f0167-012.jpg" title="f0167-01" width="1742" height="2046"><figcaption class="caption-body">The Coyotes hope Brian Savage can stretch his usual good start deeper into the year. (Dale Macmillan/BBS)</figcaption></div>Center Jeff Taffe, the NCAA&rsquo;s secondleading goal-scorer who helped Minnesota to the national championship, will get a long look. He has a lot of the same tools as second-year center Krys Kolanos, only in a sleeker package.Towering 6-foot-6 defenseman Dan Focht, Phoenix&rsquo;s first-rounder from 1996, has finally put it all together and with a good training camp could move ahead of the veteran Berehowsky on the depth chart.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>So much went right a year ago, it&rsquo;s tough to believe it can all happen again. No one will take this team lightly in '02-03.PREDICTION: 9th in West<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0166-0313/10180624-1-eng-US/f0166-032.jpg" title="f0166-03" width="874" height="508"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0166-049/10180617-1-eng-US/f0166-042.jpg" title="f0166-04" width="875" height="504"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Mike Barnett 2nd NHL year (40-27-9-6) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0166-057/10180610-1-eng-US/f0166-052.jpg" title="f0166-05" width="186" height="180"></div>COACH Bobby Francis 4th NHL year (114-89-34-13) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0166-063/10180603-1-eng-US/f0166-062.jpg" title="f0166-06" width="186" height="180"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0167-0221/10180596-1-eng-US/f0167-022.jpg" title="f0167-02" width="1225" height="908"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0167-0318/10180589-1-eng-US/f0167-032.jpg" title="f0167-03" width="1404" height="1028"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Sports Action Photography)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0168-0139/10180582-1-eng-US/f0168-012.jpg" title="f0168-01" width="2425" height="2016"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0168-0219/10180575-1-eng-US/f0168-022.jpg" title="f0168-02" width="2431" height="477"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>Daymond Langkow works hard in both ends for the the Coyotes. Here&rsquo;s a look at Phoenix&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Teppo NumminenStickhandler Daniel BriereMost Skilled Player Daniel BriereBodychecker Shane Doan&nbsp;Faceoff Specialist Daymond LangkowShot Tony Amonte&nbsp;Shot-Blocker Radoslav SuchySkater Ladislav NagyCharlie Hustle Danny MarkovDef. Defenseman Todd SimpsonDef. Forward Daymond LangkowPasser Daymond LangkowAgitator Brad May<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>OSSI VAANANEN, DThe big Finn plays with an edge and has been a pleasant surprise in his first two NHL seasons. For the Coyotes to again contend for a playoff spot, Vaananen needs to get his minutes played into the 25-per-game neighborhood. That is definitely doable.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0169-0132/10180568-1-eng-US/f0169-012.jpg" title="f0169-01" width="311" height="412"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0169-0219/10180561-1-eng-US/f0169-022.jpg" title="f0169-02" width="1510" height="929"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0169-0315/10180554-1-eng-US/f0169-032.jpg" title="f0169-03" width="259" height="137"></div>Tony Amonte, RWBrian Boucher, GKelly Buchberger, CDan Focht, DBranko Radivojevic, RWJeff Taffe, C<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0169-045/10180547-1-eng-US/f0169-042.jpg" title="f0169-04" width="259" height="138"></div>Sebastien Bordeleau, CRobert Esche, GMichal Handzus, CDenis Pederson, C Wyatt Smith, CMike Sullivan, C<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Phoenix&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>JAKUB&nbsp;KOREISPOSITION Center&nbsp;SELECTED 19th overallCLUB Pizen (Czech Rep.)SCOUTING REPORT Big, aggressive center is a burgeoning power forward with size, puckhandling and playmaking skills and a powerful skating stride. Koreis is a mature defensive player. He should be ready in two years.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0169-055/10180540-1-eng-US/f0169-052.jpg" title="f0169-05" width="245" height="244"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Jeff Taffe, C, 21, Minnesota (WCHA)2. Branko Radivojevic, RW, 21. Springfield (AHL)3. Fredrik SJostrom, RW, 19, Calgary (WHL)4. Patrick DesRochers, G, 22, Springfield (AHL)5. Jason Jaspers, C, 21, Springfield (AHL)6. Martin Grenier, D, 21. Springfield (AHL)7. Martin Podlesak, C, 20, Lethbridge (WHL)8. Mike Schutte, D, 22, Maine (HE)9. Ramzi Abid, LW, 22. Springfield (AHL)10. Erik Westrum, C, 23, Springfield (AHL)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0169-063/10180533-1-eng-US/f0169-062.jpg" title="f0169-06" width="1050" height="3380"></div> &#9632;

f0166-01

Surprise party over for super-achievers

<div class="byline">By Joe Starkey</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0170-0137/10180788-1-eng-US/f0170-012.jpg" title="f0170-01" width="877" height="352"></div>How long can the Pittsburgh Penguins stay tethered to a Mario Lemieux umbilical cord?Nearly two decades after they drafted Lemieux - and five years after his first retirement - the Penguins remain utterly dependent on No. 66 for goals, victories and fans. In short, for survival.This is not healthy - and neither is Lemieux, who has chronic back and hip injuries and who turns 37 in October. His absence in all but 24 games last season was the biggest factor in the Penguins missing the playoffs for the first time since 1990. They had their lowest point total (69) in a non-lockout season since 1984-85, Lemieux&rsquo;s rookie year.It didn&rsquo;t help that Jaromir Jagrand his five scoring titles were in Washington, or that Martin Straka missed 69 games with a broken tibia. Robert Lang and Alexei Kovalev missed a combined 35 games. The Pens lost 330 man-games in all, the secondhighest figure in the NHL.GM Craig Patrick believes a return to health will mean a return to the playoffs. Problem is, he keeps losing his best players to the Capitals without much return. Lang, who was inexplicably retained at the trade deadline, joined Jagr in JulyThose two are merely the latest Penguin payroll casualties. It seems clear the best way for a tight-budget team to thrive these days-ala Carolina and Phoenix - is to develop players, make smart trades, sign the occasional free agent and play a strict system. The Penguins have fallen short on all those fronts and without the financial wherewithal to compensate, they should no longer be considered a serious Stanley Cup contender.Even if Lemieux stages another stirring comeback, his days as the franchise savior are numbered. If the Penguins are to survive in the money-mad NHL, they&rsquo;ll need to look elsewhere for help: to the Pittsburgh politicos and citizens for a new arena and to the NHL for a salary cap. Until then, they&rsquo;ll go as Lemieux goes.STRENGTHS Despite losing Jagr, Ron Francis and Lang in the past five years, the Penguins remain blessed with plenty of top-end skill. Lemieux and Kovalev are two of the most talented forwards in the world and Straka is a year removed from producing 95 points. Straka, who was haunted by injury last season, saw his run of bad luck continue in the summer as a 370-pound workout machine fell oi him in the Czech Republic, cracking a vertebra. His status was doubtful for the start of training camp.Jan Hrdina, Randy Robitaille and Aleksey Morozov are coming off career-best seasons. Veteran leadership is another strong point. Lemieux, Straka, Kovalev, Jamie Pushor and Kent Manderville, among others, are battle-tested performers. The Penguins were 7-5-8 in overtime last season.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0170-0228/10180781-1-eng-US/f0170-022.jpg" title="f0170-02" width="1057" height="1324"><figcaption class="caption-body">ALEKSEY MOROZOV (Jim Leary/BBS)</figcaption></div>WEAKNESSES The defense has been average to mediocre for several years, a problem the Penguins have tried to address in the past three drafts. The catch is, none of the players selected in that span appear to be NHLtheir fewest in a non-lockout season since 1969-70. So much depends on Lemieux, who was leading the league in points per game (1.28) when his hip injury forced him out. His presence creates space on the power play which posted its worst percentage (14 per cent) since the team&rsquo;s inaugural season of 1967-68. Lemieux makes everyone around him better, most notably Aleksey Morozov. ready and the teamtraded its best defenseman, Darius I Kasparaitis, late last season. Also, the Pens never replaced Bob Boughner&rsquo;s steady presence. There&rsquo;s no No. 1 defenseman in sight or a shutdown guy capable of I hounding the opposing ' team&rsquo;s best player. Josef Melichar is the top candidate to fill the latter role.Once you get past the top two lines, the Penguins lack scoring depth. They also need to find a way to win against the West - they were 4-17-0-1 last season.OFFENSE Long considered one of the NHL&rsquo;s most dangerous teams, the Pens fell hard without Jagr and without their other top scorers for long stretches. They scored only 198 goals, their fewest in a non-lockout season since 1969-70.So much depends on Lemieux, who was leading the league in points per game (1.28) when his hip injury forced him out. His presence creates space on the power play which posted its worst percentage (14 per cent) since the team&rsquo;s inau.gural season of 1967-68. Lemieux makes everyone around him better, most notably Aleksey Morozov.Kovalev has stepped up as bona fide star in the past two years. He is a threat to crack the 100-point mark. At least one of the younger players - Jan Hrdina, Kris Beech, Morozov, Milan Kraft - needs to take a huge leap forward to help fill the void created by Lang&rsquo;s departure.DEFENSE Only four teams allowed more goals (249) than the Penguins, who must become more proficient at moving the puck out of their end. They also need to get a consistent forecheck going at the other end, which will take the pressure off their defense.Coach Rick Kehoe had his team playing a conservative system for his first several months on the job. It was his only choice, considering all the injuries. Kehoe loosened things up toward the end of the season. His defensemen need to tighten things up in their own zone. Too often, opposing forwards were given free reign in front of Hedberg. That led to a slew of redirections, rebounds and screens. Somebody needs to start laying the lumber and if it&rsquo;s going to happen, Rick Berry and Melichar figure to lead the way.BEHIND THE BENCH It was hard to judgeKehoe in his first season, simply because the team&rsquo;s injuries forced him to play with a different lineup almost every night. Kehoe constantly juggled his lines in a search for chemistry. It&rsquo;ll be interesting to see if he does the same with a healthy lineup. He wasn&rsquo;t afraid to skate his players long and hard at practice or to pull people out of the lineup if they weren&rsquo;t effective as he madethe difficult transition from playerfriendly assistant to top dog.SALARY CEILING The Penguins are entering Year 4 of a five-year business plan they carried out of U.S. Bankruptcy Court before 1999-2000. This year&rsquo;s pay-roll should be around $34 million, up from last season&rsquo;s figure of $31.2 million which ranked 19th in the NHL. Lemieux again is expected to play for around $5.25 million, half his (healthy) market value.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0171-0134/10180774-1-eng-US/f0171-012.jpg" title="f0171-01" width="1687" height="2040"><figcaption class="caption-body">Mario Lemieux has his work cut outfor him to get his Penguins back into the postseason. (Bruce Bennett/BBS)</figcaption></div>ROOKIES It&rsquo;s a longshot that anyone who finished the season with Pittsburghs&rsquo; AHL farm team in Wilkes-Barre will make this year&rsquo;s roster. Right winger Shane Endicott and defenseman Brooks Orpik have the best chance. The Penguins were hoping Orpik, their first round pick in 2000 (18th overall), would be ready last season, but he took a while to make the adjustment from college to pro hockey.This year&rsquo;s top pick, defenseman Ryan Whitney, is committed to returning to Boston University for his sophomore season.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>If Lemieux plays and the team stays healthy, the Pens could overcome their deficiencies and make the playoffs.PREDICTION: 11th in East<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0170-0313/10180767-1-eng-US/f0170-032.jpg" title="f0170-03" width="881" height="506"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0170-0410/10180760-1-eng-US/f0170-042.jpg" title="f0170-04" width="883" height="508"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Craig Patrick 18th NHL year (707-576-171-14) 2nd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0170-057/10180753-1-eng-US/f0170-052.jpg" title="f0170-05" width="187" height="179"></div>COACH Rick Kehoe 2nd NHL year (28-37-8-5) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0170-062/10180746-1-eng-US/f0170-062.jpg" title="f0170-06" width="187" height="180"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0171-0218/10180739-1-eng-US/f0171-022.jpg" title="f0171-02" width="1191" height="902"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0171-0315/10180732-1-eng-US/f0171-032.jpg" title="f0171-03" width="1387" height="1094"><figcaption class="caption-body">(C. Pasatieri/BBS)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0172-0134/10180725-1-eng-US/f0172-012.jpg" title="f0172-01" width="2540" height="1911"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0172-0218/10180718-1-eng-US/f0172-022.jpg" title="f0172-02" width="2530" height="461"></div><h2>ON&nbsp;THE FLY</h2>Mario Lemieux is the Penguins most skilled player, maybe the best of all-time. Here&rsquo;s a look at Pittsburgh&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy&nbsp;Martin StrakaStickhandler&nbsp;Alexei KovalevMost Skilled Player Mario LemieuxBodychecker Rick BerryFaceoff Specialist Jan HrdinaShot&nbsp;Alexei KovalevShot-Blocker&nbsp;Ian MoranSkater&nbsp;Martin StrakaCharlie Hustle&nbsp;Dan LaCoutureDef. Defenseman&nbsp;Josef MelicharDef. Forward Jan HrdinaPasser&nbsp;Mario LemieuxAgitator&nbsp;Ville Nieminen<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>VILLE NIEMINEN, LWFor a time it looked as though Nieminen would develop into a scorer for Colorado. If it is to happen, it will be with the Penguins. Nieminen is a gifted skater and stickhandler who wouldn't be out of place on a scoring line.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0173-0132/10180711-1-eng-US/f0173-012.jpg" title="f0173-01" width="315" height="406"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0173-0218/10180704-1-eng-US/f0173-022.jpg" title="f0173-02" width="1509" height="920"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0173-11/10180697-1-eng-US/f0173-112.jpg" title="f0173-11" width="259" height="137"></div>Marc Bergevin, DSteve McKenna, LW<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0173-20/10180690-1-eng-US/f0173-202.jpg" title="f0173-20" width="259" height="138"></div>Robert Dome, RWJohn Jakopin, DRobert Lang, CKrzysztof Oliwa, LWKevin Stevens, LWJeff Toms, LW<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Pittsburgh&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>RYAN WHITNEYPOSITION DefensemanSELECTED 5th overallCLUB Boston U. (NCAA)SCOUTING REPORT&nbsp;Whitney skates with a long, smooth stride, has exceptional lateral mobility and is confident on the offensive rush. Defensively, he'saggressive and is strong 1-on-1. He has three years of college remaining.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0173-0311/10180683-1-eng-US/f0173-032.jpg" title="f0173-03" width="246" height="239"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected sure-fire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Brooks Orpik, D. 22, Wilkes-Barre (AHL)2. Shane Endicott, RW, 20, Wilkes-Barre (AHL)3 Konstantin Koltsov, RW, 21, Spartak (Rus.)4. Michal Sivek, C, 21, Wilkes-Barre (AHL)5. Colby Armstrong, RW. 19, Red Deer (WHL)6. Sebastien Caron, G, 22, Wilkes-Barre (AHL)7. Ross Lupaschuk, D, 21. Wilkes-Barre (AHL)8. Noah Welch, D, 20, Harvard (ECAC)9. Matt Murtey, LW. 22. RPI (ECAC)10. Rob Scuderi, D, 23, Wilkes-Barre (AHL)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0173-042/10180676-1-eng-US/f0173-042.jpg" title="f0173-04" width="1068" height="3368"></div> &#9632;

f0170-01

As Lemieux goes, so go Penguins

<div class="byline">By Derrick Goold</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0174-0133/10180931-1-eng-US/f0174-012.jpg" title="f0174-01" width="858" height="368"></div>Convinced they were on the threshold of their best Stanley Cup shot in decades, the Blues unlocked the vault for 2001-02 to build a roster they thought would be a contender. Instead, they were a conundrum.Adjectives never before associated with a Joel Quenneville-coached Blues team were bandied about regularly. Inconsistent. Fluctuating effort. Overpaid. Underachieving.The Blues didn&rsquo;t find a groove until late in the season and several players still had far below-average performances. The five-game playoff loss to Detroit was a mismatch.Center Doug Weight is the poster boy for the Blues and their baffling season. Aching with a pre-existing abdominal injury, he struggled and eventually missed the final 20 games with a debilitating strained pelvis. He&rsquo;s spending the summer working out, getting healthy and stoking his hunger.That&rsquo;s the adjective Quenneville wants this season: hungry.&ldquo;I felt for the last four or five years we always had a team that you could count on to work hard, overachieve and (last season) was just the opposite,&rdquo; Quenneville said. &ldquo;We lost some of our identity. I think we need to be hungry again, overachieve again and have everyone max out their performance.&rdquo;During the off-season, the Blues brass stood mostly pat with the roster and preached an &ldquo;improve from within&rdquo; philosophy. Maxing out will be even more essential as captain Chris Pronger will likely miss the first half of the season rehabbing a knee damaged during a collision with Detroit&rsquo;s Steve Yzerman. Youngsters such as Mike Van Ryn and Bryce Salvador will be required to soak up additional time.The Blues will benefit from goaltender Brent-Johnson&rsquo;s year of experience. He entrenched himself as the starter with a solid post-season.A big budget still buys the Blues high expectations. The consequences for a repeat of last season&rsquo;s foibles would be grave.STRENGTHS Even 1 without Pronger, the Blues&rsquo; defensive system will remain their calling card. Johnson&rsquo; ability to handle the puck and remain poised while not seeing many shots highlight a sound, clingy and unrelenting defense.The Blues defenders aren&rsquo;t fancy, but are adept at clearing the puck out of the defensive zone. Up front they show a lot of creativity up front, particularly when Demitra and Weight are on the ice. If the Blues improve on offense it will start with ad-libbing from steady cycling. Penalty killing improved dramatically with the addition of Shjon Podein, but the power play, which ranked 14th in the league, could be better.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0174-0215/10180924-1-eng-US/f0174-022.jpg" title="f0174-02" width="1053" height="1418"><figcaption class="caption-body">KEITH TKACHUK (Mark Buckner/BBS)</figcaption></div>WEAKNESSES Start with the absence of Pronger and watch the ripple effects. Quenneville has promised - again - not to overload Al Maclnnis&rsquo;s ice time, but that means spreading Pronger&rsquo;s 30 minutes among youth and stay-at-home KEITH TKACHUI haymaker was the perpetual concern for the Blues in 2001-02. An improved performance from Weight should help those around him improve their numbers. Cory Stillman, who had a quiet 23 goals, will be expected to score more (and more timely) goals to help offset the loss of Scott Young. Second year left winger Sergei Varlamov could help the attack if he can earn types. That leaves the Blues open to early growing pains as transitional play and breakouts MANAGEMENT GM Larry Pleau 8th NHL year (259-225-77-10) 2nd team COACH Joel Quenneville 7th NHL year i (240-147-62-10) 1st team adjust to life without the big guy.Depth could haunt the Blues on two fronts - on the blueline and the scoring lines. The Blues lack proven scorers beyond three or four forwards and they don&rsquo;t have a readymade reliable winger to flank Weight. The fear is a lack of scoring could resurrect, last season&rsquo;s No. 1 glitch: inconsistent effort.OFFENSE Finding a complementary scoring punch to the Keith Tkachuk-Demitra haymaker was the perpetual concern for the Blues in 2001-02. An improved performance from Weight should help those around him improve their numbers.Cory Stillman, who had a quiet 23 goals, will be expected to score more (and more timely) goals to help offset the loss of Scott Young. Secondyear left winger Sergei Varlamov could help the attack if he can earn increased ice time. Tkachuk and Demitra must, at the very least, duplicate last season&rsquo;s show.Getting another player to follow Tkachuk&rsquo;s charge into traffic would help make the Blues better finishers and more dangerous in the offensive end.DEFENSE St. Louis places a lot of emphasis on defensive play - just as the Chicago Blackhawks, who were smothered by the Blues in the playoffs last year. The defense, led by Maclnnis, Pronger and Jeff Finley, is dedicated to keeping shots to a minimum, beating teams to their dump-ins and taking advantage of Johnson&rsquo;s strong puckhandling skills as a quick way to clear the zone.Forwards have varied responsibility with the first man back taking the brunt of the defensive work. Without Pronger, the goals-against average may take a slight hit, but the system should still hold for the most part.BEHIND THE BENCH Quenneville, clearly a player-friendly coach, had his most strenuous and disappointing season. His kind of player, feisty vet MikeKeane, didn&rsquo;t fit in, while his style - hard-working, overachieving - too often fell on deaf ears.Quenneville has added a new assistant, Don Lever from Buffalo, and he&rsquo;s found faith in youngsters he must rely on this season. Quenneville insists on structured defense first and then allows the offense to improvise.That blend caught on with the vets late in the year last season. A fresh approach will help energize the team.SALARY CEILING The Blues&rsquo; insistence on keeping a payroll of $57 million or less for this season kept them out of the free agent derby. Last year the Blues&rsquo; budget took a huge leap to $57.7 million, second in the league on opening day Management did not get a fiscally reasonable return.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0175-0127/10180917-1-eng-US/f0175-012.jpg" title="f0175-01" width="1704" height="2041"><figcaption class="caption-body">Winger-turned center Pavol Demitra was one of the Blues&rsquo; bright spots in a puzzling year. (Jim Leary BBS)</figcaption></div>ROOKIES Two pure rookies will be among the youngsters expected to fill voids and bring much-needed spunk to the Blues&rsquo; lineup.Barret Jackman was the best player on the ice in the two games he played with the Blues last season, suggesting he&rsquo;s a lock for employment. Unflinching, physical and a good passer, Jackman could change the on-ice persona by putting the bruise back in Blues.Czech forward Petr Cajanek&rsquo;s scoring reputation has preceded him. If headapts quickly he could be the offensive splash the Blues crave. Cajanek, 27, will be given every opportunity to excel.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>A year late, the Blues promise to align performance with payroll. The Stanley Cup, though, seems a ways off yet.PREDICTION: 7th in West<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0174-036/10180910-1-eng-US/f0174-032.jpg" title="f0174-03" width="863" height="516"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0174-042/10180903-1-eng-US/f0174-042.jpg" title="f0174-04" width="864" height="519"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Larry Pleau 8th NHL year (259-225-77-10) 2nd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0174-052/10180896-1-eng-US/f0174-052.jpg" title="f0174-05" width="184" height="187"></div>COACH Joel Quenneville 7th NHL year (240-147-62-10) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0174-062/10180889-1-eng-US/f0174-062.jpg" title="f0174-06" width="186" height="186"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0175-0210/10180882-1-eng-US/f0175-022.jpg" title="f0175-02" width="1205" height="896"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0175-037/10180875-1-eng-US/f0175-032.jpg" title="f0175-03" width="1393" height="1069"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Dale MacMillan BBS)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0176-0132/10180868-1-eng-US/f0176-012.jpg" title="f0176-01" width="2379" height="1867"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0176-0215/10180861-1-eng-US/f0176-022.jpg" title="f0176-02" width="2386" height="445"></div><h2>ON&nbsp;THE FLY</h2>Pavol Demitra is the most skilled player on the Blues. Here&rsquo;s a look at St. Louis&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Scott MellanbyStickhandler Doug WeightMost Skilled Player Pavol DemitraBodychecker Dallas DrakeFaceoff Specialist Mike EastwoodShot&nbsp;Al MaclnnisShot-Blocker&nbsp;Chris ProngerSkater&nbsp;Jamal MayersCharlie Hustle&nbsp;Shjon PodeinDef. Defenseman&nbsp;Chris ProngerDef. Forward&nbsp;Shjon PodeinPasser&nbsp;Doug WeightAgitator Tyson Nash<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>BRENT JOHNSON, G OK, so we know he can play in the league, and quite well at times for that matter. But can Johnson raise the level of his play to the point where goaltending is no longer a cause for concern forthe Blues? That remains to be seen.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0177-0122/10180854-1-eng-US/f0177-012.jpg" title="f0177-01" width="315" height="405"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0177-027/10180847-1-eng-US/f0177-022.jpg" title="f0177-02" width="1529" height="923"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0177-035/10180840-1-eng-US/f0177-032.jpg" title="f0177-03" width="259" height="137"></div>Petr Cajanek, CSteve Dubinsky, CBarret Jackman, D<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0177-043/10180833-1-eng-US/f0177-042.jpg" title="f0177-04" width="259" height="138"></div>Marc Bergevin, DTed Donato, LWRay Ferraro, CScott Young, RW<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are St-Louis&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>ALEXEI SHKOTOVPOSITION Right Winger&nbsp;SELECTED 48th overall&nbsp;CLUB Elektrostal (Rus.)SCOUTING REPORT Undersized winger has excellent moves and plays a quick, darting style. Shkotov doesn't back down from defenders and utilizes his low center of gravity to keep his balance. At least three years away.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0177-053/10180826-1-eng-US/f0177-052.jpg" title="f0177-05" width="251" height="243"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Barret Jackman, D, 21, Worcester (AHL)2. Justin Papineau, C, 22, Worcester (AHL)3. Matt Walker, D, 22, Worcester (AHL)4. Petr Cajanek, C, 27, Zlin (Czech)5. Christian Backman, D. 22. Frolunda (Swe.)6. Dale Clarke, 0. 24. Worcester (AHL)7. Mt Panzer, C, 24, Worcester (AHL)8. Eric Boguniecki, RW. 27. Worcester (AHL)9. Jay McClement, C. 19. Brampton (OHL)10. Marc Brown, LW, 23. Worcester (AHL)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0177-063/10180819-1-eng-US/f0177-062.jpg" title="f0177-06" width="1062" height="3380"></div> &#9632;

f0174-01

Better showing expected of all

<div class="byline">By Ross McKeon</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0178-0130/10181074-1-eng-US/f0178-012.jpg" title="f0178-01" width="858" height="340"></div>Yes they won their first Pacific Division title. Yes, they became only the second team in NHL history to improve on the previous season&rsquo;s point total for a sixth straight year. Yes, they remained a stingy team defensively, while breaking out offensivelywith 248 goals, the NHL&rsquo;s fourth-best attack.Is this whatthe Sharks will take into 2002-03?No.Instead, San Jose takes the bitter memory of letting a 3-2 lead in games slip away during a second round loss to Colorado. It was a painful, agonizing sevengame loss.While considered long shots by most outside the dressing room, the Sharks were a confident group. They were not surprised to be in position to knock off the defending Stanley Cup champs. They had illusions of not only beating Colorado, but also tossing Detroit aside and reaching the final for the first time themselves.Forty-eight hours after losing 1-0 in Game 7, coach Darryl Sutter paused while answering a question and uttered, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s hard. I still can&rsquo;t believe we lost.&rdquo;It&rsquo;s with that focus, that determination and that confidence the Sharks embark on 2002-03, the 12th season in franchise history and a year in which 100 regular season points would put San Jose in a class of its own as the only team in league history to improve seven straight years.The Sharks got a big morale boost in the off-season when leading goalscorer Teemu Selanne spurned a longer-term deal for more money elsewhere to return to San Jose for one year at $6.5 million (plus a player option for a second year at the same salary). Selanne stuck to his word that money would not be the deciding factor and put his stamp of approval that the Sharks are headed in the right direction.STRENGTHS The Sharks are a close-knit group, confident in each other&rsquo;s abilities and unified in commitment. The depth at forward and mix between veteran presence and youthful energy is impressive. The Sharks played very well at home last year (fifth best home record in the NHL). Mike Ricci centers the most productive third line in hockey, joined by lateblooming scorer Scott Thornton and strong two-way winger Niklas Sundstrom. Built from goal out, the Sharks rely on Evgeni Nabokov, who has proven in his first two seasons he can handle a large workload. Strong short-handed, the team is resilient and generally gets better over the course of a game.WEAKNESSES Inconsistent during Sutter&rsquo;s tenure, the power play is still searching for ways to rank among the league&rsquo;s top third.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0178-0213/10181067-1-eng-US/f0178-022.jpg" title="f0178-02" width="681" height="1580"><figcaption class="caption-body">VINCENT DAMPHOUSSE (Andre Pichette/BBS)</figcaption></div>With the probable retirement of Gary Suter, there is no obvious choice to quarterback the power play.Veteran Vincent Damphousse mans the No. 1 center role and Patrick Marleau only staked claim to No. 2 responsibilities with a late-season goal-scoring run. If either isn&rsquo;t playing well, center ice is a glaring problem. Depth on defense is also a concern.OFFENSE Talk about diversity: The Sharks were the only team in the league to boast six players with 20 or more goals (Ricci fell one goa short of making it seven).It&rsquo;s not just how many Sharks can score, but the different ways they can get it done now. Speed is present throughout the lines, but each group has its own identity There&rsquo;s the Damphousse line&rsquo;s forechecking pressure, Ricci&rsquo;s cycling ability and Marleau&rsquo;s darting speed combined with Selanne&rsquo;s creativity.San Jose is a definite threat shorthanded as well, scoring the second-most shorthanded goals last year (15).DEFENSE The organization is particularly excited about this group because of its age - the core is young, with Brad Stuart, Scott Hannan and Jeff Jillson aged 22 or under and Mike Rathje is 28. Experience is all they need to continue to excel.Still, the Sharks could use improvement in several areas. The blueline corps fell victim to Colorado&rsquo;s ability to score on the rush. They need to block more shots. They need to get more involved on the offensive side as far as breakout passes and getting shots through and on net. There isn&rsquo;t much depth if the injury bug strikes, so conditioning and good fortune will be key again.Veterans Bryan Marchment and Marcus Ragnarsson return to round out the blueline brigade.BEHIND THE BENCH Sutter has an enviable record for success wherever he has been: he has never missed the playoffs in 20 years as a coach or player spanning juniorhockey, the minors and the NHL.Despite his strong credentials, however, Sutter is being challenged after receiving only a one-year contract extension in the off-season. As he tries to lead the team to another division title, Sutter will look to improve an inconsistent power play and improve the team&rsquo;s effectiveness defending and attacking on the rush.With the return of assistants Lorne Molleken and Rich Preston, this season marks the first during Sutter&rsquo;s five-year tenure the coaching staff has entered a campaign intact.SALARY CEILING The Sharks shot to a franchise-high $44-million payroll last season, ranking among the top-10 payrolls in the league. That, however, is as much as new ownership wants to spend. Lombardi earlier predicted this year&rsquo;s payroll would fall somewhere between $40-45 million; the actual figure will land closer, if not over, $45 million since Selanne re-signed and a number of restricted free agents still needed new deals.While the team routinely plays to near capacity at home, there are no cable television contracts on the horizon and few avenues for new revenues. Management views the Sharks as a middle-market team in terms of revenue.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0179-0124/10181060-1-eng-US/f0179-012.jpg" title="f0179-01" width="1707" height="2054"><figcaption class="caption-body">Mike Ricci&rsquo;s have come to typify the Sharks&rsquo; businesslike approach. (Don Smith/BBS)</figcaption></div>ROOKIES Sniping winger Jonathan Cheechoo is expected to get a chance, possibly in a fourth line role to give him a chance to develop at his own pace. Cheechoo is best down low, works hard along the wall and excels in the grind-it the hockey news. out game. He missed significant time last season with injuries sustained at different times - a concussion and broken wrist - but is fully recovered.Physical left winger Eric LaPlante could get a look-see. The same goes for center Chad Wiseman after a strong year in the AHL.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>San Jose had its best year when its top players were simply average. If the elite step it up, the Stanley Cup is possible.PREDICTION: 3th in West<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0178-038/10181053-1-eng-US/f0178-032.jpg" title="f0178-03" width="862" height="513"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0178-044/10181046-1-eng-US/f0178-042.jpg" title="f0178-04" width="865" height="514"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Dean Lombardi 7th NHL year (211-202-66-13) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0178-054/10181039-1-eng-US/f0178-052.jpg" title="f0178-05" width="182" height="185"></div>COACH Darryl Sutter 9th NHL year (294-242-84-13) 2nd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0178-064/10181032-1-eng-US/f0178-062.jpg" title="f0178-06" width="179" height="183"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0179-029/10181025-1-eng-US/f0179-022.jpg" title="f0179-02" width="1203" height="906"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0179-038/10181018-1-eng-US/f0179-032.jpg" title="f0179-03" width="1401" height="1086"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Henry DiRocco/BBS)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0180-0126/10181011-1-eng-US/f0180-012.jpg" title="f0180-01" width="2379" height="1871"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0180-034/10181004-1-eng-US/f0180-032.jpg" title="f0180-03" width="2386" height="440"></div><h2>ON&nbsp;THE FLY</h2>Mike Ricci is the Sharks hustle guy and defensive stopper. Here&rsquo;s a look at San Jose&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy&nbsp;Adam GravesStickhandler&nbsp;Vince DamphousseMost Skilled&nbsp;Player Teemu SelanneBodychecker&nbsp;Owen NolanFaceoff Specialist&nbsp;Vince DamphousseShot Owen NolanShot-Blocker Brad StuartSkater Patrick MarleauCharlie Hustle Mike RicciDef. Defenseman&nbsp;Mike RathjeDef. Forward&nbsp; Mike RicciPasser&nbsp;Niklas SundstromAgitator Todd Harvey<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>JEFF JILLSON, DThis hulking defender (6-3, 220) is ready for prime-time duty after feeling his away around the league to the tune of 48 games last season. He is solid at both ends of the ice and doesn't hesitate to mix it up when required.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0181-028/10180997-1-eng-US/f0181-022.jpg" title="f0181-02" width="421" height="553"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0181-037/10180990-1-eng-US/f0181-032.jpg" title="f0181-03" width="2008" height="1210"></div><h3>ARRIVALSDEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0181-042/10180983-1-eng-US/f0181-042.jpg" title="f0181-04" width="353" height="185"></div>Jonathan Cheechoo, RW<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0181-052/10180976-1-eng-US/f0181-052.jpg" title="f0181-05" width="353" height="184"></div>Steve Bancroft, DHannes Hyvonen, RWStephane Matteau, LWGary Suter, D<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are San Jose&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>MIKE MORRISPOSITION Right WingerSELECTED 27th overallCLUB St. Sebastian&rsquo;s (USHS)SCOUTING REPORT Morris is a quick, agile skater who has strong puckhandling skills and is a clever playmaker. He&rsquo;s a gritty two-way player who leads by example. He&rsquo;ll need four years college apprenticeship at Northeastern.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0181-062/10180969-1-eng-US/f0181-062.jpg" title="f0181-06" width="329" height="319"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbersin blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Jonathan Cheechoo, RW. 22, Cleveland (AHL)2. Marcel Goc, C, 19,Mannheim (Ger.)3. Vesa Toskala, G, 25, Cleveland (AHL)4. Chad Wiseman, C, 21, Cleveland (AHL)5. Eric LaPlante, LW, 22, Cleveland (AHL)6. Christian Ehrhoff, D, 20, Krefeld (Ger.)7. Tero Maatta, D, 20, Espoo (Fin.)8. Matt Carkner, D. 21, Cleveland (AHL)9. Dimitri Patzold, G. 19, Kolner Haie (Ger.)10. Jim Fahey, D, 23, Northeastern (HE)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0181-0122/10180962-1-eng-US/f0181-012.jpg" title="f0181-01" width="1398" height="4484"></div> &#9632;

f0178-01

Onward, upward for confident crew

<div class="byline">By Damian Cristodero</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0182-0124/10181217-1-eng-US/f0182-012.jpg" title="f0182-01" width="883" height="349"></div>Can a season be boiled down to one game? It&rsquo;s not a stretch for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Things could have been so different had the team held on that day in late March, if Dave Andreychuk&rsquo;s attempt at an emptynet goal had gone in instead of hitting the post and had the Montreal Canadiens not scored with six seconds remaining in regulation to forge a 2-2 tie.A Tampa Bay victory March 22 would have moved the Lightning to within eight points of Montreal for the final playoff spot in the East with two games in hand. Instead, a dejected and injury-riddled team went 2-8-1-1 down the stretch and finished with 69 points, 18 behind the Canadiens for the East&rsquo;s final playoff spot.It was the ninth time in 10 years that Tampa Bay missed the post-season. At six years and counting, the Lightning are now tied with Calgary for the longest nonplayoff streak.That the Lightning may actually be on the verge of a breakthrough. Nikolai Khabibulin again will handle the goaltending after proving last season he is an elite stopper. The acquisition of left winger Ruslan Fedotenko from Philadelphia should give the team two established offensive lines. And the addition of defenseman Brad Lukowich from Dallas gives the blueline some much-needed depth.Add expected resurgent seasons from Vincent Lecavalier, Fredrik Modin, Martin St-Louis and Shane Willis and some of those 19 games lost by one goal could go the other way this season.As the free agent period began, the team still needed goals from the wing and a defenseman who could move the puck. But coach John Tortorella and Andreychuk have instilled a battle-till-the-end attitude that has made the Lightning a difficult foe. A few more pieces and a little more consistency and there could be something to cheer about at the Ice Palace.STRENGTHS Much of it starts with goaltending. Khabibulin is among the best in the game and the Lightning played better in the defensive zone because it knew it had a real last line of defense. That confidence spilled over to the penalty kill, which should again be strong.The Lightning will also leave a lot of bruises on the opposition. GM Jay Feaster is building a much tougher team, highlighted by his acquisitions late last season of Andre Roy and Chris Dingman. There also is great intensity. Though it flagged at the end of the season, especial-Lite dcaoun, uopuc-iui ly after the Montreal game, Tampa Bay rarely threw in the towel.WEAKNESSES Unless a slick-skating defenseman is added, the transition game will continue to be a problem. Dan Boyle was a godsend last season and finally gave the team a spark of offense from the blueline, but he is a crap shoot defensively and may not be able to play in the top four. The power play had its ups and downs and may continue to lack consistency without a quarterback.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0182-0212/10181210-1-eng-US/f0182-022.jpg" title="f0182-02" width="910" height="1572"><figcaption class="caption-body">VINCENT LECAVALIER (Sports Action Photography)</figcaption></div>Many defense pairings were attempted last season with varied success. There also will be the inevitable trans-gressions of youth. The Lightning is still one of the league&rsquo;s youngest teams and will continue to make 44-&bdquo; I its share of mistakes.OFFENSE The Lightning had a terrible time scoring last season. Its 178 goals were better than only Columbus and Anaheim. Some of the problem could be blamed on injuries (left winger Modin, right winger and centers Brian Holzinger and Tim Taylor missed significant time) and some of it on tentative play in front of the net and in the corners. Things got better as the season progressed, but the Lightning did not always go to theareas they needed to be in to score goals.The walking wounded are expected to be healthy and a full training camp for Lecavalier (who missed last year&rsquo;s because of a contract dispute) will be a welcome sight. Fedotenko should add a spark, as should rugged rookie center Alexander Svitov.DEFENSE The addition of Lukowich gives the Lightning five solid defensemen, including Jassen Cullimore (the team&rsquo;s best blueliner the past two seasons), Nolan Pratt, Pavel Kubina and Cory Sarich (the team&rsquo;s most improved defenseman last season).Boyle is the wild card because of his defensive lapses. Kubina, 25, may begin to feel the pressure of expectations. He is coming off his best offensive season (11 goals, 34 points) and is seen as a potential star, but there are times when he tries to do too much and takes himself out of position. As a unit, the defense made great strides, especially when it came to forcing plays to the wall and cutting down on back-door problems, which had been chronic.BEHIND THE BENCH Tortorella enters his second full season and there isn&rsquo;t any doubt his no-nonsense approach has paid dividends with this young team. He is well-prepared and he expects his players to be the same. A fitness buff, he has made conditioning a priority within the organization.Tortorella keeps things simple. On offense, he wants his players to be creative. On defense, he uses the trap sparingly, preferring puck pursuit. He has little tolerance for lazy play or for what he perceives as selfishness within the team concept. His biggest challenge may be repairing his strained relationship with Lecavalier.SALARY CEILING Tom Wilson, CEO of Lightning owner Palace Sports & Entertainment, called the budget &ldquo;fluid.&rdquo; In other words, he gave Feaster the option to look into acquiring players through free agency. There was a feeling that Feaster would make more moves through trades before the start of the season. The budget was $26 million last year, including bonuses, putting it in the NHL&rsquo;s bottom six and $12 million below the league average. It is expected to approach $30 million just by re-signing key players. With PS&E reporting losses of about $30 million in the three years it has owned the team, only a moderate additional increase is expected, though Wilson has said given the right move, ownership would be willing to spend.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0183-0121/10181203-1-eng-US/f0183-012.jpg" title="f0183-01" width="1741" height="2076"><figcaption class="caption-body">Brad Richards has put together back-to-back 62-point seasons to lead Tampa Bay on the scoresheet. (Bruce Bennett/BBS)</figcaption></div>ROOKIES Svitov is not only expected to make the team, he is expected to contribute. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound pivot and third overall selection in 2001 has a nasty streak and has been compared to Bobby Holik. The Lightning is hoping he will be big and strong enough to give the team a significant presence in the slot and a defensive presence in front of the net in his own end.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>The Lightning is improved and will be tough to play against; tougher if it adds a scoring winger and offensive defenseman.PREDICTION: 12th in East<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0182-039/10181196-1-eng-US/f0182-032.jpg" title="f0182-03" width="893" height="524"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0182-045/10181189-1-eng-US/f0182-042.jpg" title="f0182-04" width="891" height="506"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Jay Feaster 2nd NHL year (7-11-5-2) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0182-054/10181182-1-eng-US/f0182-052.jpg" title="f0182-05" width="190" height="182"></div>COACH John Tortorella 4th NHL year (39-70-13-7) 1 2nd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0182-064/10181175-1-eng-US/f0182-062.jpg" title="f0182-06" width="188" height="181"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0183-0210/10181168-1-eng-US/f0183-022.jpg" title="f0183-02" width="1227" height="902"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0183-039/10181161-1-eng-US/f0183-032.jpg" title="f0183-03" width="1385" height="1094"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Jim Mclsaac/BBS)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0184-032/10181154-1-eng-US/f0184-032.jpg" title="f0184-03" width="2412" height="1898"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0184-0125/10181147-1-eng-US/f0184-012.jpg" title="f0184-01" width="2424" height="445"></div><h2>ON&nbsp;THE&nbsp;FLY</h2>Dave Andreychuk is still a key performer for the Lightning. Here&rsquo;s a look at Tampa Bay&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Dave AndreychukStickhandler Martin St-LouisMost Skilled Player Vinny LecavalierBodychecker Jassen CullimoreFaceoff Specialist Tim TaylorShot Fredrik ModinShot-Blocker Pavel KubinaSkater Nikita AlexeevCharlie Hustle Martin St-LouisDef. Defenseman&nbsp;Jassen CullimoreDef. Forward&nbsp;Jimmie OlvestadPasser&nbsp;Brad RichardsAgitator Sheldon Keefe<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>SHANE WILLIS, RWAfter scoring 20 goals and making the NHL&rsquo;s all-rookie team, Shane Willis took a step back last year, dropping to 11 goals and getting traded from Carolina to Tampa. The Lightning ' could greatly benefit from Willis enjoying a reversal of fortune.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0185-028/10181140-1-eng-US/f0185-022.jpg" title="f0185-02" width="319" height="411"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0185-037/10181133-1-eng-US/f0185-032.jpg" title="f0185-03" width="1486" height="922"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0185-042/10181126-1-eng-US/f0185-042.jpg" title="f0185-04" width="264" height="144"></div>Ruslan Fedotenko, LWKevin Hodson, GBrad Lukowich, DAlexander Svitov, C<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0185-053/10181119-1-eng-US/f0185-052.jpg" title="f0185-05" width="265" height="142"></div>Josef Boumedienne, D Dieter Kochan, GGrant Ledyard, D<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Tampa Bay&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top'' 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>ADAM HENRICHPOSITION Left Winger&nbsp;SELECTED 60th overallCLUB Brampton (OHL)SCOUTING REPORT This tall, sturdy winger is a natural goal-scorer who has a quick release and a hard shot. Henrich is good in 1-on-l situations and is an imposing force in front of the net. He needs three more years of seasoning.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0185-062/10181112-1-eng-US/f0185-062.jpg" title="f0185-06" width="246" height="238"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Net included. ire 2002 draft picks.1. Alexander Svitov, C, 19, Omsk (Rus.)2. Kristian Kudroc, D, 21, Springfield (AHL)3. Andreas Holmqvlst, D, 21, Hammarby (Swe.)4. Alexander Polushin, C, 19, Cen. Army (Rus.)5. Evgeni Artukhln, RW, 19, Podolsk (Rus.)6. Anton But, LW, 22, Yaroslavl (Rus.)7. Sascha Goc, D, 23, Springfield (AHL)8. Aaron Lobb. RW, 19, Guelph (OHL)9. Evgeny Konstantinov, G, 21,Pensacola (ECHL)10. Dennis Packard, LW, 20, Harvard (ECAC)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0185-0121/10181105-1-eng-US/f0185-012.jpg" title="f0185-01" width="1056" height="3372"></div> &#9632;

f0182-01

Taking baby steps toward credibility

<div class="byline">By Ken Campbell</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0186-0123/10181353-1-eng-US/f0186-012.jpg" title="f0186-01" width="339" height="355"></div>We know Pat Quinn will be fitter and trimmer this season than in any of his first four with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the general health of his hockey team has never looked more uncertain.The Maple Leafs finished 2001-02 with the third-best record in the NHL. They had 100 points for the second time in three years, scored more goals than any team in the Eastern Conference and made a spirited run to the conference final with a lineup that some nights looked like it was more suited to competing for the Calder Cup than the Stanley Cup.After a scary bout with cardiac arrhythmia which caused him to miss time during the playoffs, Quinn has kicked his six-per-day cigar habit and has become something of a poster boy for clean living. But watching his team this season might provide the biggest test of his resolve to stay away from the stogies and post-game snifters of scotch.The troubles started in June when it was discovered left winger Gary Roberts, the Maple Leafs only true power forward and their best player in the playoffs, needed surgery on both shoulders that could keep him out until after the February all-star break.Then Curtis Joseph&rsquo;s decision to chase a Stanley Cup in Detroit and the curious move to replace him with Ed Belfour, who was rewarded with a raise for having the worst save percentage among No. 1 goalies last season.The Leafs then failed to attract a premier free agent after jacking up ticket prices by 10 per cent for the fourth straight year. Despite having money to spend, they were spurned by the likes of Joseph, Bill Guerin, Bobby Holik, Darius Kasparaitis and Teemu Selanne.The Leafs still have the core of a team that has the potential to be a top contender. Whether Belfour can re-establish himself as a top-level stopper and effectively replace Joseph will be a large determining factor in their fortunes this season.Upon signing with Toronto, Belfour suggested it was a &ldquo;dream come true&rdquo; to be a Maple Leaf. There are those who suggest it could be a nightmare.STRENGTHS Even with even witn Roberts out, the Leafs have a very good core of offensive players, led by 41-goalman Mats Sundin. The captain was the team&rsquo;s top performer through the regular season and was missed during the early going in the playoffs when he was shelved with a broken wrist.Toronto&rsquo;s team commitment to defensive hockey has undergone a remarkable turnaround and its veteran presence is key in providing resilience and overcoming adversity.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0186-0214/10181346-1-eng-US/f0186-022.jpg" title="f0186-02" width="942" height="1564"><figcaption class="caption-body">BRYAN MCCABE (Dan Hamilton/VPS)</figcaption></div>WEAKNESSES Belfour had better be sharp because most hockey people are convinced the Leafs will never win with their defense corps as currently constituted. The Leafs are still far too undisciplined; their misguided notion that the referees and the league are singlemindedly attempting to undermine them starts at the top with Quinn and filters down to many of the players. Toronto&rsquo;s behavior in the playoffs last season, with their constant whining to the officials, did more to turn fans off than their valiant effort in the face of injuries and illness did to warm people up to the team.OFFENSE Only two teams scored more goals than Toronto did last year and the San Jose Sharks were the only team with more 20-goal scorers, with six. The New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers and Leafs were the only teams to have 11 players in double figures in goals.Sundin has stepped up and Darcy Tucker (24 goals) and Bryan McCabe (17) came through with great offensive seasons. In fact, McCabe tied with Vancouver&rsquo;s Ed Jovanovski as the second-highest scoring defenseman behind Washington&rsquo;s Sergei Gonchar, who had 26.Alexander Mogilny, who didn&rsquo;t seem all that thrilled to be with the Leafs by the time the season concluded, needs to re-establish himself as at least a 30-goal scorer. Playoff flop Robert Reichel (no goals, three points in 18 post-season games) needs to realize he can&rsquo;t expect to score on snapshots taken 60 feet from the net.DEFENSE The Maple Leafs enjoyed a defensive rejuvenation last season, with the New Jersey Devils and St. Louis Blues as the only teams that allowed fewer shots. That was almost exclusively because the forwards took ownership over their play in their own end.The Leafs Leafs lost a fearless warrior when they dealt blueliner Dmitry Yushkevich to the Florida Panthers; his presence will be missed - in the dressing room if not on the ice - no matter how well incoming defenseman Robert Svehla pans out in Toronto.BEHIND THE BENCH There are signs the pressure of being both coach and GM is beginning to wear on Quinn. That was never more evident than when he turned in incomplete lineups late last year that caused the team to have to play a man short in critical games.Quinn has always been a proponent of skating and offensive talent, but finds himself matching lines and employing a more defensive strategy in the playoffs. Quinn prefers to roll four lines rather than give his top players more work.SALARY CEILING The Maple Leafs are expected to have a payroll of about $57 million this season. After raising ticket prices again, they announced that the budget increase would be more than it was last season when it went from about $40 million to $48 million. Given their inability to sign key free agents, this should give them plenty of money to play with during the season.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0187-017/10181339-1-eng-US/f0187-012.jpg" title="f0187-01" width="1749" height="2079"><figcaption class="caption-body">Travis rebounded from a so-so regular season with a gutsy playoff performance. (Jim Leary/BBS)</figcaption></div>ROOKIES Defenseman Karel Pilar all tut won himself a job with his play late the season and in the playoffs. He is raised and can contribute offensively.Two-time major juniorplayer of the rear Brad Boyes is the organization&rsquo;s op prospect and could win a spot, but vill more likely spend at least one season in the AHL. He has terrific offensive instincts, but needs to increase his upper-body strength. Alexei Ponikarovsky is not a rookie by Calder Trophy eligibility standards, but has played just 32 games in two seasons. He has a chance to win a full-time spot on the third or fourth line.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>Leafs can still score, but with Roberts out until February and Joseph gone, the team has lost someof its color and grit.PREDICTION: 3rd in East<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0186-036/10181332-1-eng-US/f0186-032.jpg" title="f0186-03" width="876" height="520"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0186-045/10181325-1-eng-US/f0186-042.jpg" title="f0186-04" width="877" height="522"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Pat Quinn 15th NHL year (463-451-128-12) 2nd teamCOACH Pat Quinn 17th NHL year (527-399-137-12) 4th team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0186-054/10181318-1-eng-US/f0186-052.jpg" title="f0186-05" width="191" height="368"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0187-024/10181311-1-eng-US/f0187-022.jpg" title="f0187-02" width="1238" height="919"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0187-033/10181304-1-eng-US/f0187-032.jpg" title="f0187-03" width="1412" height="1047"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0188-032/10181297-1-eng-US/f0188-032.jpg" title="f0188-03" width="2468" height="1934"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0188-0111/10181290-1-eng-US/f0188-012.jpg" title="f0188-01" width="2474" height="456"></div><h2>ON THE FLY</h2>Travis Green takes the key faceoffs for the Leafs. Here&rsquo;s a look at Toronto&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy Mats SundinStickhandler Alexander MogilnyMost Skilled Player Mats SundinBodychecker Gary RobertsFaceoff Specialist Travis GreenShot Alexander MogilnyShot-Blocker Bryan McCabeSkater Alexander MogilnyCharlie Hustle Darcy TuckerDef. Defenseman&nbsp;Bryan McCabeDef. Forward&nbsp;Shayne CorsonPasser Tomas KaberleAgitator Darcy Tucker<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>ALYN MCCAULEY, CAfter scoring just six goals and 16 points in 82 regular season games, McCauley lit it up in the playoffs by notching five goals and 15 points in 20 games. That should qualify him for the second line center&rsquo;s job to kick off this season.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0190-0112/10181283-1-eng-US/f0190-012.jpg" title="f0190-01" width="310" height="409"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0190-023/10181276-1-eng-US/f0190-022.jpg" title="f0190-02" width="1478" height="912"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0190-033/10181269-1-eng-US/f0190-032.jpg" title="f0190-03" width="260" height="141"></div>Ed Belfour, GTom Fitzgerald, LWAaron Gavey, CRobert Svehla, D<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0190-043/10181262-1-eng-US/f0190-042.jpg" title="f0190-04" width="261" height="141"></div>Tom Barrasso, GCory Cross, DNathan Dempsey, DJeff Farkas, CCurtis Joseph, GCorey Schwab, GGarry Valk, LWDmitry Yushkevich, D<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Toronto&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>ALEXANDER STEENPOSITION CenterSELECTED 24th overallCLUB Frolunda (Sweden)SCOUTING REPORT Steen is a smooth-skating talented center who also plays gritty and can dominate along the boards. He has a heavy shot, the ability to shoot in full stride and an excellent work ethic. He&rsquo;s two years away.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0190-053/10181255-1-eng-US/f0190-052.jpg" title="f0190-05" width="243" height="239"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers in blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Brad Boyes, 20, C. Erie (OHL)2. Karel Pilar, 24, D, St. John&rsquo;s (AHL)3. Carlo Colaiacovo, 19, D, Erie (OHL)4. Sebastien Centomo, 21, G, St. John&rsquo;s (AHL)5. Mikael Tellqvist, G, 23, St. John&rsquo;s (AHL)6. Petr Svoboda, 22, D, St. John&rsquo;s (AHL)7. Markus Seikola, 20, D, TPS Turku (Fin.)8. Jay Harrison, 19, D, Brampton (OHL)9. Maxim Kondratiev. D. 19. Togliatti (Rus.)10. Luca Cereda, C, 21, St. John&rsquo;s (AHL)<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0190-063/10181248-1-eng-US/f0190-062.jpg" title="f0190-06" width="954" height="3360"></div> &#9632;

f0186-01

Quinn’s healthy, Maple Leafs ailing

<div class="byline">By Elliott Pap</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0192-0112/10181496-1-eng-US/f0192-012.jpg" title="f0192-01" width="350" height="352"></div>The Vancouver Canucks were the epitome of under-achievers in the first half of 2001-02 and, to the surprise of almost everyone, were the NHL&rsquo;s best team in the second half.How did this happen? How did a bumbling 14-21-4-0 group of skaters before Christmas suddenly tear through the league at a 28-9-3-3 clip - that&rsquo;s .721 hockey - after Santa came by?A few astute trades by GM Brian Burke certainly helped, but mostly it was the players themselves who meshed wonderfully, led by captain Markus Naslund and power forward Todd Bertuzzi.With their tremendous finish, the Canucks are confident they have both the talent and the mental toughness to thrive in 2002-03 and don&rsquo;t feel major changes are necessary.They finished last season as the NHL&rsquo;s highest-scoring team, averaging 3.1 goals per game. Most of the core players are under contract so holdouts won&rsquo;t be a problem. And last year&rsquo;s bad start is still fresh enough in their minds that they won&rsquo;t be fooled again.&ldquo;Obviously we have a lot of things going for us and we&rsquo;re not that far away,&rdquo; Naslund said. &ldquo;But I think it showed, at critical moments in the playoffs, that we&rsquo;re quite a bit behind a team like Detroit. They know how to play as a team and they know how to jump on teams at crucial points. I think that comes with experience.&rdquo;Like almost everyone in the league, the Canucks have some holes to plug. Stay-at-home defenseman Scott Lachance left via unrestricted free agency (to Columbus) and play making center Andrew Cassels also appeared destined to leave, with the Canucks claiming his contract demands were too rich to be accommodated. Cassels, certainly, will be missed. He was an unselfish player always looking to set up a teammate rather than shoot himself.Overall, though, the Canucks shouldn&rsquo;t look much different in 2002-03, which is good news for those who appreciate entertaining hockey.STRENGTHS The Canucks can score and they have two of the league&rsquo;s best wingers in Bertuzzi on the right side and Naslund on the left. Bertuzzi, especially, became an absolute terror in the second half of 2001-02 and - despite serving a 10-game suspension in October - finished third in the NHL scoring race behind Calgary&rsquo;s Jarome Iginla and Naslund. At 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, Bertuzzi, 27, finally blossomed into the power forward many people expected him to be when he was drafted 23rd overall by the New York Islanders in 1993.Vancouver also has an explosive blueline, led by swashbuckling Ed Jovanovski, smooth and steady Mattias Ohlund and the emerging Brent Sopel.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0192-023/10181489-1-eng-US/f0192-022.jpg" title="f0192-02" width="1084" height="1324"><figcaption class="caption-body">MARKUS NASLUND (Sports Action Photograph)</figcaption></div>WEAKNESSES Goaltender Dan Cloutier won 31 games in his first season as a No. 1 and was excellent down the stretch. But his playoff meltdow against Detroit has left people wondering if he&rsquo;s the real deal. Vancouver&rsquo;s style isn&rsquo;t exactly the most defensive in the league. The Canuck blueliners are encouraged to join the rush, which sometimes leads to quality scoring chances against and the need for a big save. Secondary scoring might be a problem, too. If the top line of Naslund, Bertuzzi and center Brendan Morrison is shut down, there are no other proven scorers to lean on.OFFENSE Since they already possess two of the league&rsquo;s best wingers, the Canucks will be looking for the Sedin twins and Jan Hlavac to improve dramatically on their 2001-02 totals.Left winger Daniel Sedin, especially, must demonstrate that his dismal sophomore season was related to his back surgery in the summer of 2001 and not a lack of ability or drive.With Cassels gone, center Henrik Sedin will see more power play time. Ditto for left winger Hlavac, a talent who all but disappeared down the stretch and in the playoffs when the going got tough. Trevor Linden, entering his 15th NHL campaignat age 32, is capable of producing better numbers than he has the past few years.DEFENSE Unlike many teams in today&rsquo;s game, the Canucks are a bit of a throwback on the blueline in that they encourage their defensemen to rush the puck and generally become involved in the attack. Jovanovski has emerged as the team leader on the blueline and recorded career highs in goals (17) and points (48) in 2001-02.Ohlund is a solid No. 2 man and he appears to be over the serious eye problems that have plagued him for a couple of seasons. Where the Canucks might be hurting is on their third pairing. If Murray Baron moves back into the top four to replace Lachance, minor league refugee Bryan Helmer might find himself skating with rookie Bryan Allen or a lower-tier free agent pickup.Depth on the blueline is clearly a problem, as not-quite-ready-for-primetime prospects such as Rene Vydareny and Zenith Komarniski are next in line.BEHIND THE BENCH Coach Marc Crawford is back to begin his fourth full season with the Canucks. The team has improved every year under his guidance and has become a reflection of his fiery and emotional personality. Crawford doesn&rsquo;t have a conservative approach and that&rsquo;s just fine with the players. Vancouver performed marvelously down the stretch and played Crawford&rsquo;s aggressive forechecking system to great success. Don&rsquo;t look for much change in the Canucks&rsquo; style in 2002-03.SALARY CEILING As befitting a team on the rise, the Canucks will have a rising payroll this season. Vancouver began 2001-02 with a $28.5-million payroll (all figures in U.S. funds) that ranked 22nd in the league.The Canucks expect to be around the $35-million mark in 2002-03 even without Cassels and Lachance. Built-in increases will account for some of the rise and Linden&rsquo;s $4.5-million stipend will be on their books for the entire season, though his former teams Montreal and Washington are still paying part of the freight.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0193-019/10181482-1-eng-US/f0193-012.jpg" title="f0193-01" width="1736" height="2068"><figcaption class="caption-body">Vancouver is countingon third-year pros Daniel (left) and Henrik Sedin to step up their offense. (Sports Action Photography)</figcaption></div>ROOKIES The Canucks don&rsquo;t expect to have any rookies in the lineup except for defenseman Allen, the fourth overall pick in the 1998 draft. The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder has been an entry in the rookiemost-likely-to-stickcategory for a few years. He&rsquo;s a stay-at-home type with limited offensive upside. Last year, he had 25 points and 121 penalty minutes in 68 games with Manitoba (AHL).Allen&rsquo;s strengths are finishing his checks, playing physically and making a good first pass. He is most often compared to Dallas captain Derian Hatcher.<h2>the BOTTOM line</h2>Vancouver&rsquo;s furious finish to last season left them on a high. This young and talented team won't be coming down any time soon.PREDICTION: 5th in West<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0192-032/10181475-1-eng-US/f0192-032.jpg" title="f0192-03" width="891" height="518"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0192-042/10181468-1-eng-US/f0192-042.jpg" title="f0192-04" width="889" height="506"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM Brian Burke 6th NHL year (157-194-51-18) 2nd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0192-052/10181461-1-eng-US/f0192-052.jpg" title="f0192-05" width="191" height="184"></div>COACH Marc Crawford 9th NHL year 4 (281-206-86-18) 2nd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0192-062/10181454-1-eng-US/f0192-062.jpg" title="f0192-06" width="188" height="186"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0193-024/10181447-1-eng-US/f0193-022.jpg" title="f0193-02" width="1221" height="914"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0193-034/10181440-1-eng-US/f0193-032.jpg" title="f0193-03" width="1417" height="1039"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Andy Marlin/BBS)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0194-0111/10181433-1-eng-US/f0194-012.jpg" title="f0194-01" width="2419" height="1905"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0194-032/10181426-1-eng-US/f0194-032.jpg" title="f0194-03" width="2403" height="454"></div><h2>ON&nbsp;THE FLY</h2>Todd Bertuzzi broke out in 2001-02, but the Canucks still belong to Markus Naslund. Here&rsquo;s a look at Vancouver&rsquo;s best players by category, breakout player, performance over the past five seasons, incoming and outgoing players, top prospects and complete roster.<h3>BEST BY CATEGORY</h3>Glue Guy&nbsp;Murray NaslundStickhandler Markus NaslundMost Skilled Player Markus NaslundBodychecker Matt CookeFaceoff Specialist Trevor LindenShot Markus NaslundShot-Blocker&nbsp;Murray BaronSkater&nbsp;Ed JovanovskiCharlie Hustle&nbsp;Trevor LetowskiDef. Defenseman&nbsp;Murray BaronDef. Forward&nbsp;Trevor LindenPasser Brendan MorrisonAgitator Jarkko Ruutu<h3>BREAKOUT PLAYER</h3>DANIEL SEDIN, LWDaniel was the better of the Sedin twins in their rookie year, but slipped from 20 goals to nine in Year 2 following off-season back surgery. Both brothers are expected to pick it up, but particularly Daniel, who was supposed to be the scorer in the family.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0195-023/10181419-1-eng-US/f0195-022.jpg" title="f0195-02" width="315" height="408"></div><h3>5-YEAR SCAN</h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0195-032/10181412-1-eng-US/f0195-032.jpg" title="f0195-03" width="1493" height="911"></div><h3>ARRIVALS-DEPARTURES LOUNGE</h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0195-04/10181405-1-eng-US/f0195-042.jpg" title="f0195-04" width="262" height="139"></div>Bryan Allen, DRene Vydareny, D<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0195-05/10181398-1-eng-US/f0195-052.jpg" title="f0195-05" width="267" height="144"></div>Andrew Cassels, CScott Lachance, DJason Strudwick, DHerbert Vasiljevs, RW<h3>PROSPECT WATCH</h3>Here are Vancouver&rsquo;s first draft pick in 2002 and top 10 prospects, with age, position and 2001-02 team.<h4>2002 TOP PICK</h4>KIRILL KOLTSOVPOSITION DefensemanSELECTED 49th overallCLUB Omsk (Rus.)SCOUTING REPORT An agile skater with strong puckhandling skills, Koltsov is an offense-minded defenseman who likes to lead the rush. He competes well, but is not a crushing checker. He&rsquo;s at least one year away.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0195-06/10181391-1-eng-US/f0195-062.jpg" title="f0195-06" width="245" height="240"></div><h4>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</h4>Numbers blue squares indicate projected surefire NHLers. Not included are 2002 draft picks.1. Bryan Allen, D. 22, Manitoba (AHL)2. Rene Vydareny, D, 21, Manitoba (AHL)3. Alex Auld, G, 21, Manitoba (AHL)4. Jeff Farkas, C, 24, St. John&rsquo;s (AHL)5. Nathan Smith, C, 20, Swift Current (WHL)6. RJ. Umberger, C, 20, Ohio State (CCHA)7. Fedor Fedorov, LW, 21, Manitoba (AHL)8. Tyler Bouck, LW, 22, Manitoba (AHL)9. Brandon Reid, C, 21. Manitoba (AHL)10. Ryan Ready, LW, 23, Manitoba (AHL)<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0195-018/10181384-1-eng-US/f0195-012.jpg" title="f0195-01" width="1032" height="3342"></div> &#9632;

f0192-01

Young goal-getters ambitious and able

<div class="byline">By Dave Fay</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0196-018/10181597-1-eng-US/f0196-012.jpg" title="f0196-01" width="344" height="352"></div>Three of the six top-spending teams last season did not qualify for the post-season and one of those flops was the Washington Capitals.In the Capitals&rsquo; case, two things resulted: first, owner Ted Leonsis ordered a budget cut. Then he told GM George McPhee to go out and spend the money required to land a scoring center.The Capitals last season appeared to have all the necessary parts to make playoffs last year, but injuries to key players, as has been the case so often in the past, did them in.Calle Johansson, Steve Konowalchuk and Jeff Halpern, the team&rsquo;s best defensive performers, missed most of the season; Jaromir Jagr was out for 13 games; and goalie Olie Kolzig suffered a knee injury that affected his play.Coach Ron Wilson, who guided the Capitals to the Stanley Cup final in 1997-98, was subsequently fired. The players, who had stopped listening to him, needed a new message from a new messenger. They got one in Bruce Cassidy, a first round draft pick by Chicago in 1983 who only played 36 NHL games, who was to replace Wilson.Cassidy was the American League coach of the year with Grand Rapids last season after changing his club from an offensive powerhouse into a trapping monster.On the first day of free agency, McPhee landed the center the owner wanted - Robert Lang, who has worked successfully with Jagr in Pittsburgh.Lang gives the Caps a replacement for the departed Adam Oates and provides them with a variety of options for new line combinations. The team was down to one healthy natural center at the end of last season following the Oates trade to Philadelphia.J-F Fortin and Nolan Yonkman made the jump from Portland (AHL) last season and center Brian Sutherby could move up straight from junior (Moose Jaw, Western League) if he has a good camp.STRENGTHS This might be the best-balanced team in club history. Jagr, Peter Bondra, Lang, Gonchar, Dainius Zubrus, a hungry Chris Simon and Halpern, as well as a healthy Steve Konowalchuk, provide Washington with an offense that has the potential to be one of the most potent in the league.Kolzig was not pleased with his season which means the determined veteran likely will put himself through a summer of intense workouts to prepare for a better campaign.The club will enter camp with a corps of blueliners that lacks experience, but will still be superior to what the team had last season.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0196-023/10181590-1-eng-US/f0196-022.jpg" title="f0196-02" width="934" height="1366"><figcaption class="caption-body">PETER BONDRA (Jim Mclsaac/BBS)</figcaption></div>WEAKNESSES The loss of Oates deprives the team of its best faceoff man and there does not appear to be anybody set to pick up that slack. Inexperience on defense is also a concern, but that may shouldn&rsquo;t be a factor for long as the youngsters become acclimatized to playing in the NHL. That said, the addition of experience may be necessary.OFFENSE Picture this for a first line: Simon-Zubrus-Jagr. Your second unit: Matt Pettinger-Lang-Bondra. The third unit includes Konowalchuk and Halpern and your fourth line includes guys trying to advance to the third. It could make a timid goalie call in sick.The major problem Cassidy may have early on is deciding on his line combinations. As he evaluates individuals and potential units, the door is open or a few players who have been on the fringe - guys like Colin Forbes and Glen Metropolit - to make an impression on the new boss. It also means a training camp where there are fewer locked-up spots.DEFENSE The addition of Lang gives the Caps another well-rounded forward who can play in all situations to go with proven veterans Halpern, Konowalchuk and Andrei Nikolishin. On the blueline, getting Johansson back after shoulder surgery will be a major plus.One area that must drastically improve is penalty killing. Washington dropped to 24th while playing a man short last season and it was one of the key reasons the team did not make the playoffs. A healthy Kolzig should make a huge difference in shorthanded situations.BEHIND THE BENCH Cassidy has inherited a multi-talented team so there isn&rsquo;t much room for error or failure if he is to survive.&ldquo;Fear of failure is one of the biggest motivators,&rdquo; Cassidy said.He believes in exploiting a player&rsquo;s strengths and letting them play their game. He has developed offensive teams when that was needed and changed the same clubs into defensive fortresses when that game was better suited to their personnel.His lack of NHL coaching inexperience could be a plus - nobody knows what to expect from him.SALARY CEILING Washington spent between $53 million and $56 million on payroll last season and still missed the playoffs.Leonsis called it &ldquo;disappointing,&rdquo; a classic understatement. The owner has said the &ldquo;ceiling&rdquo; is $56 million, but realistically wants the payroll reduced to around $48 million. McPhee wants to go even lower, to the $45-million level. With a possible work stoppage looming in two years, it&rsquo;s highly unlikely any more big multi-year contracts are in the works.ROOKIES Club officials refer to center Brian Sutherby as another Michael Peca, only bigger. That&rsquo;s mighty high praise for a kid just graduating from junior. He should start the season with the Caps, just as he did last season when he played seven games before being returned to junior.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0197-016/10181583-1-eng-US/f0197-012.jpg" title="f0197-01" width="1734" height="2064"><figcaption class="caption-body">After winning four straight scoring titles, Jaromir Jagr slipped to fifth in league scoring last year. (Jim Mclsac/BBS)</figcaption></div>Another player with a shot to make the team is goaltender Sebastien Charpentier, who has paid his minor league dues. There is a chance, though, the team may decide it is better for him to improve by playing every day and getting more experience at the AHL level.Defenseman Jakub Cutta, a native of the Czech Republic who was drafted 61st overall in 2000, could join Fortin and Yonkman on the roster, but he'll have to have a great training camp to force an opening. The stay-at-home rearguard played last season, his first year as a pro, in Portland.<h2>the B0TTOM line</h2>No more excuses. The Caps are packed with talent and with a little luck, they could go all the way&hellip;finally.PREDICTION: 2nd in East<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0196-032/10181576-1-eng-US/f0196-032.jpg" title="f0196-03" width="887" height="523"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0196-042/10181569-1-eng-US/f0196-042.jpg" title="f0196-04" width="888" height="521"></div><h2>MANAGEMENT</h2>GM George McPhee 6th NHL year (182-171-51-0) 2nd team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0196-052/10181562-1-eng-US/f0196-052.jpg" title="f0196-05" width="189" height="186"></div>COACH Bruce Cassidy 1st NHL year (0-0-0-0) 1st team<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0196-062/10181555-1-eng-US/f0196-062.jpg" title="f0196-06" width="189" height="186"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0197-023/10181548-1-eng-US/f0197-022.jpg" title="f0197-02" width="1221" height="902"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0197-042/10181541-1-eng-US/f0197-042.jpg" title="f0197-04" width="1415" height="1039"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0198-032/10181534-1-eng-US/f0198-032.jpg" title="f0198-03" width="2391" height="1891"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0198-0111/10181527-1-eng-US/f0198-012.jpg" title="f0198-01" width="2400" height="456"></div> &#9632;

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Capital Firepower hard to contain

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0201-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0201-015/10181628-1-eng-US/f0201-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Jim Mclsaac/BBS)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

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Unrestricted free agents up for grabs

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National Hockey League

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Leaderboard

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<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0206-016/10181783-1-eng-US/f0206-012.jpg" title="f0206-01" width="649" height="858"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Mark Wilson)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

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<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0207-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0207-016/10181814-1-eng-US/f0207-012.jpg"></div> &#9632;

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Leaders by Category

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0208-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0208-013/10181845-1-eng-US/f0208-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Sports Action Photography)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

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Top 300 Scorers

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European Leagues

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2002 NHL Entry Draft

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0211-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0211-014/10181938-1-eng-US/f0211-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Bruce Bennett/BBS)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

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<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0212-02" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0212-023/10181969-1-eng-US/f0212-022.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Jesse Niinimaki appears surprised to be selected 15th overall by Edmonton in the 2002 draft. He was the 84th-rated prospect by THN</figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0212-014/10181976-1-eng-US/f0212-012.jpg" title="f0212-01" width="171" height="103"></div><h2>ANAHEIM</h2>7. Joffrey Lupul. C/RW, Medicine Hat (WHL); 37. Tim Brent, C, St. Michael&rsquo;s (OHL); 71. Brian Lee. D, Erie (OHL); 103. Joonas Vihko, F, IFK (AN); 140. George Davis, RW. Cape Breton (QMJHL); 173. Luke Fritshaw, D, Prince Albert (WHL); 261. Francois Caron, D, Moncton (QMJHL); 267. Chris Petrow, D, Oshawa (OHL).<h2>ATLANTA</h2>2. Kari Lehtonen. G. Jokerit (FIN); 30. Jim Slater, C, Michigan State (CCHA); 116. Patrick Dwyer. RW. Western Michigan (CCHA); 124. Lane Manson. D. Moose Jaw (WHL); 144. Paul Flache. D. Brampton (OHL); 167. Brad Schell, C. Spokane (WHL); 198. Nathan Oystrick, D. South Surrey (BCHL); 230. Colton Fretter, C/RW, Chatham (WOJHL); 236. Tyler Boldt, D, Kamloops (WHL); 257. Pauli Levokari, D, IFK (AN).<h2>BOSTON</h2>29. Hannu Toivonen, G, HPK (AN); 56. Vladislav Evseev, LW, HC CSKA (RUS); 130. Jan Kubista, RW. Pardubice Jr. (CZE Jr.); 153. Peter Hamerlik, G, Kingston (OHL); 228. Dmitri Utkin. LW. Yaroslavl Jr. (RUS Jr.); 259. Yan Stastny, C/LW, Notre Dame (CCHA); 290. Pavel Frolov, F, N. Novgorod Jr. (RUS Jr.).<h2>BUFFALO</h2>11. Keith Ballard. D. Minnesota (WCHA); 20. Daniel Paille, LW, Guelph (OHL); 76. Michael Tessier. LW, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL); 82. John Adams, D, Boston College (HE); 108. Jakub Hulva, C/W, Vitkovice (CZE); 121. Marty Magers, G, Omaha (USHL); 178. Maxim Sheviev. C, Elektrostal (RUS); 208. Radoslav Heel, D. Bratislava (SVK); 241. Dennis Wideman, D, London (OHL); 271. Martin Cizek, D, Slavia Jr. (CZE Jr.).<h2>CALGARY</h2>10. Eric Nystrom, LW, Michigan (CCHA); 39. Brian McConnell, C, Boston University (HE); 90. Matthew Lombardi, C. Victoriaville (QMJHL); 112. Yuri Artemenkov. W, Krylja (RUS); 141. Jiri Cetkovsky. C, Zlin Jr. (CZE Jr.); 142. Emanuel Peter, C, Kloten (SUI): 146. Victor Bobrov, F, HC CSKA(RUS); 159. Kristofer Persson, RW. Modo Jr. (SWE Jr.); 176. Curtis McElhinney, G. Colorado College (WCHA); 206. David Van Der Gulik, RW, Chilliwack (BCHL); 207. Pierre Johnsson, D, Farjestad Jr. (SWE Jr.); 238. Jyri Marttinen, D, Jyvaskyla (AN).<h2>CAROLINA</h2>25. Cam Ward, G. Red Deer (WHL); 91. Jesse Lane, D, Hull (QMJHL); 160. Daniel Manzato, G, Victoriaville (QMJHL); 224. Adam Taylor, C. Kootenay (WHL); 10. Eric Nystrom, LW, Michigan (CCHA).<h2>CHICAGO</h2>21. Anton Babchuk, D, Elektrostal (RUS); 54. Duncan Keith, D, Michigan State (CCHA); 93. Alexander Kozevnikov, LW. Krylja Jr. (RUS Jr.); 128. Matt Ellison. RW. Cowichan (BCHL); 156. James Wisniewski. D. Plymouth (OHL); 188. Kevin Kantee, D, Jokerit Jr. (AN Jr.); 219. Tyson Kellerman. G, North Bay (OHL); 251. Jason Kostadine, RW. Hull (QMJHL); 282. Adam Burish, RW, Green Bay (USHL).<h2>COLORADO</h2>28. Jonas Johansson, W, HV 71(SWE); 61. Johnny Boychuk, D, Calgary (WHL); 94. Eric Lundberg, D, Providence (HE); 107. Mikko Kalteva, D. Jokerit Jr. (FIN Jr.); 129. Tom Gilbert, D, Chicago (USHL); 164. Tyler Weiman, G, Tri-City (WHL); 195. TaylorChristie, D. Bowling Green (CCHA); 227. Ryan Steeves, C/LW, Yale (ECAC); 258. Sergei Shemetov, W, Yaroslavl (RUS); 289. Sean Collins, LW, New Hampshire (HE).<h2>COLUMBUS</h2>1. Rick Nash, LW, London (OHL); 41. Joakim Lindstrom, F, Modo(SWE); 65. Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, D, Lillehammer (NOR); 96. Jeff Genovy, C, Des Moines (USHL); 98. Ivan Tkachenko, F, Yaroslavl (RUS); 119. Jekabs Redlihs, D, Apple Core (EJHL); 133. Lasse Pirjeta, C, Karpat (AN); 168. Tim Konsorada, RW, Brandon (WHL); 184. Jaroslav Balastik, F, Zlin (CZE); 199. Greg Mauldin, C, Mass-Amherst (HE); 225. Steven Goertzen, RW, Seattle (WHL); 231. Jaroslav Kracik, C/W, Plzen (CZE); 263. Sergei Mozyakin, F, HC CSKA (RUS).<h2>DALLAS</h2>26. Martin Vagner, D, Hull (QMJHL); 32. Janos Vas, W, Malmo Jr. (SWE Jr.); 34. Tobias Stephan, G, Chur (SUI); 42. Marius Holtet, C/W, Farjestad Jr. (SWE Jr.); 43. Trevor Daley, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL); 78. Geoff Waugh, D. Kindersley (SJHL); 110. Jarkko A. Immonen, C, Blues Jr. (FIN Jr.); 147. David Bararuk, C/LW, Moose Jaw (WHL); 180. Kirill Sidorenko. C, Kurgan (RUS); 210. Bryan Hamm, D, Peterborough (OHL); 243. Tuomas Mikkonen, W, Jyvaskyla (AN); 273. Ned Havem, LW, Boston College (HE).<h2>DETROIT</h2>58. Jiri Hudler, C, Liberec (CZE); 63. Tomas I Fleischmann, C/W, Vitkovice Jr. (CZE Jr.); 95. Valtteri Fiippula, C, Jokerit Jr. (FIN Jr.); 131. Johan Berggren. D, Sunne (SWE); 166. Logan Koopmans, G, Lethbridge (WHL); 197. James Cuddihy, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL); 229. Derek Meech, D, Red Deer (WHL); 260. Pierre-Olivier Beaulieu, D, Quebec i (QMJHL); 262, Christian Soderstrom, F, Timra (SWE);; 291. Jonathan Ericsson, D, Sweden (Jr.).<h2>EDMONTON</h2>15. Jesse Niinimaki, C, Ilves (FIN): 31. Jeff Deslauriers, G, Chicoutimi (QMJHL): 36. Jarret Stoll, C. Kootenay (WHL): 44. Matt Greene. D, Green Bay (USHL); 79. Brock Radunske, LW, Michigan State (CCHA); 106. Ivan Koltsov, D, Cherepovec (RUS); 111. Jonas Almtorp, C. Modo Jr. (SWE Jr.); 123. Did Not Pick; 148. Glenn Fisher, G. Ft. Saskatchewan (AJHL); 181. Mikko Luoma, D. Tappara (FIN); 205. J-F Dufort, LW, Cape Breton (QMJHL); 211. Patrick Murphy. LW. Newmarket (OPJHL); 244. Dwight Helminen, C, Michigan (CCHA); 245. Tomas Micka, W. Slavia Jr. (CZE Jr.); 274. Fredrik Johansson, C, Frolunda Jr. (SWE Jr.).<h2>FLORIDA</h2>3. Jay Bouwmeester. D, Medicine Hat (WHL); 9. Petr Taticek, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL); 40. Rob Globke, i C/RW. Notre Dame (CCHA); 67. Gregory Campbell, I C/LW, Plymouth (OHL); 134. Topi Jaakola, D, Karpat &bull; (FIN); 158. Vince Bellissimo, C, Topeka (USHL); 169. Jeremy Swanson, D, Barrie (OHL); 196. Mikael Vuorio, G, Lukko (FIN); 200. Denis Yachmenev, LW, North Bay (OHL): 232. Peter Hafner. D. Taft (USHS).<h2>LOS ANGELES</h2>18. Denis Grebeshkov, D, Yaroslavl (RUS); 50. Sergei Anshakov, LW, HC CSKA (RUS); 66. Petr Kanko, RW, Kitchener (OHL); 104. Aaron Rome, D, Swift Current (WHL); 115. Mark Ropneem, LW, Kamloops (WHL); 152. Greg Hogeboom, RW, Miami ' (CCHA); 157. Joel Andresen, D, St. Albert (AJHL): 185'. Ryan Murphy, RW, Boston College (HE): 215, Mikhail Lyubushin, D, Krylja (RUS); 248. Tuukka Pulliainen, C/W, Tuto (FIN); 279. Connor James, RW, i Denver (WCHA).<h2>MINNESOTA</h2>8. Pierre-Marc Bouchard, C, Chicoutimi (QMJHL); 38. Josh Harding, G, Regina (WHL); 72. Michael. Erickson, RW, Minnesota (WCHA); 73. Barry Brust, G, Spokane (WHL); 155. Armands Berzins, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL); 175. Matt Foy, RW, Merrimac! (HE): 204. Niklas Eckerblom. C, Djurgarden (SWE). 237. Christoph Brandner, F, Krefeld (GER); 268 Mikhail Tyulyapkin, D, N. Novgorod Jr. (RUS Jr.); 269. Mika Hannula, F, Malmo (SWE).<h2>MONTREAL</h2>14. Christopher Higgins. C. Yale (ECAC); 45. Tomas Linhart, D. Pardubice Jr. (CZE Jr.); 99. Michael Lambert, C/LW, Montreal (QMJHL); 182. Andre Deveaux, C, Belleville (OHL); 212. Jonathan Ferland. RW, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL); 275. Konstantin Korneev, D. Krylja (RUS).<h2>NASHVILLE</h2>6. Scottie Upshall, RW, Kamloops (WHL); 102. Brandon Segal. RW, Calgary (WHL); 138. Patrick Jarrett, C, Owen Sound (OHL): 172. Mike McKenna. G, St. Lawrence (ECAC): 203. Josh Morrow, D. Tri-City (WHL); 235. Kaleb Betts, C. Chilliwack (BCHL); 264. Matt Davis. G, Moncton (QMJHL); 266. Steven Spencer, D. Swift Current (WHL).<h2>NEW JERSEY</h2>51. Anton Kadeykin, D, Elektrostal (RUS); 53. Barry Tallackson, RW, Minnesota (WCHA); 64. Jason Ryznar, LW, Michigan (CCHA); 84. Marek Chvatal, 0. Trinec (CZE): 85. Ahren Nittel, LW. Windsor (OHL); 117. Cam Janssen, RW, Windsor (OHL); 154. Krisjanls Redlihs. 0, Liepasa (LAT); 187. Eric Johansson, C, Tri-City (WHL); 218. Ilkka Pikkaralnen. RW, IFK (FIN); 250. Dan Glover, D, Camrose (AJHL); 281. Bill Kinkel, LW, Kitchener (OHL).<h2>N.Y. ISLANDERS</h2>22. Sean Bergenheim, W, Jokerit (FIN); 87. Frans Nielsen, C. Malmo (SWE); 149. Markus Pahlsson, W, Morrum. (SWE); 189. Alexei Stonkus, D, Yaroslavl (RUS); 220. Brad Topping, G, Brampton (OHL); 252. Martin Chabada, F, Sparta (CZE); 283. Per Braxenholm, D. Morrum. (SWE).<h2>N.Y. RANGERS</h2>33. Lee Falardeau, C, Michigan State (CCHA); 81. Marcus Jonasen, W, Vasteras Jr. (SWE); 127. Nathan Guenin, D. Green Bay (USHL): 143. Mike Walsh. LW Compuware (NAHL); 177. Jake Taylor, D, Green Bay (USHL); 194. Kim Hlrschovits, C. IFK (FIN); 226. Joseph Crabb, RW. Green Bay (USHL); 240. Petr Prucha, C/W, Pardubice Jr. (CZE Jr.); 270. Rob Flynn. RW, Harvard (ECAC).<h2>OTTAWA</h2>16. Jakub Klepis, C, Portland (WHL); 47. Alexei Kaigorodov, C, Magnitogorsk (RUS); 75. Arttu Luttinen, F, IFK Jr. (FIN Jr.); 113. Scott Dobben, C/LW, Erie (OHL); 125. Johan Bjork, D, Malmo Jr. (SWE Jr.); 150. Brock Hooton, C. Quesnel (BCHL); 246. Josef &rsquo; Vavra, LW. Vsetin Jr. (CZE Jr.): 276. Vitali Atyushov, D. Perm (RUS).<h2>PHILADELPHIA</h2>4. Joni Pitkanen, D. Karpat (FIN); 105. Rosario Ruggeri, D, Chicoutimi (QMJHL); 126. Konstantin Baranov. F, Chelyabinsk (RUS); 161. Dov Grumet-Morris, G. Harvard (ECAC): 192. Nikita Korovkin, D. Kamloops (WHL): 193. Joey Mormina, D, Colgate (ECAC); 201. Mathieu Brunelle. LW. Victoriaville (QMJHL).<h2>PHOENIX</h2>19. Jakub Koreis, C, Plzen (CZE): 23. Ben Eager, LW, Oshawa (OHL); 46. David Leneveu, G, Cornell (ECAC); 70. Joe Callahan, D, Yale (ECAC): 80. Matt Jones, D, North Dakota (WCHA); 97. Lance Monych, RW. Brandon (WHL); 132. John Zeiler, RW, Sioux City (USHL); 186. Jeff Pietrasiak, G. Berkshire (USHS): 216. Ladislav Kouba, LW, Red Deer (WHL); 249. Marcus Smith, D. Kitchener (OHL); 280. Russell Spence, C, Opaskwayak (OCN) (MJHL).<h2>PITTSBURGH</h2>5. Ryan Whitney, D, Boston University (HE): 35. Ondrej Nemec. D. Vsetin (CZE); 69. Erik Christensen, C, Kamloops (WHL); 101. Daniel Fernholm. D. Djurgarden (SWE): 136. Andrew Sertich, LW. Greenway H.S. (USHS); 137. Cam Paddock, C, Kelowna (WHL); 171. Robert Goepfert, G, Cedar Rapids (USHL); 202. Patrik Bartschi, C/W, Kloten (SUI); 234. Maxime Talbot, C, Hull (QMJHL); 239. Ryan Lannon, D. Harvard (ECAC): 265. Dwight LaBrosse, G. Guelph (OHL).<h2>ST. LOUIS</h2>48. Alexei Shkotov, RW, Elektrostal Jr. (RUS Jr.); 62. Andrei Mikhnov. C/LW, Sudbury (OHL); 89. Tomas Troliga, C/W, Spisska Nova Ves (SLO); 120. Robin Jonsson, D, Bofors (SWE); 165. Justin Maiser. C/LW. Boston University (HE): 190. DJ. King. F, Lethbridge (WHL); 221. Jonas Johnson, C, Frolunda (SWE); 253. Tom Kolvisto, D, Jokerit (FIN); 284. Ryan MacMurchy, RW, Notre Dame (SJHL).<h2>SAN JOSE</h2>27. Mike Morris, RW, St. Sebastian&rsquo;s (USHS); 52. Dan Spang. D. Winchester H.S. (USHS); 86. Jonas Fiedler, RW. Plymouth (OHL); 139. Kris Newbury, C/LW, Sarnia (OHL); 163. Tom Walsh, D, Deerfield Academy (USHS); 217. Tim Conboy, D, Topeka I (USHL); 288. Michael Hutchins, D, Des Moines (USHL).<h2>TAMPA BAY</h2>60. Adam Henrich. LW. Brampton (OHL): 100. Dimitri Kazionov, C, HC CSKA (RUS); 135. Joseph Pearce. G. Jr. Monarchs (EJHL): 162. Gerard Dicaire, D. Kootenay (WHL): 170. PJ. Atherton. D. Cedar Rapids I (USHL); 174. Karri Akkanen, C/W, Ilves Jr. (FIN Jr.): I 183. Paul Ranger, D, Oshawa (OHL); 213. Fredrik Norrena, G, TPS (FIN); 233. Vasily Koshechkin, G. sLada Togliatti (RUS): 255. Ryan Craig, C, Brandon (WHL); 256. Darren Reid, RW, Medicine Hat (WHL); I 286. Alexei Glukhov, W. Chimik (RUS); 287. John 1 Toffey, C. Ohio State (CCHA).<h2>TORONTO</h2>24. Alexander Steen. C. Frolunda (SWE): 57. I Matthew Stajan. C. Belleville (OHL); 74. Todd Ford, I G, Swift Current (WHL); 88. Dominic D'Amour. D. Hull I (QMJHL); 122. David Turon, D, Havirov (CZE); 191. I Ian White, D. Swift Current (WHL); 222. Scott May. F. I Ohio State (CCHA); 254. Jarkko Immonen, C, Assat I (FIN); 285. Staffan Kronvall. D. Huddinge (SWE).<h2>VANCOUVER</h2>49. Kiril Koltsov. D. Omsk (RUS); 55. Denis GroL D. Elektrostal (RUS); 68. Brett Skinner. D. Des Moines (USHL); 83, Lukas Mensator. G. Karlovy Vary (CZE); I 114. John Laliberte, RW. Jr. Monarchs (EJHL); 151. I Rob McVicar, G, Brandon (WHL); 214. Marc-Andre I Roy, LW. Baie-Comeau (QMJHL); 223. Ilia Krikunov, W. Elektrostal (RUS); 247. Matt Violin, G, Lake I Superior (CCHA); 277. Thomas Nussli, W. Zug (SUI); I 278. Matt Gens. D, St. Cloud State (WCHA).<h2>WASHINGTON</h2>12. Steve Eminger, D. Kitchener (OHL); 13. I Alexander Syemin. LW. Chelyabinsk (RUS): 17. Boyd Gordon. RW, Red Deer (WHL); 59. Maxime I Daigneault, G, Val-d'Or (QMJHL); 77. Patrick Weilar, D. Portland (WHL); 92, Derek Krestanovich. C, I Moose Jaw (WHL): 109. Jevon Desautels. LW. Spokane (WHL): 118. Petr Dvorak, C, Havirov Jr. (CZE (Jr.); 145. Robert Gherson, G, Sarnia (OHL); 179. Marian Havel, C/LW. Vancouver (WHL); 209. Joni Lindlof. W. Tappara Jr. (FIN Jr.); 242. Igo' Ignatushkin. w. Elektrostal (RUS); 272. Patric I Blomdahl, W, AIK Jr. (SWE Jr.) &#9632;

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2002 NHL Entry Draft team-by-team

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0213-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0213-013/10182014-1-eng-US/f0213-012.jpg"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0215-013/10182007-1-eng-US/f0215-012.jpg" title="f0215-01" width="2334" height="3034"></div> &#9632;

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American Hockey League

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HOCKY HISTORY!

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Western Hockey League

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0224-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0224-014/10182197-1-eng-US/f0224-012.jpg"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0225-012/10182190-1-eng-US/f0225-012.jpg" title="f0225-01" width="2258" height="3000"></div> &#9632;

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Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

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National Hockey League 2002-03 Schedule

<div class="byline">By Scott Burnside</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="ONT0002-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/ont0002-01/10182294-1-eng-US/ont0002-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">(Hamilton/VPS Dan)</figcaption></div>In the movie Groundhog Day Bill Murray discovers he is unable to move forward with his life. doomed it seems to repeat the same day endlessly until, after a journey of self-discovery, he is liberated (or something like that).As the Ottawa Senators skated off the Air Canada Centreice last May, their tails between their legs and their Stanley Cup dreams dashed for the third straight season by their big-spending, swaggering cousins from across the province, there were more than a few Murray-esque references to consider.As in Groundhog Day, the cruel circumstances of each humiliation change every year, yet the final scenesremain carbon copies of each other - a meek exit in the deciding game followed by days of self-recriminationand angst and promises that next year will be different.There are other great NHL rivalries to be sure, but none so clearly illustrates the uniquely Canadian passion for the game (nor, on a much broader canvas, the greater challenges facing the NHL) as the Battle of Ontario.A recent poll of Senators fans put the issue in perspective: 42 per cent of respondents said beating Toronto was their top goal for 2002-03, almost twice as many who set their sights on reaching the Stanley Cup final or winning it.&ldquo;I think Toronto has had a lot of fun rubbing in the playoff wins and Ottawa wants its turn,&rdquo; said Toronto center Alyn McCauley, a former junior star in Ottawa.&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know that I&rsquo;d look forward to another playoff match-up.&rdquo; And as much as the Senators have provid ed a blueprint for small to mid-sized market teams in how to build a skilled, economical club, one gets the feelling, Bill Murray, they will never move forward until they shed their personal albatross.Herein, a look at how the Battle of Ontario evolved and what lies ahead.DAVID VERSUS GOLIATH: MYTH OR REALITY? The Senators spent $29 million (U.S.) last season and owner RodBryden continues to wrestle with refinancing plans in an effort to keep the club in Ottawa. The Leafs spent almost twice as much, $48 million, yet were accused by some members of the Toronto media of being spendthrifts.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/ont0004-01/10182287-1-eng-US/ont0004-012.jpg" title="ONT0004-01" width="2388" height="3126"></div>The teams you like.The teams you hate.Teams you never get to see.This could be fun.The other part of the reality of the Battle of Ontario is both teams continue to struggle within their own economics worlds to find that championship blend.The Senators, living off high draft picks from their woeful early days and a diligent, skillful scouting staff that unearthed gems like Karel Rachunek (229th overall, 1997) and Sami Salo (239th, 1996), are that rare team that is financially working class, but upper class in skill and potential - a potential not yet realized thanks in large part to the Leafs.&ldquo;(The Senators) love to play the little guy,&rdquo; said Leafs president Ken Dryden. &ldquo;They love to create themselves smaller than they are and us bigger than we are. They have a lot of good players that &lsquo;little guys&rsquo; often don&rsquo;t have.&rdquo;The Senators are the only Canadian team to play in the postseason for six straight years, yet each year Senators fans grouse that national broadcasters favor the Leafs or of some other perceived snub.From the beginning, Leaf fans have invaded Ottawa home games. sometimes nearly outnumbering the locals, adding to the lust for victory of Senators fans.&ldquo;They&rsquo;re sick of (Leaf fans) at home. They&rsquo;re sick of them at the office 12 months a year,&rdquo; explained Dean Brown, who has been calling Senators games on radio and television since Day 1.On the other side of the sling-shot, this summer has revealed the Leafs to be a rather toothless Goliath, unable to retain netminder Curtis Joseph, who took less money to become a Detroit Red Wing, and unable to lure free agent studs Bobby Holik, Tony Amonte or Darius Kasparaitis to Toronto.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/ont0006-01/10182280-1-eng-US/ont0006-012.jpg" title="ONT0006-01" width="983" height="1598"><figcaption class="caption-body">Tough StuffOttawa supersized by getting Zdeno Chara, but do the Senators still need more heart to beat the Leafs? (Dan Hamilton/VPS)</figcaption></div>&ldquo;I think that gives the Senators a bit of an edge because Curtis was a big part of them beating Ottawa, especially this year,&rdquo; said former Leaf sniper Rick Vaive, now a television analyst.&ldquo;It&rsquo;s going to be a long haul for Toronto with (Gary) Roberts out until January,&rdquo; Vaive added, citing the dual shoulder surgeries that will keep emotional leader Roberts off ice until the new year. &ldquo;By January, they could find themselves out of the playoffs.&rdquo;IT&rsquo;S ALL IN YOUR MIND It starts by chance, the luck of the playoff draw. And all of a sudden, three series losses in a row and it&rsquo;s a fullblown phobia.Not that the Senators are alone on the psychiatrist&rsquo;s couch. The Leafs actually had a seat first, complaining to Lorraine Bracco about being haunted by the New JerseyDevils.Twice in a row the Devils dispatched the Leafs (2000 and 2001) and each time Toronto spent the off-season obsessing about the Devils. The Leafs signed Shayne Corson and Roberts get tougher and then Alexander MogUny, Mikael Renberg and Robert Reichel to add some skill up frontThose two seasons. maybe the Leafs sim ply weren&rsquo;t as good a: the DevUs, offered Dryden. &ldquo;But we could have beat them just as Ottawa couldhave beat us.&rdquo;Ottawa, likewise, felt the Leafs had exploited a defensive softness in 2000 and 2001 and acquired behemoth Zdeno Chara and superprospect Jason Spezza for super-enigma Alexei Yashin The economic back drop of such a move, is in many ways moot as weU.Ottawa assistant coach Roger Neilson, when the Senators dispatched the Philadelphia Flyers in five games this spring, said the players quietly wished for a match up against the Leafs.&ldquo;I think most of our guys were happy to play Toronto,&rdquo; Neilson said.But you wonder how much longer Ottawa can look to a playoff series with Toronto as an opportunity for redemption rather than a dungeon of dread.PATIENT OR PLODDING? Much of the core of the Senators has remained intact for all three playoff defeats. This includes captain Daniel Alfredsson, Radek Bonk, Marian Hossa, Salo, Wade Redden, Chris Phillips (although injuries cost Redden and Phillips one series each). AU are homegrown prospects.Ottawa&rsquo;s most significant player moves over the past three years have been acquiring Tom Barrasso at the deadline in 2000; the financially motivated dealing of Yashin for Chara and Spezza; and this summer&rsquo;s shedding of Shawn McEachern.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/ont0008-01/10182273-1-eng-US/ont0008-012.jpg" title="ONT0008-01" width="2130" height="1112"><figcaption class="caption-body">Split HomeA Toronto-Ottawa tilt at the Corel Centre draws Leaf fans by the hordes, including members of the Barenaked Ladies. (Dan Hamilton/VPS)</figcaption></div>The Leafs, on the other hand, continue to morph dramaticall since their first playoff meeting with Ottawa in 2000. Only Mats Sundin, Tomas Kaberle and Tie Domi are left from that 2000 battle.The Leafs have the financial wherewithal to effect such a transi tion, yet the dilemma for the Senators is not just one of financial limitations. They have assembled a deep, talented cast including one of the most promising blueline corps in the league and an explosive col lection of forwards and so have been loathe to disrupt the lineup in spite of their playoff failures.&ldquo;I like the speed on this team. I like the skill level,&rdquo; said Ottawa GM John Muckier. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know how good this club could be. There are a lot of players that you could get excited about.&rdquo;COACHING CONUNDRUM The Ottawa optimist looks at the Carolina Hurricanes and their dedication to coach Paul Maurice and sees a reason to believe in Jacques Martin. The pessimist watches Martin get rewarded with a contract extension for being out-coached by Toronto&rsquo;s Pat Quinn three straightyears and sees a team afraid to eat salary, afraid to make a change.Still, Martin, coach of the year in 1999 and an assistant with Canada&rsquo;s gold medal-winning Olympic team in Salt Lake City, and St. Louis coach Joel Quenneville are the only active bench bosses to lead their team to the playoffs six consecutive years.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/ont0008-02/10182266-1-eng-US/ont0008-022.jpg" title="ONT0008-02" width="991" height="1118"><figcaption class="caption-body">Home or away, the Leafs have dictated the level of physical play. (P. Maccallum/BBS)</figcaption></div>&ldquo;No matter where you are there is no perfect situation,&rdquo; said Martin when it was announced he was under contract through the 2003-04 season.&ldquo;To think it&rsquo;s easier in a market like the New York Rangers because they have more money&hellip; Well, I keep checking and we&rsquo;re ahead of them.&rdquo;HEART OR HEARTLESS? The Yushkevich, Darcy Tucker, Cory Cross, Jyrki Lumme and Garry Valk and somehow managed to get stronger. The Sens lost Chara and Mike Fisher and collapsed like a tissue in the rainLeafs lost Renberg, Sundin, DmitryOttawa simply had no answer last spring for the gutsyplay of Roberts; the inspired transformation of McCauley from check er to scorer; and the timely goals by free agent sniper Mogilny Even when it looked like Daniel Alfredsson had made the kind of impact statement leaders make by crushing Darcy Tucker into the boards and then scoring the winning goal late in Game 5 to give the Sens a3-2 series lead, they could not seize the moment.Ottawa blew a 2-0 lead at home in Game 6 and Game 7 was an exer else in abject humiliation as the battered Leafs cruised to a 3-0 winOf the three playoff series against Toronto, this is the one that may haunt Ottawa the longest&ldquo;You&rsquo;ve got to learn how to hate losing,&rdquo; Muckier said. &ldquo;If you can&rsquo;t talk about it, they can&rsquo;t win it. But I think they&rsquo;re at that stage.&rdquo; &#9632;

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