The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.

April 22, 2008

The Hockey News - Apr-22-08

<div class="byline">&#x2013; ELLIOTT PAP</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-03719/9129740-1-eng-US/f0035-032.jpg" title="f0035-03" width="214" height="214"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Roberto Luongo, G.</i> While his 2007-08 campaign wasn&rsquo;t nearly as stellar as his first in Vancouver, Luongo was once again Vancouver&rsquo;s MVP. The workhorse netminder made more than 70 starts and was usually the reason the Canucks won. During one stretch in November, he recorded three consecutive shutouts. His overall wins total would have been far higher had the punchless Canucks produced more offense.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Alex Burrows, LW.</i> The versatile winger wasn&rsquo;t even a sure thing to make the team, but has evolved from a fringe fourth-liner into an important checker, penalty-killer and agitator. Burrows began to demonstrate his touch at the NHL level by more than tripling his meager nine-point output of a year ago.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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THE STANDARDS

VANCOUVER

<div class="byline">&#x2013; DAN WOOD</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0031-02" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-02822/9128851-1-eng-US/f0031-022.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Eric Staal delivered when it mattered most. <span class="photo-credit">(STREETER LECKA/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-011231/9128858-1-eng-US/f0031-012.jpg" title="f0031-01" width="213" height="203"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Ryan Getzlaf, C.</i> Getzlaf had about 25 more points than the next highest scorer for the Ducks, but it isn&rsquo;t mere numbers that make him the team&rsquo;s MVP. On a team that has struggled to find secondary scoring all season, Getzlaf&rsquo;s maturity has been as important as his production. &ldquo;He just creates time and space out there,&rdquo; said defenseman Mathieu Schneider. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s going to be an elite player for years and years here.&rdquo;</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Kent Huskins, D.</i> No one anticipated Huskins building a plus-22 mark, second on the team behind Getzlaf&rsquo;s plus-27, entering the season&rsquo;s final two games. Given the absence of Scott Niedermayer for the season&rsquo;s first 34 games, and Chris Pronger&rsquo;s late-season suspension, Huskins&rsquo; understated but steady play has been huge.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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ANAHEIM

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-03985/9128263-1-eng-US/f0010-032.jpg" title="f0010-03" width="334" height="510"><figcaption class="caption-body">Five teams were within a few points of making the playoffs. With each team averaging about 17 extratime games, there should be a greater coaching emphasis on shootout preparation. <span class="photo-credit">(MORTON: DAVE SANDFORD/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-021567/9128270-1-eng-US/f0010-022.jpg" title="f0010-02" width="160" height="158"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(CHELIOS: JOHN RUSSELL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>hink the NHL hasn&rsquo;t dropped its penalty standards? Chris Chelios cross-checked Patrick Kane seven times before a penalty was called in a late-season game. That&rsquo;s six times too many.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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WHAT’S IRRITATING BROPHY + CAMPBELL THIS WEEK?

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IN THIS ISSUE

Court IS IN SESSION.

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0003-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0003-012081/9127828-1-eng-US/f0003-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Flexible Finn It&rsquo;s no stretch to say St. Louis&rsquo; Hannu Toivonen did all he could to thwart Pred Martin Erat. <span class="photo-credit">(CONTENTS: JOHN RUSSELL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="mon012.jpg" title="common01" width="69" height="69"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><p>Check out <a href="http://thehockeynews.com">thehockeynews.com</a> to see photos of the week.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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THE BIG PICTURE

<div class="byline">with Jason Kay</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-012072/9127866-1-eng-US/f0004-012.jpg" title="f0004-01" width="765" height="642"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(MARK WILSON)</span></figcaption></div><p>AND THIS YEAR&rsquo;S DARK HORSE Stanley Cup pick is&hellip;the Detroit Red Wings? Really?</p><p>The Presidents&rsquo; Trophy champs separated themselves from the herd, posting the most wins and points in the league for the third time in four seasons, yet tellingly, few &ldquo;experts&rdquo; believe they&rsquo;ll go all the way.</p><p>Of the 35 hockey writers we polled, just five (14 percent) backed the Wings. Gee Wally, even Ward Cleaver had more faith in Eddie Haskell.</p><p>The river of disrespect has several tributaries, most notably:</p><p>MORE ATTRACTIVE, SUDDENLY STRENGTHENED RIVALS The San Jose Sharks were the runaway winners of our poll, garnering 15 of the 35 votes (43 percent). The writers apparently believe the pretty orange striping they added to their jerseys this year is enough to make the difference and erase memories of failures past. That and the addition of supreme puck-mover Brian Campbell, the stellar goaltending of Evgeni Nabokov and the overall maturation of a balanced lineup will be key. The defending champion Anaheim Ducks, THN&rsquo;s official pick, arrived fashionably late to the ball with the &ldquo;acquisitions&rdquo; of Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne and earned 12 Cup nods (34 percent).</p><p>DETROIT&rsquo;S REPUTED &lsquo;SOFT&rsquo; SCHEDULE Don&rsquo;t believe it. Several analysts have claimed the Wings bloated their points totals by feeding off weaker Central Division rivals when, in fact, the opposite is true. Entering the last weekend of the season, the Wings were 16-12-3 against the Central (.565 points percentage) and 37-9-4 against the rest of the league (.780).</p><p>DETROIT&rsquo;S REPUTED &lsquo;SOFT&rsquo; UNDERBELLY Another fallacy, from this perspective. The Wings were Anaheim&rsquo;s equal last spring and may well have won the Western Conference final if not for a questionable penalty call against Pavel Datsyuk late in Game 5, a contest in which they were poised to take a 3-1 stranglehold. Instead, the Ducks collected a lucky-bounce goal on the power play, won the game in overtime and tied the series 2-2. Regardless, Detroit proved it had the requisite team toughness.</p><p>GREY GOALIES Dominik Hasek and Chris Osgood may not be Vezina Trophy candidates, but both have Cup rings. Of course, so do Johnny Bower and Glenn Hall. OK, so every team has an Achilles&rsquo; heel.</p><p>On the plus side for Detroit, coach Mike Babcock now has all the bulletin board material he requires to push his dark horse to the winner&rsquo;s circle, an outcome that would surprise few, but one surprisingly few are projecting.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-021751/9127859-1-eng-US/f0004-022.jpg" title="f0004-02" width="448" height="241"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

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WHY ARE SO FEW PICKING DETROIT?

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0005-012070/9127952-1-eng-US/f0005-012.jpg" title="f0005-01" width="881" height="1018"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(MARC SEROTA/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0005-021494/9127945-1-eng-US/f0005-022.jpg" title="f0005-02" width="158" height="158"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>S</span>o Adam Proteau wants to move the Panthers to Winnipeg (April 1). Makes sense to move to a city that could not fill up a 13,000-seat arena when hockey was at its best. Do you think Winnipeg, Las Vegas, or Kansas City would be filling up their arenas after watching the 10 years of terrible hockey the Panthers have played? I could write a book about all the dumb trades our lousy GMs have made to make the team this inept. Put a decent product on the ice and the fans will show up. Ask pre-Mario Pittsburghers what the crowds were like for the Pens back then. That is what this team has become.</p><p>DOUG GRAHM, PEMBROKE PINES, FLA.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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CAT SCRATCH FEVER

<blockquote class="pullQuote">&ldquo;K-Lo doesn&rsquo;t dilly-dally: If it isn&rsquo;t working, he cleans it up quick</blockquote><h2><b>SWEET ON LOWE</b></h2><p class="dropcap"><span>C</span>&rsquo;mon, you&rsquo;re making it harder and harder for me to defend your publication to my Oiler lovin&rsquo; friends who are convinced you guys despise the Copper and Blue. Kevin Lowe is the second worst GM in the NHL (April 1)? Please.</p><p>The Oilers were on the cusp of the playoffs after an injury-ravaged season like they&rsquo;ve never known. Deals to acquire Mathieu Garon and Curtis Glencross and decisions to keep Cogliano, Gagner and Gilbert in the NHL this year have made the Oil contenders from the pretenders you predicted several months back. Maybe we should have hung onto Pronger a little longer and sought a better return, but K-Lo doesn&rsquo;t dilly-dally; if it isn&rsquo;t working he cleans it up quick.</p><p>He has explored every angle available within the rules of the CBA in an attempt to better our team. He works long and hard with his nose to the grindstone and seeks success unselfishly for the entire organization. We&rsquo;re very proud of our GM here in Oil Country. He&rsquo;s doing a great job.</p><p>BRUCE MCLELLAN, STONY PLAIN, ALTA.</p><h2><b>WIN ONE FOR KIPPER</b></h2><p>How is Miikka Kiprusoff not considered a candidate for the Vezina Trophy this year? Out of all the other tenders (besides Brodeur) he is the only one who has truly had to stand on his head game in and game out.</p><p>Is there any other team that can be more inconsistent than Calgary and still count on their goalie to give them a chance to win? It&rsquo;s not &lsquo;Kipper&rsquo; who has looked bad, but the acquisitions of Eriksson. Sarich and Aucoin did nothing but slow up the blueline and ruin a great player&rsquo;s chance for an award.</p><p>JESSE DALLMAN, EDSON, ALTA.</p><h2><b>MONTREAL&rsquo;S ROCK</b></h2><p>The NHL should really consider a Montreal defenseman for the Norris Trophy this year.</p><p>Mike Komisarek is a huge part of why the Habs clinched a playoff spot. He plays the defensive aspect of the game every night. He doesn&rsquo;t put up a lot of points, but he takes away points from other players with his shot-blocking. He plays for 60 minutes every game and never takes a shift off.</p><p>Even if he doesn&rsquo;t win, just being considered would be great.</p><p>JORDAN PHILBERT, SHERBROOKE, QUE.</p><h2><b>GORDIE&rsquo;S MAGIC</b></h2><p>A &lsquo;Mr. Hockey&rsquo; story, as his 80th birthday approaches: A few years ago (OK, 15 years ago) I had the pleasure to meet Gordie Howe at a &ldquo;meet &lsquo;n greet.&rdquo;</p><p>Waiting my turn in line, I was so nervous I had to rehearse my greeting. &ldquo;Mr. Howe, you have been a hero of mine since I can remember, it&rsquo;s an honor to finally meet you.&rdquo; My hand disappeared into his giant mitt as he shook it and he looked me in the eye with that twinkle and smile he has to this day.</p><p>I still get goosebumps, at age 54, remembering the night I shook hands with Gordie Howe.</p><p>ROBERT BOADT, KALAMAZOO, MICH.</p><h2><b>SOUTHERN PIONEER</b></h2><p>The Georgia hockey community is mourning the loss of a great man who touched many lives.</p><p>Greg Stathis, coach of Georgia Tech hockey, died in March. Greg has been the leader of the team for the past 17 years. His dedication and commitment to the sport were felt throughout the southern hockey community. Greg and his brother, George, owned the only free-standing pro shop in Atlanta. His dedication brought the joy of the sport to literally thousands of children and adults in the south.</p><p>A service held in Atlanta was attended by approximately 1,000 friends, players and family members. I counted more than 20 different team sweaters worn by the players who loved and respected the coach as they honored his passing with a stick salute. On a personal note, Greg helped me introduce the sport to both of my boys.</p><p>Greg will be missed dearly.</p><p>JIM FISSEL, ATLANTA<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

CROWD SHOTS

<div class="byline">WITH RYAN CARTER</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-012294/9127990-1-eng-US/f0006-012.jpg" title="f0006-01" width="519" height="484"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-021531/9127997-1-eng-US/f0006-022.jpg" title="f0006-02" width="157" height="38"></div><p>What was your &lsquo;welcome to the NHL&rsquo; moment?</p><p>My first game was in the playoffs last year against Detroit. On my first shift, Chris Chelios was leading the rush on the wall. I skated towards him but didn&rsquo;t close in time, he chipped it to Todd Bertuzzi who went in and scored. First shift, minus-1.</p><p>Worst hotel you&rsquo;ve ever stayed in?</p><p>Lincoln, Nebraska, when I played in the USHL &ndash; there were bugs and roaches in the tub.</p><p>Who is your road roommate and how is he?</p><p>I room with Kent Huskins. He&rsquo;s quiet, likes to read, doesn&rsquo;t control the TV remote, so it&rsquo;s good.</p><p>Who has booed you?</p><p>Back in junior, the fans in Sioux City did not like me.</p><p>Favorite junk food?</p><p>My dad&rsquo;s a cop, so I&rsquo;ll say donuts.</p><p>If you could play for any team in NHL history, which would it be?</p><p>Growing up watching the Minnesota North Stars, then losing them &ndash; I&rsquo;d like to go back and play then.</p><p>Which current NHLer is a lock for the Hall of Fame?</p><p>I have to go with my teammate, Teemu Selanne.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="mon012.jpg" title="common01" width="69" height="69"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><p>Visit <a href="http://thehockeynews.com">thehockeynews.com</a> for exclusive audio from 2 MINUTES IN THE BOX<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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2 MINUTES IN THE BOX

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-04548/9128035-1-eng-US/f0006-042.jpg" title="f0006-04" width="564" height="425"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-07180/9128042-1-eng-US/f0006-072.jpg" title="f0006-07" width="158" height="159"></div><p>THN,</p><p class="dropcap"><span>I</span> was reading your magazine as usual and noticed in the stats that goalies such as Tobias Stephan, Chris Beckford-Tseu and Brian Elliott, who all played one game, have a goals-against average with a fraction. Example, Brian Elliott played one game for the Sens with one goal allowed and a 1.01 GAA. How do they figure that out? I thought he would have just had a 1.00 GAA.</p><p>Alex Morrow</p><p>Alex,</p><p>Goals-against average is calculated by minutes played, rather than games played. It is very specific, hence the fractions. If a goalie is not on the ice &ndash; during, say, a delayed penalty, or if he is pulled for an extra attacker &ndash; what looks like a simple equation gets a bit more complicated. Tobias Stephan&rsquo;s only game went into overtime, for example, so he played more than 60 minutes that night.</p><p>THN,</p><p>Why do NHL referees and linesmen have numbers on their uniforms? Do they have a specific use?</p><p>Jerome Gaudreault, Levis, Que.</p><p>Jerome,</p><p>Referees and linesmen used to have their last names on their sweaters, but in order to be a little more anonymous &ndash; and make hecklers work harder &ndash; they switched to numbers.</p><p>SEND YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS TO <a href="mailto:experts@thehockeynews.com">experts@thehockeynews.com</a></p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="mon012.jpg" title="common01" width="69" height="69"></div><p>Need more of your questions answered? Read Proteau&rsquo;s &lsquo;Ask Adam&rsquo; column every Tuesday and Friday at <a href="http://thehockeynews.com">thehockeynews.com</a><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p></div>

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ASK THE EXPERTS

<h2><b>POLL RESULTS</b></h2><p>Which of these players most deserves the Hart Trophy?</p><p>Alex Ovechkin 61 %</p><p>Evgeni Malkin 17 %</p><p>Evgeni Nabokov 8 %</p><p>Jarome Iginla 7 %</p><p>Martin Brodeur 6 %</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-03891/9128080-1-eng-US/f0006-032.jpg" title="f0006-03" width="459" height="641"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(CARTER: DEBORA ROBINSON/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; ELLIOT: PHILLIP MACCALLUM/GETTY IMAGES; OVECHKIN: MITCHELL LAYTON/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b>SPIT IT OUT!</b></h2><p>GET IT OFF YOUR CHEST</p><p>SEND US AN E-MAIL</p><p><a href="mailto:letters@thehockeynews.com">LETTERS@THEHOCKEYNEWS.COM</a></p><p>OR LOG ON</p><p><a href="http://www.thehockeynews.com">WWW.THEHOCKEYNEWS.COM</a></p><p>SEND US SNAIL MAIL</p><p>Letters, The Hockey News 25 Sheppard Ave. W., Suite 100 Toronto, ON., M2N 6S7, Canada</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="mon012.jpg" title="common01" width="69" height="69"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>BONUS!</b></h2><p>All subscribers get exclusive content on <a href="http://thehockeynews.com">thehockeynews.com</a> with an ALL-ACCESS PASS!<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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thehockeynews.com

<div class="byline">&#x2013; MIKE BROPHY</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0008-02" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-021654/9128118-1-eng-US/f0008-022.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Johan Franzen <span class="photo-credit">(DAVE REGINEK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-012194/9128125-1-eng-US/f0008-012.jpg" title="f0008-01" width="168" height="186"></div><p>PLAYOFF HEROES COME IN ALL shapes and sizes and they aren&rsquo;t always the stars of their teams.</p><p>Last season, for example, checking center Samuel Pahlsson was all the rage throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs and even earned some playoff MVP consideration. When it came time to vote for the Conn Smythe Trophy, however, Anaheim teammate, defenseman Scott Niedermayer was the winner.</p><p>Pahlsson followed in the footsteps of other off-the-radar playoff heroes &ndash; the likes of Aaron Ward (with Carolina in 2006) and Mark Tinordi (with the Minnesota North Stars in 1991) &ndash; in making a huge impact as the Ducks captured the NHL championship last spring.</p><p>Here are some players who could rise to the challenge and make a significant contribution in a supporting role in the 2008 post-season:</p><p><b>RUSLAN SALEI, COLORADO</b> While the trade deadline acquisitions of new-old Avs Peter Forsberg and Adam Foote garnered the biggest headlines in Colorado, the addition of rugged defenseman Salei was significant, too. In 15 games with the Avs, the 6-foot-1 and 212-pounder had three goals and seven points while often matched up against the opposition&rsquo;s top scorers.</p><p><b>NIGEL DAWES, NY RANGERS</b> After a few false starts, Dawes has established himself as a regular. In 58 games &ndash; he also has played 20 AHL contests with Hartford this season &ndash; the left winger was leading the Rangers with a plus-9 rating and was a regular on the power play. And while his shootout dekes won&rsquo;t matter in the playoffs, look out if gets a breakaway.</p><p><b>JAMIE LANGENBRUNNER, NEW JERSEY</b> With 31 goals and 78 points in 123 career playoff games, perhaps the Devils captain shouldn&rsquo;t be on this list. But the fact remains the right winger saves some of his best play for the post-season and is the perfect tonic for his team when opponents concentrate on the Devils&rsquo; other scorers. Langenbrunner led all playoff participants with 11 goals and 18 points when the Devils won the Cup in 2003.</p><p><b>JORDAN STAAL, PITTSBURGH</b> With all eyes on the Penguins&rsquo; Big Three of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Marian Hossa, the door could be open for the youngster to cash in. Last season, he managed three goals in five playoff games. A strong playoff would make up for a disappointing regular season for the 19-year-old center.</p><p><b>MIKE GRIER, SAN JOSE</b> Grier&rsquo;s ice time typically goes up by a few minutes per game in the playoffs and his gritty two-way play with San Jose last season (and Buffalo the year before) was some of the best of his career. If the Sharks are trying to kill a critical penalty, it&rsquo;s a certainty Grier will be on the ice. The right winger&rsquo;s production has dipped this year, so you know he&rsquo;s gunning for a big playoff run.</p><p><b>JOHAN FRANZEN, DETROIT</b> No doubt about it, the Red Wings forwards line up behind stars Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. But Franzen, a 28-year-old Swedish right winger in his third NHL campaign, has also played superbly this season; especially down the stretch as he piled up 14 goals and 18 points over 13 late-season games. And he can do it in the clutch, too, leading all Wings players with eight game-winners.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0009-011972/9128111-1-eng-US/f0009-012.jpg" title="f0009-01" width="910" height="691"><figcaption class="caption-body">Jordan Staal could slip through the cracks as opponents key on Malkin and Crosby. <span class="photo-credit">(STAAL: MIKE STOBE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p><b>MATT CULLEN, CAROLINA</b> When the Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup two years ago, Cullen was a significant contributor with four goals and 18 points in 25 playoff games. If he can return from a head injury that had him on the shelf late in the season, his offense could be the difference between a short and long playoff run.</p><p><b>MATT NISKANEN, DALLAS</b> While he hasn&rsquo;t received much, if any, Calder Trophy mention, the 22-year-old rookie defenseman has been a pleasant surprise for the Stars. Niskanen had six goals and 24 points to go with an impressive plus-20 (which easily led all Stars D-men) in 74 games.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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THE SPRING BRINGS OUT THEIR BEST

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0009-04637/9128170-1-eng-US/f0009-042.jpg" title="f0009-04" width="281" height="249"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0009-021369/9128163-1-eng-US/f0009-022.jpg" title="f0009-02" width="407" height="408"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(NABOKOV: DON SMITH/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>LES GLORIEUX Montreal wins its division for the first time since &rsquo;92, hits 100 points for first time since &rsquo;93.</p><p>NABBED IT After being co-No. 1 for a couple years, Evgeni Nabokov proved he&rsquo;s more than ready to be the man.</p><p>HAWKS TV At long last, Chicago fans will be able to view all 82 games on the tube beginning next season.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0009-03837/9128156-1-eng-US/f0009-032.jpg" title="f0009-03" width="407" height="408"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(WELLWOOD: BRUCE BENNETT/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>SAFETY FIRST Too many players are suffering injuries because their chin-straps aren&rsquo;t fastened properly.</p><p>WELL GONE DRY Nearly a point-a-game player last year, Kyle Wellwood completely disappeared this season.</p><p>SEVEN YEARS BAD LUCK The longest active non-playoff streaks, for both the Panthers and Blue Jackets.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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PLUS/MINUS

<p>10 TOBIAS ENSTROM would look good in Sweden&rsquo;s blue and gold with Atlanta finished.</p><p>9 Unfortunately for OLLI JOKINEN, he&rsquo;ll once again be available for Finland.</p><p>8 Team USA will have a lot of young talent, including ERIK JOHNSON to pick from.</p><p>7 If he isn&rsquo;t sick of pucks by now, TOMAS VOKOUN would be great for the Czechs.</p><p>6 PATRICK KANE wearing the Stars and Stripes again? Yes, please.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0009-05476/9128201-1-eng-US/f0009-052.jpg" title="f0009-05" width="519" height="396"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(KOVALCHUK: SCOTT CUNNINGHAM/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>5 MARTIN ST-LOUIS won&rsquo;t have Vinny (wrist), but Canada has other pivots.</p><p>4 SHANE DOAN would once again look nice with a &lsquo;C&rsquo; on his Canadian jersey.</p><p>3 If ANZE KOPITAR doesn&rsquo;t play for Slovenia&hellip;well, they&rsquo;ll struggle a bit.</p><p>2 A Russian team with ILYA KOVALCHUK on the roster would look awfully good.</p><p>1 The Finns won&rsquo;t be happy, but RICK NASH is available for Canada again.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0009-05

Starting from 10

<div class="byline">&#x2013; MIKE BROPHY</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-012163/9128232-1-eng-US/f0010-012.jpg" title="f0010-01" width="831" height="845"><figcaption class="caption-body">Referee Dean Morton played one game in the NHL before realizing his potential as an official. <span class="photo-credit">(MORTON: DAVE SANDFORD/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>THE NHL WANTS YOU!</p><p>That is, if you&rsquo;re a university hockey player who is graduating and interested in continuing to try to climb the ladder to the big leagues &ndash; as an official.</p><p>Stephen Walkom, the NHL&rsquo;s senior vice-president and director of officiating, said the league has embarked on a recruiting program in hopes of directing players into the world of officiating. A letter was sent to coaches in the NCAA and CIS asking them to suggest strong candidates who might be interested in becoming officials.</p><p>In the letter Walkom said the NHL is looking for players who are athletic; have a strong skating ability; have a strong understanding of the game at a high level; are passionate about the game; are accustomed to having high expectations placed upon them; and have a desire to stay involved in the game. The NHL hopes to attract enough interest from graduating players to hold a introductory seminar soon after the 2007-08 season has concluded.</p><p>&ldquo;We look at all the guys playing university and college hockey who never think about officiating,&rdquo; Walkom said. &ldquo;They&rsquo;re like the tar sands &ndash; an untapped resource. There is a place for them in the game. We can&rsquo;t guarantee what level they will make it to, but I can guarantee you that USA Hockey and Hockey Canada will welcome these guys into their officiating ranks.</p><p>&ldquo;You might be able to get to a higher level than you got to as a player.&rdquo;</p><p>Entry-level officials in the NHL can earn six figures a year with senior referees earning upwards of $200,000 a year. But more than money, Walkom hopes to attract the interest of players who simply want to extend their time in high-level hockey. It may be somebody&rsquo;s ticket to the NHL who otherwise would not have made it that far.</p><p>&ldquo;Nobody playing hockey today grows up wanting to be a referee,&rdquo; Walkom said. &ldquo;When you look at guys refereeing in the NHL, those guys all wanted to play in the NHL. But somewhere along the way their skill didn&rsquo;t take them to the next level. But they still made it to the NHL &ndash; as officials. We hope to bring guys in who have a similar experience and background to the guys we have.&rdquo;<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0010-01

OFFICIAL CALL-UP

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-04681/9128308-1-eng-US/f0010-042.jpg" title="f0010-04" width="534" height="809"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(LEE: RICK STEWART/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-05496/9128315-1-eng-US/f0010-052.jpg" title="f0010-05" width="118" height="117"></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/f0010-06374/9128301-1-eng-US/f0010-062.jpg" title="f0010-06" width="79" height="93"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>BRIAN LEE</b></h2><p>OTTAWA SENATORS, D</p><p>DEBUT March 25, 2008</p><p>VS. Buffalo (6-3 win)</p><p>ICE TIME 18:02, 24 shifts</p><p>KEY STAT 2 shots, 1 shot block</p><p>&ldquo;MY FIRST GAME came in Buffalo and on my first shift I lined up against Thomas Vanek on the half wall. I had watched Vanek play two years at the University of Minnesota, so that was an unreal feeling.</p><p>During the warmups, I was so nervous I couldn&rsquo;t even complete a pass out there, but the guys told me to relax and have some fun.</p><p>In the second period, we were up 1-0 when Paul Gaustad got a real good chance in close. I ended up preventing a goal when he shot it right at my foot. It was more luck than anything.</p><p>I thought I played a good first game and hope to improve each time I go out.</p><p>I called my parents after and my dad put me on speakerphone. It was great to hear their voices and my debut was a cool 21st birthday present.&rdquo;<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0010-04

FRESH LEGS

<div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0011-03909/9128346-1-eng-US/f0011-032.jpg" title="f0011-03" width="118" height="117"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE SAN JOSE Sharks sent out a release saying the entire team &ndash; not just one player &ndash; was selected Seagate Technology Sharks player of the month for March. Isn&rsquo;t that special. What&rsquo;s next, participation ribbons for all the L.A. Kings?</p><p>IF YOU HAPPENED to be checking out goal-scoring by defensemen April 1, you may have thought Washington&rsquo;s Mike Green and Chicago&rsquo;s Dustin Byfuglien were tied for top spot with 18 apiece. The fact is, while Byfuglien scored 18 times through 66 games, 10 came while he was playing forward. The NHL goes by what position the player is listed as on the team&rsquo;s official roster.</p><p>AFTER THE YEAR he has had, The Hockey News should know Mathieu Garon&rsquo;s name, but we mistakenly identified him in a photo as Dwayne Roloson in our April 1 edition.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p></div>

f0011-03

SNAPSHOTS

<p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HIS WEEK WE ASKED TWO NHL COACHES: You go into the playoffs on a seven-game winning streak. How do you keep that momentum going into the first series?</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0011-011872/9128384-1-eng-US/f0011-012.jpg" title="f0011-01" width="468" height="500"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(WILSON: DAVE SANDFORD/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b>RON WILSON</b></h2><h3><b>SAN JOSE SHARKS</b></h3><p>There&rsquo;s no guarantee you will, but don&rsquo;t vary your preparation. And keep in mind, playoffs are different because you&rsquo;re focusing on one team.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0011-021357/9128377-1-eng-US/f0011-022.jpg" title="f0011-02" width="472" height="509"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(CRAWFORD: VICTOR DECOLONGON/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b>MARC CRAWFORD</b></h2><h3><b>LOS ANGELES KINGS</b></h3><p>You need to hold practices that are as game-like as possible. Run a lot of combative, competitive drills to get the juices flowing.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0011-01

MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-021643/9128415-1-eng-US/f0012-022.jpg" title="f0012-02" width="563" height="676"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(FOOD: MATT FILION/THN)</span></figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-012106/9128422-1-eng-US/f0012-012.jpg" title="f0012-01" width="117" height="117"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><p>WITH MANNY MALHOTRA</p><p>CENTER</p><p>COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS</p><h2><b>Grilled Sea Bass with Mushroom/Asparagus Risoto</b></h2><h3><b>WHAT YOU&rsquo;LL NEED</b></h3><p>Risotto<br>Sea Bass<br>Asparagus<br>Mushrooms<br>Basil<br>Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Salt<br>Grated Parmesan</p><h3><b>HOW TO MAKE IT</b></h3><h4><b>RISOTTO</b></h4><p>&bull; Saut&eacute; one red onion with olive oil; then add chopped asparagus and mushrooms<br>&bull; While above is saut&eacute;ing, add basil, salt, black pepper and garlic salt to taste<br>&bull; After few minutes of saut&eacute;ing, add one cup risotto and continue saut&eacute;ing for two minutes<br>&bull; Turn down heat to simmer and slowly add 750 ml. vegetable broth<br>&bull; Continue to stir for 20 minutes<br>&bull; When done, add grated Parmesan, mix & serve</p><h4><b>SEA BASS</b></h4><p>Sprinkle fish with salt, pepper & fresh squeezed lemon. Wrap in foil & place on grill for 12-14 minutes (flipping every few minutes)</p><p>Serve the above with steamed broccoli.</p><h3><b>WHY IT&rsquo;S GOOD</b></h3><p>Sea bass is low in fat and provides omega-3 fatty acids as well as a good deal of protein.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0012-02

EAT THIS!

<div class="byline">&#x2013; RYAN KENNEDY</div><p>THE NHL PLAYOFFS may be nerve-wracking for fans, but for the families of players involved, the post-season can be downright chaotic.</p><p>One hockey wife who has a unique perspective on the playoffs is gold-medal figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, who is married to veteran Carolina Hurricanes blueliner Bret Hedican.</p><p>As Hedican and the Canes made a run to the 2006 Stanley Cup, Yamaguchi was staying home and managing a two-year-old and a newborn.</p><p>&ldquo;It was tough,&rdquo; she recalled. &ldquo;We had a four-month-old girl when the playoffs began, so I had my hands full trying to keep the home front covered. It was kind of crazy.&rdquo;</p><p>Ironically, now it&rsquo;s Hedican&rsquo;s turn to be the supporter, as Yamaguchi took on the competition on the TV show <i>Dancing with the Stars.</i></p><p>&ldquo;She has really sacrificed in the past,&rdquo; Hedican noted. &ldquo;And now she has an opportunity to do something really fun for herself. There will be 20 or 30 million people watching; I&rsquo;m proud of her.&rdquo;</p><p>With Yamaguchi in California and Hedican in Raleigh, there has been a lot of iChatting and video conferencing, but sometimes it&rsquo;s the creative gestures that mean the most.</p><p>&ldquo;Before Game 7 (against Edmonton in &rsquo;06), she gave me a CD for the car on the way to the rink,&rdquo; Hedican recalled. &ldquo;It was the song she listened to before she won her Olympic gold medal, so that was pretty cool.&rdquo;</p><p>Yamaguchi said there were tough stretches, but noted the payoff was, of course, worth it.</p><p>&ldquo;It was so exciting,&rdquo; Yamaguchi said. &ldquo;To see my husband realize his dream after 14 seasons in the NHL and knowing how much it meant to him, it was really emotional. The whole year seemed so positive.&rdquo;</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-031059/9128453-1-eng-US/f0012-032.jpg" title="f0012-03" width="700" height="1049"><figcaption class="caption-body">Bret Hedican with wife, Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi, their two kids and Lord Stanley <span class="photo-credit">(HEDICAN: JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>Hedican said the couple can rest in their golden years.</p><p>&ldquo;I told Kristi, &lsquo;When we&rsquo;re old and grey and sitting on a beach somewhere, we&rsquo;ll look back and laugh,&rsquo;&rdquo; he said.</p><p>Of course, once <i>Dancing with the Stars</i> is finished, Hedican could still be chasing Stanley, with Yamaguchi in the supporting role again.</p><p>&ldquo;She said, &lsquo;This summer you&rsquo;ll have to put your time in,&rsquo;&rdquo; he noted. &ldquo;And I&rsquo;m like, &lsquo;No problem.&rsquo;&rdquo;<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0012-03

FAMILY MATTERS

<div class="byline">with Ryan Miller</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-05451/9128484-1-eng-US/f0012-052.jpg" title="f0012-05" width="540" height="303"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-04638/9128491-1-eng-US/f0012-042.jpg" title="f0012-04" width="208" height="258"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>L</span>eica M8 camera / $5,500 / <a href="http://en-leica-camera.com">en-leica-camera.com</a> Ryan Miller is a self-proclaimed &lsquo;nerd.&rsquo; When he&rsquo;s not on his new iPhone, he&rsquo;s snapping shots with his new toy, a 10.3 MP Leica M8 digital rangefinder camera with .68X viewfinder.</p><p>&ldquo;I recently upgraded from the M6 and I&rsquo;ve been having a lot of fun with the new model,&rdquo; he said.</p><p>Leica touts the new digital camera as an &ldquo;investment in the future,&rdquo; plus the rangefinder is tuned for speed and precision.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0012-05

BLING BLING

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0013-011882/9128529-1-eng-US/f0013-012.jpg" title="f0013-01" width="319" height="389"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(KOPITAR: JAMIE SABAU/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>M</span>Y TRAINING METHODS: ALEX KOVALEV DVD $19.98 CDN This double-disc DVD provides a wealth of tips and exercises from Montreal star Alex Kovalev, many of which are best suited for elite talents. Not surprisingly, shooting, skating and puckhandling are at the forefront of the on-ice component. The second disc features fun behind-the-scenes documentaries, plus info on the Gift of Life Foundation, the children&rsquo;s cardiac charity benefitting from the DVD.</p><h2><b>VS.</b></h2><p>GREAT PLAYERS ON STRUGGLING TEAMS</p><p>Asked to name the best players on the worst teams, Vincent Lecavalier and Ilya Kovalchuk probably jump to mind first. But what about the next tier? Who leads those players? Luckily for the Kings and the Blues, it&rsquo;s two young snipers with a lot of upside.</p><h2><b>ANZE KOPITAR VS. BRAD BOYES</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0013-021323/9128522-1-eng-US/f0013-022.jpg" title="f0013-02" width="882" height="1315"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(BOYES: GLENN JAMES/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0013-01

BEST OF THE DVDS

<div class="byline">with Ken Campbell</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0014-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-012082/9128574-1-eng-US/f0014-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Patrick Roy may be big in Quebec, but that doesn&rsquo;t make him untouchable. <span class="photo-credit">(RICHARD WOLOWICZ/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-021564/9128581-1-eng-US/f0014-022.jpg" title="f0014-02" width="187" height="222"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>I</span>N THE SECOND ROUND of the Quebec League playoffs, Patrick Roy was back behind the bench of the Quebec Remparts. But the stink from his and his son&rsquo;s actions in their first round playoff brawl will take considerably longer to dissipate than the suspension did.</p><p>It will certainly linger beyond May 2, when the World Championship opens in Quebec City and Halifax. That, of course, could all change if the goalie from Slovenia decides to skate the length of the ice to administer a beating to the goaltender from Latvia. But chances are, there won&rsquo;t be a single fight in the entire tournament.</p><p>How ironic, then, that Roy is serving as one of the honorary presidents of the event, along with Jean Beliveau. No mistake there, folks. Yes, Patrick Roy is still the honorary president of the World Championship and, incredibly, things probably won&rsquo;t change on that front because it doesn&rsquo;t seem anyone involved has the courage to stand up and do the right thing.</p><p>Certainly it doesn&rsquo;t seem as though Roy will step down from the tournament over which he&rsquo;s likely going to be a distraction. What else would you expect of Roy, however, when he still refuses to accept the load of personal responsibility for one of the ugliest brawls we&rsquo;ve witnessed in some time.</p><p>But what&rsquo;s more disturbing is that nobody else seems to have the gumption to fire Roy &ndash; not the local organizing committee, not Hockey Canada and, as of yet, not the International Ice Hockey Federation.</p><p>The local guys say they&rsquo;re standing by their man because of his achievements as a Hall of Fame goaltender with the Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche.</p><p>At the same time, it should be noted many of the tournament organizers are tied into Roy via the Remparts.</p><p>One of the co-presidents of the event is Jacques Tanguay, a close friend of Roy who co-owns the Remparts along with the four-time Cup champion and two other businessmen. One of the event managers is Louis Painchaud, who is GM of the Remparts and reports directly to Roy. Manager of ticket sales is Jean-Sebastien Montiminy, who is the Remparts sales manager. Lucie Cloutier is marketing director for both the World Championship and the Remparts, and Nicole Bouchard is the communications director for both.</p><p>It&rsquo;s understandable why all these people wouldn&rsquo;t want to throw Roy under the bus.</p><p>That said, Hockey Canada should do it for them. And if Hockey Canada doesn&rsquo;t have the courage to tell Roy to make himself scarce, the IIHF should intervene.</p><p>Actually, that Hockey Canada seems complicit in allowing Roy to remain as a co-honorary chairman along with Beliveau makes a guy wonder exactly what a person has to do to get into Hockey Canada&rsquo;s bad books.</p><p>Their lack of action lends more fodder to the notion the governing body for hockey in Canada is willing to out-and-out ignore transgressions for those who happen to be good hockey players.</p><p>In 2005, just a couple of months after Steve Downie, then of the Windsor Spitfires, was involved in an ugly hazing incident, then beat up a teammate in a spectacle that gave a serious black eye to major junior, Hockey Canada welcomed Downie as a member of the Canadian team for the World Junior Championship. Not only was he given a spot on the team, it seemed there was absolutely no thought of ever denying him the chance to represent his country in the highest profile international event in Canada.</p><p>Not long after, it allowed Wayne Gretzky to name Todd Bertuzzi to the Canadian Olympic team for the 2006 Winter Games in Turin. And now Roy will remain one of the high-profile public ambassadors for the world tournament, despite the fact there&rsquo;s substantial evidence he ordered his son to skate the length of the ice to beat up an opposing goaltender. The act earned the younger Roy a seven-game suspension and the father five games, but evidently no punitive measures from any other organization.</p><p>When contacted by THN, IIHF president Rene Fasel deferred to Hockey Canada on the matter, saying further sanctions would be up to the national body. For its part, Hockey Canada officials said there are no plans to step in and remove Roy against the wishes of the local organizing committee.</p><p>&ldquo;I do not like fights and disrespect,&rdquo; Fasel said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a very, very bad picture our game gives to the world when things like that happen. The Canadian Hockey Association should make the call if there is any further suspension.&rdquo;</p><p>What are these guys fearing? Do they think Roy is going to take a hockey stick to them the way he did when he trashed a video room as a player after being pulled briefly from a game?</p><p>The fact is it&rsquo;s time for somebody to take ownership over this event and tell Roy his presence is not welcome. That&rsquo;s what happens when you besmirch the sport the way he and his son did.</p><p>Or do they just not want to step on the toes of the people who saved the event in Quebec City just when it looked as though it would fail there and be an embarrassment for the birthplace of the sport?</p><p>Too bad. Hockey Canada and the IIHF will have a stake in the integrity of the World Championship long after it leaves Quebec City. This is their marquee event, their opportunity to showcase their sport to the world. They have every right to call the shots when it comes to something like this and the fact that neither of them is willing to do so &ndash; at least so far &ndash; speaks volumes.</p><p>It&rsquo;s time somebody stood up to the bully and told him to go home. And while you&rsquo;re at it, Saint Patrick, don&rsquo;t ever bother to apply to coach the national junior team, either.</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0015-011855/9128567-1-eng-US/f0015-012.jpg" title="f0015-01" width="1065" height="744"><figcaption class="caption-body">Saint Patrick, left, looks on at son Jonathan&rsquo;s post-mugging press conference. <span class="photo-credit">(CP IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><blockquote class="pullQuote">&ldquo;It&rsquo;s time someone stood up to the bully and told him to go home</blockquote><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="mon012.jpg" title="common01" width="69" height="69"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><p>For Ken&rsquo;s web-exclusive Campbell&rsquo;s Cuts column, visit <a href="http://THN.com">thn.com</a><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0014-01

ROY SHOULD BE SENT HOME

<div class="byline">JAY GREENBERG</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-021442/9128626-1-eng-US/f0016-022.jpg" title="f0016-02" width="704" height="467"><figcaption class="caption-body">Goalie heartache goes with the territory when games go to overtime.</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-011860/9128633-1-eng-US/f0016-012.jpg" title="f0016-01" width="187" height="222"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-031071/9128619-1-eng-US/f0016-032.jpg" title="f0016-03" width="1628" height="1133"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(LUONGO: JEFF GROSS/GETTY IMAGES; HASEK: DAVE SANDFORD/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>I</span>T&rsquo;S APRIL, SO BE WARNED. Trust your DVR this month about as much as you can Ray Emery. If you have to go out, never, ever, program your recorder by the channel guide. Your scheduled two-and-half-hour NHL contest could go on almost as long as Kristian Huselius can go between goals, and then you will have missed the best thing about the NHL.</p><p>Overtime.</p><p>I don&rsquo;t mean the take-a-player-off-each-team-so-somebody-scores-before-the-game-goes-past-10-p.m. compromise the league has packaged for persons who desire foremost for the games to end. And certainly I am not referring to the contrived shootout, an altogether different sport invented in apparent apology for a sport that has been loved for only 100 years.</p><p>Some of the same persons, who, in their infinite wisdom brought you a one-year lockout that hasn&rsquo;t prevented a $21-million differential from top payroll to bottom, now want to bring the shootout to the playoffs. It&rsquo;s yet another slasher attack at the very fabric of the game; the earned goal. Fans happily will wait hours for one, if only because they appreciate the effort that goes into it eventually being produced.</p><p>The people who want the games over ASAP are persons who don&rsquo;t enjoy them as much. Wham, bam, thank you Cam for getting us to our cars or to bed, but not without, first, a lecture by pandering announcers paid by the teams to tell us that, never mind what those purist dinosaurs say, you never see anybody leave the building before the shootout.</p><p>As if people ever left during overtime. As if the greatest joy, heartbreak and ultimately bonding experience to the game a hockey fan has ever felt did not come from a sudden-death goal.</p><p>Hallelujah, in the playoffs, there is no consolation point to the loser, no well-at-least-we-got-a-point-but-why-doesn&rsquo;t-that-make-me-happy ambiguity. There is only sheer bliss or utter agony, a catharsis of the wonderful tension upon which April, May and June hockey has always thrived.</p><p>It&rsquo;s the build-up, stupid, that keeps you in your seat. It&rsquo;s the forever it took Keith Primeau or Pat Lafontaine or Dave Hannan to score, that bonds you eternally to your team, brings you back for next game or, if you are lucky enough to have seen a sudden-death elimination game, next season.</p><p>The goal that sends a team home can hurt so bad that ultimately the hurting is good, all part of the build-up to the unmitigated joy when your team gets one to finally advance to a next round. Remember, it was only after one more devastating triple-overtime tease in Game 6 in 2004 that Martin Gelinas got the Game 7 overtime goal against Vancouver for which Flames fans had waited for 15 winless springs. All part of the process.</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0017-011640/9128612-1-eng-US/f0017-012.jpg" title="f0017-01" width="2183" height="1593"><figcaption class="caption-body">Martin Gelinas thrilled Flames fans in &rsquo;04 with overtime heroics. <span class="photo-credit">(JEFF VINNICK/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>The only thing better than double overtime is triple overtime. And that&rsquo;s because the longer the games go, the more intriguing becomes the fatigue factor that all professional sports, now so overcoached, have largely extracted from the competition.</p><p>Four lines, six-inning starters, setup relievers and nickel/dime defensive coverages have become the standard way to go; any coach who dares operating otherwise is asking to be fired. Too much of the drama has been diminished. Not only does fatigue make cowards of the participants, but it also sucks us in to see who is sucking wind most.</p><p>We mean primarily the athletes, but a badge of honor is worn at the water cooler the next day as you splash your face proudly proclaiming that you stayed up and up until finally, Petr Sykora scored. Holy Mud Bruneteau, how could you go to sleep? You can always do that after the Sharks bomb out.</p><p>Every tense second of a game that can end at any time helps bring you back for the next game and then the one after that. If the NHL wants to break ties, can&rsquo;t tolerate interminable November or February games for television-packaging reasons, its move should have been to a 10-minute regular season 5-on-5, two points or nothing.</p><p>While intellectually we can grasp the concept of the reward of the point for the 60-minute draw, the nothing-to-lose extra point in overtime has created such a cautious mentality in the final half-period of regulation that no wonder fans look forward to shootouts.</p><p>Alas, the introduction of the three-point game gave 21 of 30 teams winning records a year ago &ndash; what the NHL wants &ndash; so there is no turning back, only looking ahead to the next sudden death in the spring. If corners cut from October through March in the name of fast endings and points-for-all have managed to make classic playoff overtime that much more special, it&rsquo;s the only good thing that has come from them.</p><h2><b>EXTRA TIME</b></h2><p>Overtime has been required to settle many playoff contests since 1990.</p><h3><b>21.4%</b></h3><p>From 1990 through 2007, there have been 1,456 playoff games. Of those, 312 went into overtime.</p><h3><b>73.3%</b></h3><p>From 1990 through 2007, there have been 255 playoff series. Of those 255 series, 187 featured at least one overtime game.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0016-02

TENSION TAKES CENTER STAGE

<div class="byline">BY JEREMY ROENICK </div><div class="byline">&#x2013; WITH ADAM PROTEAU</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0018-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-011736/9128678-1-eng-US/f0018-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(STEVE DYKES/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>The last couple years prior to this season, I wasn&rsquo;t having the time of my life in hockey.</p><p>I think my hard times in Los Angeles started because of my own brash attitude. I didn&rsquo;t really take care of myself during the lockout, and kind of held a grudge a bit over the way things played out.</p><p>In coming to L.A. at 35 and having taken the whole year off while not really staying in shape, I really hurt myself in the first half of that year. And, combined with the equipment issues I had that year &ndash; I have a double-radius on my skates that requires special sharpening and wasn&rsquo;t having much luck getting the right balance with the Kings &ndash; I wasn&rsquo;t able to get back where I wanted to be, even after I&rsquo;d gotten back into shape.</p><p>The Kings lost a lot of games and it was not a great situation when the team changed coaches toward the end of the season, firing Andy Murray and replacing him with John Torchetti. It was a crazy, crazy situation. So after that, signing with Phoenix was nice, because I got to play at home.</p><p>Going to play for Wayne Gretzky, I appreciated the opportunity, but I didn&rsquo;t know if I was there as someone trying to help the team win or it was more about me being a marketing ploy to sell more tickets.</p><p>We started off very slow as a team. Nobody was putting up many points and at a certain stage management made a decision that this was going to be my last year in the league, that I was fading in my career, that my ability was low.</p><p>They wanted me to just walk off into the sunset and accept what ails aging players. I thought there was some substance to what they were telling me, yet I still felt I could play at a high level and could still skate with some of the young kids.</p><p>But Gretz would tell me, &lsquo;Don&rsquo;t worry about things. You&rsquo;ve got to accept a lesser role and just enjoy the last couple months of your career and have fun out there.&rsquo; It&rsquo;s kind of tough, though, when you&rsquo;re playing on the fourth line and you&rsquo;re in and out of the lineup on a team that&rsquo;s losing and trying to get some younger players into the mix.</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-011497/9128671-1-eng-US/f0020-012.jpg" title="f0020-01" width="1210" height="1415"><figcaption class="caption-body">Roenick has been a mentor for young Sharks such as Torrey Mitchell. <span class="photo-credit">(JEFF VINNICK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>The lowest point that year probably was when the media made a huge deal out of me going to have dinner in Vancouver when I wasn&rsquo;t playing against the Canucks.</p><p>I was told I wasn&rsquo;t playing when I could&rsquo;ve played and it disappointed me. But the media made it sound like I walked out on the team and turned my back on my teammates. Supposedly, it was a really terrible thing to have dinner instead of staying at the arena and watching the game there.</p><p>My answer to that is, there is no NHL rule saying a player who isn&rsquo;t playing can&rsquo;t go to dinner. Some people will say it&rsquo;s an unwritten rule, but nobody should have to take the verbal abuse I took for an unwritten rule. If that&rsquo;s truly the way teams want their players to be, they ought to make it a rule.</p><p>I mean, when Gretz was an active player, I can guarantee you that, if he was injured and unable to play, there were nights he wasn&rsquo;t in the arena when his team was on the ice. And behind closed doors, Gretz was actually very cool about it with me. He told me, &lsquo;Hey, don&rsquo;t worry about it, J.R. I don&rsquo;t see that it&rsquo;s a big deal; it just happened in a big media center.&rsquo;</p><p>Gretz stuck up for me a little bit, he stuck up for me behind the scenes, but when push came to shove, I still didn&rsquo;t play for two more games after the Vancouver game and the team let it be known through the rest of the league that I&rsquo;d been unofficially suspended those two games for my actions.</p><p>The organization let the media get to them and they didn&rsquo;t support me publicly, even though they were supporting me privately. And that bothered me a little bit, but I kept my mouth shut. I got hung out to dry, but that&rsquo;s OK.</p><p>Playing in Phoenix was good, but it was definitely an eye-opening experience for me and not in a completely positive way. A lot of that was because I wasn&rsquo;t able to bring my ability to the level I thought I could still play at. I was on the fourth line, playing with one fighter and one guy who&rsquo;d been up and down from the minors all season. But I still managed to put up 28 points in that situation, which isn&rsquo;t too bad for a fourth-line player.</p><p>After last season ended, I was more or less fed up. I felt like a lot of people had turned their backs on me and no phone calls had come in for me as an unrestricted free agent. There was no interest from any team, so my interest dropped completely off the map, as did the quality of my fitness level.</p><p>I think my agent Neil Abbott gave Sharks GM Dougie Wilson a call and Dougie thought it&rsquo;d be a good idea to call me and find out my intentions about playing again.</p><p>Dougie and I have known each other for such a long time, having played together nearly 20 years ago in Chicago, and I think if there was anybody who was going to give me a chance this season, he wanted to be the guy to do it. That meant a lot to me.</p><p>He told me the Sharks are an organization that isn&rsquo;t interested in distractions; they&rsquo;d had some in the past and so they didn&rsquo;t want me to be an outspoken guy or someone who caused problems through the media. All they wanted was someone to help the San Jose Sharks win.</p><p>Dougie also asked me if I could go the whole year without drinking, because we didn&rsquo;t want any excuses if things didn&rsquo;t work out. We wanted everything on the up-and-up, with no distractions.</p><p>And since August 11th of last summer, I haven&rsquo;t touched a drop of alcohol and I&rsquo;ve completely focused on applying my body to a rigorous fitness plan. I&rsquo;ve dropped from 218 pounds to 190 pounds right now.</p><p>To get in shape, I just did double-sessions; skated in the morning, worked out in the afternoon, did two-a-days for a good month. It was hard on my body, but I got it back really quick.</p><p>I felt tremendous as soon as I got to camp. Everything went well right off the bat and the moment I stepped into the dressing room, the respect was there. Right at the beginning, I told Doug Wilson and coach Ronnie Wilson I appreciated the opportunity and that my job was to play and make sure they couldn&rsquo;t take me out of the lineup.</p><p>I got going rather quickly this year, as I scored two goals in the second game of the season. And it seems like every goal I&rsquo;ve scored has been a game-winner &ndash; 10 out of the 14 goals I had by the end of March won games for the Sharks and I&rsquo;ve scored two shootout winners as well. So that&rsquo;s 12 games I&rsquo;ve had a direct impact on and it&rsquo;s very gratifying to know you&rsquo;ve helped the team and delivered on your promise.</p><p>I&rsquo;ve also been lucky to work with some great young kids in San Jose. Torrey Mitchell, Devin Setoguchi and Joe Pavelski, I&rsquo;ve got a really close bond with. They want to learn and they always have a lot of questions and I make sure they feel very comfortable. I don&rsquo;t want them to feel like they&rsquo;re rookies. They&rsquo;re a big part of the team&rsquo;s success and I hope I help make them understand what it takes to be a productive professional hockey player.</p><p>It comes down to this: when I get the ice time, and the respect and the right equipment, I know I can still play well. And I&rsquo;m treated with respect here. I&rsquo;m looked upon as an important veteran, somebody who&rsquo;s a leader the young guys can listen to and learn from.</p><p>As well, the coach respects me for what I&rsquo;ve done and is always honest with me. He&rsquo;ll look me right in the face and tell me exactly what he&rsquo;s thinking, without any BS whatsoever. If the coaching and management staff don&rsquo;t want me to play in a game, they&rsquo;ll tell me they&rsquo;re playing someone else to get me some rest and keep me ready for the playoffs.</p><blockquote class="pullQuote">It comes down to this: when I get the ice time and the respect and the right equipment, I know I can still play well.</blockquote><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0021-011222/9128664-1-eng-US/f0021-012.jpg" title="f0021-01" width="599" height="465"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(DON SMITH/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>That&rsquo;s fantastic. I&rsquo;m fine with that. To me, communication, honesty and respect is very important in hockey.</p><p>Obviously, there are bigger things we want to do before the season is over. I came here with just one goal &ndash; winning the Stanley Cup. And the time to do that is upon us, so I have to make sure I&rsquo;m ready for that wholeheartedly.</p><p>I think I&rsquo;m more excited to go for it than a kid on Christmas morning. This is what you live for as a child and since my playoff stats have been good for my whole career, I don&rsquo;t believe that&rsquo;s going to change.</p><p>How much longer will I play after this season? I doubt I&rsquo;m going to go the Chris Chelios route. But it really depends; if we win the Stanley Cup this year, it will be a very easy decision for me. If not, I&rsquo;ll have to decide once the year is over after talking to Ronnie and Doug and my family.</p><p>Being chosen as the Sharks&rsquo; nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy (which honors perseverance and dedication to hockey) is a tremendous honor for me, because that&rsquo;s how I feel about the game. I&rsquo;m passionate about it, I&rsquo;m dedicated 100 percent to playing and respecting the game, both on and off the ice.</p><p>I&rsquo;ve tried to help make the game better and make people understand why this is the greatest sport there is. I&rsquo;ve tried to be someone who keeps it fresh, keeps people coming to watch because of my energy or things I say or the way I play the game. Doing things like throwing pucks to the crowd, getting fans involved in the game, making them feel like they&rsquo;re truly appreciated, are all important to me.</p><p>It was tough sledding for me for a couple years there, but I have that enthusiasm and energy back now. And it&rsquo;s nice to be recognized for that. It&rsquo;s very special to me.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0018-01

BACK FROM THE BRINK

<div class="byline">with Adam Proteau</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0028-02" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-02940/9128768-1-eng-US/f0028-022.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Will Ryan Miller get the same treatment as the team&rsquo;s other recent stars? <span class="photo-credit">(BILL WIPPERT/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-011331/9128775-1-eng-US/f0028-012.jpg" title="f0028-01" width="187" height="222"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>A</span> FEW YEARS AGO, actor/comedian Denis Leary wrote an opinion piece for The Hockey News lightheartedly suggesting new names for some NHL teams. One of the funniest was his rechristening of the Sabres as the Bitter Bastards of Buffalo, on account of the city&rsquo;s unfortunate luck on some of pro sports&rsquo; biggest stages (a.k.a. the Stanley Cup final and the Super Bowl).</p><p>These days, I think Buffalonians &ndash; and in particular, Sabres fans &ndash; have every reason to be bitter. With promises of parity paradise, Gary Bettman and Tom Golisano sold them a bill of goods and there&rsquo;s no better proof of it than by examining a team that so charmed the locals after the lockout, yet slowly has been stripped away to become a sliver of its former self to the point it missed the playoffs this year.</p><p>Sabres fans deserve a far better fate. All they&rsquo;ve done is sell out the HSBC Arena night after night since 2005-06. All they&rsquo;ve done is embrace the team in a manner other NHL team owners can only dream about. But all they get pales in comparison to the results seen in other cities that had troubling ownership issues.</p><p>The Ottawa Senators went bankrupt not too long ago, but were saved by pharmaceutical bazillionaire Eugene Melnyk, who has since spent all kinds of his earnings on building and keeping together a championship contender.</p><p>The Anaheim Ducks were dumped by Disney, but came away with Henry and Susan Samueli as new owners &ndash; and shortly thereafter, a significant shipment of Stanley Cup rings arrived at the Honda Center.</p><p>The Oilers needed an ownership coalition of the willing just to keep the team in Edmonton, but now can look forward to Darryl Katz and his endless supply of cash bringing the organization back to its salad days.</p><p>The Sabres? In Tom Golisano, they appear to have been saddled with a Jeremy Jacobs in Mike Ilitch&rsquo;s clothing, someone more interested in revenue sharing and being in the black than in Cup-sharing and being soaked in champagne.</p><p>After a brief honeymoon period that followed his purchase of the Sabres for $92 million in 2003, Golisano has encountered increasingly frequent image issues, which tends to happen to owners who allow the likes of Chris Drury, Daniel Briere and Brian Campbell to leave town over financial hurdles, while at the same time hinting at the need for ticket price increases.</p><p>More recently, Golisano has had numerous clashes with the Buffalo media and his interview this year with the CBC&rsquo;s Elliotte Friedman left more questions of his intent than answers.</p><p>The heat is squarely on him, but Golisano&rsquo;s not doing much to cool down the kitchen.</p><p>Now, this is not to point all the blame at Golisano. He is simply operating inside the collective bargaining agreement framework created by Bettman and 29 other team owners; he spent to the league&rsquo;s salary cap limit in 2005-06, while also matching Edmonton&rsquo;s restricted free agent offer last summer of $50 million over seven years to keep Thomas Vanek. You cannot accuse the man of complete and utter skinflintery.</p><p>Nevertheless, the fact the Sabres have for two years now used video cameras rather than paying real live human beings to scout the opposition is one of those troubling little signs that helps define a second-rate organization.</p><p>As well, unless Golisano and Buffalo GM Darcy Regier are able to land an elite unrestricted free agent this summer &ndash; highly unlikely, considering the UFA market isn&rsquo;t especially strong &ndash; it&rsquo;s likely the Sabres will enter next season with the same group of players that weren&rsquo;t able to qualify for the playoffs this spring.</p><p>With that forecast for the future, and given their recent sub-par history of asset retention, is it any wonder Sabres fans are preparing the parachute for No. 1 goalie Ryan Miller, who becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season?</p><p>Nobody can tell what the future holds for the Sabres. However, rumors persist Golisano is interested in selling the franchise and he did nothing in the interview with Friedman to put an end to those rumblings.</p><p>I&rsquo;d bet Melnyk, the Samuelis and Katz wouldn&rsquo;t hesitate to shoot down the scuttlebutt.</p><p>Then again, it&rsquo;s starting to become clear Golisano isn&rsquo;t quite in the same class as they are.</p><p>Are there bitter bastards in Buffalo? You bet. But thanks to Golisano, Bettman and a whole lot of lip service, can you blame them?</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="mon012.jpg" title="common01" width="69" height="69"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><p>For Adam&rsquo;s web-exclusive Screen Shots column, visit <a href="http://THN.com">thn.com</a><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0028-02

HARD TIMES FOR BUFFALO FANS

<div class="byline">&#x2013; ADRIAN DATER</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0030-02" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-02907/9128813-1-eng-US/f0030-022.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Paul Stastny <span class="photo-credit">(DOUG PENSINGER/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-011337/9128820-1-eng-US/f0030-012.jpg" title="f0030-01" width="177" height="163"></div><p>IN THE SPOT LIGHT</p><p>PAUL STASTNY&rsquo;S father, Peter, escaped the Eastern European communist bloc so he and his family could have a better life. Then, he went on to a Hall of Fame NHL career.</p><p>Those are some tough standards to measure up to, but Paul Stastny had another year in which he showed he&rsquo;s a chip off the old block. The Colorado center showed no signs of a sophomore slump, leading the Avs in points despite missing 15 games to injury.</p><p>&ldquo;He&rsquo;s done it consistently for two years in a row now,&rdquo; said Avs captain Joe Sakic. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s just a good, solid player.&rdquo; Stastny&rsquo;s play kept the Avs afloat after Sakic went down with a sports hernia early in the season. Despite increased checking pressure, he maintained a solid scoring output and his defensive play improved over last year. His only disappointment was missing the All-Star Game because of an appendectomy. Late in the year, he showed he could play with the best when he anchored a line with Peter Forsberg and Milan Hejduk. In a March 26 win over Vancouver, the line combined for nine points and Forsberg came away impressed. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s real smart, real fun to play with,&rdquo; he said.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Jose Theodore, G.</i> The 2002 Hart Trophy winner was down to a handful of people who still believed in his abilities entering this, the final year of his big contract. Fortunately for him, Theodore was one of them, and he had a solid season for Colorado. After Jan. 1, he was among the top three NHL goalies in goals-against average and he helped spearhead the team&rsquo;s second-half playoff push. Theodore not only earned renewed respect for his play, but for his attitude while slumping much of his first year-and-a-half with the Avs.</p><h2><b>JUST THE</b>&nbsp;FACTS</h2><h3><b>.203</b></h3><p>The difference in Colorado&rsquo;s winning percentage this season when Paul Stastny was in the lineup (.609) versus when he was out (.406).</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="mon012.jpg" title="common01" width="69" height="69"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><p>For daily updates on all 30 NHL teams, visit <a href="http://thehockeynews.com">thehockeynews.com</a><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0030-02

COLORADO

<div class="byline">&#x2013; CRAIG CUSTANCE</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-03621/9128889-1-eng-US/f0031-032.jpg" title="f0031-03" width="214" height="214"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Ilya Kovalchuk, LW.</i> As the year wound down, Ilya Kovalchuk sat in his stall and tried to wish away the season. &ldquo;I just want to forget it like a bad dream,&rdquo; he said. Kovalchuk&rsquo;s team regressed, but he didn&rsquo;t. He led the team in goals (again) and almost lifted them out of the abyss of a winless start. He scored 50 goals for the second time in his career and became the only NHLer to score at least 40 the past four seasons.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Tobias Enstrom, D.</i> The confident rookie from Sweden entered training camp with a chance to make the Thrashers; he ended the season as their best all-around defenseman. He set a franchise record for assists by a blueliner and anchored the power play. He also helped raise the game of veteran Niclas Havelid.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0031-03

ATLANTA

<div class="byline">&#x2013; MIKE LOFTUS</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-04478/9128920-1-eng-US/f0031-042.jpg" title="f0031-04" width="213" height="214"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Zdeno Chara, D.</i> Chara gave the consistently strong defense and back-end scoring needed as Boston adjusted to coach Claude Julien. As the playoff race tightened, he picked up his game. During a 7-0-1 run, Chara scored six times. Boston went 1-2-2 with him out of the lineup with an &ldquo;upper-torso&rdquo; injury. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s doing everything,&rdquo; said vet Glen Murray. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s shutting down other teams&rsquo; best players, scoring, playing physical.&rdquo;</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Milan Lucic, LW.</i> Lucic, 19, earned a spot on Boston&rsquo;s roster with an effective, physical game that he punctuated with several early-season fights. A broken nose in January forced him to keep his gloves on, but he remained effective. As injuries depleted the B&rsquo;s lineup, Lucic was used against the opponents&rsquo; top units.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0031-04

BOSTON

<div class="byline">&#x2013; JOHN VOGL</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-05379/9128951-1-eng-US/f0031-052.jpg" title="f0031-05" width="214" height="214"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Jason Pominville, RW.</i> Pominville is as consistent as they come. He stands out on the ice and the dressing room. He had points in 26 of 30 games in February and March. His longest scoresheet absence all season was four games. He was also a captain, top special-teams player and led the Sabres in plus/minus. Derek Roy makes the choice a debate. The center lived up to his new long-term contract, topping the 30-goal barrier and playing his best in the final weeks.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Daniel Paille, LW.</i> A 2002 first round pick, he figured to fill a few roles: kill penalties, play solid defensively and maybe chip in a goal. No one expected 20 goals. Paille, 23, who had shown little offensive weaponry, suddenly turned sniper. He also finished among the team leaders in plus/minus.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0031-05

BUFFALO

<div class="byline">&#x2013; RANDY SPORTAK</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-06317/9128982-1-eng-US/f0031-062.jpg" title="f0031-06" width="213" height="213"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Jarome Iginla, RW.</i> Perhaps the NHL MVP, Iginla has been a standout all year. A complete player capable of changing a game&rsquo;s complexion with his physical play as well as his scoring, he put himself among the league&rsquo;s offensive elite by exceeding 90 points for the second straight year, all while maintaining a terrific plus/minus. A power forward who battles in the corners and fights, Iginla has continued to improve his skating to become even more dangerous.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Adrian Aucoin, D.</i> After a couple of injury-hampered seasons in Chicago, Aucoin&rsquo;s future was uncertain. The Flames took a chance on the 34-year-old and he has come through, logging valuable minutes on defense and posting his first double-digit goal season since 2003-04.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0031-06

CALGARY

<div class="byline">&#x2013; LUKE DECOCK</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-07268/9129013-1-eng-US/f0031-072.jpg" title="f0031-07" width="213" height="213"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Eric Staal, C.</i> When Rod Brind&rsquo;Amour joined the Hurricanes&rsquo; lengthy injury list, Carolina&rsquo;s playoff hopes looked dim. Staal changed all that. Not only did he pick up his offensive game, his leadership helped the Canes go on a 14-4-2 run that kept them ahead of the surging Caps and Panthers. Starting the night Brind&rsquo;Amour got hurt, Staal ripped off 31 points in the next 20 games.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Sergei Samsonov, LW.</i> The Canes weren&rsquo;t expecting much when they plucked him off re-entry waivers. Coach Peter Laviolette had been an assistant in Boston when Samsonov was on top of his game and the Canes saw what he could do in the 2006 Stanley Cup final. In his first 35 games with the Canes, he had 30 points, resurrecting a stalled NHL career.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0031-07

CAROLINA

<div class="byline">&#x2013; TIM SASSONE</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0032-02" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-02874/9129044-1-eng-US/f0032-022.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Andrew Cogliano had a nose for the net this season. <span class="photo-credit">(ANDY DEVLIN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-011314/9129051-1-eng-US/f0032-012.jpg" title="f0032-01" width="213" height="214"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Duncan Keith, D.</i> While Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews were difference makers as rookies and Patrick Sharp had a breakout year, Keith was a rock for the Hawks. He was rarely off the ice, averaging almost 26 minutes a night. Not only was he a lockdown defender thanks to his quickness, ability to close on the puck and battle-winning stick work, he went into the final week of the season a plus-28 with a career-high 12 goals and 30 points.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Jordan Hendry, D.</i> Coach Denis Savard knew little about Hendry when the defenseman was recalled in late January because of an injury to Brent Sopel. Soon Savard couldn&rsquo;t take him out of the lineup. Hendry worked his way into the top four and was playing 18 minutes a night down the stretch.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0032-02

CHICAGO

<div class="byline">&#x2013; AARON PORTZLINE</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-03636/9129082-1-eng-US/f0032-032.jpg" title="f0032-03" width="214" height="214"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Pascal Leclaire, G.</i> Leclaire, an unrestricted free agent this summer, tied for the league lead with nine shutouts. His save percentage (.919) and goals-against average (2.22) were among the leaders, too. But here&rsquo;s the most impressive number: the Jackets were 24-15-6 with Leclaire in net and 10-18-6 when he wasn&rsquo;t.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Jared Boll, RW.</i> In training camp, Jackets fans weren&rsquo;t sure how to pronounce his surname. But his rambunctious style quickly endeared him to coach Ken Hitchcock. Boll, 21, had five goals and 214 penalty minutes, despite drawing less than eight minutes of ice time a night. Hitchcock thinks he has a huge upside, pehaps even as a second-line winger. By the way, it&rsquo;s pronounced `Bowl&rsquo; &ndash; as in, bowl you over.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0032-03

COLUMBUS

<div class="byline">&#x2013; MIKE HEIKA</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-04470/9129113-1-eng-US/f0032-042.jpg" title="f0032-04" width="213" height="214"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Mike Ribeiro, C.</i> To understand just how far Ribeiro has come with the Stars this season, you need only look at his previous career numbers. Ribeiro had 27 goals and 83 points and was plus-21 in 76 games this season, beating his career bests in goals (20), assists (45), points (65) and plus/minus (plus-15).</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Niklas Hagman, LW.</i> While it would be easy to target rookie defenseman Matt Niskanen&rsquo;s 20:26 in ice time, 24 points and plus-20 as the most unexpected impact, the real surprise has been Hagman&rsquo;s 27 goals. The Stars preached scoring by committee all summer, and Hagman, 28, has come through in a big way. Hagman was among the NHL leaders with four short-handed goals and eight game-winners.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0032-04

DALLAS

<div class="byline">&#x2013; ANSAR KHAN</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-05368/9129144-1-eng-US/f0032-052.jpg" title="f0032-05" width="214" height="214"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Nicklas Lidstrom, D.</i> The Wings didn&rsquo;t need to play without Lidstrom for three weeks to realize the value of the five-time Norris Trophy winner. But it was clear how much they missed him, going 2-3-1 in late February when he was out with a sprained knee. For most of the season, Lidstrom has led NHL defensemen in scoring and all NHLers in plus-minus rating.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Johan Franzen, RW.</i> He had never scored more than 12 goals in four seasons in the Swedish Elite League or his first two in the NHL, but Franzen topped that with 14 goals in 13 games in March, six of them game-winners. Taking advantage of more ice time, including a spot on the top power play unit, Franzen played like an elite power forward, adding goalscoring to his usually gritty game.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0032-05

DETROIT

<div class="byline">&#x2013; ROB TYCHKOWSKI</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-06311/9129175-1-eng-US/f0032-062.jpg" title="f0032-06" width="214" height="214"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Ales Hemsky, RW.</i> It&rsquo;s a close race, given that Edmonton isn&rsquo;t a team carried by one dominant player. Mathieu Garon&rsquo;s emergence as a starter, not to mention his 10-0 record in shootouts, warrants consideration, but Hemsky, night in and night out, was the best, most consistent and most productive Oiler. Edmonton&rsquo;s leading point-getter, he makes whoever he plays with a whole lot better.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Andrew Cogliano, C.</i> They knew he could fly and that he had a nose for the net in college, but few expected the rookie to develop into a second-line forward this quickly, or be among the NHL&rsquo;s top rookie scorers, or set an NHL record by scoring overtime goals in three straight games. Not many 20-year-olds have their sticks and gloves in the Hall of Fame.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0032-06

EDMONTON

<div class="byline">&#x2013; BRIAN BIGGANE</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-07260/9129206-1-eng-US/f0032-072.jpg" title="f0032-07" width="213" height="204"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Tomas Vokoun, G.</i> When your defense allows the most shots on goal in the league and you&rsquo;re still in the playoff race in the final weeks of the season, chances are your goalie is your MVP. That&rsquo;s the case in Florida. Vokoun, acquired last June from Nashville, kept the Panthers in it every night, as more than half their games this season were decided by one goal.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>David Booth, LW.</i> He impressed coaches with his speed and skill as early as the 2006 training camp, but had just three goals in 46 games in 2006-07, mostly as a fourth-liner. This season Booth got more of an opportunity, moving onto a line with Stephen Weiss and Nathan Horton about 20 games into the year, and made the most of it, netting 21 goals and 38 points while becoming a fan favorite.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0032-07

FLORIDA

<p>ANAHEIM 37</p><p>BUFFALO 34</p><p>OTTAWA 30</p><p>CAROLINA 25</p><p>DETROIT 24</p><p>EDMONTON 24</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="mon012.jpg" title="common01" width="69" height="69"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><p>Miss the game? <a href="http://thehockeynews.com">thehockeynews.com</a> has video highlights.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

NO TIME FOR GOLF

<div class="byline">&#x2013; RICH HAMMOND</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-02800/9129268-1-eng-US/f0033-022.jpg" title="f0033-02" width="213" height="213"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Dustin Brown, RW.</i> A year ago, Kings coach Marc Crawford was asked how good Brown could be. Before the question had been completed, Crawford blurted out, &ldquo;30 goals.&rdquo; Back then, Brown was about to finish a respectable 17-goal season. But this year, in his third full NHL campaign, the 23-year-old met Crawford&rsquo;s expectations. Brown led the Kings in goals (32) and the league in hits (307) nearing the end of the season.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Patrick O&rsquo;Sullivan, LW.</i> Despite major talent, he was no sure bet to make the roster in training camp. He earned a spot, but coaches asked the sniper to re-invent himself as an energy-line winger and penalty-killer. Once considered a bit of an enigma, O&rsquo;Sullivan is now a big part of the Kings&rsquo; future.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0033-02

LOS ANGELES

<div class="byline">&#x2013; MICHAEL RUSSO</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-03630/9129299-1-eng-US/f0033-032.jpg" title="f0033-03" width="214" height="214"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Marian Gaborik, RW.</i> After being implored by Jacques Lemaire to work harder in January, Marian Gaborik improved his game dramatically during the final two months and evolved into the complete player the Wild coach has always sought. In March, Gaborik, a plus-16, was handed the &lsquo;C&rsquo; for the first time in seven seasons and hit the 40-goal, 80-point plateau. Since the start of 2006-07, the Wild is 75-33-15 when he plays.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Brent Burns, D.</i> After Burns&rsquo; sensational second half last season, everybody expected him to develop into a dominant defenseman this year, but few expected a star at age 23. In Lemaire&rsquo;s conservative system, Burns set a franchise record (for a D-man) with 15 goals, 42 points, eight power play goals and 19 power play points.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0033-03

MINNESOTA

<div class="byline">&#x2013; HERB ZURKOWSKY</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-07317/9129330-1-eng-US/f0033-072.jpg" title="f0033-07" width="225" height="225"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Alex Kovalev, RW.</i> He&rsquo;s obviously biased, but Canadiens coach Guy Carbonneau recently suggested Kovalev deserved consideration for the Hart Trophy. Kovalev, 35, has the talent and ability to single-handedly control a game, with moves vastly superior to any of his teammates. He led Montreal offensively while playing his regular shift, the power play and even killing penalties.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Josh Gorges, D.</i> Not much was known about him when he was acquired for Craig Rivet last year and he was frequently scratched early in his Habs career. But he&rsquo;s been a regular since December, is gaining confidence and taking on more responsibility. Gorges&rsquo; game isn&rsquo;t fancy; he simply maximizes his ability and tries to make the defensively sound play.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0033-07

MONTREAL

<div class="byline">&#x2013; JOHN GLENNON</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-011172/9129361-1-eng-US/f0033-012.jpg" title="f0033-01" width="213" height="214"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Jason Arnott, C.</i> He has led the team for most of the season in scoring, will likely finish with the club&rsquo;s best plus-minus and, as captain, has dealt well with all the uncertainty surrounding the Preds. Arnott knew that with all the talent the team lost during the off-season, he&rsquo;d need to step up his production. He&rsquo;ll finish with around 20 more points than last season and was rarely held off the scoreboard for consecutive games.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Dan Ellis, G.</i> He&rsquo;d played just one NHL game before this season, but seized the starting job down the stretch and put up amazing numbers. Ellis ranked among league leaders in save percentage and goals-against average and his late-season shutout streak of 233:39 was fifth-longest in the league&rsquo;s modern era.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0033-01

NASHVILLE

<div class="byline">&#x2013; RICH CHERE</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-04507/9129392-1-eng-US/f0033-042.jpg" title="f0033-04" width="213" height="213"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Martin Brodeur, G.</i> Brent Sutter had good intentions. He was going to be the coach who finally found a way to give Brodeur some rest during the regular season. But then Sutter discovered how valuable and durable Brodeur is. Backup Kevin Weekes started five games from Oct. 5 to Jan. 5 before finding a permanent seat on the bench; Brodeur started 38 consecutive games Jan. 8 to April 1 and was, on far too many nights, the difference for the Devils.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Mike Mottau, D.</i> He wasn&rsquo;t even supposed to make the team, but Mottau spent most of the season as a top-four defenseman and point man on the first power play unit. He may be &ldquo;surprising,&rdquo; but with Colin White and Paul Martin missing so much time with injuries, &ldquo;invaluable&rdquo; is more apt.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0033-04

NEW JERSEY

<div class="byline">&#x2013; PETER BOTTE</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-05424/9129423-1-eng-US/f0033-052.jpg" title="f0033-05" width="213" height="213"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Brendan Witt, D.</i> A team with no 50-point scorers entering the final week of the season had no business being in the playoff race as long as the Isles did. Coach Ted Nolan made a point to single out Witt as team MVP for his physical play, leadership and willingness to sacrifice his body against the league&rsquo;s top scoring lines on a nightly basis. Things really went south when Witt could no longer play because of knee problems.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Richard Park, C.</i> Nolan quickly came to trust and appreciate Park, for anchoring the penalty-kill, filling in and contributing on the top two lines and mentoring rookies Blake Comeau and Kyle Okposo. Park played more than 80 games for a second straight season and posted a career-high in points.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0033-05

NY ISLANDERS

<div class="byline">&#x2013; LARRY BROOKS</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-06368/9129454-1-eng-US/f0033-062.jpg" title="f0033-06" width="213" height="213"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Henrik Lundqvist, G.</i> The Rangers offense languished near the bottom of the East, but their conference-leading goals-against average was fashioned primarily by Lundqvist. For the second straight year, &lsquo;The King&rsquo; carried his club down the stretch. Indeed, the feeble Rangers were 9-7-2 in games in which they scored two goals and 12-18-3 when scoring one or two.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Brandon Dubinsky, C.</i> In the wake of Michael Nylander&rsquo;s free agent departure to Washington, the question entering training camp was whether Scott Gomez or Chris Drury would emerge as Jaromir Jagr&rsquo;s center. The answer, though, ended up being the 21-year-old Dubinsky, a freshman pivot with the poise, attitude and game to complement the finicky No. 68.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0033-06

NY RANGERS

<div class="byline">&#x2013; BRUCE GARRIOCH</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0034-02" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-02902/9129485-1-eng-US/f0034-022.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Brad Boyes stunned the NHL by topping 40 goals. <span class="photo-credit">(DEBORA ROBINSON/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-011325/9129492-1-eng-US/f0034-012.jpg" title="f0034-01" width="213" height="214"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Daniel Alfredsson, RW.</i> No question, he&rsquo;s the heart and soul of the Senators. They can&rsquo;t win without him. If Alfredsson isn&rsquo;t rolling, the Sens usually aren&rsquo;t either. He&rsquo;s smart with the puck, battles on the boards, leads the power play and kills penalties. He has great chemistry with Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza and they&rsquo;re the best trio in the league when they&rsquo;re clicking.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Luke Richardson, D.</i> He wasn&rsquo;t even supposed to be in the NHL this season. When the 39-year-old was cast aside by Tampa Bay last year, many felt he wouldn&rsquo;t be back. But Richardson showed up to training camp in great shape and suited up for 76 games. The Sens badly needed somebody who could provide veteran leadership and play a rugged role this year.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0034-02

OTTAWA

<div class="byline">&#x2013; WAYNE FISH</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-07370/9129523-1-eng-US/f0034-072.jpg" title="f0034-07" width="213" height="213"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Mike Richards, C.</i> He was made a power play point man, which demonstrated coach John Stevens&rsquo;s confidence in him. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s done well in every aspect of the game,&rdquo; Stevens said. Despite missing three weeks with a torn hamstring, Richards was set to have the team lead in assists, points, shorthanded goals, game-winners and plus/minus among forwards. At 23, he&rsquo;s one of the youngest to wear an &lsquo;A&rsquo; in team history.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Braydon Coburn, D.</i> The towering Coburn became a force in the second half, taking over the team lead in blueline scoring. He had five power play goals, nearly all of them one-timers from the backside circle. Stevens said one of Coburn&rsquo;s biggest strengths is skating the puck out of the zone and finding the open man.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0034-07

PHILADELPHIA

<div class="byline">&#x2013; JIM GINTONIO</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-03717/9129554-1-eng-US/f0034-032.jpg" title="f0034-03" width="213" height="214"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Shane Doan, RW.</i> He set a career high in points, but showed his real value when he played the month of January with a broken hand &ndash; and was the third-highest scorer in the NHL that month. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s definitely the leader of the team,&rdquo; said rookie right winger Craig Weller. &ldquo;Beyond having the &lsquo;C,&rsquo; he&rsquo;s also the hardest-working guy and leads by example, not just the way he plays, the way he is a man.&rdquo;</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Daniel Winnik, LW.</i> At training camp, he appeared headed to the minors. But his passing, toughness on the boards and overall ice sense did not go unnoticed. &ldquo;From the first day of camp to where we are today, he probably is the surprise story of our organization,&rdquo; said coach Wayne Gretzky. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s made real nice progress.&rdquo;<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0034-03

PHOENIX

<div class="byline">&#x2013; JOE STARKEY</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-04573/9129585-1-eng-US/f0034-042.jpg" title="f0034-04" width="214" height="214"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Evgeni Malkin, C.</i> This isn&rsquo;t close. Malkin was great when Sidney Crosby was in the lineup, but became perhaps the best player in the league when Crosby went down. The Penguins were nine games over .500 when Crosby was injured Jan. 18. They were 14 over when he came back March 4. Malkin put the team on his back during that critical stretch with 36 points in 21 games. He established himself as not only the team MVP, but as a Hart candidate, as well.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Ty Conklin, G.</i> No one could have predicted Conklin would win nine straight starts to kick off his Pens career and be tied for the NHL lead in save percentage entering the final week of the season. He began the year in the AHL, then saved the season when Marc-Andre Fleury was injured.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0034-04

PITTSBURGH

<div class="byline">&#x2013; JEREMY RUTHERFORD</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-05469/9129616-1-eng-US/f0034-052.jpg" title="f0034-05" width="214" height="214"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Manny Legace, G.</i> Legace went from an afterthought to an all-star. Detroit&rsquo;s decision to let him walk via free agency continues to be a blessing for St. Louis. The Blues are out of the playoffs, but without the play of Legace, they would&rsquo;ve been eliminated by January. On a team without a capable backup, he made 28 consecutive starts. The club was on pace to finish with a sub-.500 record, yet Legace&rsquo;s stats included a goals-against average under 2.50 and a save percentage better than .900.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Brad Boyes, RW.</i> The Blues felt Boyes could be a productive goal-scorer, but no one in the organization penciled him in for 40-plus. A year after being acquired, he had a breakout season. He was recently rewarded with a four-year, $16-million contract.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0034-05

ST. LOUIS

<div class="byline">&#x2013; DAVID POLLAK</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-06421/9129647-1-eng-US/f0034-062.jpg" title="f0034-06" width="213" height="213"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Evgeni Nabokov, G.</i> It&rsquo;s a two-player competition for most valuable Shark, but give the nod to the goalie who has appeared in almost 95 percent of the team&rsquo;s games and set a franchise record for wins. Here&rsquo;s what Joe Thornton &ndash; Nabokov&rsquo;s rival for team MVP &ndash; had to say about him: &ldquo;He&rsquo;s my Hart candidate, he&rsquo;s my Vezina candidate&hellip;he&rsquo;s done it all.&rdquo;</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Jeremy Roenick, C.</i> There was skepticism when GM Doug Wilson signed Roenick to a one-year deal last September. Hadn&rsquo;t his time passed? How would his oversized personality fit in the Sharks&rsquo; quiet dressing room? But Roenick has been a model teammate, providing leadership off the ice and one game-winning goal after another on it. <i>(See pg. 18 for more on Roenick).</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0034-06

SAN JOSE

<div class="byline">&#x2013; DAMIAN CRISTODERO</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-011242/9129678-1-eng-US/f0035-012.jpg" title="f0035-01" width="213" height="214"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Vincent Lecavalier, C.</i> With a second straight season of at least 40 goals and 90 points, Lecavalier was Tampa Bay&rsquo;s most potent offensive weapon. Still, it was a difficult year for him. Lecavalier&rsquo;s production slowed in the second half, though it is unclear how much his chronically aching wrists had to do with it. We may not have seen Lecavalier&rsquo;s greatest this season, but he was far and away the best Tampa had to offer.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Mike Lundin, D.</i> He was supposed to spend his first season out of the University of Maine in the AHL. But injuries and a lack of depth opened a spot and Lundin stepped up with poise and a good stick. It was a bumpy ride at times (he needs to get stronger), but Lundin never made the Lightning regret its choice.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0035-01

TAMPA BAY

<div class="byline">&#x2013; TERRY KOSHAN</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-02872/9129709-1-eng-US/f0035-022.jpg" title="f0035-02" width="214" height="214"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Vesa Toskala, G.</i> With injuries to key players, especially in the second half, Toskala was the constant force. Once he adjusted to being a full-time starter, he was excellent, starting 30 consecutive games down the stretch. Not known for making eye-popping saves, Toskala simply made stops when they were required. Without him, the Leafs would have been vying for the No. 1 overall draft pick.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Matt Stajan, C.</i> His point total wasn&rsquo;t great (though he did have a career high in goals), but at 24, the local boy won over his coach with stellar play in the latter stages and took a jump in the leadership department. He often took responsibility following games, win or lose. His willingness to sacrifice himself physically and take key faceoffs did not go unnoticed.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0035-02

TORONTO

<div class="byline">&#x2013; PETER KERZEL</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-04583/9129771-1-eng-US/f0035-042.jpg" title="f0035-04" width="213" height="213"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>M</span>VP</b>&nbsp;<i>Alex Ovechkin, LW</i>. A hands-down obvious selection, the only question is whether he will win the Hart Trophy as league MVP. At 22, Ovechkin displays the poise of a seasoned veteran, playing a passionate, two-way game that elevates all around him. He&rsquo;s carried the Capitals on his back for stretches and relishes the pressure that the 13-year, $124 million pact he signed in January will bring. Ovechkin is a perfect blend of size, strength, toughness, talent and charisma.</p><p><b>SURPRISE</b>&nbsp;<i>Brooks Laich, LW.</i> Laich entered 2007-08 a serviceable player with unspectacular stats. All he has done is set career highs in goals and points thanks to a net-crashing style and ability to play on every line as well as special teams.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0035-04

WASHINGTON

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0036-02" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-02808/9129816-1-eng-US/f0036-022.jpg"></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-011220/9129823-1-eng-US/f0036-012.jpg" title="f0036-01" width="208" height="147"></div><h2><b>WESTERN CONFERENCE</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-011091/9129809-1-eng-US/f0037-012.jpg" title="f0037-01" width="203" height="147"></div><h2><b>EASTERN CONFERENCE</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-02751/9129802-1-eng-US/f0037-022.jpg" title="f0037-02" width="2111" height="2643"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0036-02

DEPTH CHARTS

<div class="byline">BY KEVIN OKLOBZIJA</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-011176/9129875-1-eng-US/f0038-012.jpg" title="f0038-01" width="889" height="1092"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-02794/9129882-1-eng-US/f0038-022.jpg" title="f0038-02" width="208" height="208"></div><p>JAMES NEAL SAYS HE KNEW the adjustment from the Ontario League to the pro game would take time.</p><p>There would be new systems, increased defensive responsibilities and opponents who are just as strong, but even bigger. He didn&rsquo;t expect to dominate. At least not at first. But as the AHL season was winding down, Neal was cranking up his game for the Iowa Stars.</p><p>Since returning from a knee injury that kept him out of the lineup for six weeks, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound left winger was living up to advance billing. A power forward who excels in traffic, Neal scored nine goals and 15 points in a 17-game stretch from mid-February to late March.</p><p>That&rsquo;s quite a turnaround from the first three months, when he produced just one assist in his first 12 games and tallied only three goals and eight points in his first 29 games.</p><p>&ldquo;With any young guy, there are always trials and tribulations,&rdquo; said Iowa coach Dave Allison. &ldquo;But he has been a factor. I like what he&rsquo;s done.&rdquo;</p><p>And the Dallas Stars like what Neal, drafted 33rd overall in 2005, will do. His combination of grit and desire are enviable traits.</p><p>&ldquo;He&rsquo;s going to score those gritty goals in 1-0, 2-1 playoff games,&rdquo; Allison said. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s going to be a clutch guy. The battle pulls him. He enjoys the physical areas of the ice.&rdquo;</p><p>He essentially defines a power forward.</p><p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m always trying to battle on the wall, get pucks out and run through guys,&rdquo; Neal said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m a bigger guy. I think I need to play that way.&rdquo;</p><p>The slow start didn&rsquo;t depress him. He knew big wingers coming from junior often find goals are harder to come by at the pro level.</p><p>&ldquo;I played a real offensive game in Plymouth and coming here, I learned you have to be accountable in your own end and guys have to trust you,&rdquo; Neal said.</p><p>That&rsquo;s why Iowa&rsquo;s schedule was perfect for him in regards to family. Having grown up on the outskirts of Toronto in Whitby, his only trip to Ontario came late in the year. He scored a goal and helped set up two in a 6-0 win over the Hamilton Bulldogs. In Toronto, his goal, with 39 seconds to play, forced overtime, then he scored twice in the shootout to give the Stars a 5-4 victory in what was pretty much a Neal family reunion at Ricoh Coliseum.</p><p>&ldquo;It was pretty cool; I had all my aunts and uncles and brothers and sisters there,&rdquo; said Neal, who estimated his cheering section numbered 15 or 20.</p><p>That was a good indication of what lies ahead.</p><p>&ldquo;We don&rsquo;t want James Neal to just exist in the NHL,&rdquo; Allison said, &ldquo;we want to put him in a position where he can flourish.&rdquo;</p><h2><b>JAMES NEAL</b></h2><p>Iowa Stars</p><p>Ht. 6-2</p><p>Wt. 190</p><p>Pos. LW</p><p>Age 20</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-03640/9129868-1-eng-US/f0038-032.jpg" title="f0038-03" width="210" height="210"></div><h2><b>AND COUNTING</b></h2><p>9</p><p>Goals in last 20 games for Neal after 5 in first 32</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-04513/9129861-1-eng-US/f0038-042.jpg" title="f0038-04" width="191" height="269"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(TREY EASON)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b>ROOKIE SCORING</b></h2><p>TEDDY PURCELL</p><p>Manchester Monarchs</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-05410/9129854-1-eng-US/f0038-052.jpg" title="f0038-05" width="209" height="209"></div><h3><b>ON</b>&nbsp;<b>TOP</b></h3><p>77 POINTS</p><p>Brian Boyle, Man 58</p><p>M-A Gragnani, Roch 50</p><p>Bobby Ryan, Por 49</p><p>Alexander Nikulin, Bing 47<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0038-01

PROSPECTS UNLIMITED

POWERING FORWARD

<div class="byline">&#x2013; KEVIN OKLOBZIJA</div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>O</span>ndrej Pavelec, G, 20, Chicago Wolves</b> Confidence has soared in the second half and he has too, whether he faces 19 shots or 39. A key to Wolves&rsquo; division title.</p><p><b>Cody Franson, D, 20, Milwaukee Admirals</b> Leads all rookie defensemen in scoring, quite a feat considering his slow start. Has size, strength and mobility.</p><p><b>Mike Weber, D, 20, Rochester Americans</b> Unnoticed during Rochester&rsquo;s season to forget, his play in the NHL in March tells you how good he is (three assists, plus-14 in just nine games for the Sabres).</p><p><b>Derick Brassard, C, 20, Syracuse Crunch</b> The only point-a-game rookie in the West, his puck skills, creativity and slipperiness make him a special player.</p><p><b>Michael Grabner, RW, 20, Manitoba Moose</b> A dynamic scorer who hasn&rsquo;t found a shot he doesn&rsquo;t like. Not a huge fan of traffic, but bigger knock is consistency.</p><p><b>James Neal, LW, 20, Iowa Stars</b> Big and strong, he is developing nicely into the power forward role. Opponents know when they&rsquo;ve played against him all night.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="mon012.jpg" title="common01" width="69" height="69"></div><p>For more on hockey&rsquo;s best prospects, check out Ryan Kennedy&rsquo;s Hot List in the feature section on <a href="http://thehockeynews.com">thehockeynews.com</a><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p></div>

Best freshmen in the West

<div class="byline">BY PHIL JANACK</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-011084/9129965-1-eng-US/f0039-012.jpg" title="f0039-01" width="887" height="1091"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>G</span>ETTING BACK TO NORTH AMERICA after three years overseas has only been part of the odyssey for Josef Boumedienne. It won&rsquo;t be complete until the journeyman defenseman finds himself back in the NHL on a full-time basis.</p><p>Boumedienne has made a strong case for himself this season with the Hershey Bears, providing offense and a veteran presence to an otherwise inexperienced group.</p><p>A native of Stockholm who turned 30 in January, Boumedienne had already set pro career highs with 32 assists and 39 points, and was plus-11 through 47 games. He also missed eight weeks with wrist injuries.</p><p>&ldquo;I was never planning to stay there,&rdquo; Boumedienne said. &ldquo;I went home for the lockout year. Then I couldn&rsquo;t come to terms with Washington after the lockout, so I stayed home an extra year.</p><p>&ldquo;I was supposed to come over last year, but I ended up having groin surgery. I was out half the year. I never wanted to stay overseas in the first place, but it ended up that way.&rdquo;</p><p>From Jan. 18 to Feb. 23, Boumedienne registered at least a point in 16 straight games, the longest streak for an AHL blueliner since 1991-92, when the league began tracking that stat.</p><p>&ldquo;He logs a lot of minutes and he plays in all situations, usually against other teams&rsquo; top lines,&rdquo; said Bears coach Bob Woods. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s playing all key roles. He&rsquo;s been very good for us.</p><p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;re fortunate to have him here. I&rsquo;m sure he&rsquo;d love to be with the big club, but he&rsquo;s accepted his role here and done a great job.&rdquo;</p><p>Part of his role has included being a mentor to Finnish rookie Sami Lepisto, who has flourished under Boumedienne&rsquo;s tutelage.</p><p>&ldquo;He&rsquo;s kind of been a father figure to (Lepisto),&rdquo; Woods said. &ldquo;When you get him back there, he just kind of settles things down. You definitely notice a change.&rdquo;</p><p>Until this season, Boumedienne&rsquo;s last AHL stint was 13 games for Portland &ndash; then Washington&rsquo;s affiliate &ndash; in 2003-04. He signed a one-year, one-way deal with the Caps for 2007-08.</p><p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s been good,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I came over and didn&rsquo;t expect to play in the American League this year. I felt like it was a long time ago that I played in the American League, but that&rsquo;s how things worked out. It&rsquo;s a great place to play. Hershey is a great organization. They&rsquo;re all about winning.&rdquo;</p><p>Having played professionally in Finland, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.S., Boumedienne is hoping this season earns him another shot at staying in North America.</p><p>&ldquo;We really enjoy it here,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;This is where I like to be. We&rsquo;ll see how things work out after this year. Definitely I&rsquo;d like to stay.&rdquo;</p><h2><b>JOSEF BOUMEDIENNE</b></h2><p>Hershey Bears</p><p>Ht. 6-1</p><p>Wt. 200</p><p>Pos. D</p><p>Age 30</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-02701/9129958-1-eng-US/f0039-022.jpg" title="f0039-02" width="209" height="209"></div><h2><b>AND COUNTING</b></h2><p>32</p><p>Assists this season, tied for 11th among AHL D-men.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-03544/9129951-1-eng-US/f0039-032.jpg" title="f0039-03" width="182" height="250"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(JUSTSPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b>GOALIE WINS</b></h2><p>PEKKA RINNE</p><p>Milwaukee Admirals</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-04451/9129944-1-eng-US/f0039-042.jpg" title="f0039-04" width="209" height="209"></div><h3><b>ON</b>&nbsp;TOP</h3><p>33 WINS</p><p>Ondrej Pavelec, Chi 30</p><p>Tuukka Rask, Pro 27</p><p>Michael Leighton, Alb 26</p><p>Tobias Stephan, Iowa 26<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0039-01

BOUMEDIENNE A BOON TO BEARS

<div class="byline">&#x2013; PHIL JANACK</div><p><b>John Curry, G, 24, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton</b> Has consistently ranked among league leaders in wins, goals-against and save percentage.</p><p><b>Casey Borer, D, 22, Albany River Rats</b> He led all first-year players with a plus-19 rating heading into April. Played well in emergency NHL duty.</p><p><b>Brian Lee, D, 20, Binghamton Senators</b> Showed maturity and poise beyond his years, combined with strong skating and gifted offensive instincts. Earned a shot with Ottawa by the end of March.</p><p><b>Chris Collins, LW, 23, Providence Bruins</b> Overlooked at the draft table due to his size (5-foot-8, 202), he has shown a feisty side along with the ability to finish.</p><p><b>Brian Boyle, C, 23, Manchester Monarchs</b> A big (6-foot-7, 220) and powerful skater, he was moved back up front after starting the season on defense. Led all rookies with 27 goals, 15 power play markers and six game-winners through 66 games.</p><p><b>Teddy Purcell, RW, 22, Manchester Monarchs</b> His 55 assists and 76 points in 62 games were best among all freshmen. Season&rsquo;s grind didn&rsquo;t slow ex-Maine star; he had points in 12 of 14 games in March.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

Eastern up and comers

<div class="byline">&#x2013; NEIL HODGE</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-04286/9130041-1-eng-US/f0040-042.jpg" title="f0040-04" width="254" height="136"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>E</span>VEN WHILE PLAYING in the shadow of Lewiston Maineiacs star goaltender Jonathan Bernier, Peter Delmas has managed to emerge in the spotlight.</p><p>&ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t have ended up in a better place,&rdquo; Delmas said. &ldquo;I have such a great teacher in Jonathan. He&rsquo;s got so much experience, passion, dedication and a great work ethic. He&rsquo;s really taught me a lot. He&rsquo;s my role model, my mentor.&rdquo;</p><p>Delmas, 17, has enjoyed the best of both worlds during his two QMJHL seasons. He has benefitted from the presence of Bernier, selected 11th overall by L.A. in 2006, and circumstances have allowed him to play half the team&rsquo;s games.</p><p>Bernier, 19, started this season in the NHL and also missed time while with Canada at the World Junior Championship. He was sidelined with injury for much of the second half last season when the Maineiacs went on a tear and finished first overall in the league.</p><p>Delmas responded with a 23-10 record en route to being named to the QMJHL&rsquo;s all-rookie team.</p><p>He was 17-17 (the QMJHL doesn&rsquo;t track overtime losses separately) with a 2.84 goals-against average and .903 save percentage this season.</p><p>The Halifax, N.S., native played for Canada&rsquo;s under-18 team last summer and suited up in the 2008 CHL Top Prospects Game. He&rsquo;s ranked by International Scouting Services as the fifth-best goalie available in the 2008 NHL draft.</p><p>Delmas, 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, is a big and athletic butterfly goalie with good quickness. He needs to polish his game technically, become more consistent and learn to better use his size.</p><p>&ldquo;We took him in the fifth round (of the 2006 QMJHL draft) and I don&rsquo;t think we expected he would improve quite the way he did,&rdquo; said Lewiston coach Ed Harding. &ldquo;He has good fundamentals.</p><p>&ldquo;He came in here looking up to Jonathan Bernier and it was a big deal for him to play behind him. He&rsquo;s a smart kid and he watched and learned. He&rsquo;s also been fortunate to play a lot of games early in his career.&rdquo;</p><p>Delmas watched from the bench when Lewiston captured the league championship last season and then went 1-3 at the Memorial Cup.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-03354/9130034-1-eng-US/f0040-032.jpg" title="f0040-03" width="704" height="924"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(RICHARD WOLOWICZ/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>&ldquo;I believe you need two seasons as the backup before you&rsquo;re really ready to make the jump to being the starter,&rdquo; Delmas said. &ldquo;I definitely think this was the best situation for my development. Next season will be my time when Jonathan moves on to the pros.&rdquo;</p><h2><b>PETER DELMAS</b></h2><p>Lewiston Maineiacs</p><p>Ht. 6-2</p><p>Wt. 175</p><p>Pos. G</p><p>Age 18</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-07195/9130027-1-eng-US/f0040-072.jpg" title="f0040-07" width="375" height="87"></div><p>Draft Status</p><p>Ranked No. 5 among goalies by ISS for 2008 NHL draft</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-05246/9130020-1-eng-US/f0040-052.jpg" title="f0040-05" width="210" height="210"></div><h2><b>AND COUNTING</b></h2><p>67</p><p>GP for Delmas in two seasons despite being Bernier&rsquo;s backup<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0040-04

UNDERSTUDY READY TO STEP OUT

<div class="byline">&#x2013; ROB VANSTONE</div><p class="dropcap"><span>B</span>ob Tory is quick to defend Colton Yellow Horn &mdash; something opposing teams have difficulty doing. The Tri-City Americans sniper led the WHL in goals, with 48, during the regular season. &ldquo;He has gotten a bad rap over the years for being a lazy hockey player and he has been nothing but a leader here,&rdquo; said Tory, the Tri-City GM who obtained Yellow Horn from the Lethbridge Hurricanes. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m so proud to have him as part of our organization. He helped turn this thing around when he came here last year. He has really grown up as a person and a player.&rdquo; The undrafted Yellow Horn helped the team to a WHL-best 52 wins in 2007-08. &ldquo;When I came here, they said, &lsquo;This is the kind of player we need you to be,&rsquo;&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I think it really helped me.&rdquo;</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-01773/9130072-1-eng-US/f0040-012.jpg" title="f0040-01" width="209" height="209"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0040-01

Yellow Horn changes colors

<div class="byline">&#x2013; JIM CRESSMAN</div><p class="dropcap"><span>N</span>obody had a bigger smile after the Niagara IceDogs first round sweep of the Mississauga St. Michael&rsquo;s Majors than defenseman Matt Corrente. The New Jersey first-rounder in 2006 returned to the lineup for the playoffs after missing 47 games with two injuries. He sustained ligament damage in his left wrist fighting in an NHL pre-season game. After that healed, he ripped part of the bone off his thumb in a fight in January. It was re-attached with a pin and he missed two months. Adding to Corrente&rsquo;s pleasure from the sweep was the fact the IceDogs were uprooted from his native Mississauga and moved to St. Catharines when Eugene Melnyk sold them to make room for his Majors at Mississauga&rsquo;s Hershey Centre.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-02463/9130103-1-eng-US/f0040-022.jpg" title="f0040-02" width="209" height="209"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0040-02

Corrente’s redemption

<div class="byline">&#x2013; NEIL HODGE</div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he QMJHL in Newfoundland is a memory now with the St. John&rsquo;s Fog Devils moving to Montreal. The team lost $100,000 in its inaugural 2005-06 campaign, $750,000 last year and owner Brad Dobbin expects a loss in the $1 million range this season. &ldquo;We budgeted on losing $250,000 for each of the first four years,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;That would give us four years to build the market. But, boy, nobody counted on losing $750,000 or more per year.&rdquo; The Fog Devils&rsquo; unenviable building lease saw them pay $495,000 last year and they averaged 2,500 fans. Dobbin said the team, with a $3-million budget, needed to average almost 4,000 fans per game to make money. He added &ldquo;anything over 3,500 paid certainly would&rsquo;ve kept us in the game.&rdquo;</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-06219/9130134-1-eng-US/f0040-062.jpg" title="f0040-06" width="210" height="210"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0040-06

Fog Devils up in smoke

<div class="byline">&#x2013; LARRY MAHONEY</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-01661/9130179-1-eng-US/f0041-012.jpg" title="f0041-01" width="703" height="925"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(SPORTS ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY)</span></figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-07198/9130186-1-eng-US/f0041-072.jpg" title="f0041-07" width="149" height="150"></div><p>KEVIN REGAN&rsquo;S PARENTS, Barry and Cathy, wanted him to give forward a try, but he refused.</p><p>&ldquo;I was going to play the most expensive position in any sport,&rdquo; quipped Regan, New Hampshire&rsquo;s senior goalie. &ldquo;I loved it right away. You sit back there and you don&rsquo;t have to come off the ice and change up. You&rsquo;re like a pitcher in baseball.&rdquo;</p><p>New Hampshire coach Dick Umile is glad he did. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Regan capped a brilliant career by being unanimously selected as the Hockey East player of the year by the league&rsquo;s coaches and being named one of 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the nation&rsquo;s best player.</p><p>&ldquo;He&rsquo;s the player of the year for a reason,&rdquo; said Providence coach Tim Army. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s good every night and I don&rsquo;t think there&rsquo;s a better compliment for a goalie than that. He&rsquo;s patient, squares himself up and he&rsquo;s big in the net. That lends itself to being very good on a consistent basis.&rdquo;</p><p>Maine coach Tim Whitehead concurred: &ldquo;The thing that separates him from a lot of other top goalies is the consistency of his elite play. He&rsquo;s very good positionally and has great reflexes in tight.&rdquo;</p><p>The South Boston, Mass., native owns virtually every UNH career goaltending record.</p><p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve been very lucky,&rdquo; Regan said. &ldquo;I was given an opportunity to play right away.&rdquo;</p><p>While Regan can&rsquo;t be happy his Wildcats were bounced in the West Regional semifinal by Notre Dame, he considers this regular season to be his best.</p><p>&ldquo;My rebound control has been better,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I used to be out of position a lot and I had to rely on diving around. It&rsquo;s all about positioning and making sure nothing gets through me. I&rsquo;ve worked a lot on my glove hand positioning and my after-shot stuff. You want to be able to get to the next shot as quickly as possible.&rdquo;</p><p>The 23-year-old Regan gives a lot of credit for his development to UNH goalie coach Dave Lassonde. He was thrilled to be selected by the Boston Bruins, 277th overall in the 2003 draft</p><p>&ldquo;Where I grew up, I could walk to the Garden,&rdquo; Regan said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m a huge fan.&rdquo;</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><p>Umile believes Regan&rsquo;s work ethic and intelligence &ndash; on and off the ice &ndash; will likely land him in a Bruins uniform some day.</p><p>Army agreed.</p><p>&ldquo;Goalies have to be smart players to follow the game and be there when they need to be,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;And he&rsquo;s smart and has a good feel for the game.&rdquo;</p><h2><b>KEVIN REGAN</b></h2><p>New Hampshire</p><p>Ht. 6-1</p><p>Wt. 190</p><p>Pos. G</p><p>Age 23</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-08160/9130172-1-eng-US/f0041-082.jpg" title="f0041-08" width="375" height="88"></div><p>Draft Status</p><p>Selected 277th overall by Boston in the 2003 NHL draft</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-02406/9130165-1-eng-US/f0041-022.jpg" title="f0041-02" width="209" height="209"></div><h2><b>AND COUNTING</b></h2><p>1</p><p>Regan&rsquo;s rank in Hockey East GAA, SP and winning pct.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0041-01

REGAN’S TERM A BIG SUCCESS

<div class="byline">&#x2013; PHILIP COLVIN</div><p class="dropcap"><span>A</span>fter starting the season with seven straight league losses, Northern Michigan finished the year on fire. The Wildcats won 14 of their last 19 games, including a season-ending win over Notre Dame in the third-place game of the league playoffs. The turnaround was fueled by two freshmen &ndash; defenseman Erik Gustafsson and forward Mark Olver &ndash; and the strong play of sophomore goalie Brian Stewart. &ldquo;We knew this was going to be a tough year, but we were able to regroup and our young players were able to grow and develop,&rdquo; said Wildcats coach Walt Kyle.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-03325/9130217-1-eng-US/f0041-032.jpg" title="f0041-03" width="209" height="209"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0041-03

Fortunes turn north

<div class="byline">&#x2013; LARRY MAHONEY</div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he Boston College Eagles could be called the &lsquo;Smurfs&rsquo; this season. Ten of Boston College&rsquo;s 12 forwards are shorter than 6-feet, including six who &ndash; like leading scorer Nathan Gerbe &ndash; are no taller than 5-foot-9. Gerbe, who put up 60 points in 41 games, is a Hobey Baker finalist. Joe Whitney, a 5-foot-6 freshman left winger, tallied 50 points in 42 games. &ldquo;(BC has) been attracting many elite players who are below 6-feet and those players have been very effective,&rdquo; said Maine coach Tim Whitehead. &ldquo;They&rsquo;re difficult to check, they&rsquo;re fast, they&rsquo;re tough and they make plays in traffic.&rdquo;</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-04279/9130248-1-eng-US/f0041-042.jpg" title="f0041-04" width="209" height="209"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

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April 22, 2008

VANCOUVER

ANAHEIM

WHAT’S IRRITATING BROPHY + CAMPBELL THIS WEEK?

Court IS IN SESSION.