Fantasy Hockey
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here ya go:
here ya go:
some possible diamonds in the rough, so to speak....
(Sports Network) - There are several factors that draw the glare of the spotlight on a player in the National Hockey League.
It could be because he's a highly-touted rookie; a veteran trying to bounce back from injury; or a youngster hoping to turn a hint of success into a full-fledged breakout season. That's just naming a few, but one thing is for certain -- every team has at least one player who should be watched closely to either rise or fall under the pressure.
MIGHTY DUCKS OF ANAHEIM, C-Steve Rucchin: The 31-year-old has been ravaged by injuries the past two seasons, appearing in a mere 54 contests between them. When healthy he has been a solid contributor, evident by his four consecutive 50-point campaigns between 1996 and 2000. The Ducks' acquisition of venerable playmaker Adam Oates allows Rucchin to move down from his customary top-line position to a more suitable second-line spot. And not only will that let him float beneath the radar, but if he is healthy he could give the Ducks that second-line support that has eluded them for years.
ATLANTA THRASHERS, LW-Slava Kozlov: Once a key cog in the Detroit Red Wings' success of the late 1990s, Kozlov has seen his output wane in recent years and is coming back from a deep cut of his Achilles' tendon, an injury that ended his season last December. The 30-year-old, who spent last year with Buffalo, is expected to see significant time playing with sophomores Ilya Kovalchuk and Dany Heatley, who, of course, finished 1-2 in Calder voting. Not only might skating alongside the two phenoms rejuvenate Kozlov's numbers, but the hope is that he can lend some of his veteran know-how to the kids, especially countryman Kovalchuk, who has much to learn about being a complete player.
BOSTON BRUINS, G-Steve Shields: Byron Dafoe, who was terrific and injury-free last season, is still out there looking for work while the Bruins are pinning their crease hopes on Shields and John Grahame. Shields, who will be sporting a Gerry Cheevers tribute mask, has lived a story of falling fortunes, as he went from being a highly regarded youngster with the Buffalo Sabres five years ago to a backup for the Mighty Ducks. Things took a downward turn in San Jose two seasons ago when he suffered an ankle injury early on and was replaced by Evgeni Nabokov, who ended up holding the job and earning Calder honors. Shields was eventually traded to Anaheim in 2001, but another young backstop, J.S. Giguere, beat him out and made him expendable. It's now a matter of whether or not he has been a victim of circumstance or his own flaws the past three years.
Maxim Afinogenov has been projected to be a 30-goal man, and his career progression says he's due to have a breakout year.
BUFFALO SABRES, RW-Maxim Afinogenov: With the exception of Miroslav Satan, the Sabres have lacked a "go-to" guy when in need of a goal at key times. This shortcoming dates back to when Dominik Hasek was in Buffalo, but the Dominator was usually able to make up for it. Now, although Martin Biron played admirably in Hasek's stead a year ago, the Sabres are in desperate need of a second option, and most point to Afinogenov as the answer. The 23-year-old has the total package of smooth speed and a menacing shot, and improved his goal total from 14 to 21 last season. He's projected to be a 30-goal man, and his career progression says he's due to have a breakout year.
CALGARY FLAMES, D-Jordan Leopold: The 22-year-old rookie is coming off a stellar collegiate tenure at Minnesota that ended with a Hobey Baker Award and NCAA Championship, but that will mean nothing when the puck drops on his NHL career. Leopold, who possesses all the traits of a terrific power- play quarterback, has been impressive in training camp, so much so that general manager Craig Button felt he could deal away his top defenseman, Derek Morris, to Colorado in a trade for Chris Drury.
CAROLINA HURRICANES, RW-Jaroslav Svoboda: The 22-year-old appeared in just 10 regular season games for the Canes, but was an integral part of the club's third line in the postseason and accounted for a goal and four assists. He showcased plenty of hard-working traits in the corners and along the boards, but the hope is that he can provide some of the offensive depth Carolina clearly lacks as well.
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS, RW-Theo Fleury: Fleury's off-ice problems in recent seasons are well documented, but the bottom line is that the guy can score. At least that's what an average of 27 goals in four years tells me. Fleury, who missed last Wednesday's practice due to "personal matters," will be counted on to help replace the production of former captain Tony Amonte on the right side. If his head stays on straight, he should be able to accomplish that. The one thing he has on his side is head coach Brian Sutter, who was his boss during his bountiful days in Calgary.
COLORADO AVALANCHE, D-Derek Morris: Just obtained from Calgary, Morris will be the third man on the Avs' blueline depth chart, behind Norris finalist Rob Blake and stay-at-home rock Adam Foote. At 24-years-old he is already on the cusp of stardom, and playing for a club as loaded as Colorado might be what he needs to push him over the top. Not to mention the fact that if Morris does take the expected next step he could finally help fill the void left in the rotation when Raymond Bourque retired.
COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS, LW-Rick Nash: The first-overall selection in the June draft, Nash has been spectacular for the third-year Jackets this preseason, and logic would suggest he'll be on the big club for the opener. That, of course, hinges on the team signing him before Monday at 3 p.m., which is the deadline for him to be locked up or sent back to juniors. If Nash does ink an NHL contract, the expectation is that the 18-year-old power forward will contribute immediately. He'll also bring with him a personality that should be welcomed in a town still in the relatively early stages of embracing the game of hockey.
DALLAS STARS, C-Pierre Turgeon: The veteran playmaker seemed lost at times after being signed away from St. Louis in the summer of 2001. His 15 goals and 32 assists amounted to his worst season of production since he was a Buffalo Sabres rookie in 1988. Turgeon's next go-around in Big D will, however, team him with a familiar face, as the club obtained former linemate Scott Young via free agency during the offseason. While skating for the Blues in 2000-01, the duo combined for 70 goals and 85 assists, capitalizing on Turgeon's keen playmaking skills and Young's scoring touch. Coincidence or not, both players experienced down seasons while apart.
Right now Pavel Datsyuk is the leader of a Wings' youth movement that will have to be integral if they hope to repeat.
DETROIT RED WINGS, C-Pavel Datsyuk: The Russian Olympian posted 11 goals and 24 assists in 70 games as a rookie and is likely to be leaned upon while captain Steve Yzerman is out of the lineup until at least December. In other words, expect the dynamic centerman to increase production with his spiked ice time. Right now he is the leader of a Wings' youth movement -- which also includes Jason Williams and Henrik Zetterberg -- that will have to be integral if they hope to repeat.
EDMONTON OILERS, C-Jiri Dopita: The Czech veteran was pinned with high expectations last season in Philadelphia and proceeded to make a minimal contribution. After an early-season knee injury he managed just 11 goals and 16 assists in 52 games, and that included five tallies in one tilt. The Flyers were quick to ship him north for a pair of draft picks, and the Oilers were even quicker to make the deal. The hope is that a spot on Edmonton's second line -- he was third on the depth chart in Philly -- will give Dopita the role and ice time needed to flourish, as he became very discontent with his third line spot in 2001-02. Remember, this is still the same guy who was labeled as the best player outside the NHL.
FLORIDA PANTHERS, C-Viktor Kozlov: The mammoth 230-pounder is due for a healthy season, something he hasn't enjoyed since 1999-2000. Last year he managed just nine goals and 18 assists and had his campaign limited to 50 games due to an abdominal injury. With Pavel Bure now gone, the club will search within to replace his production, and either the first or second name on that list will be Kozlov.
here ya go:
some possible diamonds in the rough, so to speak....
(Sports Network) - There are several factors that draw the glare of the spotlight on a player in the National Hockey League.
It could be because he's a highly-touted rookie; a veteran trying to bounce back from injury; or a youngster hoping to turn a hint of success into a full-fledged breakout season. That's just naming a few, but one thing is for certain -- every team has at least one player who should be watched closely to either rise or fall under the pressure.
MIGHTY DUCKS OF ANAHEIM, C-Steve Rucchin: The 31-year-old has been ravaged by injuries the past two seasons, appearing in a mere 54 contests between them. When healthy he has been a solid contributor, evident by his four consecutive 50-point campaigns between 1996 and 2000. The Ducks' acquisition of venerable playmaker Adam Oates allows Rucchin to move down from his customary top-line position to a more suitable second-line spot. And not only will that let him float beneath the radar, but if he is healthy he could give the Ducks that second-line support that has eluded them for years.
ATLANTA THRASHERS, LW-Slava Kozlov: Once a key cog in the Detroit Red Wings' success of the late 1990s, Kozlov has seen his output wane in recent years and is coming back from a deep cut of his Achilles' tendon, an injury that ended his season last December. The 30-year-old, who spent last year with Buffalo, is expected to see significant time playing with sophomores Ilya Kovalchuk and Dany Heatley, who, of course, finished 1-2 in Calder voting. Not only might skating alongside the two phenoms rejuvenate Kozlov's numbers, but the hope is that he can lend some of his veteran know-how to the kids, especially countryman Kovalchuk, who has much to learn about being a complete player.
BOSTON BRUINS, G-Steve Shields: Byron Dafoe, who was terrific and injury-free last season, is still out there looking for work while the Bruins are pinning their crease hopes on Shields and John Grahame. Shields, who will be sporting a Gerry Cheevers tribute mask, has lived a story of falling fortunes, as he went from being a highly regarded youngster with the Buffalo Sabres five years ago to a backup for the Mighty Ducks. Things took a downward turn in San Jose two seasons ago when he suffered an ankle injury early on and was replaced by Evgeni Nabokov, who ended up holding the job and earning Calder honors. Shields was eventually traded to Anaheim in 2001, but another young backstop, J.S. Giguere, beat him out and made him expendable. It's now a matter of whether or not he has been a victim of circumstance or his own flaws the past three years.
Maxim Afinogenov has been projected to be a 30-goal man, and his career progression says he's due to have a breakout year.
BUFFALO SABRES, RW-Maxim Afinogenov: With the exception of Miroslav Satan, the Sabres have lacked a "go-to" guy when in need of a goal at key times. This shortcoming dates back to when Dominik Hasek was in Buffalo, but the Dominator was usually able to make up for it. Now, although Martin Biron played admirably in Hasek's stead a year ago, the Sabres are in desperate need of a second option, and most point to Afinogenov as the answer. The 23-year-old has the total package of smooth speed and a menacing shot, and improved his goal total from 14 to 21 last season. He's projected to be a 30-goal man, and his career progression says he's due to have a breakout year.
CALGARY FLAMES, D-Jordan Leopold: The 22-year-old rookie is coming off a stellar collegiate tenure at Minnesota that ended with a Hobey Baker Award and NCAA Championship, but that will mean nothing when the puck drops on his NHL career. Leopold, who possesses all the traits of a terrific power- play quarterback, has been impressive in training camp, so much so that general manager Craig Button felt he could deal away his top defenseman, Derek Morris, to Colorado in a trade for Chris Drury.
CAROLINA HURRICANES, RW-Jaroslav Svoboda: The 22-year-old appeared in just 10 regular season games for the Canes, but was an integral part of the club's third line in the postseason and accounted for a goal and four assists. He showcased plenty of hard-working traits in the corners and along the boards, but the hope is that he can provide some of the offensive depth Carolina clearly lacks as well.
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS, RW-Theo Fleury: Fleury's off-ice problems in recent seasons are well documented, but the bottom line is that the guy can score. At least that's what an average of 27 goals in four years tells me. Fleury, who missed last Wednesday's practice due to "personal matters," will be counted on to help replace the production of former captain Tony Amonte on the right side. If his head stays on straight, he should be able to accomplish that. The one thing he has on his side is head coach Brian Sutter, who was his boss during his bountiful days in Calgary.
COLORADO AVALANCHE, D-Derek Morris: Just obtained from Calgary, Morris will be the third man on the Avs' blueline depth chart, behind Norris finalist Rob Blake and stay-at-home rock Adam Foote. At 24-years-old he is already on the cusp of stardom, and playing for a club as loaded as Colorado might be what he needs to push him over the top. Not to mention the fact that if Morris does take the expected next step he could finally help fill the void left in the rotation when Raymond Bourque retired.
COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS, LW-Rick Nash: The first-overall selection in the June draft, Nash has been spectacular for the third-year Jackets this preseason, and logic would suggest he'll be on the big club for the opener. That, of course, hinges on the team signing him before Monday at 3 p.m., which is the deadline for him to be locked up or sent back to juniors. If Nash does ink an NHL contract, the expectation is that the 18-year-old power forward will contribute immediately. He'll also bring with him a personality that should be welcomed in a town still in the relatively early stages of embracing the game of hockey.
DALLAS STARS, C-Pierre Turgeon: The veteran playmaker seemed lost at times after being signed away from St. Louis in the summer of 2001. His 15 goals and 32 assists amounted to his worst season of production since he was a Buffalo Sabres rookie in 1988. Turgeon's next go-around in Big D will, however, team him with a familiar face, as the club obtained former linemate Scott Young via free agency during the offseason. While skating for the Blues in 2000-01, the duo combined for 70 goals and 85 assists, capitalizing on Turgeon's keen playmaking skills and Young's scoring touch. Coincidence or not, both players experienced down seasons while apart.
Right now Pavel Datsyuk is the leader of a Wings' youth movement that will have to be integral if they hope to repeat.
DETROIT RED WINGS, C-Pavel Datsyuk: The Russian Olympian posted 11 goals and 24 assists in 70 games as a rookie and is likely to be leaned upon while captain Steve Yzerman is out of the lineup until at least December. In other words, expect the dynamic centerman to increase production with his spiked ice time. Right now he is the leader of a Wings' youth movement -- which also includes Jason Williams and Henrik Zetterberg -- that will have to be integral if they hope to repeat.
EDMONTON OILERS, C-Jiri Dopita: The Czech veteran was pinned with high expectations last season in Philadelphia and proceeded to make a minimal contribution. After an early-season knee injury he managed just 11 goals and 16 assists in 52 games, and that included five tallies in one tilt. The Flyers were quick to ship him north for a pair of draft picks, and the Oilers were even quicker to make the deal. The hope is that a spot on Edmonton's second line -- he was third on the depth chart in Philly -- will give Dopita the role and ice time needed to flourish, as he became very discontent with his third line spot in 2001-02. Remember, this is still the same guy who was labeled as the best player outside the NHL.
FLORIDA PANTHERS, C-Viktor Kozlov: The mammoth 230-pounder is due for a healthy season, something he hasn't enjoyed since 1999-2000. Last year he managed just nine goals and 18 assists and had his campaign limited to 50 games due to an abdominal injury. With Pavel Bure now gone, the club will search within to replace his production, and either the first or second name on that list will be Kozlov.
LOS ANGELES KINGS, C-Bryan Smolinski: The 30-year-old tried to repeat a career showing last year. For all intents and purposes, he fell flat on his face during the follow-up attempt, at least in terms of offensive production. Smolinski managed a meager 13 goals in 80 games, including a span of 30 in-a-row in which he didn't tally. LA needs him to re-gain his touch, as the Kings severely lack scoring punch aside from their lethal top line.
MINNESOTA WILD, C-Cliff Ronning: The Wild struck gold with the acquisition of free agent Andrew Brunette last summer, and the hope is another "under the radar" move like Ronning will pay dividends as well. The 37-year-old is nearing the end of a very solid career and should inject leadership and a veteran presence into a relatively young dressing room. Even more important is the fact that Ronning, who has recorded at least 60 points every year since 1991, is content to play any role on the team, even if the Wild don't have Stanley Cup aspirations.
MONTREAL CANADIENS, C-Saku Koivu: A bit of an obvious choice, but find me a better one. Upon his return from battling cancer the Finn was nothing short of inspiring in the Habs' run to the second round. The club won't have his brave story to rally around but they will have his leadership and hopefully typical numbers to run with this season.
NASHVILLE PREDATORS, C-David Legwand: If there is any player in the NHL on the hot seat it's Legwand, who has averaged 12 goals and 20 assists in three seasons after being taken with the second-overall pick in the 1998 Entry Draft. The skilled pivot has been the model for false hope since reaching the big league level, as the gaps between his highlight-reel goals have been filled with absolutely nothing. A fourth year of poor numbers might inch him closer to full-blown bust status.
NEW JERSEY DEVILS, LW-Jeff Friesen: The speedy winger has seen his stats plummet the last two years, and more importantly watched the playoffs from home for back-to-back springs. Once among the league's premier attacking forwards, Friesen averaged 27 goals per-season from 1997-2000. But his 2001 move from San Jose to Anaheim in the Teemu Selanne trade had nothing but a negative effect, and he never settled in mentally in Southern California. The hope is that a trek East and new set of teammates is what the 26-year-old Friesen needs to become a 60+ point man once again.
NEW YORK ISLANDERS, RW-Oleg Kvasha: The Isles have been waiting for the 6-5, 230-pounder to blossom, and it hasn't quite happened yet. Although he did spur optimism with a career-high 13 goals and 25 assists last season, including seven markers in the final 12 games of the regular season. With captain Michael Peca sidelined until at least December the spotlight will be on the 23-year-old to produce, and he should receive ample opportunity playing alongside Alexei Yashin.
NEW YORK RANGERS, RW-Jamie Lundmark: The former first-round pick, who is bulked up to nearly 200 pounds, has opened eyes since the first day of Blueshirts camp and has had a full season in the AHL to hone his skills. In both practice and exhibition games he has skated next to Bobby Holik on the second line and hardly looked out of place. Coach Bryan Trottier has said he has a "nose for the net," and there's no reason why he can't be a major contributor at MSG right now.
OTTAWA SENATORS, G-Patrick Lalime: After all the doubts surrounding his capability to win a playoff series, Lalime led the Sens past the Flyers in the opening-round last spring, and nearly guided them by the hated Maple Leafs as well. Lalime's competition for the starting job, Jani Hurme, was dealt to Florida, so he's now a one-man show and it's time for him to prove he can build on the postseason success. One playoff series is nice, but it's hardly a career.
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS, RW-Justin Williams: A first-round pick in 2000, Williams has been up-and-down in two NHL campaigns, scoring 17 goals and 23 assists a season ago. With a myriad of questions up front -- John LeClair, Mark Recchi and Keith Primeau to name a few -- it's time for the blazing Williams to take that step into being a regular threat from the right side. The path of his career thus far says 25 goals is a reasonable request.
PHOENIX COYOTES, C-Daniel Briere: The former first-rounder was waived by the team in 2001 only to finally live up to his billing last season with a team- high 32 goals. Much like the attitude toward his club, the popular belief is that Briere's season was an aberration, and it will be interesting to see how the 25-year-old responds.
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS, RW-Aleksey Morozov: An enigma during his five NHL seasons, Morozov erupted with a career-high 20 goals and 49 points last year, but still couldn't put together production on a consistent basis. The highly- skilled winger's best hockey was played alongside Mario Lemieux, including a stretch where he scored nine goals in as many games. Lemieux's season was shut down shortly after the Olympics due to injury, but No. 66 is back and aiming to play in 65-70 contests and that can only aid Morozov's output.
SAN JOSE SHARKS, C-Patrick Marleau: The 23-year-old has yet to come through with a complete season of steady production, but the bright flashes we've seen have been mighty impressive. In 2001-02 he finished the campaign as Teemu Selanne's centerman and did nothing but flourish. Marleau went on an eight- game points streak in the closing weeks of the regular season, and proceeded to lead the Sharks in playoff scoring with six goals and 11 points. This will be his fifth NHL season, and it's imperative he show the consistency necessary to be a No. 1 center.
ST. LOUIS BLUES, C-Doug Weight: Bust would be a fair word to use in describing the All-Star's debut season with the Blues, as he managed a meager 15 goals and 34 assists in 61 games during an injury-ravaged effort. Weight suffered a nagging abdominal/pelvic ailment at mid-season and was relatively ineffective upon returning. He is said to be completely recovered from surgery, and the Blues hope he can come closer to the numbers -- 90 points -- that earned him the $9 million per-year he is paid.
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING, RW-Shane Willis: After finishing second to current teammate Brad Richards in rookie points two years ago, Willis failed to recapture the spark in his sophomore campaign -- tallying a mere 11 goals and 13 assists in 80 games with the Canes and Lightning. If Willis, who has had two concussions in as many years, can rebound he'll provide the Bolts a viable presence to place on the second line next to Vincent Lecavalier.
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS, C-Alyn McCauley: The five-year vet has never scored more than nine goals during the regular season -- six in 01-02 -- but he came through when the Leafs needed it most, last spring in the playoffs. With captain Mats Sundin sidelined from a wrist injury, McCauley put forth an inspiring five goal, 10 assist performance and was a leader in the Leafs' gutsy march to the conference finals.
VANCOUVER CANUCKS, LW-Daniel Sedin: Neither he nor brother Henrik has exactly lit up the Vancouver sky just yet, but Daniel is coming off a very lackadaisical nine-goal campaign. And considering he is supposed to be the goal-scorer of the family, that isn't acceptable. After his much-ballyhooed entrance into the league, he did pot 20 as a rookie, so the hope is that preseason back surgery last summer contributed heavily to his forgettable sophomore effort.
WASHINGTON CAPITALS, C-RW-Danius Zubrus: It has been six years since Zubrus was a highly-touted rookie with the Philadelphia Flyers, and he has never quite broken through with the kind of season his billing alluded to. Last year the 6-4, 227-pounder notched a career-high 17 goals and 43 points and showed flashes of being a legitimate power scoring threat. His building upon that effort, however, might be hindered considering he missed training camp and remains without a contract.
MINNESOTA WILD, C-Cliff Ronning: The Wild struck gold with the acquisition of free agent Andrew Brunette last summer, and the hope is another "under the radar" move like Ronning will pay dividends as well. The 37-year-old is nearing the end of a very solid career and should inject leadership and a veteran presence into a relatively young dressing room. Even more important is the fact that Ronning, who has recorded at least 60 points every year since 1991, is content to play any role on the team, even if the Wild don't have Stanley Cup aspirations.
MONTREAL CANADIENS, C-Saku Koivu: A bit of an obvious choice, but find me a better one. Upon his return from battling cancer the Finn was nothing short of inspiring in the Habs' run to the second round. The club won't have his brave story to rally around but they will have his leadership and hopefully typical numbers to run with this season.
NASHVILLE PREDATORS, C-David Legwand: If there is any player in the NHL on the hot seat it's Legwand, who has averaged 12 goals and 20 assists in three seasons after being taken with the second-overall pick in the 1998 Entry Draft. The skilled pivot has been the model for false hope since reaching the big league level, as the gaps between his highlight-reel goals have been filled with absolutely nothing. A fourth year of poor numbers might inch him closer to full-blown bust status.
NEW JERSEY DEVILS, LW-Jeff Friesen: The speedy winger has seen his stats plummet the last two years, and more importantly watched the playoffs from home for back-to-back springs. Once among the league's premier attacking forwards, Friesen averaged 27 goals per-season from 1997-2000. But his 2001 move from San Jose to Anaheim in the Teemu Selanne trade had nothing but a negative effect, and he never settled in mentally in Southern California. The hope is that a trek East and new set of teammates is what the 26-year-old Friesen needs to become a 60+ point man once again.
NEW YORK ISLANDERS, RW-Oleg Kvasha: The Isles have been waiting for the 6-5, 230-pounder to blossom, and it hasn't quite happened yet. Although he did spur optimism with a career-high 13 goals and 25 assists last season, including seven markers in the final 12 games of the regular season. With captain Michael Peca sidelined until at least December the spotlight will be on the 23-year-old to produce, and he should receive ample opportunity playing alongside Alexei Yashin.
NEW YORK RANGERS, RW-Jamie Lundmark: The former first-round pick, who is bulked up to nearly 200 pounds, has opened eyes since the first day of Blueshirts camp and has had a full season in the AHL to hone his skills. In both practice and exhibition games he has skated next to Bobby Holik on the second line and hardly looked out of place. Coach Bryan Trottier has said he has a "nose for the net," and there's no reason why he can't be a major contributor at MSG right now.
OTTAWA SENATORS, G-Patrick Lalime: After all the doubts surrounding his capability to win a playoff series, Lalime led the Sens past the Flyers in the opening-round last spring, and nearly guided them by the hated Maple Leafs as well. Lalime's competition for the starting job, Jani Hurme, was dealt to Florida, so he's now a one-man show and it's time for him to prove he can build on the postseason success. One playoff series is nice, but it's hardly a career.
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS, RW-Justin Williams: A first-round pick in 2000, Williams has been up-and-down in two NHL campaigns, scoring 17 goals and 23 assists a season ago. With a myriad of questions up front -- John LeClair, Mark Recchi and Keith Primeau to name a few -- it's time for the blazing Williams to take that step into being a regular threat from the right side. The path of his career thus far says 25 goals is a reasonable request.
PHOENIX COYOTES, C-Daniel Briere: The former first-rounder was waived by the team in 2001 only to finally live up to his billing last season with a team- high 32 goals. Much like the attitude toward his club, the popular belief is that Briere's season was an aberration, and it will be interesting to see how the 25-year-old responds.
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS, RW-Aleksey Morozov: An enigma during his five NHL seasons, Morozov erupted with a career-high 20 goals and 49 points last year, but still couldn't put together production on a consistent basis. The highly- skilled winger's best hockey was played alongside Mario Lemieux, including a stretch where he scored nine goals in as many games. Lemieux's season was shut down shortly after the Olympics due to injury, but No. 66 is back and aiming to play in 65-70 contests and that can only aid Morozov's output.
SAN JOSE SHARKS, C-Patrick Marleau: The 23-year-old has yet to come through with a complete season of steady production, but the bright flashes we've seen have been mighty impressive. In 2001-02 he finished the campaign as Teemu Selanne's centerman and did nothing but flourish. Marleau went on an eight- game points streak in the closing weeks of the regular season, and proceeded to lead the Sharks in playoff scoring with six goals and 11 points. This will be his fifth NHL season, and it's imperative he show the consistency necessary to be a No. 1 center.
ST. LOUIS BLUES, C-Doug Weight: Bust would be a fair word to use in describing the All-Star's debut season with the Blues, as he managed a meager 15 goals and 34 assists in 61 games during an injury-ravaged effort. Weight suffered a nagging abdominal/pelvic ailment at mid-season and was relatively ineffective upon returning. He is said to be completely recovered from surgery, and the Blues hope he can come closer to the numbers -- 90 points -- that earned him the $9 million per-year he is paid.
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING, RW-Shane Willis: After finishing second to current teammate Brad Richards in rookie points two years ago, Willis failed to recapture the spark in his sophomore campaign -- tallying a mere 11 goals and 13 assists in 80 games with the Canes and Lightning. If Willis, who has had two concussions in as many years, can rebound he'll provide the Bolts a viable presence to place on the second line next to Vincent Lecavalier.
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS, C-Alyn McCauley: The five-year vet has never scored more than nine goals during the regular season -- six in 01-02 -- but he came through when the Leafs needed it most, last spring in the playoffs. With captain Mats Sundin sidelined from a wrist injury, McCauley put forth an inspiring five goal, 10 assist performance and was a leader in the Leafs' gutsy march to the conference finals.
VANCOUVER CANUCKS, LW-Daniel Sedin: Neither he nor brother Henrik has exactly lit up the Vancouver sky just yet, but Daniel is coming off a very lackadaisical nine-goal campaign. And considering he is supposed to be the goal-scorer of the family, that isn't acceptable. After his much-ballyhooed entrance into the league, he did pot 20 as a rookie, so the hope is that preseason back surgery last summer contributed heavily to his forgettable sophomore effort.
WASHINGTON CAPITALS, C-RW-Danius Zubrus: It has been six years since Zubrus was a highly-touted rookie with the Philadelphia Flyers, and he has never quite broken through with the kind of season his billing alluded to. Last year the 6-4, 227-pounder notched a career-high 17 goals and 43 points and showed flashes of being a legitimate power scoring threat. His building upon that effort, however, might be hindered considering he missed training camp and remains without a contract.
